Lisbon in Two Hours: A Chill Walk Through Hills, History & Cherry Shots
We spent two days in Lisbon as part of a coach trip - the perfect mix of guided exploration and free-roaming discovery. One highlight was this brilliant 2-hour guided walk through Lisbon’s historic heart, starting from Rossio Square. It’s a neat loop packed with jaw-dropping views, ancient neighbourhoods, and local gems - exactly the kind of route you want to do when you only have a short window to fall in love with the city.
Later that same afternoon, we wandered around the vibrant districts of Chiado and Bairro Alto, soaking in Lisbon’s bohemian spirit, before making a quick dash to Belém for some iconic custard tarts and riverside charm.
🏁 Start: Rossio Square (00:00–00:10)
Welcome to Lisbon’s bustling heart: Rossio Square. Watch locals and tourists weave around the baroque fountains, admire the iconic wave-patterned cobblestones, and maybe dodge a few confident pigeons.
Known officially as Praça Dom Pedro IV, Rossio has been Lisbon’s main square since the Middle Ages. It’s witnessed everything from royal celebrations and bullfights to revolutions and public executions. The wave-patterned cobblestones? A signature Portuguese design called “calçada portuguesa,” crafted to mimic the sea - apt for a city by the Atlantic.
This is your launchpad for the day - and later, the finish line, with a sweet twist.
🛗 Escalator Shortcut to Graça (00:10–00:20)
Lisbon hills? No sweat. Take the urban escalators and elevators hidden near Rua dos Fanqueiros and Martim Moniz to effortlessly glide uphill. If you want to see more, you can weave through the little streets going up to Graça.
No sweaty pilgrimages here - just smooth ascents and the promise of breathtaking views ahead.
🏞️ Stop 1: Miradouro da Graça + Igreja da Graça (00:20–00:35)
At the top, Lisbon unfolds like a terracotta quilt. There was a market when we got there and also a cafe if you want to sip a coffee while breathe in the panoramic cityscape — castle, rooftops, and shimmering Tagus river all in one shot.
The Miradouro da Graça offers views overlooking the São Jorge Castle, a Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century, later taken by the Portuguese in the 12th century. Igreja da Graça itself was founded in the 13th century by Queen Elizabeth of Portugal and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. The blue-and-white azulejos inside tell stories of saints and miracles that shaped Lisbon’s religious tapestry.
We popped inside Igreja da Graça to marvel at blue-and-white azulejos telling stories about Lisbon and Portugal.
👁️ Stop 2: Miradouro das Portas do Sol (00:35–00:45)
Just a short stroll downhill, and you hit one of Lisbon’s most famous viewpoints. The sea of red rooftops tumbling toward the river will steal your breath and make your camera scream for mercy.
Named after the city gate (Porta do Sol) that once stood here, this viewpoint sits near the walls of the Moorish castle district. It overlooks Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, which was home to the city’s fishermen and workers for centuries. The view captures centuries of layered history, from Roman times through the Reconquista.
Crowded? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
🌺 Stop 3: Miradouro de Santa Luzia (00:45–00:55)
A few steps away, Santa Luzia offers a calmer, flower-draped terrace covered in historic tile murals.
This terrace is decorated with azulejos depicting Lisbon before and after the 1755 earthquake—a disaster that nearly flattened the city and shaped much of its modern architecture. The area around Santa Luzia has been a key vantage point since medieval times, watching over the Tagus River and the city’s revival.
Perfect for a quiet moment or your next best selfie without the selfie-stick stampede.
⛪ Stop 4: Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) + Tram 28 Corner (00:55–01:10)
Just a short walk downhill brings you to Lisbon’s Cathedral, a hulking 12th-century fortress-church that looks like it could withstand a siege and probably has. We caught it just after a mass, with people pouring out. Out of respect, we skipped taking the photos.
The Sé is Lisbon’s oldest church, built in the 12th century shortly after the city’s reconquest. Its fortress-like appearance reflects a time when churches doubled as places of refuge during invasions. Tram 28, meanwhile, is not just a transport line but a moving museum of Lisbon’s hills and historic quarters, connecting you to the city’s past on rattling wheels.
Around the corner? That classic Tram 28 photo-op as it squeezes past in that narrow street. It’s cliché. It’s perfect.
🛍️ Stop 5: Rua Augusta → Arco da Rua Augusta (01:10–01:30)
From the cathedral, make your way to Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s polished pedestrian shopping strip. It leads straight to the Arco da Rua Augusta, a massive triumphal arch just begging for dramatic slow-mo walk-throughs. Very “main character” energy.
Rua Augusta was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake as part of the grand Pombaline reconstruction plan—a pioneering example of earthquake-resistant architecture. The Arco da Rua Augusta, completed in 1873, celebrates Lisbon’s rebirth with statues of famous explorers and historical figures, symbolizing Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
🌊 Stop 6: Praça do Comércio (01:30–01:50)
The vast riverside Praça do Comércio invites you to pause and soak in Lisbon’s maritime glory. Trams glide past, the Tagus sparkles, and history whispers from every stone.
Once the site of the royal Ribeira Palace, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, Praça do Comércio was rebuilt as a majestic riverside square and became the hub of Portuguese commerce and politics. Its grand arcades and statues reflect Lisbon’s role as a gateway between Europe and the world during the age of exploration.
🏗️ Bonus Stop: Santa Justa Lift (01:50–01:55)
Before heading back uphill, swing past the Santa Justa Lift — Lisbon’s iron-laced steampunk elevator. Even if you don’t ride, it’s a fantastic photo op and a striking contrast to the open squares.
Built in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, this wrought-iron lift was designed to connect the lower streets of Baixa with the higher Carmo district. It’s a beautiful example of early 20th-century engineering and Art Nouveau style, offering stunning views from its platform.
🥃 Final Stretch: Return to Rossio & Ginjinha do Carmo (01:55–02:10)
A leisurely stroll up Rua do Carmo or Rua dos Fanqueiros brings you full circle to Rossio Square.
This small but mighty cherry liquor has been a Portuguese favorite since the early 19th century. Ginjinha bars, often tiny and tucked into old neighbourhoods, carry on a tradition of socialising over this sweet, slightly tart drink — a true taste of Lisbon’s local culture and hospitality.
Here, reward yourself with a shot of ginginha at Ginjinha do Carmo — the famous tiny bar known for serving this potent Portuguese cherry liqueur in chocolate cups. Sip the liqueur, then nibble the cup itself — a sweet, boozy Lisbon tradition that perfectly caps off your walk. Cheers to conquering Lisbon’s hills, views, and history — all in just two hours.
📸 Best Selfie Spots on the Walk
If you’re anything like me, a killer selfie is non-negotiable — and Lisbon’s got the goods. Here’s where to aim your camera for that perfect shot:
Miradouro da Graça: That panoramic terrace is selfie heaven. Get the cityscape, the castle, and the river in one frame — bonus points if you grab a coffee to pose with.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol: The classic red rooftops cascading toward the Tagus River make an epic backdrop. Heads up, it gets crowded, so early bird gets the best angle.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Framed by bougainvillea and azulejo murals, this spot feels like a secret garden—soft light and colorful tiles make for dreamy selfies.
Tram 28 Corner (near Sé Cathedral): Nothing screams Lisbon more than that famous tram squeezed into a narrow street. Time your snap just right and catch the tram mid-turn for instant street cred.
Arco da Rua Augusta: Frame yourself in the majestic archway for a regal shot with a view of the bustling Rua Augusta behind you.
Pro tip: Early mornings or late afternoons give you the best natural light and fewer crowds.
💡 Pro Tips for Your Lisbon Walk
Wear comfy shoes. Lisbon’s cobbles are charming but brutal on your feet.
Start early. Beat the cruise ship crowds at viewpoints like Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia.
Bring water. Hills mean effort, effort means thirst.
Mind your belongings. Alfama and Baixa are safe but keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially on Tram 28.
Stop for a pastel de nata. If you see a bakery, do not walk past without indulging.
Take your time. This walk is about soaking in the atmosphere — get lost, explore side alleys, and enjoy.
🏰 More to See If You Have a Full Day in Alfama
If you want to linger longer and explore deeper, add these gems to your itinerary:
National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional): Stunning baroque architecture with panoramic views.
Casa dos Bicos: A quirky 16th-century mansion with a spiky façade and a contemporary art gallery.
Fado Museum (Museu do Fado): Dive into Lisbon’s soulful traditional music.
Castelo de São Jorge: The ancient castle overlooking Alfama, perfect for history buffs and breathtaking vistas.
💭 Final Thoughts
If you only have two hours in Lisbon, this walk is your best bet. It’s the perfect crash course: breathtaking hilltop views, historic neighborhoods, bustling squares, and local flavor — all stitched together with a secret escalator shortcut and topped off with a proper Portuguese cherry liqueur shot.
It’s Lisbon in a nutshell: beautiful, slightly chaotic, historic, and utterly unforgettable.
We only had two days in Lisbon as part of a coach trip, and this 2-hour guided walk was the perfect way to kick things off. Later that afternoon, we wandered the buzzing neighborhoods of Chiado and Bairro Alto before making a quick stop in Belém for some legendary pastéis de nata.
Lisbon isn’t just a city you see — it’s one you feel. And this walk? It’s a brilliant shortcut to feeling it fast.
