Weekend in Lisbon: visit Lisbon in 2, 3 or 4 days
Lisbon, the Portuguese capital on the banks of the River Tagus, captivates visitors with its unique blend of history, culture and authentic atmosphere. This city of seven hills offers an unforgettable experience, whether you have 2, 3 or 4 days to explore it. With its picturesque neighbourhoods, emblematic monuments and tasty cuisine, a weekend in Lisbon promises some exceptional discoveries.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
DownloadDownload the audio-guided tour to discover Lisbon on foot and on your own
To make the most of your visit to Lisbon, we recommend our comprehensive audio tour, which will take you through 25 of the Portuguese capital’s key places of interest. This 7-kilometre tour, which takes 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete, takes you through the emblematic districts of Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto, while telling you all about the fascinating history of this thousand-year-old city.
1. Planning your arrival in Lisbon
Organising your weekend in Lisbon starts as soon as you arrive. From Humberto Delgado airport, there are several options for getting to the city centre. The metro (red line) is the cheapest option, costing €1.45, while the AeroBus Express 91 offers more comfort for €2. For a more practical approach, taxis and VTC services are available, costing around €10-15 depending on your destination.
We strongly recommend that you buy the Lisboa Card as soon as you arrive. This tourist card gives you unlimited free access to public transport (metro, bus, tram and funicular) and includes free entry to over 50 museums and monuments. Available in 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour versions, it’s an excellent investment for your weekend in Lisbon.
See also the Lisbon guide:
- Lisbon’s culinary specialities
- Discover the Belém district in Lisbon
- Visit Sintra near Lisbon
- Activities in and around Lisbon
- Lisbon Hotel Guide
- Visit Saint George’s Castle in Lisbon
2. Lisbon in 2 days: the essentials
Day 1: The historic heart of Lisbon
Your first weekend day in Lisbon starts ideally with a visit to the Baixa district. Start with the majestic Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço, 1100-038 Lisboa, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 25,000 reviews), one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. This esplanade facing the Tagus, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755, is impressive for its size and the Triumphal Arch that marks the entrance to rue Augusta.
Continue your exploration up Rue Augusta, the pedestrian and shopping thoroughfare of the historic centre. This walk naturally leads you to the emblematic Santa Justa Lift (R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 18,000 reviews). This neo-Gothic lift from the early 20th century offers exceptional panoramic views over the city and is an original way to reach the Chiado district.
In the afternoon, discover the picturesqueAlfama district with theNavaway itinerary. This maze of cobbled streets, a former fishing district, is home to Lisbon Cathedral (Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 12,000 reviews) and offers magnificent views from the belvederes das Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia. Round off your first day with a visit to Saint George’s Castle (R. de Santa Cruz, 1100-129 Lisboa, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 35,000 reviews) to admire the sunset over the Portuguese capital.
Second day: between tradition and modernity
Your second day in Lisbon begins with an exploration of the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts. These two complementary districts offer the perfect balance of shopping, culture and nightlife. The elegant, middle-class Chiado is home to many historic cafés and luxury boutiques, while Bairro Alto has a bohemian atmosphere and colourful alleyways.
Don’t miss the famous Tramway 28, a real Lisbon institution that runs through the city’s main districts. This picturesque route offers a unique perspective on the local architecture and is a tourist attraction in its own right. With your Lisboa Card, access is free and unlimited.
In the afternoon, head to the Belém district to discover the jewels of the golden age of Portuguese discovery. The Tower of Belém (Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 28,000 reviews) and the Hieronymites Monastery (Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 22,000 reviews), both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bear witness to Portugal’s maritime grandeur. Take the opportunity to sample the authentic Pastéis de Belém in the eponymous pastry shop, an institution since 1837.
3. Extend your stay: visit Lisbon in 3 days
Day three: escapism in the surrounding area
If you have a third day for your weekend in Lisbon, there are several options open to you. The most popular is an excursion to Sintra, easily reached by train from Rossio Station (about 40 minutes). This romantic town is home to enchanting palaces such as the Palais da Pena (Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 45,000 reviews) and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira (R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 35,000 reviews).
Alternatively, opt for a relaxing day in Cascais, a charming seaside resort just 30 minutes by train from Lisbon. This former fishing town, now a holiday resort for the European aristocracy, offers beautiful beaches, a well-preserved historic centre and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a break during your weekend in Lisbon.
For a more urban experience, devote this third day to exploring Lisbon’s less touristy districts such as Príncipe Real, renowned for its designer boutiques and gardens, or the modern Parque das Nações, built for the 1998 Universal Exhibition and home to the Lisbon Oceanarium (Esplanada Dom Carlos I, 1990-005 Lisboa, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 28,000 reviews).
4. The complete experience: visit Lisbon in 4 days
Day 4: Culture and relaxation
A fourth day will allow you to explore Lisbon’s culture in greater depth. Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 8,000 reviews), one of the finest museums in Europe, housing an exceptional collection of Western and Oriental art. The National Azulejo Museum (R. da Madre de Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 6,000 reviews) will introduce you to the traditional Portuguese art of decorated tiles.
In the afternoon, explore the creative district of LX Factory, a former industrial complex transformed into an alternative cultural venue. This temple of Lisbon creativity is home to designer boutiques, art galleries, trendy restaurants and the magnificent Ler Devagar bookshop (R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 3,000 reviews). This bohemian district also offers spectacular views of the 25 April Bridge, a replica of San Francisco’s Golden Gate.
Finish the day with a stroll along theAvenue de la Liberté, Lisbon’s Champs-Élysées, which links the Place des Restaurateurs to the Place Marquês de Pombal. This elegant thoroughfare, lined with luxury boutiques and beautiful buildings, is the modern heart of the capital.
5. Getting around Lisbon at the weekend
Lisbon’s public transport network is remarkably efficient for a weekend in the Portuguese capital. The metro, with its four colourful lines, serves the main points of interest. The historic trams, notably the legendary Tram 28, offer an authentic experience while linking the most picturesque districts.
The funiculars (Elevador da Bica, da Glória and do Lavra) help you climb the city’s hills effortlessly, while the Carris buses complete the network perfectly. The Santa Justa Lift is as much a tourist attraction as it is a practical means of transport.
To get the most out of your weekend in Lisbon, the Lisboa Card is the best option. It includes all urban public transport and saves you money on the main attractions. Alternatively, the rechargeable Viva Viagem card (€0.50) is a practical alternative for single journeys.
6. Gastronomy: must-dos for a weekend in Lisbon
Your weekend in Lisbon would not be complete without discovering the richness of Portuguese gastronomy. Pastéis de Nata, those little caramelised flans in crispy puff pastry, are the absolute culinary emblem. While Pastéis de Belém remain the historical benchmark, excellent alternatives exist such as Manteigaria (R. do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 5,000 reviews) in Chiado, where you can watch the preparation being done live.
For a complete gastronomic experience, explore specialities such as seafood cataplana, bacalhau (cod) prepared in a thousand ways, or francesinha for lovers of hearty dishes. The Alfama and Bairro Alto districts are full of traditional tascas where you can sample these specialities in an authentic atmosphere.
Don’t forget to accompany your meal with a refreshing vinho verde or a robust vinho do Porto. For a unique cultural experience, take in a Fado show in one of Alfama’s traditional houses, while enjoying a typical Portuguese dinner.
7. Where to stay for your weekend in Lisbon
Your choice of accommodation will greatly influence your weekend experience in Lisbon. The Baixa district offers an ideal central location, close to the main attractions and well served by transport. Here you’ll find a wide range of hotels, from youth hostels to luxury establishments.
For a more authentic atmosphere, consider theAlfama district, where charming pensions and boutique hotels offer a total immersion in the soul of Lisbon. Chiado and Bairro Alto appeal to shopping and nightlife enthusiasts, with plenty of stylish accommodation options.
For a more modern stay, the Marquês de Pombal orAvenidas Novas districts offer contemporary hotels with excellent transport links. The Belém district can also be an interesting base, as it is quieter and close to the major historic monuments.
8. Shopping and souvenirs
Your weekend in Lisbon will be an opportunity to bring back some authentic souvenirs. Azulejos (decorated tiles) are a traditional purchase par excellence. You’ll find them in numerous specialist shops, in the form of decorative objects, jewellery or replicas of the famous panels that adorn Lisbon’s facades.
Rue Augusta and its adjoining streets are home to international names and fashion boutiques. For more typical shopping, explore markets such as the Feira da Ladra (Flea Market) held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Alfama, perfect for picking up vintage objects and local curiosities.
Don’t forget the gastronomic specialities: home-made canned fish from Conserveira de Lisboa, Portuguese wines, Porto, or even flower salt from Aveiro. Bookshops such as Bertrand (the oldest in the world) and Ler Devagar are also well worth a visit for lovers of books and cultural objects.
9. Practical tips for a successful weekend
Lisbon enjoys a favourable climate all year round, but the best periods for a weekend in Lisbon are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Temperatures are mild, days are sunny and tourist numbers are lower than in summer.
Bring comfortable shoes, as Lisbon is a hilly city where walking is king. The cobbled streets of Alfama can be slippery in wet weather. Even in summer, bring a light jacket as the evenings can be chilly, especially near the Tagus.
The currency is the euro, and bank cards are widely accepted. However, always carry some cash for small shops, transport or tips. Portuguese is the official language, but English and often French are spoken in tourist areas.
For the best possible experience, take our Navaway audio tour, which will reveal the secrets and anecdotes of each place you visit, making your weekend in Lisbon an even richer experience.
10. Nightlife and going out in Lisbon
Nightlife is an essential aspect of a successful weekend in Lisbon. Bairro Alto comes alive from 10pm with its countless bars and pubs concentrated in a small area. The atmosphere is relaxed, the prices affordable and the atmosphere cosmopolitan.
For a more refined evening, head for the rooftops of Chiado or the trendy bars of Cais do Sodré, the former red light district converted into a modern party zone. The Docas (docks) also offers a wide range of terrace options facing the Tagus.
The must-see cultural experience is a Fado show in a traditional house in Alfama. This melancholy music, listed as a UNESCO intangible heritage site, expresses the Portuguese soul in all its depth. Places like Fado in Chiado (R. da Misericórdia 14, 1200-273 Lisboa, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 2,000 reviews) offer dinner and a show in an authentic setting.
In conclusion, a weekend in Lisbon offers a remarkable diversity of experiences in a human-scale urban setting. Whether you opt for 2, 3 or 4 days, the Portuguese capital will win you over with its authenticity, its cultural richness and the warmth of its people. The historic districts of Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto each reveal their unique personality, while the gastronomic specialities and exceptional views over the Tagus create unforgettable memories. To make the most of your visit and make sure you don’t miss out on any of Lisbon’s treasures, follow our Navaway audioguided itinerary, which will guide you through the cobbled streets and thousand-year-old history of this fascinating capital. Visiting Lisbon with our recommendations guarantees you an authentic and enriching experience of this Atlantic gem.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a weekend in Lisbon
How many days does it take to visit Lisbon?
A 2-day weekend is enough to discover Lisbon’s main sights (Alfama, Baixa, Belém). Three days allows you to include an excursion to Sintra or Cascais. Four days gives you time to explore the less touristy districts and take full advantage of the Lisbon atmosphere.
What’s the best time of year for a weekend in Lisbon?
The best periods are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter remains pleasant with temperatures around 15°C. Summer can be very hot and crowded.
Is the Lisboa Card worth a weekend?
Yes, especially for a 2-3 day stay. It includes unlimited transport (metro, bus, trams, including the famous Tram 28) and free entry to over 50 museums and monuments. The savings are substantial.
Where can you eat the best Pastéis de Nata?
Pastéis de Belém have been the historical benchmark since 1837. In the city centre, Manteigaria (Chiado) offers excellent pastéis prepared before your very eyes. Confeitaria Nacional (Rossio) and Pastelaria Aloma (Campo de Ourique) are also renowned.
How to avoid pickpockets in Lisbon
Lisbon remains a safe city, but remain vigilant in crowded transport (Tram 28) and tourist areas. Keep your valuables safe, avoid showing off expensive jewellery and cameras, and beware of organised entertainment.
Can you visit Sintra from Lisbon in a day?
Absolutely! The train from Rossio takes 40 minutes. Allow a full day to visit the Palacio da Pena, the Moorish Castle and the city centre. Leave early to avoid the crowds and book your tickets in advance in high season.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
Download
