Steeped in history yet buzzing with creative energy, Lisbon is a city where grand architecture meets sun-soaked charm. It is a city with different districts, each with its own distinctive charm. Baixa is the downtown hub, a blend of Neoclassical grandeur and modern energy. Chiado is a bohemian quarter brimming with theatres, bookshops and trendy cafés. For a touch of refinement, Príncipe Real has boutique shopping and quiet elegance, while Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, a maze of narrow streets winding up to the iconic Castelo de São Jorge.
Lisbon is a city blessed with sunshine nearly year-round, making it an ideal destination in almost any season. Spring and autumn both offer comfortable warmth and fewer crowds.
Stay
Valverde Lisboa Hotel & Garden
The Valverde is an oasis of calm amidst the city’s cosmopolitan buzz that we loved for its blend of contemporary design and old-world elegance. It is located a little way out of town on Avenue da Liberdade, Lisbon’s luxury shopping boulevard, close to the lush Botanical Gardens.
The interiors feature rich velvet furnishings, dark wood accents and art. The courtyard garden is a nice spot for sipping a glass of wine listening to the soothing sounds of the trickling fountain.
Shop
EmbaiXada
EmbaiXada is an innovative commercial gallery housing a collection of local artisans, designers, and creators. The palace itself is as much of a draw as the boutiques inside, its intricate arabesque tiles and grand staircases setting the stage for a luxurious shopping experience.
Dine
Alma
Alma showcases the artistry of renowned chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. Set in an elegant, minimalist space in the heart of Chiado, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant is about refined yet approachable dining.
Image: https://www.almalisboa.pt/pt
Mini Bar de José Avillez
At Mini Bar, located in the lively Chiado district, famed Portuguese chef José Avillez infuses his dishes with a dash of surprise and whimsy. He blurs the lines between fine dining and playful experimentation with small plates including edible cocktails and ‘exploding olives,’ served in a moody, glamorous setting.
Image: https://www.minibar.pt/pt/
Time Out Market
For a culinary exploration experience, we headed to Time Out Market in the riverside Cais do Sodré area. It brings together a host of chefs and food vendors under one roof. From fresh seafood to gourmet burgers, you can taste the best of Lisbon in this vibrant, bustling market.
Drink
Park Rooftop
For those in the know, getting into Park Rooftop is an unusual start to a night out! Perched atop a seemingly unassuming parking garage in Bairro Alto you have to navigate through a graffiti emblazoned car park up an elevator to the 5th floor. This hidden gem was worth the effort though, offering sweeping views over Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops. We were rewarded with a lively atmosphere, complete with trendy cocktails, funky beats and a laid-back, bohemian crowd.
SUD Lisboa
For a more glamorous drinking spot, SUD Lisboa is an elegant bar and lounge nestled along the waterfront near the MAAT museum. It has a sleek design, upscale ambiance and an infinity pool you pay to hang out at during the daytime.
Memmo Alfama
We stumbled across this charming rooftop bar at the boutique Memmo Hotel, tucked away in the historic Alfama district. We gazed out at the red rooftops and domes of Alfama while enjoying a glass of local wine.
Audrey’s Café
Nestled in the heart of Lisbon’s old town, Audrey’s Café was a good spot to grab a coffee on our walk up to the Castelo de São Jorge and indulge in a little people-watching on the pretty terrace.
Image: https://www.audreys-cafe.com
Do
Alfama (Old Town)
The Alfama district has winding streets that you walk up to toward the Castelo de São Jorge, a Moorish castle perched high above the city. From here, you get the best the views over Lisbon and the river.
Torre de Belém
Standing on the banks of the Tagus River, this 16th-century fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an emblem of Portugal’s maritime past, with intricate stonework and Moorish-inspired design.
Pastéis de Belém
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a stop at the legendary Pastéis de Belém, where you can watch the famous pastéis de nata being made by hand. These custard tarts, served warm and dusted with cinnamon, are an absolute must-try!
After this little indulgence, you are near the impressive Jerónimos Monastery (below right), which is one of the most visited sites in Lisbon. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO, the building was designed by the Portuguese architect Diogo de Boitaca to commemorate the return of Vasco da Gama from India.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology)
We discovered this striking, futuristic building whilst walking back from Torre de Belém along the riverfront. MAAT is one of Lisbon’s newest cultural landmarks. The museum’s undulating roof and sleek design make it a standout on the city’s skyline. Inside, cutting-edge exhibits explore the intersection of art, architecture and technology.
LX Factory
Housed in a former textile factory a bit out of the centre in the Alcântara district, LX Factory is a sprawling complex home to quirky boutiques, street art and an array of trendy restaurants and cafés.
Take a Tram
No visit to Lisbon is complete without hopping on one of the city’s iconic yellow trams. Tram 28 is the most famous, winding its way through narrow streets and past historic landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and the Castelo de São Jorge. The ride, which takes about 40 minutes, is a scenic and nostalgic way to explore the city’s hills and historic neighbourhoods.
Why a weekend in Lisbon?
Lisbon has a beguiling blend of ancient history and modern allure that makes for a rich and multi-faceted short break. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at a chic rooftop bar, wandering the cobblestone streets of Alfama or sampling the latest culinary trends, the city pulses with a vibrant energy that leaves you wanting to return.
