Lisbon is more than a city covered in beautiful colourful tiles built on the top of seven hills. I have been to Lisboa twice now (once for my friends’ wedding) and I can honestly say that it is a city that never disappoints. Once you have explored the neighbourhoods and enjoyed the scenic views of Portugal’s capital make sure to take various day trips. There are thrills to be sought, as well as stunning beaches, countless surf spots, and even fairytale-like grounds to be explored.
Lisbon also has excellent nightlife and great restaurants where you might get surprised with a fado. But most importantly try one or two of the delicious Pastéis de Nata. I sure had my fair share of the tasty treat. Trying to figure out what to do, eat, where to stay, let your hair loose, and what on Earth a fado is? Read on to find out.
Post Contents
HOW TO SPEND A SUMMER WEEKEND IN LISBON: DAY ONE
Wander The Tiled Streets Of Lisbon.
When you find yourself in Lisbon you could easily spend the entire weekend walking the winding, cobblestoned hills admiring the decorative tiles gracing the house walls. The maze-like alleys of Alfama will guide you past ancient buildings such as Lisbon Cathedral, hidden squares, and the most gorgeous tile-fronted houses.
Alfama can easily be explored by foot. Although, walking up and down the hills can be exhausting in the summer heat. I had a break at most street corners. Tram 28 is is a good alternative for anyone who doesn’t mind being cramped in with other tourists. It takes you all the way from Graca through hair-pin lanes of Escolas Gerais to the Estrela Basilica domes. Beware of pickpockets if you decide to take this crowded ride. A single-ticket costs € 3 and a day-ticket is € 6.40. For ease I suggest purchasing the reusable, top-up Viva Viagem Card for €0.50 at any station. It can be used for busses, trams, and local trains.
Make sure to head to Mouraria for the graffiti-covered Escadinhas de São Cristovão, and Bohemian district Bairro Alto in the evening for a drink or two.
Enjoy The View Of Lisbon.
It’s impossible to take a bad picture of this captivating European capital. There are several great viewpoints that can be visited for free. Look out for miradouros as they are called and signposted in Lisbon. My favourite is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Located in a churchyard with benches and drink stalls the highest point in Graca is a great spot to kick back with a beer in hand admiring the panoramic view.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol in Alfama comes to live at night with street musicians offering evening entertainment with a backdrop of the sparkling city lights. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara the least spectacular viewpoint to me, is located at a landscaped terrace in Bairro Alto.
Take Tram 15 To Try The Pastéis De Belém.
If you haven’t already, now is your chance to take the tram. The bakery Pastéis de Belém has been making the delicious custard tart for 180 years, making this arguably the best place to try them. And while you are in Belém you might as well admire the Torre de Belém. The old tram 15 departs every 15-minutes from Praça da Figueira, the square next to the Rossio and takes around 25-minutes. Cost € 3.00.
HOW TO SPEND A SUMMER WEEKEND IN LISBON: DAY TWO
Visit One Of The Many Beaches.
The area surrounding Lisbon has a lot to offer for beach lovers and surfers. There are too many sand beaches within an hour driving distance from Lisbon to mention in this guide. But the below is a mix of relaxing and adventurous suggestions. Unfortunately, most beaches are difficult to access by public transport.
Be aware that not all beaches have lifeguards
and the ocean can be rough.
Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most popular and closest beaches to Lisbon. In my opinion this beach is unremarkable and overcrowded. Usually the surf conditions are good all year round, but the sea was flat on the day I visited. Surf lessons are around € 30. There are many overpriced restaurants, a small fort, and a market on the way from the train station. The beach is a 25-minute train journey from Cais do Sodré railway station towards Cascais to Carcavelos followed by a 15-minute walk to the beach. A single ticket costs € 2,50.
Surfing Near Lisbon.
Always looking for great swell? Head to Praia do Guincho or Praia Adraga near Cascais. Praia do Guincho is known for kite-surfing with several schools in the area. Afterwards you can find the Guincho-Cresmina trail within the nearby protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and enjoy the stunning views. Praia Adraga is one of the most impressive beaches in Portugal. Here you can enjoy vigorous surfing or climb over the sharp rocks by the cliffs looking for caves and tunnels. Take the train to Cascais from Cais do Sodré for 45-minutes followed by an uber for around € 5 to either beach.
Lagoa de Albulfeira beach looks like it doesn’t belong to Europe. The endlessly stretching white sand is not only extremely beautiful but has a great right breaking wave. When the lagoon is connected to the sea, the sandbar waves can reach up to 3m. The airy beach stretch is a 45-minute drive from Lisbon.
Hike To A Beach.
There are beaches across the Ponte de Abril bridge that can only be accessed by short hiking trails. Praia dos Galapinhos was voted the most beautiful European beach in 2017. To your surprise you will find that this white sand beach an hour from Lisbon is not at all overcrowded and find yourself swimming in the bright blue ocean alongside wild boars. Maybe an endless naturist beach with great swell is your idea of the perfect beach? Then drive for 45-minutes to Praia da Adiça, also referred to as Praia da Nato.
HOW TO SPEND A SUMMER WEEKEND IN LISBON: TAKE A DAY TRIP ON DAY THREE
Adventurous In Lisbon.
Looking for something fun to do in Lisbon? Despite of the great surf spots, you can also paraglide for around £ 60. The Arrabida Natural Park makes for a great kayak and snorkel destination 50-minutes from Lisbon. If you are lucky you might even spot a bottlenose dolphin. Or take a day-trip to Berlengas Islands. On the boat tour you will be taken around cliff formations and grottos, hike the island, snorkel, and visit São João Baptista fort. Avoid this tour if you tend to get seasick.
Get Lost In Quinta da Regaleira.
The Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra is a peaceful place out of a fairytale hidden in dense forest. Expect to be guided along paths through jungle-like terrain to deep hidden shafts with spiral stairways down dark tunnels to grottoes. The main Gothic-style house stretches over five floors and is surrounded by enchanted gardens to get lost in. Trust me this place is as close to a fairytale as you will ever get.
The entrance fee is € 6 and guided tours cost € 10. I recommend arriving in Sintra for 9.30 am when attractions start to open. Not only can the summer heat become unbearable this is also the best way to avoid crowds. Grab a map from reception to help you guide your way through the 4 hectares of land to the descending well. We kept on getting lost without one.
How To get to Sintra.
Sintra is a scenic 40-minute train journey along the sparkling ocean from Rossio Station followed by a 20-minute walk through the village. Trains run every 10 to 20-minutes and cost € 2.25 one-way. Viva Viagem Cards are accepted on this route. Take an Uber if you travel in a group to save time and money.
WHERE TO EAT
The most popular and expensive area to eat is Bairro Alto. Anyone who has been to Italy will be aware that the appetizers placed on your table aren’t free.
Lisbon is a paradise for seafood lovers. This is why I am not the biggest fan of Portuguese cuisine. Look out for marisqueira to try some of the fresh fish or crab.
Many restaurants around town have fado performances. Coincidentally we ended up eating at one and like many guides suggest the food is hit and miss. I suggest joining after you have eaten somewhere else.
Mercado da Ribeira.
In a hurry but still want to try some of Lisbon’s best restaurants? Then this Time-Out market and one of Europe’s best food markets is the place to be. Av. 24 de Julho s/n, 1200-481 Lisboa
A Cultura do Hamburguer.
This is delicious burger joint is the place for you if you want a break from chorizo and seafood. R. das Salgadeiras 38, 1200-086 Lisboa, Portugal
WHERE TO PARTY
I couldn’t talk about how to spend a summer weekend in Lisbon, and not mention that Barrio Alto and Mouraria turns into a street party at night. When climbing the graffiti-covered Escadinhas de São Cristovão in Mouraria, you will find crowds sitting on the steps chatting the night away with a drink in hand. There are clubs in the area catering for different tastes of music if you want more of a true night out. The cheap drinks, oh wow so cheap, in this relaxed atmosphere were enough for me, but see for yourself.
Groove Bar.
Head here for a cool atmosphere, € 3 beers and € 5 caipirinha. R. da Rosa 148, 1200-211 Lisboa
Páginas Tantas.
This bar with everyday live jazz music makes for a great place to have a couple of relaxed cocktails after a day of sightseeing. In accordance with the 70s vibe, it is cash only. R. do Diário de Notícias 85, 1200-142 Lisboa
Park Bar.
The top of the multi-story car park is a great spot to enjoy the sunset. There is no indication of the bar, simply continue to the end for the entrance. Park Bar, Bairro Alto
LX Factory.
This used to be a collection of factories. Now a prime spot for hipsters away from Barrio Alto you can wander around the boutique shops, visit a restaurant or bar until 7 am. Bosq is an Alice in Wonderland forest-themed club playing 80’s music within the complex. R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa
WHERE TO STAY
There are many Airbnb all over Lisbon. The best areas to stay in are the steep winding streets of the old quarter Alfama, and bohemian district Bairro Alto.
City Guesthouse Alfama.
This is one of the only hostels in Alfama. It is cheap, has a modern home-vibe, offers surf lesson and free-sangria nights. Do I need to say more? R. Augusto Rosa 7, 1100-058 Lisboa
Be Lisbon Hostel Intendente.
This modern hostel is conveniently located near the Intendente Metro Station. Although, away from Alfama the price is low, includes a big breakfast, and a shared kitchen. Rua dos Anjos 1F, 1150-032 Lisboa
GSpot Party Hostel.
Anyone looking for a party hostel? As the name suggests this is the one for you. At around €11 a night including breakfast, it is one of the cheapest hostels in town. Tv. do Fala-Só 24, 1250-096 Lisboa
WHAT TO PACK
In summer Lisbon is hot, hot, hot. Alongside summer clothes I suggest bringing jumpers in case the evenings are cool. Make sure to bring high factor sun cream and carry water with you.
WHERE TO NEXT
Head to the Algarve for golden sand beaches, excellent surf spots, and stunning cliffs. Not a beach bum? Then head to Porto in the Northwest of Portugal for food, wine, and more narrow cobbled streets.
Did I do a good job of sharing my love for the city and how to spend a summer weekend in Lisbon? Also, did I mention that I saw a fado? Still no clue what it is? It is a traditional Portuguese folk music performance.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
