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The Portuguese capital’s coastal location and warm, sunny climate has catapulted it to the top of the European city break wishlist.
The only downside? You might have to walk up a few hills to enjoy its cafe culture, cuisine and chilled out nightlife.
To get you started, here are 22 things to do in Lisbon, which will help you make the most out of a two day trip to the city.
1. Start with the restored city centre citadel
The Castelo de S Jorge was rediscovered in the early 20th Century during archaeological excavations, and you can see the remains of a castle and royal palace.
It’s now a National Monument and a gateway to nearly a 1000 years of Lisbon history.
2. Visit the Torre de Belém
Torre de Belem © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
The Tower of Belem was built in the early part of the sixteenth century by Manuel I to protect the city from being attacked by sea.
You can still see the medieval keep as well as the more modern military adornments. The tower’s also much-photographed due to its dramatic location.
3. Go behind the scenes at some historic monasteries and convents
Jeronimos Monastery © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
The Jerónimos (or Hieronymite) Monastery, along with the Torre de Belem, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is also a National Monument – mainly due to its ambitious architecture.
It’s incredible that the Igreja e Convento do Carmo (Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) is still standing, as it survived a devastating earthquake in 1755.
This has to be one of the most enticing ruins in Europe and it’s now combined with an archaeological museum.
4. They’ve got some great niche museums to visit
The Pharmacy Museum delves deep into 5,000 years in the history of medicine.
And while a museum dedicated to tiles might not sound the most exciting – actually the Museu Nacional do Azulejo shows you some of the most beautiful examples of the famous Azulejo ceramic works in the city.
5. As well as ones dedicated to transport
Museu dos Coches © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
The National Coach Museum is near to Belem Tower and it’s filled with the Royal families ceremonial carriages.
The carriages are in good condition and it takes around 40 minutes to see them all.
The Navy Museum is also close by and showcases the countries rich seafaring history.
Belem harbour © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
6. And visit a monument to sea exploration
The 50m-high Padrão dos Descobrimentos (see above) was built to commemorate 500 years since the death of Henry the Navigator (1394-1460) – one of the greatest Portuguese sailors.
You can also get a wonderful view of the mouth of the River Tagus from here.
Random things to do in Lisbon
7. Let Santa give you a lift
The classic engineering of the Elevador de Santa Justa has made this lift a tourist attraction, as you can save your legs on climbing up to the roof of its gothic tower for a city view.
8. Grab a bargain at Fiera da Ladrea
The flea market in Alfama is the usual delightful mix of tat and artisan crafts.
If you loved the 80s – you’ll find tons of old toys and games from that era here
9. When a botanical garden meets a Bond baddies lair
Estufa Fria botanical gardens has some unusual hot and cold plant houses to explore – and its very cheap to visit (free on a Sunday).
Among the foliage are plenty of sculptures and even a bar to enjoy.
Lisbon © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
10. Take a tram
Jump aboard one of the Remodelado trams, built in the 1930s, which are the only way to negotiate the pretty route along which Tram 28 travels.
You can jump off and explore one of the local neighbourhoods, or use it as a way to get up the steep hills.
11. Visit an award-winning aquarium
The Oceanário de Lisboa’s main aquarium holds around five million litres of water and has more than a hundred species living in it.
You’ll find crowd-pleasers like penguins, otters and sharks, along with plenty of colourful fish.
Book online to get cheaper tickets (and you also won’t have to queue when you arrive).
Eating and drinking in Lisbon
12. If the weather is nice eat alfresco
Praco do Comercio © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
The main square in the city, Praça do Comércio, is a lively place with restaurants on both sides
Visit the “Old Quarter” and Alfama, a picturesque and really lively place – you can find a lot of small restaurants and terraces in that area that serve fresh seafood.
13. Listen to the local music while you dine
Places like Alfama are also the perfect spot to listen to Fado, the traditional Portuguese music – there’s usually a live band playing.
14. You mustn’t pass up on a Portuguese pastry
They’ve got a sweet tooth in the capital so you’ll find Pastel de Nata, or Portuguese custard tarts, everywhere.
The best ones are in the Belem area, and many people queue up to buy them from the place they originated.
Custart tarts © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
15. Order some Bacalhau
Bacalhau is the Portugeuse word for Cod and it is prepared in different ways throughout Portugal, but whether its smoked, cured or fresh, it’s all good stuff.
You should also try the fish cakes – Pasteis de Bacalhau.
16. Try a street food-style experience
The Timeout market, Mercado da Ribeira, is a good venue for food during the day, and also a very pleasant hangout in evening if you’re after some casual dining.
17. Have a drink with a view
While a car park might not sound like the most glamorous of locations – Park bar is a cool place to have a drink.
You’ll get a 360 degree view of the sunset in the city as you sip a cocktail.
Praca do Comercio © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
18. Or perhaps you prefer a unique interior
The Pavilhao Chines is part pub, part museum, with a good degree of junk in there too.
Have a drink and take in the sheer number of objects and art adorning the walls.
Get out of the city
19. Visit a living fairy tale
Palacio da Pena, Sintra © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
The romantic landscape of Sintra is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and can lay a strong claim to being one of the loveliest sites in Europe.
You’ve got around eight sites to visit, including Moorish castles, monasteries and old fortresses, not to mention a sprawling verdant forest (it has 500 types of trees) in the Parques se Sintra.
Getting there is easy too, as it takes around 45 minutes by train from the Restauradores Station or Oriente Station – and the train tickets are only a few euros.
It can however be expensive to visit every single site (costing more than 100€/person in total) so maybe just choose a couple if you’re on a budget.
Sintra © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
To get there you could walk up the mountain or get a bus from Sintra Station and have a glass of wine while you enjoy the view from the Palace of Pena.
Don’t forget to get a TukTuk back down – although be warned they don’t spare the speed so it can be an hair-raising experience.
20. Try and bag a birdie
Portugal has long been one of the most popular golfing destinations in the world and Europe’s “golf coast” remains a major tourist driver.
If you fancy a round, here’s a guide to some of the best courses in the area and how to book them.
21. Take a leisurely lunch by the beach
Cascais © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
Head out to the pretty coastal town of Cascais, around 30 minutes by train or car from Lisbon.
This is seafood central and the local Sole, along with Sea Bass and Sea Bream, should be top of the ordering list.
The beach is pretty good here too.
22. Then use the windy weather to your advantage
Guincho Beach is close by to Cascais and is ideal for surfing and swimming, as well as some good coastal walking – handy for working off a big lunch.
If you don’t want to get wet – you can watch the surfers and windsurfers in action.
Surfing in Estoril Sintra © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
Getting around Lisbon
If you’re planning on exploring mainly on foot you really should think about wearing trainers or sandals and save the heels for a local night out.
The only flat surface in the city is the Praça do Comércio so you’ll be up and down hills, stairs and cobbled streets on a trip here.
The Viva Viagem (like the London Oyster) card is useful if you travel by metro/tram/bus or train, as you can load it for single trips or day tickets.
Trains are very cheap to take (see days out) and you can take a metro in Lisbon from the airport as well. Taxis won’t set you back too much either.
You could also buy a Lisboa Card, which not only gives you access to public transport, but also discounts on entry to museums.
If you get lost don’t worry too much, the majority of people in Portugal speak decent English, so it’s quite easy to get directions.
Lisbon © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
When to go
The peak tourist season is during the summer, with the temperatures between June and August easily hitting an average of 30C.
It’s slightly cooler in spring and autumn, but you’ll still get plenty of sunshine, and you might find that hotels and flights are a little cheaper.
Make sure you pack the sun cream though, Lisbon is always a bit windy due to its proximity to the ocean, so you might not realise how hot it is, until you’re already a bit sunburnt.
Getting there
You can be in Lisbon in just two and a half hours from London airports. Find flights to Lisbon here.
Baixa © Turismo de Lisboa / www.visitlisboa.com
Staying there
We’ve got plenty of hotels in Lisbon to choose from.
It sometimes can be cheaper to book a city break package where you get your flight and hotel together.
What would you do on a weekend in Lisbon?
We’d love to know where your favourite places are. Tell us your top travel tips by leaving a comment below.
Images in the main supplied by Turismo de Lisboa – www.visitlisboa.com
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