Lisbon in 1 Day: everything you need to know

Lisbon is a city with lots to see and do. But you won't always be lucky enough to have several days to visit it. If you only have 24 hours to explore the Portuguese capital, don't worry. If you plan well, you can visit the most important monuments in just one day.

Lisbon is known as "the city of seven hills". The city itself grows around them. Thanks to this terrain, we have the opportunity to enjoy several panoramic views of the entire city. The best view, in my opinion, is from the Portas do Sol viewpoint. Nearby there are several terraces where you can enjoy a good breakfast while taking in the views and recharging your batteries to start the day

Another way to get to know the essentials of Lisbon is by taking a guided tour, some of which offer the best things to see and do in the city centre. Just be sure to check the times and itinerary of each tour beforehand so you don't miss anything.

Both the Portas do Sol and Santa Lucía viewpoints are located in Alfama, a neighbourhood that stretches east of Lisbon on the slopes of the hill below São Jorge Castle, and strolling through its streets is a must in the Portuguese capital. If you don't want to miss a thing, you can book a guided tour of the Alfama neighbourhood.

Delight in the architecture and admire some of its monuments, such as St. George's Castle and the National Pantheon. Unfortunately, with only 24 hours, you won't be able to stop and visit these two places and many others inside. But the exterior views and the walk are attractive enough to enjoy the area.

Of all the monuments in the Alfama district, there is one that stands out above the rest and is worth stopping to visit at a more leisurely pace. This is Lisbon Cathedral, known as the Sé Cathedral.

It is one of the oldest buildings in Lisbon, as it is one of the few that has survived the numerous earthquakes and fires that have ravaged the city throughout its history. Built in the Romanesque style, it houses the remains of Lisbon's patron saint, St. Vincent, as well as a beautiful cloister and a treasure trove of great value. It can be visited free of charge, and for an extra €2.50 you can add the cloister and the treasure to your visit.

After visiting the Cathedral, head to the historic centre of Lisbon. There is a lot to see here, but prioritise one of the city's most famous landmarks, the Santa Justa Lift. Located on the street of the same name, about 20 minutes from the Cathedral, this unique lift connects the neighbourhoods of Baixa Pombalina and Chiado. It is 45 metres high, which also allows for good views of the centre of Lisbon.

If you have time, near this point you will find the ruins of the Convento do Carmo and Praça de D. Pedro IV, two places that are worth visiting, but only if time allows. Right next door is Rua Augusta, the main artery of the Baixa neighbourhood in the heart of Lisbon. It is a long pedestrian street lined with countless shops and restaurants.

The historic Praça do Comércio is accessed through the Arco da Rua Augusta, leading to a square crowned in its centre by the equestrian statue of José I and opening directly onto the banks of the Tagus River.

Here you can climb up to the Mirador del Arco viewpoint and admire its architecture, photograph the equestrian statue of José I and visit the Cais das Colunas pier on the banks of the Tagus. This square is also a transport hub for both maritime and tram services.

If the morning has gone smoothly, you will arrive at Praça do Comércio at midday, which is the perfect time to stop for lunch. At this point, you have several options:

• Find a restaurant in the vicinity of the square.
• Take a tourist tram to the Belém neighbourhood and have lunch there.
• Take a food tour in Lisbon to discover local products and make the most of your lunch.

My advice is to first eat at a restaurant near the square to recharge your batteries and then take a tram to the Belém neighbourhood in time for dessert. The journey from Praça do Comércio to Belém takes 20 minutes and, once there, you can look for a pastry shop to try the typical Belém pastries with a coffee.

It is worth noting that Lisbon is a city with a strong gastronomic tradition. There are countless gastronomic tours in Lisbon and wine tastings that you can do throughout the Portuguese capital.

To get to the Belém neighbourhood from Praça do Comércio, just take tram line 15. The journey takes just 20 minutes. Technically, Belém is not a neighbourhood of Lisbon, but a town that has been annexed to the capital. It is therefore located about 7 kilometres from the centre, but is home to many of Lisbon's most important sights.

The Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, two of Lisbon's most representative symbols, are located in this area. This area was one of the least affected by the 1755 earthquake that severely damaged many parts of the city and, as a result, its monuments are better preserved. Its origins date back to the 16th century, coinciding with the era of the conquistadors, which greatly influenced the character of its buildings.

This building was the result of the golden age of the great explorers who brought numerous riches to the Portuguese capital and built the monastery as a sign of grandeur. Such was the investment that it took more than 100 years to build. Its façade, the interior of the church and its cloister are the highlights of this World Heritage Site since 1983.

It is not only the most visited monument in Lisbon, but also in all of Portugal, so I recommend booking your tickets in advance. It is open every day of the week except Mondays. It is a must-see if you are travelling to Lisbon.

Leaving the Jerónimos Monastery and very close to the Tagus coast is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos Monument or Monument to the Discoveries. If you want to learn more about it, don't hesitate to book a tour of the Belém neighbourhood

This spectacular 52-metre-high construction was erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator and as a tribute to all the adventurers and discoverers who marked the history of Portugal.

The ground on which the building stands is also part of the complex, as it features a world map showing the voyages and expeditions of the most famous explorers who set sail from Portugal. Located on the banks of the Tagus River, this monument is worth stopping for a few minutes to admire before heading to the last stop on our itinerary.

To end our day in Lisbon, we will visit another of the city's main symbols, the Belém Tower. Despite its apparent simplicity, this small fort was also declared a World Heritage Site. It is contemporary with the Jerónimos Monastery and was commissioned by King Manuel I to serve as a fort and lighthouse.

Although at first glance it is not particularly impressive due to its size, its charm lies in its shape and small details. It is when we look at its decoration that we appreciate the charm of the tower. If we have time, we can go inside to enjoy the views of the Tagus and the Belém neighbourhood.

To do so, don't forget to book your tickets for the Belém Tower in advance so that you can make the most of your day and your visit. This is the ideal place to end our day trip to Lisbon.

To make the most of your 24-hour visit to Lisbon, here are some tips that you may find useful:

• Much of the itinerary is on foot along cobbled and steep streets, so choosing good footwear is essential.
• Don't sleep in. In this scenario , it's best to start the day at first light. That way, the views from the viewpoints in the Alfama neighbourhood are more beautiful, and it will be easier to find a good spot on a terrace for breakfast.
• Lisbon is a city with a rich gastronomic tradition. For lunch, there are good value restaurants near Praça do Comércio, as well as in the streets between the Santa Justa Lift and Praça do Comércio. Da Prata 52 and Paludarium are two good places to eat.
• Leave room for dessert, and when you visit the Belém neighbourhood, don't miss out on trying the traditional Belém pastries. These are cream tarts that you can enjoy in any café, but the best ones are found in the vicinity of the Jerónimos Monastery.
• Among the most visited monuments in Portugal is the Jerónimos Monastery, so book your tickets in advance.
• To get from Praça do Comércio to the Belém neighbourhood, it's best to book the tram. But you can also book a cruise along the Tagus coast, which is a good option if you want to relax.