How To Do a Weekend in Lisbon (2023 Portugal Travel Guide)
In this blog I will share with you the perfect plan for a weekend city break in Lisbon. We will cover neighbourhoods, places to visit, food, viewpoints and more.
General Advice
Having visited both in the summer and winter, I would say mid spring or mid autumn are the best times. The city is not as busy and you have pleasant temperatures all day. The most important piece of clothing is a good pair of walking trainers. Ideally ones that have good grip. The road surfaces are uneven at best. Couple that with cobblestones and steep hills and it’s easy to slip up. Not to mention that the best way to get around Lisbon is by foot, so you will be clocking up the miles. If you don’t want to walk, then the trams are a great way to see the city whilst going from A to B.
Lisbon is very safe with Portugal in general being one of the safest countries in Europe. The only thing to watch out for is pick pockets in busy places and on public transport. If you can I suggest staying in Baixa. This is a very central location and an easy walk to all the major locations. Finally English is widely spoken and almost everywhere takes card. However bring some coins for bathrooms and some markets.
Day 1 - Alfama, Graca, Baixa, Chiado, Rossio, Principe Real, Bairro Alto
Graca
The first day will be hectic but it will be worth it. We will begin in Graca which isn’t as touristy as other places and where you will see daily local life. There is a lot to explore however make sure you pay a visit to the two viewpoints. The first one is Caracol da Graça. You get a great view of the city as well as a nice cafe where you can sit and chill. About a 10 minute walk away is another viewpoint called Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Although you can get a good sunset here, it can get incredibly busy especially in the summer. Having done both, I personally preferred it when it was quieter.
Alfama
Once you’ve done the viewpoints you can walk down into Alfama. Alfama is one of the oldest districts of Lisbon and has plenty of charm and rustic feel. As the tram lines weave through the tight streets, you can get some truly classic Lisbon views. If at this point you feel like you need a drink, I highly suggest Copenhagen Coffee in Alfama. Alfama is full of tight staircases and alleyways. Be sure to explore them to get a true sense of how the locals live. As you move further west, be sure to stop at Miradouro de Santa Luzia. One of the most beautiful viewpoints with the best atmosphere.
Baixa
From here it’s only a 10 minute walk to the Castelo de São Jorge. As well as it being a cool castle to explore, I also feel it is the best viewpoint in Lisbon. Once you’re done with the castle, don’t forget to explore all the little streets and roads just outside the castle grounds and then make your way down towards Baixa. Baixa is touristy and the very centre of the city. I would say start in the main square called Parca do Comercio and then zig zag along Baixa’s grid layout. While in Baixa make sure to check the view from Elevador de Santa Justa. Unless you really want to ride in the old lift, I suggest walking there to save on the queue. Simply head towards Carmo Convent and from there you will see a path to the very same platform.
If at this point youre hungry, then Panda Cantina will serve up an incredible Ramen. If you feel like you need a beer, I would suggest Cerveja Canil. If you want something more sweet, then Nicolau does a great French toast. However if you want something more traditional, then Manteigaria makes some of the best Pasteis de Natas.
Rossio & Principe Real
Once you’re done with Baixa, head towards Rossio Square and keep going till you reach Elevador da Gloria. Sure taking the tram is cool, but honestly it is quicker to walk up. Once you get to the top, you will arrive at Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara. Yet another fabulous viewpoint with amazing atmosphere and views. After that keep heading north till you reach Principe Real. This is a spot with mostly locals and away from mass tourism, at least for now.
Bairro Alto
After exploring this neighbourhood, you can head back south however this time you will go towards Bairro Alto. A very old district with tight streets, tall buildings and lots of character. If you have built up an appetite at this point, may I suggest grabbing some food at daTerra Restaurant. An absolutely delicious vegan buffet at a great price. From here keep heading south till you reach Palacio Valda-Azambuja. This is located at the top end of Elevador da Bica which is yet another slow hill climbing tram. Although this one I feel is nicer than the previous one in Rossio. I suggest walking down till you get all the way down to Rua de São Paulo.
From here there 4 main food options for a bigger meal. Lupita Pizzaria is incredible. Sala de Corte does an amazing steak. Honest greens for some great healthy choices. Time out market if you want even more options.
The final stop for today will be Chiado. A very nice neighbourhood with plenty of things to do and see. Aside from the main square, there are also a ton of back streets to explore. If you’ve taken your time in each location, it is coming up to the end of the day. If you’re visiting in the summer with longer days, then I suggest going down to the waterfront for sunset before calling it a day.
Day 2
Tram 28
The first day was pretty full on so of the second day, things are a little more relaxed. The day has to start early but it’s for good reason. Tram 28 is one of the best things you can do In Lisbon. Essentially this is a public tram that happens to go through the most beautiful and picturesque parts of the city. So as you can imagine it gets busy with wait times of over an hour not being uncommon. I suggest getting one of the earliest trams you can. I got one at 8am and had to let one go in order to get a seat. Get the tram from Martim Moniz, a 5 minute walk from Baixa. When on the tram I do suggest getting a window seat for the full experience. However be mindful of holding your hands or camera out of the window. In certain places it can get very tight. From here, ride the tram all the way to the very last stop. Also it doesn’t really matter which side you sit on as both offer a unique view.
When you get to the end of the line, I suggest hopping off and walking back. Not only will you see a part of Lisbon most tourists miss, but you will get to enjoy great districts like Sao Bento in more detail. Just follow the tram route and you will be fine. I suggest to go as far Chiado, drop down into São Paulo and from there follow Rua de São Paulo west all the way to Belem.
São Paulo To Belem (and back)
This is a long walk but it is totally worth it. On your way you will go through Bica, Madragoa, Pampulha and Alcantara till you eventually reach LX Factory. Here you can grab some lunch and a beer to chill out for a bit. After you’re done, keep going towards Belem. When in Belem, the first stop is Pasiteis de Belem. Argualbly the best in town. After the sugar rush, explore the Monastery of Jeronimos followed by Museu Coleção Berardo. Once you’re done, cross over the motorway and head towards Belém Tower. From Belém Tower simply follow the walkway along the river until you eventually reach Baixa just as the sun is setting. Although there are plenty of things to see along the river, I would focus most of my time on exploring the MAAT.It is a museum of art, architecture and technology however the exterior is simply stunning. Once you’re done, keep walking back towards Baixa and enjoy the sunset.
