What to see in Lisbon in 1 day: Itinerary with map

Rossio

Praça Dom Pedro IV, commonly known as Rossio, is the beating heart of Lisbon. This historic square is surrounded by majestic buildings and paved with a traditional wave mosaic. Rossio is known for its lively atmosphere, with landmark cafés, charming shops, and street performers creating an unforgettable experience. It is the perfect starting point to explore the beauty of Lisbon, from culture to gastronomy, promising discoveries at every turn.

Elevador de Santa Justa

Proceed now to the Elevador de Santa Justa, a vertical elevator that connects the streets of Rua de Santa Justa at the bottom with Largo do Carmo at the top. Built in the late 19th century, the elevator is an impressive example of iron engineering, with a tall tower and neo-Gothic decorations that recall the typical architecture of Lisbon.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Sé de Lisboa e Miradouro di Santa Luzia

Now cross the main streets of Lisbon and head towards the Sé de Lisboa, the Cathedral of the city. It is one of the oldest churches in the city, dating back to the 11th century, and has an imposing Romanesque façade and Gothic interior, with an atmosphere of spirituality and palpable history.

Sé de Lisboa

Go past the cathedral and up to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This is the most characteristic panoramic terrace in Lisbon, in my opinion. Here, among gardens decorated with colorful azulejos (Portuguese tiles) and Moorish-style arches, you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere and a great view of the red roofs of Lisbon that extend to the sea. It's a bit of a climb but it's worth it!

Alfama

Arco della Rua Augusta and Praça do Comércio

Get off again and continue towards the Rua Augusta Arch. Built in the 19th century, it is an imposing gateway to the old city, celebrating the rebirth of Lisbon after the terrible earthquake of 1755. The arch is decorated with statues and sculptures symbolizing glory and commerce, while its terrace offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the square and the Tagus River. It is undoubtedly the most important symbol of Lisbon.

Walk through the arch and you will arrive at Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço. It is one of the largest squares in Europe, with a long history of trade and political power. Surrounded by yellow neoclassical buildings, the square opens out onto the river with great views of the sea. It has been the center of Lisbon's maritime trade for centuries and today it is a place where tourists and locals gather to stroll, enjoy a break in the sun and admire the historic architecture.

Arco da rua Augusta

Torre de Belém and Pastéis

Now proceed towards the Belém neighborhood. Keep in mind that it is located about 2 km from Praça do Comércio so it is best to take tram 15E towards Algés (Jardim). The stop is located right under the Rua Augusta Arch and will allow you to reach Belém in about 35/40 minutes, getting off at Largo Princesa.

Once you get off, walk to the Torre de Belém. It is a fortress on the Tagus River, built in the 16th century as a point of defense and as a symbol of Portuguese maritime power during the Age of Exploration. This structure combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, with square-shaped towers and intricate decorations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers spectacular views of the river mouth. It is one of the attractions not to be missed if you come to Lisbon!

Return to the tram and continue on foot to the Jerónimos Monastery. Built in the 16th century to celebrate the return of the navigator Vasco da Gama from India, this monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, a Portuguese style that blends Gothic, Renaissance and oriental influences, reflecting the wealth of Portugal during the Age of Exploration.

Continue for a few dozen meters until you reach Pastéis de Belém. Pastéis are traditional Portuguese pastries, custard pastries made with eggs, sugar and vanilla, wrapped in a crispy puff pastry shell. Originally created by monks in the monastery just seen, Pastéis de Belém have become famous all over the world. Today, the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop near the Tower is one of the places to taste these delicious traditional pastries.

You can return to the centre, the starting point of this itinerary, by taking tram 15E towards Pç. Figueira in front of the Pastéis shop.

Map of the Itinerary

Conclusions and Alternatives

Lisbon is a city that combines architectural beauty, the flavor of local cuisine and a fascinating history. Visiting it in a day is quite difficult but by following this guide you will still be able to visit most of the main attractions.

If you have very little time, you can avoid going to the Bélem neighborhood, although you will miss a slice of Lisbon's main attractions. In this case, I recommend staying in the center and walking through the city streets. A possible additional attraction is the Convento do Carmo.

If you follow the tour and still have time, you could continue to walk around Bélem, visiting, among other things, the Monument to the Discoveries.

Thanks for reading,,

Explorer's Tale.