A wonderful weekend in Lisbon, Portugal
A wonderful weekend in Lisbon, Portugal
With its incredible history, uber photogenic spots and great food, Lisbon is one of the best cities to visit for a weekend break.
We’ve been a few times now, and each time we go we discover new things to fall in love with. So, here are our pick of fab things to do on a weekend in Lisbon!
Read more:
Summer in Finland: The Essential 4-Day Travel Itinerary
Eat pastel de nata
We had to start the post of with the most important thing to do – eat all the Pastel de Nata that you can. And then eat some more. And then buy more, and take them home, and eat them there. Om nom nom.
I don’t know whats in them, but their buttery, crisp, golden pastry and custardy fillings make our knees wobble.
Some people swear by the Pastel de Nata from that place in Belem. We wouldn’t know; we haven’t yet had the patience to queue up for our tarts, although I’m sure they’re incredible.
But we do know where to get incredible tarts from without the wait times. We love Fábrica Da Nata on the Rua Augusta just up from Praça do Comércio.
In Alfama, try Pastelaria Santo António, which recently won the 2019 Melhor Pastel de Nata award. Both places do the most scrumptious tarts!
Hunt for Azulejo tiles
Traditional portugeuse Azulejo tiles are peppered throughout Lisbon. Go for a walk through Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and further afield, and you’re sure to stumble on some great examples. Try the area around the ceramics factory at Fábrica Viúva Lamego, for buildings dressed beautifully in blue and white.
Alternately, head to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, where you can see all the tiles you like in one place.
Or, you could go to a restaurant or a hotel to see some.
We stayed at Palacio Belmonte, a grand hotel (billed as a hotel, but it runs much more like a grand house), and benefited from an array of Azulejo tiles.
The hotel is said to have 3,800 original tiles from the 18th century, and they’re placed throughout the common areas and in the suites.
Read our review of Palacio Belmonte here.
Have a beach day at Costa da Caparica
Lots of people go to the beach at Caiscais, but we know a better one.
Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge and take your pick of the atlantic-tipped, golden-sanded beaches at Costa da Caparica.
This stretch of sand spans 15km, and each little section of beach has its own name. We loved Praia Da Mata, although I don’t think you can go wrong anywhere here.
Eat dinner and dance salsa at the Time Out Market Lisboa
By now, everyone knows that the Time Out Market in Lisbon, filled with the cities best food, is a must on any itinerary. But on certain nights, the Mercado also hosts a free salsa night.
On salsa nights, the centre of the market is transformed with strangers and friends dancing salsa together. A song starts and they come together, dance in the most natural, intimate way, and then separate again when the song stops. Its not a club, its not somewhere to pull – its just a way of life. And it’s gorgeous to watch.
We may have even joined in.
Lunch at Ramiro
Made famous by the late (and great) Anthony Bourdain, when he visited as part of his No Reservations TV show, Ramiro is now one of the most popular restaurants in Lisbon.
And for good reason. Their seafood is incredible. Expect long wait times – they have a large outdoor waiting area, which is always full. But if you have some time then I’d highly recommend going. Try the giant tiger prawns, much like lobster but far more tender, and the sizzling shrimp in garlic oil.
We’d probably give the razor clams a miss next time, and opt instead for one of their enormous crabs. Yummm.
