Overview
Lisbon had been on my list for a while, so I took the chance to visit for two days on my way to the beautiful Azores.
As the capital of Portugal with half a million residents, Lisbon has always attracted me with its romantic aura, almost like it’s frozen in a hazy, timeless vibe—somewhere between the colonial era and the 1960s.
Are two days enough? Yes and no. Yes, to see the main sights; no, because when I left, I wished I could’ve stayed to experience even more.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Staying in the Alfama neighborhood, we set off to explore this historic area on foot. Alfama also deserves a nighttime visit, with its charm perfect for wandering through narrow alleys and stopping every so often for a pastel de nata, which quickly became my new favorite treat!
From Alfama, we walked to Lisbon Cathedral, stopping at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia—a must-see spot. After the cathedral, we reached Rua Augusta and stopped for yet another pastel de nata. This pedestrian area is just minutes from the Convento do Carmo, an unmissable open-roof church, one-of-a-kind in its style.
Next, we headed to Praça de D. Pedro and Praça da Figueira with its mansard-roofed houses and fantastic views of São Jorge Castle. In this area, we stopped for a hearty Francesinha sandwich—heavy but worth trying!
That evening, we strolled Alfama’s quiet streets again, enjoying the city’s gorgeous nighttime views.
DAY 2
We started with the Tejo Promenade, a lovely walk with the enormous Ponte de 25 de Abril on one side and the iconic Belém Tower on the other. It’s only about a kilometer to the tower, but the entry line was so long that we opted to admire it from outside—online tickets are definitely a good idea if you want to go inside!
Next, we visited the Jerónimos Monastery, where both the church and cloister are worth seeing.
We ended the night in Bairro Alto, where the party atmosphere is in full swing—a great farewell before heading off to the Azores!
My impressions
I expected a solemn charm in Lisbon’s architecture and boulevards, with a hint of rebellious spirit in the people. Instead, I found a festive energy in the gathering places but also a quiet, melancholic vibe in the lesser-known historical streets, something I later noticed in other parts of Portugal.
There’s certainly a romantic side, though it wasn’t the most prominent feeling for me. It’s still a city I’d like to revisit, this time with no fixed destination, just seeing where the streets take me.
Food
I could simply say Pasteis de Nata, and that would sum up my favorites. But you also can’t miss trying a Francesinha and the Bacalhau in one of its many delicious variations!
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