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 discover the Portuguese capital, don't worry. If you organise yourself 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 can enjoy several panoramic views of the entire city. In my opinion, the best view is from the Portas do Sol viewpoint. Nearby there are several terraces where you can have a good breakfast while enjoying the views and recharging your batteries to start the day

Another way to discover 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 bear in mind the times and check the route 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 views from outside 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 well worth taking the time to visit. 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, Saint 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.

Take the Santa Justa Elevator and discover Rua Augusta

After visiting the Cathedral, head to Lisbon's historic centre. There is a lot to see here, but make sure you visit one of the city's most famous landmarks, the Santa Justa Elevator. Located on the street of the same name, about 20 minutes from the Cathedral, this unique elevator connects the Baixa Pombalina and Chiado neighbourhoods. It is 45 metres high, offering great views of the centre of Lisbon.

If you have time, near this spot you will find the ruins of the Convento do Carmo and the Praça do 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 district 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 the 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 sea 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 area around the square.
• Take a tourist tram to the Belém neighbourhood and eat 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 food 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 rather a town that was annexed to the capital. This is why it is located about 7 kilometres from the centre, but it is home to many of Lisbon's most important sights.

The Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, two of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks, 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 born out 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 over 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 the whole 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 the 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 map of the world 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 well worth stopping to admire for a few minutes before moving on to the last stop on our itinerary.

To finish off 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 built by order of King Manuel I to serve as a fort and lighthouse.

Although it is not particularly impressive at first glance 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.

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 setting, 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 you'll have less trouble finding a good spot on a terrace for breakfast.
• Lisbon is a city with a rich gastronomic tradition. For lunch near Praça do Comércio, there are some good value restaurants, also in the streets between the Santa Justa Elevator and Praça do Comércio. Da Prata 52 and Paludarium are two good places to try.
• Leave room for dessert and when you visit the Belém neighbourhood, don't miss the traditional Belém pastries. These are cream tartlets that you can enjoy in any café, but the best ones are found in the vicinity of the Jerónimos Monastery.
• One of 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.