Lisbon in December? Absolutely! While the days might be shorter and the air a bit crisper, there's a unique charm to the city in winter that's the perfect backdrop for exploring.
And if you're wondering how to make the most of a single day, don't worry – I’ve got you covered with a blueprint for a day packed with culture, history, stunning views, and delicious ways to warm your soul.
We live in Lisbon and my husband (our CFO, Chief Fun Officer) planned this special itinerary that we did ourselves in December. I can tell you from personal experience that it makes for a busy but doable day out if you’re visiting Lisbon. Let’s go!
The tl;dr: on this One Day Lisbon Itinerary
Before we dive into the details, let me give you the quick tl;dr: on this Lisbon in a day December itinerary.
- Breakfast at CO-OP Layday
- Tram to Alcântara
- Tour MAD, Bernardo Museu Arte Deco
- Learn about the history of Lisbon’s Electrícos (the iconic trams) and more at Museu da Carris
- Coffee break at Torra Coffee Roasters
- Shop Lx Factory
- Public Transit to Chiado
- Visit Carmo Convent
- Sunset drinks at Noobai Rooftop
- Dinner at Boca Linda with optional shopping detour at Salted Books
Morning Fuel and Artistic Discoveries
To kick off our packed day in Lisbon, we started bright and early at CO-OP Layday in Baixa for breakfast. They open at 8 am, perfect for morning people like us!
What did we indulge in? A little bit of everything – decadent french toast piled high with cream and berries alongside a bowl of healthy porridge to keep things balanced. The cappuccinos were absolutely well-crafted, and the whole place had a laid-back vibe that suited us perfectly.
Fueled up, we took advantage of Lisbon's convenient public transport and hopped on the tram down to Alcântara. Our first stop in this vibrant area was MAD, Bernardo Museu Arte Deco. We were genuinely impressed by the variety of Art Deco furnishings and knick knacks on display. It's a beautiful collection!
And a lovely touch after the tour? We enjoyed a drop of wine and a small platter of cheese, which was a delightful way to soak it all in. Did you know MAD is associated with Portuguese wine producer Bacalhôa?.
Just a short walk away from Lisbon’s Art Deco museum, we dove into another fascinating world at the Museu da Carris. This place is dedicated to Lisbon's transport history, and we had such a fascinating time wandering through the museum exhibits.
The real highlight though, was catching the antique tram ride that takes you right to a depot filled with Portuguese trains, buses, and trams from throughout the decades. It's a unique experience that really brings history to life in the Portuguese capital!
All that exploring works up a thirst, right? Thankfully, Torra Coffee roasters, which happens to be one of my favorite Lisbon coffee shops, is located just around the corner from Museu da Carris. We popped in here for a quick pick me up before continuing our adventure.
While you're in Alcântara, places like Mirari and Lx Factory are also worth considering. Lx Factory is particularly cool with its shops and restaurants, including a spectacular bookstore.
Mirari has a different vibe and is better at night when you can grab a bite and maybe see some free music. For a daytime visit, I'd personally lean towards Lx Factory.
Afternoon History and Breathtaking Views
Next on our one day Lisbon blueprint was a journey back towards the heart of the city for a dose of history and some incredible views. We made our way to Carmo Convent. This spot is usually very popular with tourists, and during peak season, you can face long waits.
However, visiting in December, specifically on a Saturday afternoon, meant we were able to admire the ruins and the impressive historical and religious artifacts inside the museum with relatively few people around.
The convent itself is impressive, and the elevated vantage point offers stunning views of Lisbon. It's a must-see, and in December you’re guaranteed a more relaxed experience.
Chasing the Sunset and Warming Our Souls
December in Lisbon means the sun sets early. But instead of seeing that as a downside, we saw it as an opportunity! We found the perfect spot to watch the spectacle: Noobai Rooftop Bar. Securing an outdoor seat on their tiered terrace was the key.
We settled in and sipped pisco sours as we watched the sunset painting the sky over the Tejo River. The views were simply amazing, with the Ponte 25 de Abril and Cristo Rei visible in the distance.
It's moments like these that make you pause. In fact, we even spotted a painted sign on a roof near the Miradoura de Santa Catarina that just said: "Yes, Life is Good." I couldn’t agree more.
To cap off our fantastic day, we headed to Boca Linda for dinner. Located in a great spot, it also has a bonus next door – Salted Books, where you can do a little shopping for English language books before or after your meal.
Boca Linda itself is a gem of a Mexican restaurant. We ordered festive margaritas complete with colorful salted rims and flavorful tacos that didn’t skimp on the spice. It was the perfect end to the day, truly helping to warm our souls.
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Looking back, following this blueprint resulted in a packed and fulfilling day out in Lisbon!. If you're planning a December visit, consider using this itinerary to guide your own day of exploration, culture, delicious food, and soul-warming moments.
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