How to Spend Your Six Hour Layover in Lisbon, Portugal

Traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, has been on my travel list for a while now. It’s even more beautiful in person and now I’m counting down the days to be back. I had the opportunity to visit Lisbon during my six hour stopover between Ghana and London. While the city is full of tourist, also likely on a layover, you’ll feel like a natural getting around with this guide. Just be sure to have your basic Portuguese phrases in your back pocket so you’re not pointing to everything you want, like I was.

Getting Around

There was no way I was going to spend all my time in the airport so I immediately went through customs with my luggage in tow. As a U.S. citizen, there was no visa fee to enter Lisbon for the day. However, my biggest concern was that I was traveling with a carry on. Fortunately, Lisbon’s airport has a baggage check where you can leave your luggage and personal items. It’s under $5 per item, as long as it’s under 22 pounds and the pricing is calculated by day.

Once that was settled, I sat in the airport for thirty minutes, charging my phone because the last thing I wanted was to use up my travel charger on my day out. Let alone in a city where I didn’t speak the language. It’s important that you have a travel adapter when going overseas, or else, you’ll be stuck trying to find out how to get charged up.

Right outside the airport are the Aero buses which you can take into the city for only $3 Euro. I purchased the 24 hour pass, and paid the driver in cash. There are machines that take cards nearby if that’s your only option. Grab a map at the bus stop to see where you’ll start your journey and let your bus driver know where you plan to get off at. I got off at Rossio Square which was in walking distance to almost everything.

Where you get off when arriving is also where you’ll wait to go back to the airport so allow yourself enough time for the ride. If you’re in a rush, there are taxis available too, good luck trying to get an uber in Lisbon.

Things to See

To start the day, I walked from Rossio to the Elevador de Santa Justa. It’s hard to miss as the lift gives you a grand view of the city and the line moves quickly. There are a number of different lifts around the city, but considering how close this was to Rossio Square, it was the one I wanted to make time for.

It cost about 5 Euros to ride and you can pay ahead of time or right on the line. It began to rain when I reached the top. But you can see a lot of Lisbon and it’s worth getting wet for. Although you go halfway up on the elevator, there are steps to lead you all the way up. They are spiral and steep so take heed when traveling with children or the elderly.

After breakfast, I walked towards the water nearby to see the Praca de Comercio. There are a ton of landmarks nearby and museums if you have more time. There also many shopping centers on the way to the Praca de Comercio and souvenir shops. I took a stroll along side the water and came across a few local artist as well.

Then, I got lost. Beware of all the steps in Lisbon and bring your walking shoes.

Where to Eat and Drink in Libson

I’d heard so much about the pastries in Lisbon, I refused to leave without one. I couldn’t remember the name of the pastry Libson is famous for at the time. Instead of asking for the Pastel de Nata, I spent a few minutes pointing and nodding to the waiter in hopes that I’d be having breakfast shortly. Luckily, the staff at Nicola understood my struggle and served me the pastel with a small coffee.

And by small coffee, I mean very small.

There are a lot of options in Rossio Square and you can pick up a Pastel de Nata at almost any of them. The pastry has a flaky texture on the outside and a bright color to it. As soon as you bite into it, your teeth will sink into the softness and the sweetness will smother your tastebuds. It may be hard to just order one, but you’re on vacation so who’s watching? Just make sure you get at least one.

Nicola, Praça Dom Pedro IV 24-25, 1200-091 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: $

Cafe Lisboa, Largo de São Carlos 23, 1200-410 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: $$

For lunch, I went to one of Chef Jose Avillez’s restaurants, Cafe Lisboa. Hands down, one of the best food experiences I’ve had while traveling. Every dish I tried was excellent and so was the service. Be careful with the Sangria for one, I could have used some help.

 

A Ginjinha Bar, Largo São Domingos 8, 1100-201 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: $

Before leaving, I made a stop for Gingha. Gingha is a Portuguese liqueur made from infusing Gingha berries in alcohol, sugar, and a few other ingredients. It was 5 o’clock somewhere and you can stop at a local bar for a taste. I visited A Ginjinha Bar. A Ginjinha Bar is said to be the original place for Gingha.

Gingha is a mix of sour and sweet. I sipped on this local favorite as I people watched.

Time was closing in on me. So, I waited at the bus stop to head back to the airport and pick up my luggage. It’s a great time for photos as the bus route takes you through another part of town with some amazing murals and street art. Have your camera ready!

I couldn’t have made this layover any better and I have Kara’s guide to thank. It definitely inspired where I spent my time and hopefully, it will inspires yours too!

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