View from Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Lisbon is a city of duality. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, yet its ornate architecture is also home to ultra-modern designs. ‘The City of Seven Hills’ offers incredible landscapes to traverse, but she is also ‘The Queen of The Sea’, with beautiful river walkways and views. And for a city of just 3 million people, the Portuguese capital welcomes as many tourists again each year from all over the world to its chic and welcoming streets.
How appropriate then that two days is the perfect length of time to soak up the best of Lisbon.
Castelo de São Jorge
Start your visit by heading early to Martim Moniz Square to catch the yellow-coloured Tram 28 to Alfama District. Disembark at Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the Castelo de São Jorge. The castle is one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist sites, although, on a clear day, the sweeping view of the city, with its orange-roofed and white-washed buildings and the azure River Tejo behind, is equally inspiring.
After visiting the castle, take some time to explore the winding medieval streets. There is a huge choice of traditional eateries here if you are ready for lunch, or head towards the District of Baixa, stopping to visit the churches along the way, where there is a multitude of traditional Portuguese foods in the Baixa Market.
Convento do Carmo
Whether you choose to lunch in Baixa or not, this is a worthy district of exploration. Shopaholics can indulge their desires along Baixa’s main commercial street, while everyone else can begin exploring Lisbon’s most important historic centre. The district comprises of three main squares—Rossio, Praça da Figueira, and Terreiro do Paço—which form the shape of a triangle. Those of you with a keen eye may notice that the streets are much wider and more accommodating here than in Alfama. That’s because the district was originally destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 1755, so was rebuilt with a more modern layout.
The façade of the Confeitaria Nacional, Lisbon. Courtesy of Morgaine
As well as free walking tours in the vicinity, there are numerous museums to visit, including the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum del Fado. However, holidaymakers with a sweet tooth might prefer to try Bolo Rei (King’s Cake) or pastel de nata (custard tart) at Baixa’s oldest patisserie, Confeitaria Nacional.
One could quite easily pass the rest of the evening in Baixa, so full of delicious restaurants and entertainment in the district. Make sure to try the cherry liqueur at Ginjinha do Largo de São Domingos before taking a stroll up to view the façade of the Convento do Carmo and then taking in a Fado music performance before heading back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Holidaymakers after a livelier evening should travel to Bairro Alto District, where there is a wealth of musical restaurants, bars and clubs.
Torre de Belém
Take Tram 15 to the waterfront where you will see two of Portugal’s most impressive attractions: Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. While both are open throughout the day, we recommend heading here early to beat the crowds. You can buy a combo ticket which also includes the attached Archaeology Museum, as well as fast tickets if you would rather skip the queues.
By the time you have finished, it should be around lunchtime, and the riverfront has a range of great options to choose from.
Gare do Oriente
After lunch, it’s time to see the other side of Lisbon. After thoroughly exploring its historic past, why not take the boardwalk over the River Tejo for a glance at the future by visiting Parque das Nações. Following Lisbon being chosen to host Expo’98, all the buildings here were built with a semi-futuristic, semi-ocean theme, giving them their sleek, fascinating style. None is more innovative and pioneering than the spectacular Gare do Oriente.
Once you have explored the outdoors, head inside the Oceanário, Europe’s largest indoor aquarium. With over 16,000 animals, this is a must-do for holidaymakers with children, although there is plenty to fascinate the adults, too.
Oceanário Aquarium
To end your trip in style, those of you who didn’t visit Bairro Alto on your first night should consider booking a table at BA Wine Bar for a wide range of wines to taste and a stunning rooftop view of the city. Or indulge your Michelin-star fantasies at Jose Avillez’s Mini Bar, a classy restaurant and bar built inside the gorgeous São Luiz Theatre.
Estoril, Cascais. Source: Global Champions Tour
Something on this itinerary that isn’t for you? Fear not, Lisbon has plenty more to offer.
Tourists hoping to use their weekend getaway for a chance to soak up some sun and bathe in the warm ocean can travel a short way out of the city to Cascais. The coast has a selection of quaint towns to explore, white-sand beaches and warm, clear water to enjoy a relaxing swim.
Alternatively, stylish shoppers seeking brands might want to consider an afternoon browsing the stores along Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s most upmarket shopping boulevard.
Lisbon’s close proximity to the UK makes it the perfect destination for a weekend escape for some warm sun, delicious food and fascinating culture. Yet, despite its relatively small size, the more you explore it, the more you will discover. Forty-eight hours might be sufficient to fulfil our itinerary and get a grasp of what the city has to offer, but we suspect it won’t take long after you return home before you’ll be wanting to visit again.
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