8 Hours in Lisbon: What I Would Actually Do

If I had only eight hours in Lisbon, I wouldn't try to see everything.

I wouldn't spend the day rushing from one famous attraction to another, standing in queues, or following the same itinerary that appears on every travel website.

After many years showing visitors around Lisbon, I know there are places worth your time — and places I would simply skip.

So, if you gave me eight hours in Lisbon, this is how I would spend them.

Start early in Alfama

I would start in Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, and I would start early.

This is when Alfama is at its best. The streets are quieter, the light is beautiful, and you can actually appreciate the character of the neighbourhood before the crowds arrive.

I would make my way to Portas do Sol first.

The view over Alfama, the Tagus and the rooftops of Lisbon is one of those moments when you immediately understand why this city is special.

From there, I would walk to Santa Luzia and then start making my way down through Alfama.

And this is important: don't rush it.

Forget the map for a while.

Walk the narrow streets, look at the old buildings, listen to the city waking up and take the occasional turn simply because it looks interesting.

Eventually, make your way down towards the river.

That walk is part of the experience. Alfama isn't somewhere you should simply arrive, take a photograph and leave.

Then walk through Chiado

From Alfama, I would continue towards Chiado.

If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, this is one of the parts of Lisbon where you should allow yourself some time.

Chiado is busy, elegant and full of life. There are shops, cafés, bookshops, restaurants and plenty of people moving through the streets.

If shopping is part of your idea of a good day in Lisbon, this is where you want to spend some time.

And don't make the mistake of treating Lisbon as a checklist of monuments.

Sometimes simply walking through a neighbourhood is the best part of the day. That is the pace our private Lisbon city tour is built around.

Have Portuguese food — not just a quick bite

At some point, stop for lunch.

I'd choose Portuguese food, and I would take the opportunity to try several smaller dishes rather than turning lunch into a long formal meal.

Portuguese petiscos are perfect for this.

Think of them as Portuguese tapas: small dishes designed to be shared, with plenty of different flavours on the table.

It's a much better way to experience Portuguese food than grabbing something quickly because you're trying to fit another attraction into the schedule.

What I wouldn't waste time doing

There are a few things I would leave out.

Pink Street

I know it is popular.

But if you only have eight hours in Lisbon, I wouldn't make a special trip to Pink Street.

Take a photograph if you're already nearby and curious.

Otherwise, keep walking.

Your eight hours can be spent somewhere much more interesting.

Time Out Market

Again, I know it is popular.

But Lisbon has no shortage of places to eat.

If you want to experience Portuguese food, I'd rather have you sitting down somewhere with Portuguese petiscos than spending part of your limited time navigating a crowded food hall.

The Santa Justa Elevator

This is another one I would skip.

The elevator itself is interesting, but the queues can take up a surprising amount of your day.

With only eight hours, I don't think the time is worth it.

There are better views of Lisbon that don't require you to stand in line.

Spend the afternoon in Belém

After lunch and some time in central Lisbon, I'd head towards Belém.

The pace changes here.

There is more space, the river is right there, and some of Lisbon's most important monuments are concentrated in this part of the city.

This is where I'd spend the afternoon.

Walk. Look around. Take your time.

And yes, have a Pastel de Belém.

You don't need to spend the entire afternoon rushing from monument to monument. Give yourself time to enjoy the area.

And if you like hidden gems…

If you've already seen the obvious sights, or simply prefer places that are a little away from the crowds, there are other possibilities.

One of my favourites is the Ajuda National Palace.

It doesn't receive anything close to the crowds you'll find at some of Lisbon's better-known attractions, and that is precisely part of its charm.

Another option is the Ajuda Botanical Garden.

It is a completely different experience from wandering through the historic centre and can be a good choice if you want some greenery and quiet.

And for people interested in art, culture and beautiful gardens, the Gulbenkian is another excellent alternative.

These aren't places I'd try to squeeze into an already packed itinerary.

They're alternatives.

Because eight hours is enough time to experience Lisbon properly — but not enough time to see everything. If you have longer, Portugal beyond the postcards is where I would look next.

What I would actually remember

If I had only eight hours in Lisbon, I wouldn't measure the success of my day by the number of attractions I managed to tick off.

I'd remember walking through Alfama early in the morning.

The view from Portas do Sol.

The narrow streets leading down towards the river.

The energy of Chiado.

A table full of Portuguese petiscos.

And an afternoon in Belém.

That's Lisbon.

You don't need to see everything.

You just need to spend your time in the right places.

And if you ask me what those places are, I'd rather tell you what not to waste your time on as well. If a day like this is what you are after, our private Lisbon tours and a tailor-made day follow the same thinking.