Curator’s statement
My husband and I took a cruise from Lisbon, Portugal to Barcelona, Spain, and we had 24-ish hours before boarding our cruise in Lisbon. We used every minute to soak up all this beautiful European capital has to offer! From its riverside Belem Tower to the stunning hilltop castle, there’s plenty of sights and food to fill 24 hours pre or post-cruise. We happened to be there in May when the Jacaranda trees were dotting the city with vibrant purple blooms. Truly magical!
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Where to stay in Lisbon
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Things to do in Lisbon
Finding ourselves in a new city, with limited time, we tried to pack as much in as possible. The following sights can be seen in one day with plenty of time to tour each one.
Castelo de Sao Jorge - Hilltop castle offering beautiful views of Lisbon and where resident peacocks show their tail feathers while squawking at visitors.
Se de Lisboa — Lisbon’s cathedral with its imposing bell towers and where the afternoon light beams through the exquisite rose window, is not to be missed.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos — The construction of this monastery was funded by a spice tax imposed after famed Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama landed in India. Therefore it’s only fitting that his tomb resides within the monastery. The nave, one of its most striking features, is breathtaking.
Torre de Belem — The defensive tower sitting on the banks of the Tagus River, is one of the most representative examples of Manueline — Portugal’s architectural style and just a short walk from the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.
Places to eat & drink in Lisbon
Copenhagen Coffee — With numerous locations throughout the city, you can get your caffeine fix anytime. They also have an array of breakfast and brunch items, including sandwiches and tasty pastries. Try the mozzarella, tomato and pesto on rye — my personal lunch favorite!
Noca’s Cafe — We popped in here for a quick drink on our walk back to the hotel. It’s a small cafe that spills out onto the sidewalk and is filled with locals.
Basilio - We ventured out for breakfast before boarding the cruise ship and found this gem. I recommend the French toast!
Need to know
Pro Tip:
While my husband and I love exploring on foot, if you’d rather not lace up your walking shoes, we found the taxis to be relatively inexpensive in Lisbon when compared to other European cities.
Travel Advisor
Jen Babcock
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Lisbon. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Lily Rozenstrauch’s guide, Discover Lisbon: Your Personal Guide.