After an unforgettable journey in Marrakech (check out my blog series if you plan to visit Marrakech too!), I went back to Lisbon to resume my 5 days journey of discovery.
If you are also planning to visit Lisbon, check out my other related blogs about pre-travel tips & advice and must-try local eats to help you plan ahead.
🗺️ Full Itinerary Map
🧭 Day 1: Modern Lisbon at Parque das Nações
The reason I mentioned ‘resume’ at the beginning was because I had already spent a day in Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) before my Marrakech adventure. Built for the 1998 World Expo, this modern district showcases a completely different side of Lisbon with its contemporary architecture and beautiful waterfront promenade.
The rest of my day was spent:
- Taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront.
- Stopped by the Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium), Europe’s largest indoor aquarium. 🐠
- Exploring the modern Centro Vasco da Gama Shopping Center.
- Trying Portuguese egg tarts at two different shops – though I found them a bit too sweet for my taste!
Travel Tip: If you have a layover in Lisbon with some spare hours, consider storing your luggage in the lockers outside the airport building. Visit here for more details.
🧭 Day 2: Historic Heart
On my second day, I started at Praça do Comércio (Commerce Plaza), one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The grandeur of the square, the fabulous architecture on the side, and the iconic Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch) were simply incredible. 📸
I couldn’t wait to learn more about the fascinating history of Lisbon and Portugal at the Lisbon History Centre, then appreciated the cod culture at the adjacent Centro Interpretativo da História do Bacalhau (Bacalhau Museum) – kinda funny that Lisboans built a museum specifically for cod in the center of the tourism zone, it also indicates how important this fish type has been to them. 🐟
After that, I headed to the bustling Time Out Market, and stopped by a rooftop for a scenery lunch. 🍴
After lunch, I returned to the Praça do Comércio and enjoyed the stunning views from Arco da Rua Augusta, also took a stroll along Rua Augusta, immersing myself in the lively vibes of the Baixa District, Lisbon’s historic heart and commercial center. I also took an interest ride the Santa Justa Lift – not really worth the wait but you get to enjoy the view of the city through a different way. 🚡
Ended my day at Praça Dom Pedro IV (King Pedro IV Square), the main central square of Lisbon, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.
My second day began at the magnificent Praça do Comércio (Commerce Plaza), one of Europe’s most stunning squares. At the moment I was off the bus, I was immediately struck by the plaza’s grandeur – from its impressive architecture to the iconic Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch). 📸
The morning was dedicated to cultural discoveries:
- Discovering Lisbon’s rich history at the Lisbon History Centre.
- Learning about Portugal’s love affair with cod at the Centro Interpretativo da História do Bacalhau (Bacalhau Museum) next door – it’s fascinating how the Portuguese dedicated an entire museum to cod fish in their prime tourist area. 🐟
For lunch, I escaped the crowds at Time Out Market and found a peaceful rooftop spot to enjoy both my meal and the city views. 🍴
The afternoon continued with more exploration:
- Returned to Praça do Comércio to capture the plaza in different lighting
- Climbed up the Arco da Rua Augusta for magnificent views of the city
- Wandered through the bustling Baixa District, Lisbon’s historic commercial heart
- Took a ride on the historic Santa Justa Lift – though honestly, the long wait might not be worth it for everyone 🚡
Travel Tip: Don’t forget to pre-order your Lisbon Card on Expedia for hassle-free exploration and discounts on attractions!
Walking along the historic center towards Praça Dom Pedro IV (King Pedro IV Square), I kept thinking how much this city has endured through centuries and what incredible stories it continues to tell its visitors. From surviving the catastrophic earthquake of 1755 that nearly destroyed the entire city to evolving into such a lively capital, Lisbon’s resilient spirit has demonstrated in every corner of the city.
📚 Related Posts
- 🇵🇹 Taste of Portugal: Must-Try Local Eats in Lisbon 🐟
- 🇵🇹 Lisbon Travel Guide – Things to Know Before You Go
- 🇵🇹 5-Day Solo Travel in Lisbon, Portugal (Part 2)
- 🇵🇹 5-Day Solo Travel in Lisbon, Portugal (Part 1)
- 🇪🇸 Solo Travel in Spain – 9-Day Itinerary for Barcelona and Madrid (Part 3)
📍 Plan Your Own Lisbon Adventure!
I’ve created a detailed Notion travel planner template that includes everything you need to explore this charming city! Inside you’ll find:
✈️ Flight tracker
📝 Customizable packing lists
🏰 City must-see spots
🍽️ Local food & restaurant recommendations
💰 Expense tracker (with dirham conversion)
🗺️ Interactive Google Maps with all locations
Get Your Planner Here: 🚃 Lisbon, Portugal 5-Day Travel Itinerary Planner
