If you have chosen the Portuguese capital as your vacation destination, you should know what there is to see in Lisbon. Because of its size and outstanding places, three days will be enough to see everything you need to see and enjoy all its charms at your leisure.
What to see in Lisbon during a weekend getaway?
If you don't want to lose any time getting around or you feel like getting out of the city center, we recommend renting a car. In addition to total freedom and changing your surroundings whenever you feel like it, this is the ideal way to get the most out of your getaway.
And to get you started with the organization of your trip, here are our recommendations for each day!
First day
During the first day of your visit, our suggestion is to check out the entire coastal area. There are several monuments of interest here, such as the Lisbon Cathedral, built in the 12th century but renovated several times, the Casa dos Bicos, the Rua Augusta Arch or the gigantic Praça do Comercio, next to the Tagus River and where there are government buildings.
From there, you can take a boat trip to the Belem Tower, in the neighborhood of the same name, or take streetcar 15. It is a series of impressive fortifications that are World Heritage Sites. As is the Jeronimos Monastery, which is within walking distance and is another of the top things to see in Lisbon. The next stop is the Monument to the Discoveries.
In the afternoon, and to make the most of the colors of the sunset, you can visit the viewpoints of Portas do Sol or Santa Lucia. Both are in the Alfama district, which you can reach via streetcar 28.
Second day
On this day, visit St. George’s Castle and the neighborhood of El Castelo, where it is located. This is already a beautiful spot in itself, but you can enjoy it even more from the Graça viewpoint. Back to the Alfama district, which you will now already know a little, head to the National Pantheon, which is where the Feira da Ladra market is located. Streetcar 28E passes through here, running through this historic area and taking you to Praça Martim Moniz, a commercial area with stores and cafes where you can try the cakes that are emblematic of the city.
Here you will also find Praça do Rossio, a must-see in Lisbon, with buildings of interest such as the National Theater, the train station or the church of Santo Domingo, whose interior is burned. After this square, the Restauradores Square and its Ascensor da Gloria.
The next neighborhood is Chiado, the trendiest area of the city. In addition to exploring its streets, visit the Convento do Carmo, without a roof. And in the Alto neighborhood, the Ascensor de Bica, a funicular that climbs the steepest street in the city. If you go down on foot, you will walk through the Mercado da Ribeira and the Pink Street, which is as its name suggests.
Third day
In the previous two days, you will have covered everything there is to see in Lisbon, so we suggest you head to a nearby town, Sintra which is also a World Heritage Site. It is in a park about 30 minutes from Lisbon, so it is very accessible.
There awaits the striking Palacio da Pena, on a hill, which can be visited for a close-up view of its fusion of architectural styles, but also the surrounding park, the Vale Dos Lagos and the ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros.
If you are left wanting more palaces, go to Quinta da Regaleira, a few minutes from the historic center. Its main attraction is the stone well with a spiral staircase, but the palace itself and the chapel are also worth a visit. Other palaces to visit are those of Monserrate or the National Palace of Sintra as well as the Convent of the Capuchos. When you have completed your visits, head downtown and enjoy a stroll. Its streets are full of colorful facades and it also has an infinite number of craft stores, where you can pick up a great souvenir to take home.
And these are the most outstanding places to see in Lisbon. Take advantage of the trip and rent a car with OK Mobility in Lisbon to continue exploring the surroundings - the country deserves it!
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