Do you have a long layover in Lisbon? This Lisbon day guide will help you plan out how to quickly see some of the top sights in Lisbon, Portugal and make it back in time for your next flight.
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital. It is known for its mosaic pavements, medieval Alfama quarter, Fado music, and Art Nouveau cafes. Whether you are visiting Lisbon solo, budget traveling as a backpacker, or exploring on business, there are tons of enjoyable things to do to fill a short visit.
Good to Know for Portugal
Currency: Euro
Capital City: Lisbon
Primary Language: Portuguese
Bordering Countries: Spain
Part of Schengen Zone: Yes
Getting to Lisbon
The primary airport in Lisbon is Humberto Delgado Airport, commonly known as Lisbon Airport (LIS). It is located about 4 miles (7 kilometers) northeast of the city center.
The best way to get from the airport to the city center is with the metro. The Red Line (Linha Vermelha) of the Lisbon Metro connects the airport directly to the city center. The journey to major central stops like Alameda takes about 20-30 minutes. As of 2024, a single ticket costs around €1.50, and you will need to purchase a reusable Viva Viagem card for €0.50.
Alternatively, you could take a taxi or hail a rideshare. Services like Uber and Bolt operate in Lisbon and are similarly priced with taxis.
Luggage Storage at Lisbon Airport
Luggage storage is available at the Lisbon airport. The luggage storage service is in the P2 parking garage, which you can get to by following signs from the main terminal. It is near the arrivals area of Terminal 1. As of 2024, the service is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm and the cost varies depending on the size of the luggage and the duration of storage. Typically, prices range from €3.50 to €11 per day.
What to See in 12 Hours in Lisbon (or Less)
If you are wondering where to go in Lisbon during a short visit, here are the top six things to see during a long layover in my ranking order. The more time you have, the more items on the list you should consider seeing. If you only have five hours in Lisbon, you probably should only plan to see two or three things on the list.
1. See the Belem Tower
Starting off, about 3.7 miles (6 km) west of the city center is the Belem neighborhood. This renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Built in the 16th century, it stands as a sentinel at the mouth of the Tagus River and offers great views of the river, bridge, and city.
In 1497 Vasco da Gama set sail for India from this area. In part funded by the spice trade, the turreted tower is set near the Jerónimos Monastery. This landmark was built in the last five years of Dom Manuel’s reign and was meant to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s port.
Within Belém there is a must-try treat: the Pastéis de Belém. Portugal’s famous custard tarts, known as Pastéis de Nata or Pastéis de Belém can be found here. The historic Pastéis de Belém bakery is in the Belém district. This is the best spot to try one (or three) custard tarts, ideally with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar on top.
2. Head to the LX Factory and Explore
Full of murals and quirky art, one of Lisbon’s coolest cultural centers is the LX Factory. Here you can explore Lisbon’s creative hub, a former industrial facility reclaimed as a vibrant cultural and shopping destination. You can wander through art galleries, unique boutiques, trendy cafes, and street art installations in this vibrant space.
Don’t miss the iconic international bookstore Ler Devagar which has transformed an old printing press into a bar and store. I also highly recommend the chocolate cake at Landeau. The LX Factory is a also great spot to pick up a higher quality souvenir and eat.
3. Check Out Arco da Rua Augusta
Located in the Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) in the Baixa district of Lisbon, the arch is a can’t miss sight. It is near the Tagus River and is well situated for as a good starting point for a beautiful walk around Lisbon’s waterfront.
At the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta are statues of Glory, Ingenuity, Valor, and Genius, symbolizing the qualities that contributed to Portugal’s maritime exploration.
For a few euros, you can even climb to the top of the arch for sweeping panoramic views. There is an elevator inside as the arch was renovated in 2013, although the earliest version of it dates back to 1775.
4. Hop on Tram 28 for a Ride
Riding on Tram 28 is one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon. It is a scenic, open-air trip through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods that helps you cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Plus, the tram saves your legs a bit from all the walking you’ll be doing in this hilly city.
This typically yellow tram takes you past major landmarks, offering a convenient way to explore. The trams were originally built in England in the early 20th century.
Tram 28 can get pretty crowded so stay mindful of your pockets and purses. If you prefer to escape the crowds, you could take a private tuk-tuk tour through the city covering the same route as Tram 28, plus get a narrated tour of historic sites.
5. Wander through the Alfama District
One of the best things to do in a day in Lisbon is to check out the Alfama district. Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood is characterized by its narrow streets and colorful houses. Here you should wander through its maze-like layout, visit the São Jorge Castle, and enjoy traditional Fado music in one of the many local bars. You can find lots of music and street performances here.
Alfama was the only neighborhood in Lisbon to survive the 1755 earthquake relatively intact. The name “Alfama” is derived from the Arabic word “al-hamma,” meaning “hot springs” or “baths.” This reflects the district’s Moorish heritage.
Alfama is considered the birthplace of Fado, Portugal’s traditional music genre known for its melancholic tunes and expressive lyrics. Many Fado houses (casas de fado) and taverns in Alfama host live performances. This is perfect if you have some later hours in Lisbon during your layover.
6. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral
As one of the oldest churches in Lisbon, the Lisbon Cathedral is a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Built in 1147, it is one of the oldest things you can find in the city. The Lisbon cathedral’s façade is characterized by its two massive towers and a rose window, which are prominent features of Portuguese Gothic architecture.
You can climb to the top of the cathedral’s towers for great views of Lisbon. Admission is just a few euros.
In Portuguese the cathedral is called Sé de Lisboa, which translates to Lisbon Cathedral. The term “Sé” comes from the Latin word “sedes,” meaning “seat,” signifying that it houses the bishop’s seat.
When to Leave the Airport vs Stay
If you have less than a 4-hour layover in Lisbon, I would not leave the airport. This would not give you enough time to enjoy Lisbon in my opinion. Accounting for the 30 minute metro ride into the city center and the wait times for trains (and possible luggage storage stop), you’d really only have one quality hour in the city itself before you’d need to worry about making your way back to the airport.
If you have a 5-hour layover or more in Lisbon, I think a trip into the city is feasible. The more time you have, the more enjoyable it will be.
It will also depend on the hour of day, as most of the top things to see in the city are closed at night. Unless you are heading to a hotel for an overnight layover (which I have some recommendations for below), I wouldn’t risk to leaving the airport to see the city by night during a short layover.
Can I leave the Lisbon airport during a layover?
Whether or not you can leave the airport during a long layover in Lisbon, Portugal will depend on your nationality and passport. Most American and European passport holders can exit the Lisbon airport either without a tourist visa (i.e. if they are a citizen of a Schengen country) or with a visa stamp upon arrival (the case for most American passport holders arriving from outside the Schengen zone).
Where to Stay in Lisbon on a Layover
Budget
The best hostels can be booked through Hostelworld. When I visited Lisbon as a solo traveler I stayed at Inn Possible. It was very clean, excellently located, and quiet. If you are looking for more of a social hostel try Lisbon Central Hostel or the unique Lisbon Destination Hostel with its cool central oasis lounge.
Mid-Range
For a perfectly located, moderately priced hotel in Lisbon, head to Hotel Mundial. This four-star hotel has an amazing roof top and clean modern rooms. Weekend bookings are about $200 a night as of 2024, with weekday prices lower.
Luxury
For a more luxurious experience at a high price point, try the five-star EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel. Located next to the Parque Eduardo VII, this hotel offers high end finishes and attention to detail, not to mention a roof top pool. Weekend rates are around $400 per night as of 2024.
With a well-connected airport, you should feel confident that you’ll be able to explore Lisbon in a day itinerary. Whether you have a bit more time or just 12 hours in Lisbon, you can see some really cool, historic things. A long layover in Lisbon, day or night, will give you a chance to stretch your legs, eat great food, sample refreshing wine, and explore Portugal’s hilly capital.
Wondering if your phone will work?
Nowadays, most travelers have smart phones with either a physical or electronic sim card. Your local carrier (ie: AT&T, Verizon, etc.) may offer you an international plan or daily rates of $5-10 for using data overseas. This can add up very quickly and become shockingly expensive depending on the length of your trip. You may even be visiting a place that your domestic carrier does not cover.
To resolve this, it is usually cheaper to change your sim card. If you have an unlocked phone, you can typically switch out your sim card for better rates.
For years I switched out physical sims from my iPhone. I usually had to find a local carrier (ie Movistar, Vodaphone, Orange, etc.) in whatever place I was traveling and spend sometimes an hour in the shop setting up my new plan.
Finally, eSims have changed the game. I now can purchase an eSim from the comfort of home and have it set up for immediate use upon arrival to a new country for a fraction of what AT&T would charge me. There are several companies out there that offer eSims for travel, but the one with the greatest variety of plans, multi-country coverage, and wide regional options is Airalo.
I highly recommend Airalo. I recently used them on a trip to Turkey, Greece, and Spain and coverage was seamless. I purchased a 10 GB plan, traveled for two weeks, and used my phone as normal. I don’t often call anything a gamechanger, but this has really simplified some logistics in my travels.
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