What’s the Best Way to Spend a Weekend in Lisbon?
For those seeking a weekend of culture and fun, there’s no better destination than Lisbon, Portugal. Set on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this sprawling coastal city is bustling with history, art, energy and adventure, perfect for couples and families. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or some outdoor sightseeing and activities, there’s no lack of options in delightful Lisbon.
When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to know when the best time to go. Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate, meaning mild winters and warm summers – ideal conditions for exploring the city during late winter, fall or spring. Summertime is peak travel season, so prices will be slightly higher and the beaches might be a bit more crowded.
Once you’ve decided on the best time to visit Lisbon, it’s time to get down to the itinerary planning. Here are some of our favorite places to visit and ways to make the most of your weekend in beautiful Lisbon.
Sightseeing and Attractions in Lisbon
The capital of Portugal is home to a wealth of attractions and sights, from historical neighborhoods to world-class art museums. A great way to start your exploration is to take the traditional trams around and up the hills of Lisbon. These old-fashioned cars are great for getting between neighborhoods and attractions quickly and with style.
For those seeking the most iconic sites, a visit to Lisbon’s Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery are must-sees. The Belem Tower, built in 1515, was part of the city’s defense against invasions, and is symbolic of Portugal’s important maritime history. The Jeronimos Monastery is a stunning example of Portuguese Gothic Manueline style architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both attractions are free to visit and are a great way to start your exploration of Lisbon.
If you’re looking for interesting museums during your visit, look no further than the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the Berardo Collection Museum. The first offers an impressive display of decorative art from Ancient Egypt and Greco-Roman civilization, as well as European art from the 15th-19th centuries; the second hosts a number of modern European pieces from the 1950s up through present day.
Lisbon also offers plenty of great tours and guided excursions. If you’re interested in experiencing life like a local, consider spending an afternoon visiting some of Lisbon’s “azulejo” tile workshops – traditional workshops for hand painting tiles for décor – or sampling local cuisine with a food tour. For those feeling more adventurous, you can also try one of the popular surf spots dotting the Atlantic seashore like Guincho Beach and Carcavelos Beach.
If you’re looking to explore further afield, there are day trips that can take you out of Lisbon while staying within an afternoon’s reach. The Sintra Mountains are only 30 minutes outside of town and offer stunning hillside views along with a palace, gardens, monasteries and towns full of old-world charm.
Nightlife in Lisbon
Lisbon is known for its lively nightlife – bairros (neighborhoods) like Bairro Alto in particular are vibrant spots for bar hopping, live music venues, art galleries and nightclubs. Every night seems to bring a different kind of energy – from pre-dinner drinks to post-theater drinks. The city’s atmosphere is very laid back, so it’s easy to explore on your own from pub to pub. If you’d rather join a crowd but don’t feel like organizing one on your own, consider joining a Lisbon Pub Crawl with Free Drinks. With this tour, you’ll be able to see several popular spots while club hopping with your group. The tour takes around four hours and includes free drinks at each stop.
Food & Drink
When it comes to food and drink during your weekend in Lisbon, the options will seem endless! Whether you decide to venture into formal restaurants or try out small local spots on street corners or in alleyways, Portuguese food is full of flavor. Traditional favorites include Bacalhau (salted cod), pastel de nata (custard pastry) cozido (braised sausage dish), bolinhos de bacalhau (salt cod cakes), forno de barro chicken (clay bake chicken), amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (mussels with garlic and coriander) and pastéis de bacalhau (stuffed potato cakes). Each dish has its own unique character – from presence of spices like coriander or paprika to the types of potatoes or seafood used.
When it comes to drinks in Lisbon, there are few places with better options. The Portuguese are very passionate about their beer – as such craft beers can be found flowing on tap in coffeehouses or as part of served meals across the region. Wine drinkers will also find plenty to love with bottles from all over the country available by the glass or bottle. But if you want an authentic Portuguese experience, Vino Verde is an excellent choice. This tart, sparkly white wine serves as the country’s most popular tipple due to its light body and refreshing flavor. From mussels cooked in Vino Verde to afternoon snacks enjoyed over frosty glasses of the stuff – it’s sure to become one of your favorite pastimes on this white-sand party island!
Getting Around Lisbon
Getting around Lisbon during your weekend stay is simple thanks to the expansive public transportation network that covers almost every corner of the city. The Metro is easily accessible with trams that run up hills, funiculars that cover steep inclines and urban buses that cover most points not accessible by rail or foot. If you’re feeling adventurous or need to get somewhere further away instantly, consider renting a scooter or RideGuru bike – both are popular alternatives that offer convenience and speed when navigating the hilly terrain of downtown Lisbon. Finally, don’t forget about cabs! Taxis are another economical way of getting around town quickly and easily when distances are too far for tram or bus routes – just remember to order one online if possible so that you get an actual registered cab instead of an illegal one waiting around street corners.
Overall Recreation & Shopping
For those seeking something a little bit different from sightseeing and eating out, Lisbon has plenty of recreational activities available for tourists too. From fairs at various days in parks around town to beachfront adventures perfect for couples or groups looking for an adventure – it’s easy to find entertainment in this vibrant city.
Shoppers will also find plenty to love in Lisbon! From high-end designer goods found along Avenida da Liberdade or chic boutiques in Chiado to quaint antique shops in Alfama or vintage stores in Belem – visitors will have no shortage of options when deciding what kind of souvenirs they want to take back home or what kind of Portuguese craftsmanship they want to support during their vacation in Lisbon.
Whatever your plans are for your stay in Lisbon — whether it’s sightseeing, eating out or just relaxing — one thing is certain: It’ll be an unforgettable experience full of amazing sights and memories! With its charming atmosphere, delicious eats and unbeatable scenery on full display — Lisbon is sure to provide visitors with a perfect weekend away from home — however long you decide to stay — you won’t want it to end! And for an extra dose offun during your stay don’t forget about Lisbon Pub Crawl with Free Drinks – it’s sure to be an escapade like no other!
