How to make the most of a day in Lisbon

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Europe

As Portugal's capital, Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city packed with gothic grit and gorgeous glamour that you might easily fall in love with it at first sight. I traveled to Lisbon last year with friends and spent an unforgettable day in this enchanting city. This one-day travel guide takes you around Lisbon's major historical landmarks and tells you how to make the most of a day in the city.

8:00 a.m. - Cape Roca

Our first stop in Portugal was one of its hot spots – Cape Roca, which sits on the Atlantic coast of Lisbon District, around 25 miles (40km) west of Lisbon. It also marks the westernmost point of the entire Eurasia and has lured many tourists from all over the world.

The cliff at Cape Roca. /CGTN Photo

There is a lighthouse built on the cliff of Cape Roca where you could get an aerial view of the great coastal scenery. Once considered as one of the world's 50 most worthy places by netizens, Cape Roca is a must-see destination.

A lighthouse at Cape Roca. /CGTN Photo

If you want to record your memory there, the gift shop located near the red lighthouse offers a personalized and handwritten certificate to visitors. The basic certificate is around 5.6 euros.

Tips: No entrance fees or parking charges are required at Cape Roca. We suggest travelers spend around 30 minutes appreciating the cliffs, the monument and lighthouse. There are many long paths leading the way to the monument, but the windiness may limit your stay.

Aerial view of the monument at Cape Roca. /CGTN Photo

10:00 a.m. - Rossio Square

After around 1.5-hour's drive, we arrived at Rossio Square, downtown Lisbon, the most famous of the city's many stunning plazas. Although it was all but destroyed in the Lisbon Earthquake, the basic structure remains.

Aerial view of Rossio Square in Lisbon. /VCG Photo

A short stroll around the square will soon see you immersed into an atmosphere in which the elegant architecture and fountains ooze with history.

Rossio Square is the hub of Lisbon's transportation and is the ideal place to kick off any adventure in the capital. You could head to almost any destination you want from there.

Fountain at Rossio Square in Lisbon. /VCG Photo

10: 30 a.m. - A tram tour and walking tour in Alfama

When you come to Lisbon, how could you miss the traditional Lisbon trams? The Portuguese capital is widely known for its iconic trams and a tram tour is a must-try experience to appreciate the breathtaking views that Lisbon's oldest district Alfama has to offer.

Tram 28 takes you up and down Lisbon's hills to the historic parts of the city as most sights are along its route.

Lisbon tramway network, Remodelado tram line 28. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, a tram 28 tour combined with a free walking tour is recommended. This will help you to discover what Lisbon stands for and would be a perfect way to mark your trip.

You can wander downhill through Alfama's steep winding alleys to catch a peek of the city's traditional beauty. With some hidden landmark churches, residential houses, grocery stores and locals around, you could easily feel as if you were immersing yourself into Lisbon's heart and soul.

Alfama District, City of Lisbon, Portugal. /VCG Photo

Tips: When taking the tram 28, we suggest you stop at Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte for a stunning panoramic view of the city's skyline. Meanwhile, travelers could bathe in the noon sunshine from the top of Elevador de Santa Justa. Usually, a hop-on and hop-off tram tour ticket is valid for 24 hours.

14: 30 p.m. - Pastéis de Belém

Wherever you go, don't leave Lisbon without trying its famous and popular century-old dessert store Pastéis de Belém where the first natas were sold in 1837. It's an iconic site with a historical meaning as well as an excellent spot for travelers to try the city's most famous secret recipe.

Pastéis de Belém. /CGTN Photo

Don't be deterred by the long line which is usually extending out the entrance as the to-go counter moves quickly. You could see the menus in advance and choose what you want to eat when queuing up.

Tips: We suggest you to order a cup of traditional coffee and some of the egg tarts to spend a perfect afternoon at the dessert store as the delicious tarts match well with coffee and would definitely make your trip linger on your taste buds.

An egg tart at Pastéis de Belém. /CGTN Photo

16:30 p.m. - Torre de Belém

The Torre de Belém, also known as Belem Tower, is undoubtedly Lisbon's most iconic landmark. Built in the 16th century in the Tagus River, the tower is used to control the entrance to the city from the sea and has also been noted as Portugal's symbol of spirit.

The view of Torre de Belém. /CGTN Photo

Today the tower is easily accessible from the riverbank by a walkway, which brings travelers right to the entrance. This sightseeing tower has been regarded as one of the ideal places to take stunning sunset photos.

In particular, we suggest travelers stand on the roof of the tower to get the panoramic view of the city.

Sunset at Torre de Belém in Lisbon. /VCG Photo

17:30 p.m. - Tagus River Suspension Bridge

Wandering along the Tagus River, you could easily see another notable landmark in Lisbon. Located on the Tagus River and set close to the Torre de Belém, Tagus River Suspension Bridge spans the Tagus River at the narrowest point.

Also known as 25 de Abril Bridge, this massive red structure closely resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and gives you a fantastic viewpoint.

A visitor walks by the Tagus River. /CGTN Photo

Tips: If you have enough time and want to sample Lisbon's slow life, then a Tagus river cruise is recommended.