Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 28, 2020
The Lisbon airport is a 30-minute metro ride from the city center. Is it worth going into Lisbon on a layover? The short answer is absolutely yes, but you have to do a little planning. Making the most of a layover in Lisbon means you’ll have to prioritize your sightseeing. Here’s 5 ways you can visit Lisbon on a tight layover.
Don’t miss these top 9 bucket list things to do in Lisbon if you have time!
Two Hours: Visit the East Side (Oriente)
By metro, the airport is three stops away from the Oriente station (less than 10 minutes). The eastern side of Lisbon, once an industrial wasteland, became the site of the Expo 1998. And although the international fair ended more than 20 years ago, that’s what a lot of the locals still call it. But officially, the name of this urban park full of contemporary architecture is Parque das Nações.
It’s a short pit stop, but there’s enough time to see the mighty Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge, Oriente Train Station (designed by Santiago Calatrava), and the Oceanarium. And take whatever extra time you have left to admire the artistic use of glazed tile (azulejo) in the metro stations on your way back to the airport.
Four Hours: Alfama Self-Guided Walking Tour
Four hours in Lisbon is a pretty decent window to explore Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhood: Alfama. Hop on the metro at the airport (red line) and switch to the blue line in São Sebastião. Where to get off the subway is up to you.
The Terreiro do Paço stop is closest to Casa dos Bicos, Campo das Cebolas, and the medieval cathedral (Sé de Lisboa). Santa Apolónia gets you closer (after an uphill walk) to the National Pantheon, Feira da Ladra (the flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays), and the street leading up to the Graça neighborhood. Check out some of the best Alfama restaurants if you have time!
Both possibilities lead you into narrow streets, colorful houses, tiled facades, and opportunities from seeing Lisbon from the top. The views are always worth the climb uphill.
Six Hours: Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa
With six hours in Lisbon, you’ll need to be strategic. It’s possible to fit in three of the city’s most famous neighborhoods: Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa. But, if you feel you’re rushing it, wake up and smell the coffee (and freshly baked pastéis de nata at Manteigaria).
You can take the metro from the airport to Restauradores (switch from the red line to the blue line in São Sebastião), take the Glória funicular up to São Pedro de Alcântara, see part of Baixa from the top, explore Bairro Alto, and walk down Rua da Atalaia towards Chiado. Shop at Rua Garrett if you have the time, or head down to Praça Restauradores to admire one of Lisbon’s most beautiful calçada portuguesa patterns.
Eight Hours: Tram Tour and a Neighborhood of Your Choice
It might not feel like it, but you could cover a lot of Lisbon in eight hours. Start with a tram tour of the historic center. Just make sure it’s not tram 28 because it’s public transportation, not a tourist attraction, no matter what your guidebook says. Locals have been struggling to reclaim access to a tram they desperately need to cross town, but that’s always packed with tourists. Spread the word! The more travelers know about this, the better.
Paid tram tours (red trams) depart from Praça do Comércio every 25 minutes starting at 9:30 a.m. Take the metro from the airport, switch to the blue line in São Sebastião, and get off at Terreiro do Paço. The refurbished trams follow a similar route as number 28, which includes Alfama, Bairro Alto and Chiado, before returning to the starting point.
From Praça do Comércio, with your back to the river (do say hi to the Tagus before leaving, though), choose to go either left (Cais do Sodré), right (Alfama), or straight ahead (Rua Augusta to Praça da Figueira, and then right to Mouraria).
Ten Hours: Riverside West Lisbon
With 10 hours in Lisbon, you can calmly make your way to Belém and back via a combination of metro and train. Take the subway to Alameda, switch to the green line, and get off at Cais do Sodré. Then take the train (Cascais Line) to Belém. It’s a super time-saving alternative that locals use all the time! Traffic to get to Belém can be chaotic, and we can’t wait to see if someone comes up with an idea for river taxis.
From the train station in Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is 10 minutes away walking distance, and Torre de Belém is 22. Yes, you can stop at Pastéis de Belém first for fuel. It’s on the way.
After admiring these masterpieces of Manueline architecture, you can choose to make your way back to the city center on foot, by bike, or by train. The bike lane is over four miles long, riverside. Walking or cycling back is a great way to see the shift from grand gardens and palaces by the river to the industrial, gritty Alcântara, and Cais do Sodré.
More Tips for a Layover in Lisbon
- Get a VivaCard when you reach the airport and top it up with cash or a 24-hour ticket. You’ll need it for the metro, train and funicular.
- As the 2020 European Green Capital, Lisbon is working hard on becoming more sustainable. Not everything will be as postcard-perfect as you imagined, but be patient. Any city is a work in progress.
- As a rule of thumb for every trip: remember that your travel destination is someone’s home.
Have a Longer Layover? Taste the Best Food in Lisbon!
If you have a longer layover in Lisbon and want to make every minute delicious, book a spot on our Ultimate Lisbon Food Tour. In about 3½ hours, this experience takes you through vibrant neighborhoods where you’ll taste local specialties and learn about Lisbon’s culinary traditions from a knowledgeable local guide. Plus, free cancellation is available if your travel plans change.
Featured Review: Ultimate Lisbon Food Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Nina was great. Very knowledgeable, with a great sense of history. In addition to seeing beautiful parts of the city, and eating great, interesting food, we learned a lot about Lisbon and it’s history. Highly recommended!”
– Ric on Tripadvisor
Visiting Lisbon on a Tight Layover FAQs
Can you leave the airport during a layover in Lisbon?
Yes, if your layover is a few hours long and you have the necessary travel documents, you can leave Humberto Delgado Airport to explore the city. Lisbon’s city center is only about 20–30 minutes away by taxi or metro, making quick visits feasible.
What’s the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center?
The fastest and most convenient options are taxi, rideshare, or the metro (red line), which connects directly to central hubs like São Sebastião and Alameda. Taxis are the quickest, while the metro is the most budget-friendly.
Is it worth visiting Lisbon on a short layover?
Yes, even a tight layover spent sightseeing in Lisbon is worth it. With great weather, compact neighborhoods, and iconic sights like the Belém Tower or Alfama, you can enjoy memorable views, a pastel de nata, or a stroll along the waterfront in just a few hours.
What should I keep in mind when planning a layover visit to Lisbon?
Always account for security and transit time. Aim to be back at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 2–3 hours for international flights. Check train/metro schedules and leave some buffer time to avoid rushing.
