Around here, our mission is to write about the best that Porto has to offer. After all, this is the city that inspires us every day. However, if there’s one thing we also love, it’s traveling and exploring other destinations. So, how about an itinerary of what to visit in Lisbon, especially with MEO KALORAMA just around the corner?
The truth is, there’s always a ‘rivalry’ between the two cities, or they wouldn’t be so different from each other. So, for those still on vacation or looking for a weekend getaway, here’s a guide with some essential tips for a two-day trip.
Table Of Contents
What to see in Lisbon on day 1
It’s clearly not possible to visit the main tourist attractions in the city of seven hills in just 48 hours. However, from monuments to typical neighborhoods, not forgetting green spaces, concerts and gastronomic tips, this article is a good starting point.
Tips for the morning
To get your morning off to the best start, we suggest immersing yourself in the history of Lisbon and, consequently, Portugal, by exploring São Jorge Castle. Originally built in the 11th century by the Muslims, it was conquered by King Afonso Henriques.
Classified as a National Monument in 1910, the medieval castle is not only a testament to other times, but also one of the places with one of the most breathtaking views over Lisbon and the River Tagus. Once you’re here, we recommend that you explore every nook and cranny of the Alfama district.
As you stroll through this typical Lisbon neighborhood, one of the must-sees is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Before the age of social media, it was an (almost) secret spot, but nowadays it’s very popular with tourists. Even so, it’s worth enjoying the view and taking some photos.
Tips for the afternoon & evening
After a well-deserved lunch break and recharged batteries, the route takes us to another part of the city. Yes, we’re going to ‘escape’ Lisbon’s historic center to ‘dive’ into the infinite charms of Belém, side by side with the TagusRiver .
The Lisbon Metro doesn’t run to this area, but you can always take a Carris bus or a streetcar. In fact, this last option is our favorite when it comes to getting to Belém. There, be prepared to meet a veritable ‘sea’ of tourists.
In this context, it’s important to decide in advance which monument and/or attraction you want to visit. With the queues to get into some places, you’ll find that time flies by. Nevertheless, here are three suggestions, two obvious and one not so obvious:
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
- Jardim Botânico Tropical (Tropical Botanical Garden ) – an excellent alternative for those who enjoy green spaces and don’t need a lot of fuss.
To end the day on a high note, it’s always worth heading to the LX Factory. Although it’s not in the Belém area, this cultural quarter deserves to be included in this itinerary of what to visit in Lisbon. After all, there are plenty of options there, for dinner, cocktails and music.
What to see in Lisbon on day 2
On the second and final day of this getaway to the city of seven hills, it’s time to dive into the world of modernity and, of course, leisure. Therefore, the main protagonist before it’s time to say goodbye is the Parque das Nações area and its surroundings.
Tips for the morning
If you’re in Lisbon these days for the last big festival of the summer – MEO KALORAMA – it’s a good idea to use the mornings to explore Parque das Nações. After all, Parque da Bela Vista, the venue for the event, is in the east, almost to Parque das Nações.
In these parts, it’s worth walking along the Marina, where, as well as the perfect setting for a photo, there are also a number of restaurantspots. One of the main attractions in this part of Lisbon is undoubtedly the Lisbon Oceanarium, the largest in Portugal.
Tips for the afternoon & evening
After lunch, you can go to the area around Parque da Bela Vista. For those who like green spaces, there is another alternative. For example, the Vale da Montanha Urban Park, which has a playground with themed equipment, a kiosk, squares and several walking routes.
Although interesting, the truth is that the suggestion mentioned above may not be to everyone’s liking, or that of those who are really looking for the main attractions. For this reason, a solution might be to visit the Marvila neighborhood, one of the most typical and alternative in Lisbon.
Once there, you’ll find several cultural and commercial venues, as well as gastronomic ones. Some of our highlights include 8 Marvila (a multicultural hub), the Underdogs Gallery and Fábrica Braço de Prata (an area with a restaurant, bookshop and concert hall).
And a bonus… towards a music festival!
The itinerary of what to visit in Lisbon, shared above, is practically valid for any time of the year. But how about taking advantage of the end of summer to attend a music festival? For the last three years, MEO KALORAMA has brought a lot of excitement and unforgettable memories to festival-goers before the ‘dear month of August’ says goodbye.
In the 2025 edition, taking place from June 19 to 21, it seems that all roads lead to Parque da Bela Vista, in Lisbon, where a line-up full of nationally and internationally renowned artists shines, such as Damiano David, Pet Shop Boys, Azealia Banks, Jorja Smith and many others.
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