HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT WEEKEND IN LISBON, PORTUGAL – this blog post is all about the absolute best things to do in 3 days in Lisbon, Portugal.
If you have read our previous posts, you know that we are a vegan family of 4 that moved from Austin, Texas to Portugal in July 2021. Check it out here: Portugal move. We spent the first 2.5 weeks in Cascais, then 8 days in Porto and now we are in Lisbon, where we have been living full-time since September 2021. We have explored Lisbon intensely and have to share all of the best things to do in Lisbon!
If you are only planning on spending a few days in Lisbon, I highly recommend the Lisboa tourist card. It’s a really good deal since it’s valid for all public transportation and free entry to most museums!
The best way to get around Lisbon is by walking, public transportation, or by Bolt (car-hire). The Lisboa Tourist card is really the best deal for unlimited public transportation plus free entry to most museums. If you plan on walking everywhere, definitely be aware that the sidewalks are Portuguese calçada (like cobblestone). This means that they can be quite slippery and uneven. Hot tip: Wear trail running shoes or lightweight hiking shoes to explore the city. Another hot tip: Get the Citymapper app for your phone.
where to stay in Lisbon
Check out lots of awesome options here: LISBON HOTELS AND APARTMENTS
HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT WEEKEND IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
Day 1 in lisbon: castelo SÃO jorge, The National Pantheon, São Vicente de Fora Church, Sé Cathedral, portas do sol lookout, Casa dos Bicos, Museu do Azulejos, and live Fado show + walk around the alfama neighborhood.
Castelo São Jorge – This castle is one of my favorite places to go, especially with visiting friends. The view of Lisbon is fantastic, with the red-tiled roofs and white-washed buildings with a view of all the major hotspots of Lisbon. Plus, it’s free for Lisbon residents! For visitors, it’s 10 Euros per person, but you get a discount with the Lisboa card. After visiting the castle, you could walk to the Sao Vicente area and go to The National Pantheon.
The National Pantheon – this is a grand Baroque-style building that houses the tombs of Portugal’s most distinguished figures. It’s free entry with the Lisboa card.
São Vicente de Fora Church – This is an art-filled place of worship & the burial place of the Braganza monarchs of Portugal. The entry fee is 5 Euros and helps maintain this enormous building and its contents. You might be interested in this awesome tour too.
Sé Cathedral of Lisbon – This is the oldest church in Lisbon as it dates back to the 12th century and its style is Romanesque and Baroque. There’s a small fee of 2,50€ for the cloisters, but it’s definitely worth it.
Sunset + evening activities
Portas do Sol Lookout – There is an adorable kiosk here where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage while partaking in a lovely sunset view of Lisbon. Tram 28 also stops right across the street from this lookout.
Casa dos Bicos – it’s free entry to the Roman archaeological site on the ground floor, but if you want to see everything offered on the upper floors including the Jose Saramago exhibit, the fee is 3€.
Museu do Azulejos – if you include this visit with The National Pantheon, the fee is 7 Euros, but if you get the Lisboa card, it’s FREE. This museum is an up-close look at the history of azulejos and the stunning tilework created in Portugal.
Must-do – live Fado show
Fado Show – You MUST see a Fado show while visiting Lisbon! There are a plethora of Fado bars in the Alfama area. Entry is free and most bars simply require you to consume something while seeing the show. Or you could head over to the Chiado area for this entertaining FADO SHOW.
Alfama – you could walk around and get lost in this awesome maze-like neighborhood or you could do this cool segway tour! TOUR
Places to eat Vegan food in the Alfama area: Horacio Trattoria (our favorite!), Tataoim
Where to Stay in Alfama:
- Highly rated apartment + budget friendly apartment
- Ultra-splurge + highly memorable
- Unique + great location
day 2 in lisbon: praça do comercio, rua augusta, santa justa lift, carmo convent, rossio square, avenida liberdade, principe real, parque eduardo, gulbenkian museum
Praça do Comercio – Praça do Comercio is a short walk from the Chiado metro and the Terreiro do Paço metro. It’s a huge, wide-open area with a lovely view of the Tagus River to the South and the statue and archway to Rua Augusta to the North. This is a perfect place for an awesome photo! Walking towards Cais das Colunas (the columns in the river), you will see an iconic view of the 25 de Abril bridge to the west. This is one of my favorite spots to really absorb the Lisbon lifestyle and admire the beauty. A couple of stops nearby could be the Lisbon Story Centre and the Museu da Cerveja (at least look inside this place at the intricate, gold decor).
main tourist area
Rua Augusta – this street is incredibly busy, especially during the high tourist season, May-October. Before walking through the archway from the Praca do Comercio, don’t forget to look right and left at the striking architecture and beautiful archways to the east and west. This is a great spot for a photo! Then, walk on Rua Augusta towards Rossio Square. You may be approached a few times by the guys selling “hashish” which is really just laurel leaves, but they are harmless. Just ignore them and continue on your way.
Santa Justa lift – if you’re willing to wait in the long line to take this lift, the view from the top is lovely. If you have the Lisboa card as mentioned above, it’s a free ride.
Carmo Convent – this convent (actually the remains of the convent after the earthquake of 1755) has an entry fee of 5€. It’s quite the sight and throughout the year, they hold special concerts in this unique area.
amazing view of santa justa lift and rooftop bars
Rossio Square – it’s interesting to walk around this square, and it only takes a few minutes. Plus, Scoop n Dough is nearby for the most amazing vegan donuts and ice cream. My favorite is the donut waffle with salted caramel ice cream. Delicious!
Avenida Liberdade – this is a really high-end, luxurious area. Both sides of the avenue are adorned with high-end brand shops. It’s a great area to walk and see the lovely calçadas (cobblestone walkways) and stop at one of the kiosks along the way to enjoy a fresh beverage. This Avenida will lead you to Marques de Pombal and Parque Eduardo to the North and Rossio Square to the South.
west Lisbon area
Principe Real – This area is really popular with tourists and expats, many of whom call this neighborhood home. Most of the apartments and shops surround the lovely park, Jardim França Borges where a Saturday Farmer’s Market takes place. My favorite part of the park is the huge, ancient tree supported by a steel trellis. As you walk around the park, you will find several enchanting views of the city looking towards the river Tejo and the 25 de Abril bridge. Nearby, you will find the Jardim Botânico and Natural History Museum. You could spend all day at the Natural History Museum, especially if you go with kids.
northwest lisbon area
Parque Eduardo – One of my favorite viewpoints is in Parque Eduardo, looking towards Marque de Pombal, especially at night. It’s a lovely view of the manicured garden towards the roundabout to Avenida Liberdade with a slight view of the river. This is also a nice area to walk around. There are several restaurants in the park, but we haven’t visited them yet. This park also hosts the annual Book Fair and Winter Wonderland during the holidays.
Just west of the park, you will find Estufa Fria. Estufa Fria is a huge, indoor botanical garden/greenhouse. They have over 300 species of plants and 3 sections: cold greenhouse, hot greenhouse, and sweet greenhouse. It’s so fun to explore and feel like you are in the jungle! And the price of admission is super affordable – 1-2 Euros each and on Sunday, it’s free entry.
Gulbenkian Museum and Garden – The Gulbenkian Museum is within walking distance from Parque Eduardo. The Museum itself is quite astonishing, but the park is one of my favorite areas to sit down and relax. According to the museum, you travel through 5,000 years of history and discover the works collected by Calouste Gulbenkian in one of the most important private collections of international art. There are over 6,000 pieces in the museum, all collected by Gulbenkian. My favorite section is the Asian art. Hot tip: The museum is free on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and the garden is always free. The Gulbenkian also has an orchestra and hosts many musical events throughout the year.
Places to eat near here: It feels like ALL of the vegan restaurants are in the Chiado/Baixa area. Our favorites are 26 Vegan Food Project and Organi Chiado. Other places: Legumi Sushi, Plant Base, Jardim das Cerejas, 26 Vegan Food Project, Kong, The Green Affair, Vegan Nata and Amorino.
where to stay in chiado:
day 3 in lisbon: belem, jeronimos monastery, belem tower, ajuda botanical garden, maat, museu nacional de coches, lx factory, alcantara, santos
Belem Bike Tour – This e-bike tour would be so much fun! Next time we have visitors, we are definitely going to do this. And if you have extra time and want to see a view of Lisbon from the river, this sailing tour sounds fantastic!
Padrão dos Descobrimentos – This monument erected in 1940 is an homage to all of the brave explorers and discoveries encountered almost 600 years ago. The monument is colossal and quite a sight to see with the traditional Portuguese calcadas leading the way towards the Tagus River.
Jeronimos Monastery – This monastery is a must-visit and is definitely really popular for its beauty and Instagram-worthy architecture. Don’t forget your Lisboa card for free entry to this monastery along with so many other benefits!
Belem Tower – was built in the 16th century – around 1515 and designed by architect Francisco de Arruda. Its original purpose was to be a fort, protecting Lisbon from incoming raids along the Tagus River. It was also what marked the beginning of voyages for the sailors and the last sight of land.
garden + museums
Ajuda Botanical Garden – These botanical gardens have ornate fountains & statuary, plus trees & species from Portugal’s former colonies. I love to visit gardens when I travel and this one is definitely impressive.
MAAT – this museum of art, architecture, and technology with its interactive light show is spectacular! It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here exploring the former electric station and the newer interactive exhibits. Don’t forget to go to the roof of the building for gorgeous views of the 25 de Abril bridge and the river.
Museu Nacional De Coches – This museum is super exciting to see the coaches used in the 16th-19th centuries, mainly by Portuguese royalty. It’s incredible how ornate the coaches are and to learn the history of Portugal through past transportation modes.
west Lisbon area
LX Factory – The LX Factory is definitely one of the must-visit spots in Lisbon. There are charming local shops, exciting eateries, a delightful bookshop, amazing artists on the 1st-3rd floors of the main building, and cool murals to find. Fernando has an art studio here (1st floor, Loja 14) so stop by to say hello if you go to LX Factory! They also have a local pop-up market on Sundays. It’s a perfect way to support the local makers and creatives.
Santos neighborhood – we like to walk around this area as it’s becoming trendy. The green street is my favorite street to walk on along with the colorful murals and tilework found throughout this area. There are also a couple of delicious vegan restaurants in this area, namely Ortea Vegan Collective and Powerplant.
Where to stay near Belem
This was a post about how to spend the perfect weekend in Lisbon, Portugal. If you have more time to spend in this incredible city, definitely read our post about the best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal to get more ideas!
HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT WEEKEND IN LISBON, PORTUGAL – This blog post is all about the absolute best things to do in 3 days in Lisbon, Portugal.
Related post: The Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal
Related post: The Vegan Guide to Lisbon, Portugal
This post contains affiliate links, which allow us to receive a small amount of money to keep our blog running. Please know that we only recommend things that we actually use and love.
OUR MUST-HAVE ITEMS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful for walking and hiking! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. And Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking and hiking!
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – I seriously wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack. We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- Vegan Sunscreen – This healthy, non-toxic sunscreen is perfect for all your travels! I love this brand.
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn Portuguese before traveling or while you’re here, then we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
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