When I first traveled to Portugal, I knew I could not miss the stunning metropolis of Lisbon. We began our trip in Portimão, where we spent a few days relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches. We decided to make our way to the capital on our fourth day. Since we had planned to spend only 24 hours in Lisbon, we organized our visit to take in as much of the city as possible.
While seeing a whole city in 24 hours is a big task, we were up for the challenge. We wanted to stay in the heart of the action, so we grabbed an Airbnb in the Bairro Alto district. This is not the place to stay if you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet, getaway, but we loved being in the middle of the excitement that this area offered. The street art, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and artisan restaurants offer visitors so much to explore in this area. And with its central location, it’s the perfect place to crash in the middle of your whirlwind trip to Lisbon.
Getting from Portimão to Lisbon is fairly easy and low-cost. As with most travel through Europe, you have several options.
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Transportation
Bus
Rede Expressos offers bus trips from Portimão to Lisbon many times a day. We found tickets ranging from 8 euros to 20 euros. The trip takes about 4 hours, and you can choose to travel overnight or during the day.
Train
Traveling by train is also very convenient. Travel times range from 3.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on your route. The cost usually lands between 20 and 30 euros, depending on the time of year you travel and whether you wish to travel in 1st or 2nd class on the train.
Rent a Car
Using a car rental or ride-sharing service like Bla Bla Car is undoubtedly the most comfortable way to travel. You can expect the trip to take about 2.5 hours. We went with this option, and I have to say, we didn’t regret it. We didn’t have to deal with being at a station at a certain time, and it gave us the flexibility to drive right up to our accommodations in Lisbon. The other benefit of traveling by car is if you see something interesting along the way, you can stop and enjoy the journey.
Sightseeing
Obviously, we wanted to see as much as possible during our trip, and our central location in Bairro Alto allowed us to do that. A quick trip like this means you’re hopping from place to place, so if you keep moving, you can see a lot. If you want to linger in one place for a while, you’ll have to give up seeing everything! We prioritized what we wanted and saw quite a lot during our time there. Here is our itinerary:
Belém Tower
Belém Tower, or the Tower of St. Vincent, was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983. It was commissioned in the late 15th century by King John II, who sought to fortify the city’s defense system. The incredible vaulted ceilings and limestone architecture make this structure worth your time. Look for the image of a rhinoceros on the base of one of the turrets. It’s believed that this rhinoceros was the first sculpture of this animal in Western European art, likely an image of the rhino that Manuel I’s 1515 gift to Pope Leo X in 1515.
Monument to the Discoveries
A ten-minute walk from Belém Tower, The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is a sight, towering over 50 meters in the air. A tribute to the 15th and 16th century Portuguese Age of Discovery, the monument is in the form of the front end of a caravel, a ship commonly used in early Portuguese exploration. Including depictions of great Portuguese trailblazers including artists, missionaries, explorers, monarchs, cartographers, and scientists, the monument was inaugurated in August of 1960.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Another 10-minute walk north will bring you to Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, or the Jerónimos Monastery. The Monastery was built in the early 1500s, not far from where Vasco de Gama launched his first journey. This structure is famous for its architecture, demonstrating an example of late Portuguese Gothic Manueline architecture.
Commerce Square
Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) is one of the largest plazas in all of Portugal. Historically, the plaza saw the wealth of Portugal pass through, as it served as one of the main ports for trade. On the northern side, the tram to and from Belem can be found, and on the south side of the square, you’ll find a ferry that will take you to the other side of the river. If you need a break when you get to the square, check out Martinho da Arcada, the oldest café in the city, which has been running since 1782.
Miradouro S. Pedro de Alcantara
If you’re looking for somewhere to kick your feet up for a while, check out Miradouro S. Pedro de Alcantara, just north of Bairro Alto. This garden terrace has an incredible view of the city. Don’t miss the nearby Gloria Elevator, a tram that can save you the trudge up the steep hill. Come in the evening to enjoy a lively time of music, drinks, and dancing.
Statue of General Marquez Bandeira (Praca de Dom Luis I)
History buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the Statue of General Marquez Bandeira (Praca de Dom Luis I). Just south of Bairro Alto, this statue of one of the men who fought to abolish slavery is located in the Jardim de Dom Luis I. This park is an excellent place to people-watch and is just next to the Time Out Market, which offers an incredible selection of food.
Tram 28
If you’re looking for a way to see many of Lisbon’s landmarks without killing your feet, check out Tram 28. This vintage tram will take you through the winding streets of Lisbon in style. While you’ll sit on uncomfortable wood benches – and potentially stand for much of the trip – you won’t regret seeing the city this way. You’ll sail by Se Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, the National Pantheon, Assembly of the Republic, and more. Travelers recommend starting at the beginning or end of the route, at Martim Moniz or Campo Ourique, and taking the tram either early or late in the day to avoid crowds. You can buy a 24-hour public transport ticket from any metro station.
Restaurants
Flor dos Jeronimos
If you’re planning your meals around your sightseeing, don’t miss Flor dos Jeronimos, right next to Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. You’ll find great seafood dishes for a very low cost and get to hang with some locals as well. Don’t miss the bacalhau à brás or the octopus!
Pasteis de Belem
After you’ve eaten at Flor dos Jeronimos, grab dessert at the next-door Pasteis de Belem. You’ll find some of the best pastel de nata in the city, with impossibly creamy custard and flaky, light pastry.
Restaurant Cabacas
If you’re looking for an incredible dining experience, look no further than Restaurant Cabacas. This restaurant is located in Bairro Alto, which made it the perfect spot for us to grab dinner. Their naco na pedra, or steak cooked on a hot stone, is incredible.
Inhaca Marisqueira
Not far from tram 28 is this incredible seafood restaurant. Their cataplana is unreal (a pork and seafood stew made steamed in a large pot), and their sangria is just what you need after a long day exploring the city. If you’re there with friends, go for the seafood platter.
Going out
Mapogo’s The Legacy Restaurant & Bar Lounge
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