One day in Lisbon sounds like very little time, yet it is enough for the most beautiful corners of Alfama. We show you four sights that you can easily explore on foot. On top of that, you get our honest tips on queues, views and one mistake you can save yourself.
Is one day in Lisbon really worth it?
Yes, one day in Lisbon is worth it, as long as you focus on a single neighborhood. Alfama packs a castle, sweeping views and centuries of history into a small area. That way, you see a lot without ever feeling rushed.
For us, Lisbon was only a stopover. Our trip continued on to Porto and then to a surf holiday in Ericeira. That is exactly why we deliberately planned just one overnight stay and a single day for the capital. And it is also why we chose our hotel so carefully. We wanted to see as much as possible in a short time, without long walks. A central location in Alfama was the key to that.
Why Alfama is the perfect neighborhood for one day
Our hotel sat in the trendy neighborhood of Alfama, the oldest part of the city. It lies right below the Castelo de São Jorge. Even from up here, you already get a lovely view over Lisbon. The big advantage was the short distance. All four sights were within easy walking reach. So if you only have one day, you save valuable time on transport and getting around.
Lisbon on foot: Do not underestimate the hills
On foot in Lisbon, however, means something different than in most cities. The distances are short, yet Alfama is built entirely on hills. So it is constantly either steeply uphill or back down again. In fact, it was so steep that my old sandals simply gave up right in the middle of our sightseeing. They fell apart, and I had to buy a new pair on the spot. That is why our most important tip is this: wear sturdy shoes in Lisbon.
Which sights can you see in one day in Alfama?
In a single day, you can reach four real highlights in Alfama on foot. These include the Castelo de São Jorge, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the Elevador de Santa Justa and the Convento do Carmo. We introduce each place to you with a concrete tip.
Yet it all began on the very evening we arrived. Because our neighborhood sat high up, we explored the area right away. Along the way, we spontaneously passed several viewpoints, the so-called miradouros. From there, we enjoyed the sunset over the city. It was a lovely first impression and a taste of what the next morning would bring. That way, your day in Lisbon starts relaxed rather than rushed.
Castelo de São Jorge: the best start to the day
The next morning, things really got going. Our first stop was the Castelo de São Jorge, right above our hotel. And the view from up there is truly impressive.
You get a panoramic view over all of Lisbon, all the way down to the river. On the grounds, there is also a small museum, a few shops and, somewhat surprisingly, peacocks roaming freely. For us, the Castelo de São Jorge is an absolute must in Lisbon.
One important tip concerns the timing. We were there at ten in the morning and walked straight up to the ticket counter without any wait. By the time we left at midday, however, the queue was huge. So either go early, or buy your tickets online in advance. That way, you do not lose any precious time on your single day. After all, when you only have one day, every minute counts.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia: the postcard view over Alfama
Next, we headed to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This viewing terrace lies just about 300 meters from the castle. Here, there was clearly a lot more going on than at the castle itself.
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a real hotspot for photos. Decorated with painted tiles, the terrace offers a wonderful view over the rooftops of Alfama. No wonder, then, that so many visitors crowd in here. However, there are countless of these viewing terraces all around Alfama. We kept passing some of them by chance and used them for little breaks. So if you are only after the view, you do not even need a ticket.
Elevador de Santa Justa: beautiful, but with a catch
Our third stop was meant to be the Elevador de Santa Justa. This is a historic wrought iron lift from 1902. It connects the lower part of downtown with the higher neighborhood around the Convento do Carmo. From its platform, you get a wonderful view over the rooftops. In our case, however, the lift was out of service. Clearly, we had not done our homework well enough beforehand.
The tip from this experience is simple. Before your visit, quickly check online whether the lift is actually running. That way, you avoid an unnecessary detour on your tight schedule.
Convento do Carmo: our secret highlight
On the way there, we briefly passed the Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street. We only took a quick look at it. Then we walked on to our final destination, the Convento do Carmo. From the outside, the Convento do Carmo looks almost unremarkable. From the street, you have no idea what awaits you inside. That is exactly why there were only a few tourists in the interior.
And that is a real shame, because this place is something truly special. During the great earthquake of 1755, the church was destroyed and has remained without a roof ever since. So you stand in the middle of an old Gothic church, with nothing but the open sky above you. Of all four places, this atmosphere surprised us the most. For us, the Convento do Carmo was the secret highlight of the day. So make sure you go inside.
What else is worth seeing in Alfama?
Besides the four main destinations, a spontaneous detour down to the river is well worth it. From the Convento do Carmo, the Rua Augusta leads down to the Praça do Comércio. The walk takes only a few minutes and rewards you with a wonderful closing image.
Because after the Convento, the Rua Augusta drew us back in once more. On the way back, we simply walked the whole street down, past the magnificent triumphal arch. In the end, we found ourselves on the Praça do Comércio, a huge square right by the water.
Praça do Comércio: the perfect finish by the Tejo
On the square, you will find the big Lisbon sign, a perfect photo spot. Just a few meters further on, there is a quay with a view over the Tejo river. From there, you can see the large red bridge, which is a little reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge.
With that, we had rounded off our day in Lisbon perfectly. Four sights, all on foot, in a single day. And since the area is packed with small restaurants, we also ate really well along the way.
Our verdict: Is one day in Lisbon worth it?
Our verdict is clear: one day in Lisbon is worth it, as long as you focus on Alfama. You experience a castle, great views and history all on short walks. For a stopover, that is the perfect mix.
If we had to choose, the Convento do Carmo would be our personal highlight. The Castelo de São Jorge wins on the best view. The Elevador de Santa Justa, on the other hand, is skippable, especially when the queues are long.
For us, the journey continued from there. So if you are traveling to Portugal yourself, you will find the next chapters with us too. Take a look at our posts on Porto and on surfing in Ericeira next.
I’m Marie, and I write about our excursions and travel destinations. I love discovering new places and sharing my experiences and practical tips with you. My goal is to inspire you for your next adventure and help you find the best activities and must-see sights.
