A perfect weekend in Lisbon

Did you come on a business trip and decided to stay a bit longer? Now that you are done with business, it’s time to relax and enjoy our lovely city!

We prepared a guide for a full and immersive 2-day trip to Lisbon.

Day 1

Let’s start with Príncipe Real – Rua da Escola Politécnica, one of the noble parts of the city. Here you’ll find so many good restaurants and cool concept stores that you’ll have a tough time choosing only one to go in. Make sure you spend your time getting into the nooks – small streets with amazing views to the river – rio Tejo – and in genuine Lisbon corners that will certainly make your day.

At the end of this street you have São Pedro de Alcântara’s viewpoint, one of the greatest views of Lisbon and one of the seven hills of the city. On the other side of the city, on the peak, search for Castelo de São Jorge, the castle that guards Lisbon since I a.C.

Now you are in Bairro Alto, an old and picturesque neighbourhood. Go down to Luís de Camões’ square, a central square that praises a well-known poet from the 16th century. “Os Lusiadas” is his most recognised literary work that describes the Portuguese journey to India through the seas by the navigator Vasco da Gama, glorifying the Portuguese people.

Stop for a coffee at “A Brasileira”, in Chiado, an emblematic coffee shop known for frequently hosting literary, artsy and intellectual gatherings attended by the poet society of the 20th century. Fernando Pessoa, one of the most famous writers of his time, was such a regular at the Brasileira that his statue still sits on the terrace.

Passing by the streets of Chiado, you can ride the elevator of Santa Justa to the top. But here’s an insider tip: don’t wait in line at the bottom and take the entrance by Rua do Carmo that takes you straight to its viewpoint. Then, in Baixa (downtown) you’ll have the opportunity to hear and see many street art performers. Stroll by Rua Augusta to the very end where you’ll find Rua Augusta’s arch, a colossal arch that frames D. José I’s statue, first equestrian statue held in Portugal, and the river.

All this area was reconstructed by Marquês de Pombal a Portuguese diplomat that abolished slavery in Portugal and managed the city’s reconstruction process after the earthquake of 1755, which generated a tsunami and then a fire, destroying most of the city.

Now take a walk to Ribeira das Naus and relax while appreciating the sunset and the amazing view of the river. Are you hungry? Cais Sodré is the place to be at night. Choose a restaurant to have dinner (we recommend Pap’açorda which is a Portuguese food restaurant in Mercado da Ribeira) and then go to Rua Cor de Rosa – The Pink Street. This street is very busy at night, full of people and fun bars to dance the night away. If you’re a disco person, go to Lux where you can meet many people from different countries. Lux is the most recognised Portuguese club where everybody goes Friday and Saturday nights.

Day 2

Up for another day?

Let’s start the day with a great brunch in LX factory. It’s an old factory complex in Alcântara that was turned into a creative and fascinating area with co-working spaces, cafes, bars, stores and also a library. Take your time to know all the cool places. It’s a really dynamic complex!

Then catch 15e, the tram for Belém. Probably you already know Pastéis de Belém, but have you tried them? Take some to go and continue walking through the endless gardens. You’ll find Mosteiro dos Jerónimos which is part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage, as Torre de Belém is. If you have time, visit these two monuments, part of Portugal’s history. Or, if you only see them from the outside, please make sure you check the details, a mix between gothic and plateresque styles that is “Estilo Manuelino” architecture.

Now go to Prazeres cemetery to go to St. Jorge’s castle by 28 tram. During your trip you’ll pass by Jardim da Estrela, a beautiful garden in front of Basílica da Estrela, the Portuguese Parliament, Luís de Camões Square, Baixa-Chiado and Lisbon’s Cathedral (Sé), which has one of the most beautiful rose windows. Make sure you exit on Castelo de São Jorge to get to know this castle. Then walk by Alfama, go to Portas do Sol, another amazing viewpoint of Lisbon. Are you tired? Choose a traditional restaurant with Live Fado and good Portuguese wine.