Dining Traveler Itinerary on How to Spend Two Days in Lisbon
Lisbon, one of the most popular European cities of late, has gained its reputation for a reason: picturesque landscapes, delicious food, and affordable experiences. Although two days in Lisbon may be a short stay, that’s plenty of time to get acquainted with the city, eat all the great food, and sip Vinho Verde at a cozy bar. Here are my tips, and scroll to the bottom for a full itinerary.
Take a TukTuk Tour
One of my favorite ways to get an orientation of a new city is by boat, walking or bike tour. However, in Lisbon, I tried a new way to explore the city: by TukTuk, a motorbike with seating attached to the back, which allows you to see the city from a dynamic angle. Our guide stopped at all the key spots, such as the photogenic Santa Maria Maior neighborhood, and gave us a brief overview. I love this way of exploring because if you only have two days in Lisbon, you can get a guided orientation of the city and pick which places you want to return to for the rest of your trip.
Our hotel, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, booked the TukTuk experience via the Concierge, but you can also book these separately. Since Lisbon has become a popular tourist destination, I highly recommend you book this in advance via your hotel or a tour provider. There are usually drivers in the tourist hotspots who offer rides, but I would go with a vetted source. The tours cost 80 to 100 EUR depending on how long you want it to be. Our TukTuk tour took around four hours, the perfect length to get a good overview of the city.
Where to Stay
I stayed at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, a Portuguese luxury hotel brand that has been around for over 100 years. You see the local touches throughout–pasteis de nata upon arrival, an expansive art collection by Portuguese artists throughout the property, and Claus Porto toiletries in the room (more on those later). The rooms are spacious, with comfy beds and all the amenities you can expect from a luxury hotel. Tucked away in the rear of the property, you will find a pool that is open during the summer months. Surrounded by leafy green plants and cabanas, it makes for a perfect spot to rest after sightseeing.
As a luxury hotel, the prices average 200-300 EUR per night, depending on the season. However, it’s worth it if you’re looking for a comfortable space with easy access to all the highlights, especially if you only spend two days in Lisbon. The location of Avenida Liberdade is perfect as a base for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Also, this location is only a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport, which is a bonus. The street is home to many luxury European stores but doesn’t feel overly touristy. On the weekends, you can tell this is a hotspot amongst locals, especially as it is home to Seen, one of the hottest rooftop bars in the city.
Where to Eat in Lisbon
Portuguese food is known for its seafood dishes like grilled octopus (polvo), rice and seafood (arroz de tamboril), and codfish fritters (pastéis de bacalhau). If you’re a seafood lover like me, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few places to add to your list:
Pastéis de Belén: The driver who took me to the hotel recommended this spot, a local favorite to grab pastéis de nata, the egg tarts with a flaky shell. This classic bakery has been in business for almost 200 years and is a favorite amongst locals and visitors.
Cervejaria Ramiro: Even if you spend only two days in Lisbon, you must add a cervejaria to your list. Cervejaria means brewery in Portuguese; these taverns provide more than just beer but a look into Portuguese food culture. Cervejaria Ramiro is a classic, serving an extensive list of local seafood like shrimp, oysters, and crab.
Time Out Market Lisbon: If you want to get a taste of different flavors under one roof, check out Time Out Market London, an indoor market with dozens of options, from classic Portuguese cuisine to gourmet pizzas and burgers. Note: get there before or after the lunch rush because it can get jam-packed!
Minibar: My Dining Traveler hot take is that if a restaurant is too stylish, the food will usually suffer. Not the case with Minibar by the famed Portuguese chef José Avillez. The dining room is sexy, with a stunning mural of Dita von Teese at the bar, friendly waitstaff, and a creative tasting menu.
Where to Shop
Even if you’re not a shopper, set aside at least an hour even if you’re spending just two days in Lisbon. Portugal is home to world-class leather manufacturers with a variety of masterly crafted shoes and handbags. If you love bringing food and wine home, this is your place. I fell in love with Portuguese wine, especially the Negra Mole varietal, which I rarely find outside of Portugal. Tinned fish is also a popular item to buy. A beautiful tin of sardines paired with a nice bottle of wine makes the perfect gift for the epicurean in your life.
Claus Porto: One of my favorite stops was the Claus Porto flagship store. Several years ago, a friend gifted me a hand cream from Claus Porto, and the brand stayed with me. The façade itself is a photo op: handpainted tiles adorn the shop’s entrance. Inside, you will find soaps wrapped in beautiful paper, making you feel guilty to open the package alongside hand creams, fragrances, and scented diffusers.
EmbaiXada: If you want an all-in-one place to check out clothing and art made by Portuguese designers, EmbaiXada is the place. I wish I had a few extra days in Lisbon just to hang out here. This is where I first encountered the Lemon Jelly brand, rainboots made in Portugal with recycled materials. I saw a pair of yellow boots that I regretted not buying there, but luckily, I found them at another shop in Algarve. Their shoes are unique, stylish, and affordable.
Garrafeira Nacional: While strolling around Lisbon, I stumbled across Garrafeira Nacional, a wine shop. If you’re an oenophile, plan to spend at least 30 minutes browsing their unique selections of Portuguese wines, Portos, and even locally-produced spirits like gin. I am usually a carry-on girl, but you must ensure you have space to bring at least two good bottles home!
Avenida Liberdade: If you’re traveling from outside the European Union, note that you can get a VAT (tax refund) for your purchases of 50 EUR or more. Make sure you bring your passport so they can create a VAT form you will need to present at the airport. Now that you’re armed with this information, you can shop at the European luxury stores lining Avenida Liberdade. The classic names are all there, but smaller European luxury brands are also present.
What to See & Do With Only Two Days in Lisbon
In my humble opinion, the ideal length of stay should be 4-5 days, especially in the summer, when you can head to the beaches just outside the city. But if you only have two days in Lisbon, I recommend you add the landmarks below to your itinerary. Note: we saw most of the main landmarks during our TukTuk tour of Lisbon.
Santa Justa Lift: This tower, located in the Baixa District, has a birdseye view of the city. I loved the surrounding neighborhood, with cozy coffee shops and independently owned shops.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia: For great views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Just a five-minute walk, you will find São Miguel Street, home to many Fado restaurants and taverns.
San Antonio Church: Saint Anthony Church is one of the most famous churches in the city. Not only is the architecture impressive, but it’s also said to be the birthplace of Saint Anthony and is considered a national monument.
Go on a Tram Ride: Nothing says Lisbon like a tram ride. Tram line 28 is best known for its scenic views. Tourists pack the trams during the peak hours, so it’s best to do an early morning ride.
Bars and Nightclubs
Lisbon is a lively city with plenty of bars, live music, and nightclubs to experience. Whether lounging at a melancholic Fado bar or a celebrity sighting at a stylish rooftop, you must add this to your two days in Lisbon schedule.
Seen: If you’re a fan of a stylish rooftop, Seen Lisbon is the place for you. I visited during the winter, but I am adding this to my summer list since the outdoor terrace will be lively. My friend visited Seen last summer and had a Cristiano Ronaldo sighting, so it’s truly the place to be seen. Tip: make a reservation and come hungry. Seen has some of the best sushi I’ve tasted in Europe.
São Miguel de Alfama Restaurant: If bohemian bars are more your thing, experience a night of Fado music at this restaurant and tavern playing live music.
LuxFrágil: I am a retired club girl, but I asked a few folks in the scene in Lisbon, and they recommended LuxFrágil. Warning: make it an all-night event since the nightclubs start popping at 1 am!
Mama Shelter: For our last night, a friend suggested Mama Shelter for dinner and drinks. I love the Mama Shelter brand; it’s my go-to hotel for visiting Paris. I’ll be honest: the food was not my favorite, but I did love the cocktails and the lively bar scene; I will skip the food next time and stay for drinks.
The Dining Traveler 2-Day Itinerary to Lisbon:
Day 1:
Morning: Tuk Tuk Tour for all the main attractions
Lunch: Lunch at Time Out Market
Afternoon: Go for a walk along the Tagus River
Dinner & Drinks at Seen
Day 2:
Morning: Go for a walk in the Chiado neighborhood, stop by Pastelaria Alcoa for coffee and pasteis de nata
Lunch: Go to Cervejaria Ramiro for lunch
Afternoon: Go shopping at EmbaiXada and the boutiques around Praça do Príncipe Real, and explore the Lisbon Botanic Garden.
Dinner: Go to Minibar for dinner
Drinks at a Fado Bar
There’s so much to see and do, but these are my choices for how to spend two days in Lisbon. The city is quite busy, so I recommend you make reservations for your dining.
Thank you, Tivoli Hotels, for hosting me. As always opinions are my own.
