Magical weekend in Lisbon: itinerary, good addresses
Welcome to Lisbon, the pearl of Portugal, where ancient history meets vibrant modernity to create a captivating destination. In this travel guide dedicated to the Portuguese capital , we will reveal tips from seasoned travelers to make the most of your stay.
Get ready to explore the city's most beautiful neighborhood, wander its charming cobbled streets, and immerse yourself in a unique culture.
What to do in Lisbon?
This question will find inspiring answers here, from suggestions for cultural activities to unforgettable gastronomic experiences. To complete your trip, we will share our carefully selected good addresses, inviting you to discover emblematic places as well as little-known gems.
Prepare to be enchanted by the intoxicating mix of old and new, picturesque and contemporary, that characterizes this enchanting city. Whether you are an intrepid traveler looking for adventure or a lover of relaxation, Lisbon will satisfy all your aspirations. Follow us on a journey to the heart of this Mediterranean metropolis, where every street tells a story, and every corner reveals a treasure to be discovered.
How to get to Lisbon?
The easiest way is to take the plane. There are many companies that can make the connection from France. Easy jet, volotea, Vueling, Tap Portugal or Air France.
Then take the metro, bus or uber to reach your hotel.
Getting around Lisbon?
In Lisbon, there are plenty of ways to get around the city. The best way to discover this great Portuguese city is on foot! But wear good shoes. It is nicknamed the city of 7 hills and you will quickly understand why.
You can take the metro, it is inexpensive and allows you to travel medium to long distances.
In the historic center, take the tram or the bus.
If you want to go to Sintra or Cascais , you can take a train that runs along the coast and is really nice and affordable.
There is a 24-hour UNLIMITED PASS valid on all trams, buses and metros. It costs around €7.
For a city trip of a few days Lisbon in Portugal, taking this tram is mandatory! Do not hesitate to go with your family, Lisbon with children is easy . A city on a human scale facing the Tagus. The neighborhoods are typical, the streets winding and steep. The historical monuments are interesting and easy to explain to children. The adventures of Magellan and Vasco de Gama all began here...
Discover how a weekend in Lisbon can transform your getaways into an unforgettable adventure. Lisbon awaits you, but are you ready to succumb to its irresistible charm?
We talk about it a lot and I really wanted to discover this Portuguese capital: Lisbon.
At first glance, the city seems to have suffered a violent attack, the buildings are damaged and seem completely uninhabited, fortunately their facade and their old-world charm are intact.
The city is therefore in full reconstruction and I am already looking forward to returning to see all this change. A trendy capital , it remains a first-rate cultural destination , with a well-established architectural heritage. Its fado music and azulejos create a captivating charm.
You will not come out of this experience unscathed.
Discover our good addresses in Lisbon to guide you in this captivating exploration.
Can you visit Lisbon with your family?
As for the time difference, Lisbon is simple, there is only one hour difference in summer with France. For children it is ideal, the weather is nice almost all year round . A little sunny break, less than 2 hours flight from Bordeaux, it is very tempting!Day 1: Discovering Lisbon
10H: Alfama district
Alfama embodies the vibrant heart of Lisbon, having withstood the earthquake of 1755. This district exudes a unique atmosphere. Its winding alleys create a magnificent theater and allow us to be spectators of the captivating local life. Lisbon residents from all walks of life exchange peacefully along the facades decorated with pastel-hued azulejos.
As you wander at random and with the gentle breeze that animates the laundry hanging from the windows, you will successively discover shaded squares, flowery balconies, panoramas of the Tagus, thousand-year-old churches and local grocery stores. In this medieval labyrinth, be sure to wander along the Santo Estêvão street with its belvedere, as well as the São Vicente de Fora church, the National Pantheon and the Chafariz d'El Rei Palace.
11 a.m.: Tram 28 and breathtaking view of the Tagus
The famous tram line 28 is undoubtedly the most colorful symbol of Lisbon...
A trip aboard this racing car that you'd better hold on tight to! The streets are so narrow and winding that the ride becomes a thrill ride.
So get on the yellow tram 28 and get off at the Santa Luzia viewpoint. This place is quite busy but what a beauty! The building is covered in blue azulejos, it has a romantic and flowery pergola. You will see the view from the viewpoint is to die for.
12 p.m.: Portuguese lunch at Alpendre
Sit in this small restaurant to enjoy some real good Portuguese cuisine. Here you meet a lot of locals, the dishes are served for the whole table. The products are fresh and the owner speaks French.
Don't have dessert, we'll have a quality meal for you in a few meters.
Walk towards the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maior, Lisbon's Sé. Then go down to the famous Commerce Square.
Where to eat in Lisbon? 10 best addresses for Portuguese cuisine in Lisbon
2 p.m.: Chiado district and pasteis de nata
You arrive at this historically symbolic square! The triumphal arch of Augusta Street is an incredibly beautiful building. You can go up by elevator to admire the view or take the 284 steps. The ticket is at a single price of 13€.
Passing under the triumphal arch you arrive at rue Augusta.
Nearby, discover Lisbon’s own pastry shop, Manteigaria , renowned for making the most exquisite pasteis de nata in Lisbon. These puff pastry delights have become iconic in Portuguese gastronomy, and Manteigaria’s are simply irresistible: warm, soft, perfectly flaky, and with a delicate touch of cinnamon. Sit outside with a coffee.
Take a stroll around the neighborhood, then join the Bica funicular .
4 p.m.: Bica and Cais do Sodré unicular railway
How to get to the Bica lift?
The Ascensor da Bica is an emblematic funicular in Lisbon, connecting the Bica district (at the foot of Bairro Alto) to that of Cais do Sodré. You've certainly seen it before, since it's one of the most photographed things in the Portuguese capital.
This yellow funicular was inaugurated on June 28, 1892. At the time it operated with a water counterweight system. This Bica elevator is classified as a national monument. It is the most popular in Lisbon . It is very small since it only has one 23-passenger train. It allows you to travel 283 meters, which is not much you might say... But the slope will quickly dissuade you and you will climb aboard this Portuguese emblem.
The ticket is €3.70 for a return trip. It's super expensive but it's a typical and unusual activity .
Get lost in the streets of the Cais do Sodré neighborhood. Walk to the Dom Luis. It is distinguished by its red kiosk and its huge palm trees.
6 p.m.: Ribeira Market
The Mercado da Ribeira is made up of halls, a covered market that has been modified and to which the Time Out Market has been added.
It is a food court with multiple restaurants lining the market and large tables in the center where you can come and eat.
The atmosphere is friendly around its long tables that we share. The idea is to pick from all the restaurateurs present a little bit of their specialties and to get together to share them.
10:00 p.m.: Barrio Alto
In the evening, head to Bairro Alto, a lively district of the city popular with night owls, all in a festive and friendly atmosphere. The idea? Explore the bars along Rua da Atalaia and Rua da Rosa, while sipping a drink in the narrow streets of this district.
WHERE TO GO OUT IN LISBON?
Day 2: The magic continues on your second day in Lisbon!
10 a.m. – Immersion at the LX Factory and brunch
This morning, set off to explore the LX Factory, a former industrial site completely rehabilitated in 2008 to become a creative, artistic and cultural hub.
From the center, take a bus to the LX factory. We took the 15E bus for 2€ and got off at the Algés stop. The entrance to the LX factory is 100 meters on the left.
The street art atmosphere is striking, there are of course many frescoes on the walls.
11 a.m.: Have brunch at Brigadeirando.
Treat yourself to homemade treats, hearty toasts and lovely breakfast platters to share, before setting off to explore the Belem district.
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Take the time to stroll around the site. You will find pretty vintage shops, restaurants, an axe throwing stand and many more unusual places... A favorite is the Ler Devangar bookstore. Here you can sit down to read a book or buy one, but you can also simply go in to admire the place.
2 p.m. - Walk in Belem
Take a bus from the LX factory, heading towards Belém. Get off in front of the Jerónimos Monastery.
Walk 5 minutes to buy the famous pasteis de Belem . The ancestral pastry is to the right of the monastery when you face it. There is often a queue but it is quick and well worth a look.
The Belem district offers a pleasant interlude for a stroll. It is home to the Jerónimos Monastery , dating from the 16th century. This monument is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be visited but remember to buy skip-the-line tickets, because the wait can be long. Inside, there are beautiful gardens, a nave, its cloister and its ornaments are absolutely sumptuous.
Nearby, we also find the largest modern art museum in Portugal: the Berardo Museum. It brings together beautiful works from the 20th century created by Duchamp, Warhol, Dalí, Bacon, etc. This museum is part of the Belém Cultural Center and is free on Saturdays. It is a fairly quick visit.
4 p.m.: Belem Tower
Explore the banks of the Tagus River to admire the Monument to the Discoveries, an imposing stone sculpture dedicated to Portuguese explorers. Continue your walk to quickly reach the famous Belém Tower. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is richly decorated with religious and national symbols, testifying to Portugal's historical links with the East and Africa. Note that the entrance ticket for the climb is set at €6.
7 p.m.: Dinner on the terrace and sunset
Cross the Tagus to dine on a terrace by the water at Ponto Final. You will have a breathtaking view of Lisbon from the other bank. Here, no reservations are required, the dishes are from Portuguese cuisine. The large yellow and white gingham tablecloths contrast perfectly with the blue of the sky.
Take the boat back to Lisbon's commercial square.
And if your Lisbon escapade extended further... consider these new avenues of discovery:
Climb to the top of CHRIST KING
Enjoy a drink at sunset in the LOST IN ESPLANADA bar
Randomly choose one of the restaurants in the pretty RUA VERDE
Sip a drink at the LAS DOCAS marina
Have fun in the evening on the street of RUA DO ALECRIM
Take in the view from CAFÉ DA GARAGEM
Visit the incredible palaces of SINTRA
Take the train and go see the sea in CASCAIS
Visit PORTO
