Spending a Long Weekend in Lisbon – A Quick Guide

More and more people are traveling on a weekend as doing so means having a quick escape from the demands and pressures of the daily grind. In Europe, one of the in-demand weekend destination is Lisbon, the capital, largest and arguably the most-loved city of Portugal.  Named as one of Europe’s best capitals, Lisbon has an increasing number of weekend travelers courtesy of its impressive attractions, tourist-friendly amenities, welcoming locals, impeccable weather, and interesting features in general. The increasing number of low-cost airlines and budgeted airfares are huge factors as well. So how exactly a Lisbon weekend visit goes? Below is a quick guide on how to spend the best weekend in the capital of Portugal.

  • Arrival: Transfer from the airport to the main city is relatively easy as all modes of transportation are present to connect arriving tourists to their destinations. It is advisable to stay in a hotel close to the downtown or near a metro station for an easy hop-on, hop-off when touring the city.
  • Where to stay: One of the best bets of Lisbon when it comes to an unforgettable stay in the Barrio Alto Hotel located at, as the name suggests, Barrio Alto. The sixth level has the best views of the city, and its minimalist style makes it a favorite of young and cool travelers.

  • Nightlife: Romantic and intimate restaurants are found along the Rossio Square, while the trendy and upbeat ones are lined-up along the Barrio Alto strip. If the night is to be spent exploring the wide range of the city’s local cuisine, the restaurants in the northern Baxia are worth trying out.

  • Souvenirs: Going to Lisbon is not complete without bringing home some of the city’s arts and crafts specially hand-made by the city’s artisan. At A Arte Da Terra, there are unique and specialized pieces such as embroidered table runners and leather products. Meanwhile, Lisbon’s version of luxurious wool is found in CHI Curacao.
  • High-end shopping: The commercial zones of Lisbon are located in Chiado and Baixa where tourists enjoy hopping from pop-up shops to high-end malls.  Baixa is considered the heart and soul of Lisbon when it comes to shopping and dining, grand squares, and magnificent avenues.
  • Significant sights: For the city’s historical sites, there’s Alfama where Lisbon Castle, Saint Anthony’s Church, and Se Cathedral are located. There is also a big weekend flea market in Alfama which is also a tourist-magnet. Belem, on the other hand, is regarded as Lisbon’s most tourist-friendly destination where open-air parks, intricately-landscaped gardens, and wealthy residences dominate the scene. While in Alfama, it pays to visit Jeronimos Monastery, the city’s most extravagant religious site.

Lisbon is where Latin fairytale, old-fashioned lifestyle, and colorful traditions still live on. With so many places to see and things to do in this vibrant city, a weekend stay is more than enough to take away the blues and demands of the busy urban life.