How to Spend a Layover in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the colorful coastal capital city of Portugal. It’s defined by its cobbled streets and beautifully painted buildings, all snugged amid seven imposing hills.

If you’re into postcard-worthy scenery, gritty Gothic architecture, and old-world charm, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit the Portuguese capital. Here’s how to spend a layover in Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

The Top Things to Do On a Layover In Lisbon

Getting around Lisbon

Lisbon’s airport is just north of the city center, which makes it easily accessible for layovers. Many layovers in Lisbon are between 6-10 hours, the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s top sights.

Unlike some of the other major cities I’ve visited on layovers (i.e. Istanbul), getting around Lisbon is a breeze. Many of the sights in this article are within walking distance, so bring your good sneakers, and let’s explore the colorful streets of Lisbon. 

Depending on how much time you have and how much money you’re willing to spend, here are the best public transportation options.

Planning Your Layover in Lisbon

If you’re flying to Lisbon from the US or Canada, you’ll likely be arriving sometime in the morning. My flight arrived at 5:45 a.m., just in time to catch the sunrise. The best sunrise spots also happen to be the most beautiful sights in the city, which are all highlighted below. In no particular order, here are some of the top things and places you can’t miss during a 6-10-hour layover in Lisbon.

Belém Tower

Built in the 1500s, Belém Tower is one of the most iconic sights in Lisbon. This fortification proudly watches over the Tagus River, originally intended to defend the city before becoming the lighthouse and customs house it is today.

On a cloudy day, Belém Tower looks even more dramatic and breathtaking. Add to that a cool sea breeze and a sunrise or sunset, and you’ve found yourself a dazzling spot to spend part of your layover in Lisbon.

Belém Tower showcases many architectural elements—including Mudejar, Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque—a symbol of Lisbon’s multifaceted history. Near the tower is one of the city’s most famous bakeries, Pastéis de Belém, where you can enjoy some signature Portuguese pastries.

Try the Pastéis de Nata

When visiting Lisbon on a layover, you need to indulge in the local cuisine. Lisbon is known for many amazing foods, but none are sweeter and more sought-after than pastéis de nata, a Portuguese custard tart made from egg and cinnamon.

This delicacy—along with lots of other tarts and breads—can be found at Pastéis de Belém, but you can also find pastéis de nata in pretty much every café across the city. They typically go for €1 a pop, so I bought about 5 or 6 during my short stopover in Lisbon. Don’t judge!

Ascensor da Bica

A layover in Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Ascensor da Bica, a bright yellow funicular set on a narrow and steep passage. After all, you can’t spell funicular without “fun!” It’s one of the most Instagrammed sights in the city, and for good reason.

The Ascensor da Bica dates to the late 19th century and offers a glimpse of Lisbon’s colorful character and charm. There’s usually a long line to hop on, so if you don’t have time, your best bet is to walk along the tracks toward the Bairro Alto quarter. From there, you’ll have an incredible view of the funicular and vibrant cityscape below. 

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Since Lisbon was built on seven hills, you’re bound to stumble into at least one of them during your visit. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is my favorite Miradouro (lookout point) in the city.

There’s a cozy outdoor terrace here with sweeping views of the Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, as well as the river and orange-cladded rooftops below.

Tram 28

Just next to this lookout point, you can hop aboard Tram 28, the most historic and iconic tram in Lisbon. This old, rattling tram is great for people-watching and snapping photos of the palaces, churches, and alleyways that you pass by.

If the lines are too long (they probably will be), you can still watch the tram as it moves up and down the city’s narrow, winding streets. Spotted in nearly every tourism brochure, it’s such a photogenic sight.

Lisbon Cathedral

Built in 1147 AD, the Lisbon Cathedral—also known as the Sé— is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. Its main draws are the nave and sanctuary inside, but the exterior is also incredibly unique.

With two clock towers and a sturdy Gothic façade, it resembles a fortress more than a church. As far as European cathedrals go, Lisbon’s is on the austere side. Still, it’s beautiful and has impressively withstood multiple earthquakes in its 800+ year history.

Bairro Alto 

Dating back to the 1500s, the Bairro Alto is one of the coolest quarters in Lisbon. It has a bohemian feel to it with its street art, bars, and restaurants. 

If your layover is during the day, stop by for a bite to eat or to peruse its trendy shops. During the evening, check out this neighborhood’s hip nightlife.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Translating to Our Lady of the Hill, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is another scenic viewpoint in Lisbon. From this beautiful hillside setting, soak in the panoramic views over the city’s old quarters.

From here, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge’s doppelgänger, the Ponte 25 de Abril. This bridge – paired with the surrounding hills – reminds me a lot of San Francisco.

If you Have a Longer Layover in Lisbon

Considering the time it takes to get into the city and that you have to be back at the airport two hours before your connecting flight, you’ll likely only have time for the above sights. If you have a longer layover in Lisbon and want to cover more ground, here are some other things you should do.

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George’s Castle)

Inhabited since at least the 8^th century, St. George’s Castle stands atop one of Lisbon’s tallest hills. Unfortunately, I ran out of time to visit here, but seeing it from a distance from one of the miradouros is also very special.

Rossio Square

This is the liveliest square in the city. It’s a great place for shopping, eating, and people-watching. I grabbed a bite to eat here before taking the nearby metro back to the airport.

Sintra

This resort town is about 30 minutes from Lisbon by car. If you have a short layover, you won’t have time to go there.

However, if you’ve visited Lisbon before or have some extra time, consider a brief visit to this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pena National Palace is a must-see, although you need to book timed entry tickets in advance. Check for times here. Read these fun things to do in Sintra

Other Miradouros in Lisbon

Three other lookout points worth noting are Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, and Miradouro da Graça.

Last thoughts on having a long layover in Lisbon

Given that Lisbon is fairly small and compact, it’s the perfect place to spend a layover. 

I think 8-10 hours is plenty if you want to catch a glimpse of these top places. But obviously, the more time you have, the better!

As you crisscross the suggested sights above, you’ll find lots of other treasures throughout the neighborhoods of Lisbon. This list merely covers the highlights.

I recently explored Lisbon as part of a 10-hour layover with TAP Air Portugal. There were lots of stopover options available for my flight route, but I chose Lisbon because of how vibrant and lively it is. It didn’t disappoint!

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