Your insider guide to what to do, where to shop, eat, and stay in the vibrant city of Lisbon.
Situated in western Portugal, on the estuary of the Tagus River, Lisbon is the western-most capital city of continental Europe. Known as the city of seven hills, it features charming, cobbled alleyways dotted with age-old brown roofed homes, ancient ruins, and white-domed cathedrals. In recent years, Lisbon has established itself as a modern, forward-thinking city with a rich history. A weekend in Lisbon includes discovering historic architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, soaking in breath-taking natural landscapes, indulging in lip smacking food, and exploring Portuguese culture. Here is our itinerary for the perfect 48 hours in Lisbon.
Lisbon Travel Guide: Day 1
Enjoy a Tagus River Boat Cruise
An excellent way to get acquainted with Lisbon’s landmarks is to take a relaxing boat cruise on the majestic Tagus River. These sailboat or yacht cruises typically last a couple of hours and include a local guide who shares information about the history of the city. Major sites that can be seen from a Tagus River boat cruise are the 25th of April Bridge, the Sanctuary of Christ the King Statue, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Discoveries’ monument, and the Tower of Belém, among others.
Lunch at SUD Lisboa Terrazza
Overlooking the Tagus River, this stylish restaurant comprises a number of diverse dining areas, a rooftop infinity pool, and a lounge. Situated in the centre of Lisbon, SUD Lisboa offers unobstructed views of the 25th of April Bridge and the Sanctuary of Christ the King Statue. The eatery’s team whips up delectable Mediterranean plates in a fine dining setting. Designed by the well-known architect Antoine Pinto, the bistro is impeccably dressed and inviting. We recommend trying their Mediterranean Salad, John Dory Over Black Rice, Risotto Al Funghi, and Crème Brûlée. After your scrumptious feast, proceed to the rooftop SUD Pool Lounge for live entertainment and awe-inspiring views.
Explore the Belém Discovery area
Image: Joao Henriques.
After lunch, get some steps in by exploring the most renowned part of Lisbon — the Belém Discovery area. This popular neighbourhood comprises numerous heritage sites such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém (both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and the Discoveries’ monument. While here, grab some mouth-watering Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts) at the well-loved pastry shop, Pastéis de Belém. If there is one area in Lisbon that can’t be missed, it’s this one!
Attend a watch making workshop at the Boutique dos Relógios Plus
Located at Avenida da Liberdade, one of the swankiest shopping boulevards in the world, Boutique dos Relógios Plus is a luxury store retailing high-end watches, jewellery, and perfumes. It houses distinctive pieces from brands such as Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Bulgari, Omega, and Cartier. Moreover, the boutique also offers watch making workshops with a watchmaker, specialised in mechanical watchmaking. Master the art of watchmaking and learn how to fix a mechanical watch at Boutique dos Relógios Plus. Next up, check out the shops of Avenida da Liberdade.
Dinner at Allora
Inspired by an authentic trattoria, Allora is an upscale eatery featuring whimsical interiors. Think majestic chandeliers, an open kitchen with carrara marble counters, and walls with hand painted murals. Helmed by Chef Francesco Francavilla, Allora offers appetising house-made pastas, charcoal grilled meat and fish dishes, and traditional Italian desserts. Order their Tagliatelle al Tartufo, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Grilled Sea Bass, Tiramisú, and Panna Cotta, and you will not be disappointed!
Stay at EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel
This property is located near one of the most prominent squares of Lisbon — the Marquis of Pombal Square. The opulent hotel comprises 379 well-appointed rooms and suites, three trendy restaurants, a striking bar, a rooftop pool and lounge, and a tranquil spa. Highlights of the property include the rooftop Sky Pool Lounge that offers panoramic views of the skyline of Lisbon, and its Japanese eatery — KŌJI, which serves tasty Japanese plates in a chic setting.
Lisbon Travel Guide: Day 2
Join a vintage moto-sidecar tour
The best way to explore the narrow streets of historical Lisbon is by a vintage moto-sidecar tour. These tours are typically led by knowledgeable locals and cover the most popular viewpoints and landmarks of the city such as Avenida da Liberdade, Miradouro Santa Luzia (picturesque viewpoint), Chiado (central square of Lisbon), and Praça do Comércio (historical landmark).
Lunch at Time Out Market Lisbon
Curated by the team of Time Out Portugal, this unique venue brings the best restaurants, artists, and vendors under one roof. It houses 26 eateries, eight bars, a dozen shops, and the city’s best known market vendors. Time Out Market Lisbon also hosts live performances and events. Their food hall is a good place to try authentic Portuguese dishes such as Piri Piri Chicken, Arroz de Marisco (seafood with rice), Bacalhau à Brás (salted cod, potatoes, and scrambled eggs), and Pasteis de Nata.
Soak in the sights at Parque das Nações
After your meal, drive to Parque das Nações, the newest, buzzy neighbourhood of Lisbon. Walk around this riverside area and soak in the sights of verdant gardens with public art, modern buildings, lively bistros, and new-age shopping malls. Thereafter, check out Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Aquarium), the biggest indoor aquarium in Europe that is home to distinctive sea creatures.
Dinner and Fado Show at Mesa de Frades
From the newest area of Lisbon, make your way to the oldest neighbourhood of Lisbon — Alfama. We suggest dining at Mesa de Frades, which is an age-old eatery and Fado house. Built in a former chapel, this intimate restaurant puts on an entertaining Fado show, while guests indulge in traditional Portuguese dishes. Fado, a music genre from the 1820s, is well-loved for its expressive and deeply melancholic nature.
Stay at Myriad by SANA
For a change of scenery, move to Myriad, which is located riverside in Parque das Nações. This sumptuous hotel features 186 luxurious rooms and suites, a Michelin star restaurant, and one-of-a-kind vistas of the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
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