If you only have one day to explore Lisbon, don’t stress—this city knows how to dazzle in just 24 hours. From the moment you step onto its cobblestone streets (or calçadas), you’ll be enchanted by its colorful tiles, lively vibe, and breathtaking views.
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Here is some practical information before we go:
🗣️ Thank You: Obrigada/o (gender is based on the speaker)
You're Welcome: De nada
Greetings (They're important here):
Good Morning: Bom Dia
Good Afternoon (after 1PM): Boa Tarde
Good Night (once the sun goes down): Boa Noite
🚑 Emergency Number is 112
🚗 Uber and Bolt provide quick, budget-friendly rides throughout Lisbon, including the airport. They’re also a reliable choice for those needing accessible transportation.
😷 Pharmacies in Lisbon are easy to find, marked by a green neon cross, with several open 24 hours in the city center.
💻 You’ll find WiFi in most Lisbon restaurants and cafés; just ask for the password. Free WiFi is also widely available on buses, at city center spots, and in Starbucks or McDonald’s.
🚋 Tickets for the metros and ferry can be purchased from the machines in the stations. Tickets for the bus and tram can be purchased onboard.
💳 The Lisbon Card is your ultimate travel hack, giving you free entry to top attractions like Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, plus unlimited public transportation. It’s perfect for packing a lot into 24 hours without worrying about extra costs or tickets!
Breakfast Options
Kick off your day with a tasty, filling breakfast in Santos. Here the vibe is relaxed, and the streets are lined with cozy cafés, unique vintage shops, charming bookstores, and inviting boutiques. It’s the perfect launchpad for your adventure to Belém, with plenty of easy public transport options to get you there.
Heim Cafe • Brunch and Breakfast •
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Start your day at Heim Brunch Café, where the coffee is bold, the food is comforting, and the vibe is as cozy as it gets.
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Dear Breakfast
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One of my go-to spots for a guaranteed fantastic breakfast. The croissant misto is a favorite of mine! 😍
Not only is this place beautiful with its clean, minimalist design, but it’s also big enough to accommodate plenty of seating, meaning less time waiting and more time enjoying!
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Belém
Make Belém part of your whirlwind day in Lisbon—you won’t regret it! The breathtaking Jerónimos Monastery is a feast for the eyes, and the famous custard tarts (aka pastéis de natas) at Pastéis de Belém are worth every bite.
Jerónimos Monastery
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Built to honor Vasco da Gama’s historic voyage to India, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is both stunning and steeped in history.
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Pastéis de Belém
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The OG's in pasteis de nata! This is where it all started. Dine in options or takeaway, don't be deterred by the lines, it moves quickly. Truly is the best.
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MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
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If you're in a time crunch you can skip the interior but be sure to spend some time sitting outside then hop up to the roof for a great photo spot with the Ponte 25 de Abril as a backdrop.
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Lunch Options
Once you’ve enjoyed a delicious pastel de nata (or six) from Pastéis de Belém, take a peaceful walk by the river to soak in the views. There are lots of comfy riverside seats for a well-deserved break. You can then head to Doca Alcântara for a lovely lunch with sailboats and bridge views or explore LX Factory for a more artsy lunch vibe.
Doca Alcântara
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With plenty of restaurants along the marina directly under the bridge, this makes for an easy, affordable, delicious lunch spot by the water!
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LX Factory
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Once an industrial complex, Lx Factory has transformed into one of Lisbon's coolest spots, brimming with unique shops, restaurants, and street art. With its buzzing atmosphere, Lx Factory is the place to be for art lovers, foodies, and anyone who enjoys discovering something new.
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Restaurante Capricciosa
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Whether it’s pizza, pasta, or a crisp glass of wine you’re after, Capricciosa in Docas combines incredible food with an unbeatable location.
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Restaurante Doca de Santo
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Doca de Santo brings authentic Portuguese cuisine to life in a calm, waterfront location that’s perfect for unwinding.
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Therapist LxFactory
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Cool, healthy, and tasty dietary/vegetarian/vegan options. Original recipes, lots of variety, and good ingredients.
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Evening Dining & Fun Options
Dinner and drinks in Lisbon’s city center are the cherry on top of your one-day adventure. It’s where the city’s energy, flavors, and charm come together to create the perfect night out.
Tasca Pete
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This unassuming tiny (emphasis on tiny) hole on the wall is where to go if you want an authentic Portuguese dinner. With a no-frills rotating menu offering their take on traditional classics and a giant vat of homemade wine sold by the cup, you'll easily see why everyone is talking about Tasca Pete.
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O Faia - Casa de Fado
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This iconic fado house has been a cornerstone of Lisbon’s music scene since 1947, once managed by legendary fado artist Lucília do Carmo and later her son, Carlos do Carmo. Renowned singers like Amália Rodrigues and Alfredo Marceneiro have graced its stage, and its current performers are true regulars.
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Cervejaria Ramiro
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✨ Pro Tip: Book a Reservation!
Restaurante Ramiro is where locals and visitors alike flock to enjoy some of the best shellfish and seafood in Lisbon, so be sure to bring your appetite!
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O Velho Eurico
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Tucked away in a charming corner of Lisbon, O Velho Eurico serves up flavorful, classic Portuguese dishes that’ll make you feel right at home.
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Eclipse Rock Bar
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Affordable drinks, awesome vibes, great tunes, and always buzzing with energy!
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Brew!
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If you're looking for an easy pizza and beer kind of night, BREW Chiado is the spot for (actual) NYC-style pizza and an array of craft cold ones.
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Topo Martim Moniz
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✨ Pro Tip: The entrance is easily one that can be missed, nestled in an unassuming office building, the bar is reached by taking an elevator to the top floor.
For killer views, drinks, and small bites head to Topo. Perfect spot to stop on a night out.
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Palácio Chiado
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Palacio Chiado’s cocktail lounge is a hotspot for nightlife enthusiasts, offering expertly mixed drinks, a stylish atmosphere, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time.
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A single day in Lisbon packs a punch—delicious food, incredible sights, stunning art, and a culture that makes you feel right at home. It’s a city that knows how to make every moment count, even in a short visit. Your first taste of Lisbon will leave you craving more!
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