Noc! Noc! Who is it? It’s us, Secret Lisbon, inviting you to discover Lisbon with us. At this hour? It’s 6:10 in the morning! Yes, you’re right. But if you want to visit the city in just 48 hours, you have to make the most of every minute and we want to impress you from the very first moment.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Then get ready to fall in love with Lisbon as soon as you see the sunrise from one of the capital’s most spectacular viewpoints. And that’s just the beginning, because for the next two days we won’t let you go.
We want to take you to the must-seespots and the best-kept secrets, to the trendiest restaurants and the most authentic taverns, to the highest point and to the riverside.
The best of the city:
DAY 1
06h44: sunrise at the Senhora do Monte viewpoint
Yes, we know you had a hard time getting up so early, but as a reward you’ll be able to watch Lisbon wake up.
There’s nothing better than doing it from one of the highest (and most incredible) points in the city: the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, in Graça. The views are breathtaking, with the castle and the historic center in the foreground and the Tagus on the horizon.
At this hour, and with a bit of luck, you could have the viewpoint all to yourself. So, was it worth it or not? You won’t forget this place any time soon.
08h00: from Feira da Ladra to Alfama
A stone’s throw from the Senhora da Graça viewpoint, in Campo de Santa Clara, you’ll find one of Lisbon’s most famous markets: the Feira da Ladra.
If you’re a fan of kitsch products at bargain prices, don’t miss this place and, while you’re at it, take the opportunity to visit two of the area’s emblematic monuments: the National Pantheon and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
But don’t stay too long, because we want to spend most of the morning in Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional neighborhoods, made up of narrow alleyways, fado and bohemian corners, flowered windows and residents who (still) resist the gentrification of the city. As long as this is the case, it will remain a small village in the middle of Lisbon, where time runs more slowly.
13h00: lunch at Triângulo da Ribeira
After all that walking, you’re probably starving, aren’t you? We’ll take care of that right away, but first we’ll walk for another half hour. We could even take the bus, but believe me, the walk to Cais do Sodré is well worth it, if only because we pass by the city’s main tourist attraction – Praça do Comércio – and one of the city’s most pleasant paths: Ribeira das Naus.
Once in Cais do Sodré, we pass by the famous Time Out Market (the modern version of the traditional Mercado da Ribeira) and prefer to take you to an old-fashioned tavern where you can eat one of the best bifanas in town: Triângulo da Ribeira.
At first glance, it’s just a cramped and crowded corridor (you even have to eat standing up), but once you’ve tasted the house specialty, you’ll want to go back every time you pass by.
14h00: stroll along the river and visit to MAAT
We’ve had our fill of energy and it’s time to get going, but this time we’re not going to make you walk. Instead, we invite you to take a scooter along the riverside area that runs from Cais do Sodré to Belém.
It’s almost eight kilometers along the Tagus, with a mandatory stop at the Docas de Alcântara (next to the 25 de Abril Bridge) and, above all, at MAAT, one of the city’s newest museums, which immediately stands out for its modern architecture and surroundings. Shall we go inside?
Inside, you’ll find numerous exhibitions related to art, architecture and technology, but also a vast program of events and activities for the whole family.
In addition to the new building, which covers almost three thousand square meters, the museum also includes the former Lisbon Thermoelectric Power Station, one of the most important examples of industrial architecture in Portugal from the first half of the 20th century.
18h00: Belém Monumental and… delicious
Going to Belém and not seeing the famous Belém Tower is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope. You can’t get in at this time (visits end at 5pm), but don’t miss out on admiring the architectural beauty of one of the country’s most iconic monuments, which was once a fort and even a prison.
While you’re at it, take a look at the Monument to the Discoveries, the Champalimaud Foundation and other equally spectacular places in Belém.
On the other side of the railway line, there are two more symbols of the city: the Belém Cultural Center and the Jerónimos Monastery. Three, in fact, because the Pastéis de Belém are also a true Lisbon institution.
This house has been delighting locals and tourists since 1837, thanks to an ancient (and secret) recipe from the nearby monastery. Don’t be intimidated by the queues and buy one (maybe a box would be better) because these sweets really are delicious.
20:30: Dinner (and sleep) in the skies over Lisbon
After being spared lunch at Triângulo da Ribeira, now you deserve a luxury dinner in a unique location.
There’s no shortage of top restaurants in Lisbon, but Fifty Seconds has the particularity of being at the top of the city’s tallest building, the Vasco da Gama Tower, in the heart of Parque das Nações.
In other words, if you’re in Belém, you’ll have to cross the city from one end to the other, but there’ s nothing the 728 bus (Carris) can’t do in less than 45 minutes.
Located 120 meters above sea level, with unique views of the Tagus and the city, this is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Lisbon, designed by the famous Spanish chef Martin Berasategui.
It’s also part of the luxurious Myriad by Sana hotel, so make sure you book a room right away. Together, the meal and overnight stay won’t cost less than €350, but trust me, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.
23:30: From Bairro Alto to Rua Cor de Rosa
Leave your bags at the hotel and get ready to discover Lisbon’s nightlife?
Come on down to Bairro Alto, where there’s no shortage of bars for all tastes, such as Portas Largas or Majong, but there are also some of the city’s most famous fado houses, especially Luso and Adega Machado.
To finish off the evening, head down to Rua Cor de Rosa, next to Cais do Sodré, one of the liveliest areas in the city, which the New York Times listed as one of its twelve favorite streets in Europe.
There ‘s no shortage of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, bringing together the city’s most diverse tribes. How late will you be there? Don’t forget there’s another busy day tomorrow.
DAY 2
10h00: Lisbon Oceanarium
It’s been a long night, so this time we’ll let you sleep a little longer than yesterday. But at 10 a.m. sharp we want you at the door of the Lisbon Oceanarium, did you hear? It’s only a 5-minute walk from the Myriad hotel to the Oceanarium, a pleasant walk along the river.
Once you arrive at this incredible aquarium, one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe, you’ll find 8,000 organisms from 500 different species , such as sharks, penguins, otters, rays, tropical fish and many, many more.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, which combines all the seas into one, there is also the beautiful exhibition “Submerged Forests by Takashi Amano“, which represents tropical forests.
13:00: lunch at Ramiro
At lunchtime, we could take you to one of the countless brunches that take place in Lisbon (a trend that’s here to stay), but we’ve decided to introduce you to a classic: Ramiro.
This restaurant/cervejaria in the Intendente area became (even) more famous when Anthony Bourdain stopped by during the filming of the show No Reservations.
For more than 50 years, this place has been delighting seafood lovers (always fresh) and the reward is the queues at the door. But believe me, the wait is well worth it.
15:30: Tram 28 ride
From Ramiro to the starting point of Tram 28, in Martim Moniz, it’s a short hop, so be sure to take a trip on this city icon.
In total, the route is about 7 kilometers long, passing through the castiças Graça and Alfama, the elegant Chiado and the serene Estrela, before reaching the final destination: the Prazeres Cemetery, in Campo de Ourique.
More than a century after it started operating (1914), the 28 is often crowded, but it still offers a unique, genuinely Lisbon experience. Be sure to get on board.
17:30: Panoramic view of Monsanto
Your stay is almost over, but we still have time to take you to one of the most surprising and mysterious places in Lisbon: the Monsanto Panoramic Viewpoint, located in the city’s largest forest park.
To get there, it’s best to take a cab (it’s far from the center and not easy to find), but believe us, it’s well worth the change you’ll spend.
We’re talking about an abandoned building with incredible views that was once a luxury restaurant, bingo hall, nightclub and warehouse, before officially becoming a viewpoint open to all.
Outside, the scenery reaches halfway across Lisbon (and beyond), while the interior is covered in graffiti, including one by Portugal’s most famous street artist: Vhils.
20h00: dinner in Cacilhas
After two days of sightseeing and discoveries right in the heart of Lisbon, there’ s nothing better than saying goodbye to the city from a more distant perspective: on the other side of the River Tagus, in Cacilhas, in the municipality of Almada.
In an instant, or rather a short boat trip (10 minutes from Cais do Sodré) you’ll reach one of the best views of the capital, almost from one end to the other
There’s no shortage of good restaurants around here, especially fish restaurants , but our suggestion goes to Ponto Final, in Cais do Ginjal.
And because the eyes also eat, imagine dining on a terrace right on the river, with the lights of Lisbon in the distance and the waters of the Tagus lapping at the pier, serving as a soundtrack to your meal. Unforgettable.
You haven’t left yet and you already miss it? Next time, you’ll have to come with more time. And we’ll be here to give you the best tips on the city at www.lisboasecreta.co.
This time, our tour has come to an end. Period.