In the last couple of years, exuberant and vibrant Lisbon stood as the crowning jewel of Portugal, with a record-breaking 5.4 million visitors exploring its rich past and contemporary charm.
This cherished capital, awash with striking architecture and bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, is an all-year-round holiday paradise.
While the average explorer immerses themselves in Lisbon’s magic for around three days, even a two-day whirlwind tour can sufficiently capture the city’s heart.
So, prepare your day bag and enter a world where tradition meets novelty in a delightful dance.
Whether traversing the narrow alleys, scaling the steep tram routes, or soaking up the lively atmosphere, Lisbon guarantees a memorable adventure at every turn.
Places to Stay
Choosing the right place to stay is crucial when planning a trip. Selecting a central location is critical if you only have a weekend in Lisbon.
Private boutique hotels such as the Marqí Hotel are an excellent way to immerse yourself in stunning design while receiving personal service.
This hotel is steeped in 70s design influences and boasts wrought iron doors, high-end leather furniture, and a pool surrounded by carefully manicured gardens.
Alternatively, many affordable hotels like Baixa are downtown and preserve traditional Portuguese architectural styles.
Other significant areas to stay in include Alfama, Barrio Alto, Principe Real, Avenida da Liberdade, and Belem.
Local Cuisine
Lisbon is a true delight for food lovers, home to restaurants serving local, regional, national and international dishes.
BouBou’s, for example, is a family-owned outlet that offers diverse and fun (primarily vegetable-based) dishes that focus on seasonal produce and sustainability.
O Velho Eurico, meanwhile, puts its own twist on traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Cervejaria Ramiro’s menu is equally appealing, which includes mostly seafood dishes, including lobster, prawn and crab.
Other fantastic restaurants in the area include Prado, ALMA, Neighbourhood, A Taberna da Rua das Flores, and XXL.
Must-See Sights
A trip to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without admiring its spectacular sights.
There are so many that it will be impossible to see all of them in just two days.
If you’re into royal collections, head to the Ajuda National Palace and its art displays.
Since the palace has been converted into a museum, some rooms have been reused as gallery spaces for various art exhibits.
If walking tires you, catch Tram 28 to discover the city centre’s beauty.
LX Factory is a repurposed 19th-century industrial complex now serving as a shopping centre with numerous stores, restaurants, bars, and office spaces.
The MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) is a modern art museum that brings art, technology, and science together.
It includes pop art, ceramics, wood sculptures, and Portugal’s most impressive collection of contemporary art.
Other beautiful locations include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Praça do Comércio (one of the most beautiful squares in Europe), São Jorge Castle, Jéronimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and famed pastry shop, Pastéis de Belém.
Lisbon is the most popular city in Portugal and Europe’s 10th most visited country for many reasons.
The city is packed with fascinating architecture and scenery.
Its local cuisine is exquisite, with restaurants offering various menus and dishes.
You won’t have enough time to see everything Lisbon offers, but you will enjoy visiting its magnificent shopping centres and museums.
If just one weekend isn’t enough to experience all the city has to offer, why not revisit this city and stay a little longer?
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