Welcome to Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal, was one of the places we were most excited about on our Europe road trip. Not only was it somewhere neither of us had ever been, but it wasn’t really somewhere we realised we could go in the van. Read on for our One Day in Lisbon Itinerary!
We were incredibly pleased to find safe parking right near the centre, with a barrier and person at the gate, where we could leave the van for the day. We’ll link the spot here. It was possible to park overnight, but due to the location, it probably wouldn’t be a quiet night as it was on the docks and close to some local bars and clubs, with it being very central. To be honest, we feel that if you only have one day, it can be enough! So, we thought we’d share our one-day itinerary. (Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes; Lisbon is very hilly!)
Side note: If you’re driving into Lisbon in your camper van, make sure you have your maps set to avoid low-emission zones, as Google Maps led us right through the centre, and we ended up with a fine! (It was only 12 euros, but still!) If you’re taking your camper van to Europe for the first time, check out our handy guide here.
Table of Contents:
A Morning at LX Factory
Start your One Day in Lisbon Itinerary at LX Factory. From where we parked, you can go on foot to this industrial complex that has become a home to so much creativity! It’s a former industrial complex that dates back to the 19th century. In 2008, it was transformed into a space full of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, independent businesses, and art while keeping its industrial, traditional architecture.
Notable Spots Include:
- Ler Devagar Bookstore: Housed in a former printing press, you don’t want to miss this bookshop. Known for its vast collection of books (I even found some in English) and its artistic interior, including a flying bicycle installation…seriously. It’s a must-visit for book lovers and, as an added bonus, also has a section dedicated to records.
- Rio Maravilha: A rooftop bar and restaurant offering stunning views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Tagus River. This is a gorgeous spot if you’re looking for a panoramic backdrop.
- Cafes and Bakeries: Cozy spots like Wish Slow Coffee House or Landeau Chocolate are ideal for coffee and cake.
We had lunch at a burger spot where you could also take part in some axe throwing before heading further into the city centre.
Scootering into Lisbon’s Main Town
To get from LX Factory to the centre of Lisbon is doable on foot. However, to save time, we rented electric scooters. This is a super popular way to travel in the area, and you’ll find scooters pretty much everywhere on the streets. All you need to do is download this app, which will tell you where your closest scooter is. You then jump on, and you’ll be charged for how long you ride (like getting an Uber but with less awkward conversation.) It cost us less than 5 euros and saved our legs and some time.
It was my first time on an electric scooter, so it was a little daunting, but there are plenty of cycle paths to stick to so you can avoid the traffic.
Exploring Lisbon’s Historic and Cultural Sights
Lisbon is stunning, and if you’d prefer to just go with the flow, you could easily spend a day just wandering the iconic streets, admiring the tiles, and soaking in its unique ambience. However, if you want to tick some historical and cultural sights off your Lisbon bucket list, read on.
Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)
First up, Praça do Comércio. Situated along the Tagus River, this is one of the largest squares in Portugal. At the centre of the square stands a grand equestrian statue of King José I, inaugurated in 1775. The statue depicts the king on his horse, symbolizing his leadership during the rebuilding of Lisbon after the earthquake. It’s a gorgeous photo spot thanks to the symmetry of the square. The square is lined with restaurants; however, they are a little touristy, but they are not a bad spot to sit, enjoy a cold drink, and watch the world go by.
Trams of Lisbon
When you’re simply walking the streets, you’re sure to see glimpses of the iconic Lisbon trams. However, if you really want to take your time, get some good photos without having to chase after a tram head here. This hidden gem is the perfect spot to see some of the oldest trams and take iconic photos. We were here midday, and there were only a few other people around! From this spot, we were able to get some photos of the trams without crowds of people.
The trams also go up and down this narrow street, making it the perfect location to sit outside a cafe, enjoy a coffee, and watch the trams as they go. From here, you can see the vintage Remodelado trams, particularly the iconic yellow ones, which have become a symbol of Lisbon. Their nostalgic charm and historical design offer a glimpse into the city’s past, and they’re just so wonderful. I could have spent the whole day just sitting watching them, so if you only have time for one thing from this list, make sure you go see the trams.
Of course, if you prefer, you can buy a ticket and enjoy the view from the tram instead. On the day we visited, they looked super busy, and it was scorching, so we opted not to squeeze in and instead enjoyed them from the outside.
Popular Tram Routes Include:
- Tram 28: Perhaps the most famous tram route in Lisbon, Tram 28 takes passengers on a scenic journey through some of the city’s most picturesque and historic neighbourhoods, including Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. It offers a convenient way to see major landmarks such as the Lisbon Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, and the Basilica da Estrela.
- Tram 12: This route also covers some historic areas, providing an alternative to Tram 28, especially during peak tourist seasons when Tram 28 can be very crowded.
- Tram 15: This modern tram line runs from the city centre (Praça da Figueira) to the district of Belém, home to the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the famous Pastéis de Belém pastry shop.
Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle)
Take on the steep hills up to St. George’s Castle. This historic fortress is on top of Lisbon’s highest hill, so it gives you some incredible views of the city from above. Many locals trek up here with a bottle of wine and a couple of Pastéis de nata in the evening. For the history lovers among you, you can explore its well-preserved battlements, towers, and courtyards, as well as an archaeological site and a museum showcasing artifacts from different periods of Lisbon’s history.
The Alfama District
Visit the Alfama district for a trip into Lisbon’s past. This area has been carefully preserved, so you can still see the medieval layout and traditional housing. Often referred to as the heart and soul of Lisbon, you can lose yourself wandering the narrow streets, seeing the locals go about their business, and enjoying the colourful buildings adorned with traditional “azulejos” (ceramic tiles).
Evening in Lisbon
For those spending the evening in Lisbon, there are plenty of places to eat. We went to a salad restaurant, which doesn’tsound incredibly exciting, but it was so delicious and probably the best salad I’ve ever had.
Alternatively, you could head to Time Out Market. This place claims to offer you the best food Lisbon has to offer, all under one roof. This is also ideal if you and someone else both want to eat different things. We had planned to go here, but unfortunately, it was closed, so make sure you check the opening times. Check out the website above to check opening times and what’s currently on offer! Whatever it is, it’s sure to be delicious and a lovely end to your day in Lisbon!