Two days in Lisbon: A 10-day Portugal Itinerary
Days 1 and 2: Lisbon
Lisbon is our first stop in EuroCheapo’s 10-day itinerary for Portugal.
Continuing with what might be an increasingly obnoxious California metaphor, Lisbon is to Portugal as San Francisco is to California; it’s hilly, coastal, quirky, and complete with cable-cars and foodie culture to boot. As Portugal’s largest city and capital, it warrants a couple of days (at minimum) on your itinerary.
Free Activities in Lisbon
Spend your first day wandering the city’s cobblestone streets in search of famous monuments like the Jerónimos Monastery and the 16th century Belem Tower, some of Europe’s best graffiti and the Cerca Velha or old city walls. If the weather’s agreeable, stroll Rua Augusta between Rossi Square and Praça do Comercio. Just don’t stop for a snack along the way — it’s a bit of a tourist trap. You’re much better off veering off into narrow side streets in search of authentic eats at local bars and bakeries.
Many must-see museums, like the city’s tile museum, Museu Nacional do Azulejo, are free the first Sunday of every month, and the permanent modern art collection at the Museu Coleçao Berardo is always free.
It’s worth the hike to have a look around and take in the views of the city from the Moorish Castelo Sao Jorge, but unless you’re an archeology buff, you may want to skip the €8.50 entrance fee to see the inside of the castle.
Interested in Lisbon’s version of Fado? Wait for dark, and expect to pay as much as you would for a night in a budget hotel for an evening of traditional Fado music in the Alfama neighborhood. And be sure to make your reservation ahead of time, or risk missing out on all the melancholy.
Inexpensive Eats in Lisbon
For food on the cheap, snack on the ubiquitous Pasteis de nata, a type of creamy custard tart, or pull up a chair at a restaurant for a traditional meal of roasted piri-piri chicken or bacalhau à bras, a hearty dish of stir-fried cod with rice, black olives, onions, and scrambled eggs. Fill up for less with fixed price mid-day menus away from main streets and the riverfront.
Residencia Alegria offers a lovely atmosphere and location close to the city center of Lisbon. Photo: EuroCheapo
Sleeping on the Cheap in Lisbon
Staying the night in Lisbon shouldn’t cost you more than €60-80 per night for a centrally located, basic accommodation with private bath. For a private room for less, try guesthouses, but be prepared to share a bathroom. If you’re up for bunks and shared showers at a hostel, expect to spend €10-15 per night per person.
We like the free breakfast, linens, and Wi-Fi, as well as the central location of the Urban Garden Hostel (Rua Camilo Castel Branco n 2C). Or for a BnB feel just off this main drag, check into Residencial Alegria (Praca Da Alegria 12). The hotel features 35 rooms with private bath and a touch of style with rates starting at $69.
Related: More cheap Lisbon hotels and hostels starting at $23
Our 10-day Portugal itinerary
Lisbon is the first stop on our recommended itinerary for a 10-day trip in Portugal. Click below to continue!
Days 3 and 4: Sintra, Cascais & Coimbra
Days 5 and 6: Valença and Ponte de Lima
Days 7 and 8: Braga and Guimarães
Days 9 and 10: Porto
About the author
Hello,
Avenidas is the #1 tour operator in Lisbon, according to Tripadvisor. We would like very much to invite you to do a tour with us and see how awesome we are! Have a look on our website and see what we do! And if you have any suggestions, feel free to inform us, we update our website and tours regularly.
So, if you are thinking bout coming to Portugal let me know and we would be very glad to offer you a tour!
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Here for you,
Henrique