Lisbon rewards a compact plan: districts are distinct, hills shape the pace, and older tram routes are popular but not the only practical option. This outline groups nearby sights and suggests connections that reduce time spent waiting or backtracking. It prioritizes morning starts for viewpoints and schedules interiors for late morning or early afternoon when queues are more predictable.
Start in Baixa and Rossio to establish bearings. The grid is flat for Lisbon standards, and it links naturally to Chiado. If you enjoy elevated views early, use the terraces behind São Pedro de Alcântara before the area gets crowded. From there, descending to Chiado keeps gradients moderate. Note tram 28’s popularity: if a queue forms, take bus alternatives covering overlapping segments or walk downhill sections and reconnect later—Chiado to Baixa is efficient on foot.
Reserve time for Alfama’s lanes, but plan an approach that minimizes steep repeats. Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol lookouts lend context; from either, you can descend through switchback lanes toward Sé Cathedral. The cathedral interior is quick to visit, and the square helps reset direction. If you prefer to avoid steep ascents, take a bus up to a high point and walk down through Alfama at an even pace, pausing at small squares that offer shade and seating.
For museums, align timings with location and travel method. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, in the newer part of the city, pairs well with a morning metro ride and a quiet lunch nearby. In Belém, Jerónimos Monastery and the riverside promenade can fill an afternoon, but allow buffers for ticketing at popular times. The waterfront is straightforward: a level path connects the monument area with views toward the April 25 Bridge. If lines are long, alternate with the MAAT riverside walk and return later.
Public transport benefits from contactless payments. Metro lines are legible, stations are well marked, and signage is bilingual. When evaluating tram choices, consider slope direction and heat; often a bus or metro to the top of a hill followed by a downhill walk is the most comfortable combination. Even short taxi hops can be time-saving between non-adjacent areas where hills add hidden minutes to an otherwise short map distance.
Meals fit best when placed near your planned transitions rather than as fixed destinations. In Baixa and Chiado, options are numerous; around Alfama, smaller places appear along lane routes, so a flexible window works better than a fixed booking if your timing depends on viewpoints. In Belém, plan lunch just before visiting a major site to avoid a tight schedule. For snacks and water, corner shops in central districts are frequent; carry a refillable bottle for warmer days.
Day one can follow Baixa—Chiado—Alfama with a sunset stop at a viewpoint chosen by current conditions; clouds and haze sometimes make lower vantage points just as satisfying as higher ones. Day two can combine Belém for monuments and a return to the central grid for interiors or neighborhoods you postponed. If weather shifts, swap portions of the plan: museums and covered sights work as anchors for midday, while views feel clearer in early morning or the evening window.
The main idea is to let gradients, opening times, and transport alternatives shape the order of movement. Lisbon is comfortable when approached as a set of adjacent terraces linked by short hops rather than as a continuous uphill effort. With this in mind, the city’s rhythm becomes easier to read and two days feel complete without rushing. Keep transit cards topped up, check temporary notices for any route changes, and carry light layers for breezes along the river.