Mini break to Lisbon- Weekend City Guide

by onceuponmytravel | Feb 13, 2020 | Blog, Europe, Portugal, Visited Places

As far as cities go, Lisbon has quickly shot to the list of top cities to visit since my first trip this January. If you’ve been to this Portuguese destination already, then you’ll understand my judgement- it’s charming streets, authentic trams, timeless architecture and delicious food gives all the reasons to love Lisbon. If you are planning on visiting Lisbon for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will hopefully give you tips not only what to explore during your first journey to the city but also why you should add it to your upcoming list of travels.

TOP THINGS TO SEE IN LISBON

DAY 1// EXPLORE LISBONS NEIGHBOURHOODS

Rise and shine early. Even in low season, tourism still exists, plus days are shorter; sleeping in isn’t an option if you want to explore most of attractions in few days.

SANTA JUSTA LIFT

The design of this 45-meter lift was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was built in 1902 to connect two neighbourhoods and save a steep climb to its residents. There is a viewing platform at the top, which can also be accessed on foot, saving you money and time queuing.

Directions: the top deck of the Santa Justa elevator can be accessed by walking on the Largo do Carmo, walking to the right of the Carmo ruins and then going past the Bellalisa Elevador restaurant.

I’ve learned this ‘visit for free’ trick from Christina (@happytowander)

VISIT LISBONS MAIN SQUARE

Praca do Comercio is Lisbon’s main square. Opposite is the Arco da Rua Augusta leading to the shopping boulevard and center of Lisbon. It is around 5 min walk from the Santa Justa elevator.

PINK STREET

Lisbon’s Pink Street is exactly what it spells like- a street painted bright pink!

Former Lisbon’s red light district is now more about nightlife and photos. It has become one of the more popular things to do in Lisbon so I advise you to pay an early visit to get an empty pink street.

TAKE PICTURES OF LISBONS CUTE TRAMS

Trams in Lisbon are one of the best ways to explore the Lisbon’s old city, its historic heritage and hilly neighbourhoods.

As well as helping visitors avoid walking up and down the hills they’re also great for pictures! My phone space was filled with photos of cute trams.

Tram 28 to Alfama is the most popular route to take. I personally found it too cramped (ever arriving early) and opted for other less popular options. But Tram ride is a must do while in town.

A single ticket to the tram costs 3 EUR

TESOURO DA SE PATRIARCAL

The Lisbon Cathedral is often called simply the Sé. It’s the oldest church in the city, built in 1147, the cathedral has survived many earthquakes and has been modified, renovated and restored several times. It is nowadays a mix of different architectural styles. 

You can also visit a next door Museum of Lisbon – Santo António. Take the chance as you climb up to the castle to discover a church devoted to the most popular saint in Lisbon. It was built on the site of his place of birth.

ALMFAMA- CUTEST LISBON NEIGHBOURHOOD

Alfama is one of the oldest districts of Lisbon. Its streets are a delightful maze of narrow cobbled paths and ancient houses. It is the best place in Lisbon to wander without agenda and find some beautiful historic buildings while doing so. 

I have to give it away that my favourite pastels de nata (custard tarts) were sampled in this region, at Pastry Santo António. I found them much lighter and creamier here than anywhere else in Lisbon, plus its duster with powdered sugar and cinnamon, my favourite combination. YUM.

To finish up this busy day, head to less known Bar Terraco De Santa Luzia for sunset filled with some amazing town views (called mirrador). Service wasn’t 10/10 but prices are very reasonable and views are to die for.

DAY 2// BELEM 

Belem is quite a busy tourist area, and the monastery and tower attract quite a line of visitors. It is advised to visit them first and early in the morning (30 min to an hour before opening time) otherwise you could be waiting in line for hours.

Tip: The Belem tower is closed every Monday.

Reward yourself with pastel de nata at the world-famous Pasteis de Belem shopafter. 

If you have an extra day in Lisbon I would highly advice making out of the city to visit Sintra.

BONUS DAY//

DAY 3// DAYTRIP TO SINTRA

Driving from Lisbon to Sintra takes less than an hour, making it a perfect day trip. Spend a day exploring the the UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Portugal filled with fairy tale castles before heading back to Lisbon.Discover Pena Palace, Moorish Castle and much more inside the huge natural park.

Take a train to Sintra early in the morning (ideally 7:40am) from central Rossio Station. Journey takes approximately 40min.

I managed to visit all the sites I wanted but had to plan day in advance to stay on a schedule.

Here are my visited places opening times and ticket prices:

Pena Palace: The most instagrammable place: 14EUR/ 9:30am-7pm

Moorish Castle: 7EU/ 9:30am-8pm

Quinta da Regaleira & the famous well: 8EU/ 10am-5:30pm

WHEN TO GO

I went to Lisbon off season, in January 2020, quite spontaneously to be honest. It’s winter time and we all know those cheeky budget airline sales. Got myself a bargain ticket from London and went solo explore this beautiful destination. This proved to be a great decision, as my hate exploring cities when scorching hot and full of tourists is increasingly growing.

I was told shoulder seasons (March-April) are good too but tickets might be slightly higher priced.

GETTING AROUND

Yes, Uber does exist in Lisbon and is fairly cheap to get around. If you’d rather take public transport, buy a reusable VivaViagem card which gives discounted fares. You can use it for trains, buses, trams and metro.

Lisbon is in a way a cobblestoned labyrinth, which makes it sometimes hard to walk uphill but if you’re like me prefer exploring cities by foot- pack comfy shoes and you won’t be left disappointed by finding most charming streets. Take public transport uphill and walk downhill.

Tip: cheapest way to travel to/from airport is by Aerobus. Return fare is 5 EUR.

WHERE TO STAY

Lisbon’s most famous neighborhoods are downtown Baixa and shopping district Chiado. There are also older parts of town- Barrio Alto and Alfama, both beautiful, busy and has great nightlife.

I decided to stay as central as possible, so I can walk everywhere (also avoid shopping on this trip).

Brown’s Central Hotel– a straightforward choice with an easy access to the city’s main sights; steps away from Rossio and Santa Justa Elevator makes it ideal to enjoy the bustle of Lisbon.

Dark and moody corridors lead to my bright and welcoming room. Stepping in through big wooden doors revealed a stylish bedroom behind: individually designed chick boutique interior, Roberts radio, Marshall amp and Nespresso coffee machine- you got my sympathy there! Not to mention you’re provided with Pillow Menu. YES you heard me right- Brown’s care about your sleepy time zzzz.

Staff was extremely friendly and knowledgable. I was welcomed with an extra love that day- a bottle of red and a freshly baked pastel de nata at the bedside table. It really made me feel special and welcomed.

My love for hotels is heavily based on the food they make. Breakfast was served buffet style in the downstairs brasserie. I enjoyed the selection of juices, hot foods and the option to feast on custard tarts in the morning (oh hello, holiday!). I did not leave disappointed and was full for rest half of the day. They also serve lunch and have a cosy Art Deco-inspired bar serving my favorite Pisco Sour.

In my opinion, Brown’s Central Hotel was a great choice. It’s a sure crowd-pleaser: a brilliant base for an easy and affordable city break.

Are You Visiting Lisbon For The First Time? Let Me Know In The Comments What You’re Most Excited To Do During Your Stay!