If there is a restful city, it is definitely Lisbon ! Largest city in Portugal, Lisbon is changing at its own pace without ever denying its history. Here is a great idea for a long weekend to recharge your batteries in peace, and visit the city in 3 days.
Day 1 in Lisbon: savor!
The 25 April Bridge crosses the Tagus
Your arrival in Lisbon will have already taken some time away on this first day: so let's start slowly, and first of all, let's regain some strength ...
Market visit: Mercado da Ribera (or Time out Market)
Like many port cities, Lisbon has its old covered market. Mercado da Ribera combines two markets in one! On one side, the Old Ribeira Market and its traditional stalls of freshly caught fish, but also exotic fruits, vegetables and spices. Take the time to stroll between the stalls, to hear the singing sounds of the south and the joyful calls between market gardeners and fishmongers. A surprising first contact with the people of Lisbon. On the other side, the Time out Market where you can taste - on the spot - the specialties of Portuguese cuisine. A good entry point to gain strength or stock up on the rest of your weekend.
Let yourself be lulled by the Tagus
To recover from the tumult of the market, nothing better than a beautiful river cruise. Take a seat on one of the boats and let yourself be carried away on the waves of the Tagus River that crosses Lisbon. Your stay will only be more pleasant! You will thus navigate near the Praça do Comércio (the most frequented square in the city), the Bélem district, and you will also have a magnificent glimpse of the Parque das Nações, this large Lisbon garden.
Bridge it!
For lovers of photos, romantics or simply those who love beautiful landscapes, do not miss the bridge of April 25 inspired by the Godlen Gate Bridge in San Francisco. You will then be able to enjoy a magical spectacle: the sunset over the tower of Belém making the water sparkle with a thousand lights. An absolutely enchanting moment to end the first day of this weekend.
But how do you get to Lisbon?
The best way to come to Lisbon is obviously by plane: many low-cost companies (EasyJet among others) will allow you to get really cheap tickets if you plan a little in advance. From the airport, getting to the city center is fairly quick and easy: you have the choice of the metro (the red line), the bus, or the car. For more details, I invite you to read this article on the 3 best means of transport to reach the center.
Day 2 in Lisbon: history and traditions
Belém Tower
The Iberian Peninsula has long been influenced by the Moors. During the reign of Manuel I, King of Portugal at the end of the late 1th century and the beginning of the 15th century, many buildings were built, taking inspiration from the art of this people. This second day of your weekend will allow you to realize it.
Belém Tower
Belém Tower is one of those must-see places to visit in every city. Built in the 16th century, it served to protect Lisbon from the top of its five floors, but it was also the starting point for the caravels of that time. It has now become the figurehead of the city, standing proudly facing the sea. Manueline style (Gothic style with strong Moorish and Venetian influences), this UNESCO listed tower will captivate you.
Hieronymites Monastery
Built after the Tower of Belém thanks to income from maritime activities from India, the Hieronymites Monastery has a spectacular facade, rich in fine decorations. A few steps from the Tower of Belém, it leans against the Church of Santa Maria, whose rich decorations are just as magnificent.
Eat the local specialties
The community that lived in the Hieronymites Monastery made a specialty of the Pasteis de Belém: custards sprinkled with cinnamon, to be enjoyed lukewarm. Even today, they are the only ones able to use this name so well known to Lisbon people.
Fado Museum
Push the door of the Fado museum. You will then discover the history of fado, these tormented and melancholic songs. This museum shows the insertion of this art in society, but also traces the evolution of the rooms in which these concerts are given.
... or prefer a trip to the botanical garden
Lisbon is a city with many green parks. The Botanical Garden is one of the most popular among Lisbon people for stretching their legs. Stroll in the shade of lush vegetation, with plants from great Amerindian expeditions. The most traveled path is undoubtedly the one bordered by huge palm trees. If you are a fan of botany, then the greenhouse is for you, which contains flowers, cacti and carnivorous plants in abundance.
Evening in the heart of Alfama, and fado concert
Leaving the Fado Museum, you will be in the Alfama district, one of the most touristic areas of Lisbon. No weekend in Lisbon worthy of the name can do without a Fado concert! Fortunately, you will have no trouble finding a tavern to eat in while listening to the voice of a fadist. You will probably experience this feeling of "saudade", this melancholy peculiar to the Portuguese ...
Day 3 in Lisbon: the surroundings
Surroundings of Lisbon, near Sesimbra
Last day of your 3-day extended weekend in Lisbon: we start from the Costa Azul side, south of the city. Covered with greenery, reliefs sometimes rugged and sometimes gentle, crossed by the Tagus and other rivers, its landscapes change according to the small winding roads. Everything is located on the other side of the 25 April Bridge and the Vasco da Gamma Bridge over a vast area. Take a car or rent one in Lisbon, and the beautiful scenery is yours!
In the morning, leave for Cape Espichel
From Lisbon, you have undoubtedly been able to see a huge statue of Christ the King. This statue, a replica of Corcovado de Rio de Janeiro, embraces the city of Lisbon, and is located on the other side of the April 25 Bridge. So, if you want to keep the unforgettable memory of Lisbon and its seven hills, climb on this statue. A breathtaking view awaits you!
Then head to the extreme southwest of the Costa Azul, to Cape Espichel, this little lost paradise. Subject to all the winds, the limestone landscapes are as if chiseled, and constitute a magnificent setting to set the church located on the very edge of the cliff. This construction is a real feat achieved to commemorate an apparition of the virgin in the 18th century. A little before the cliffs, you can visit the monastery.
Sesimbra, the fishing village
Walk the alleys of this village which has preserved its identity. Then, go up to the Moorish castle, built in the 13th century. From there you will embrace a superb view of Sesimbra of course, but also and above all of all the surroundings, and in particular a portion of the Arrabida Natural Park.
Arrabida Natural Park
The park presents many landscapes with Mediterranean aspects. You will walk among the vineyards, olive trees, pines or cypresses. On the shores of the Atlantic, the ocher-colored cliffs overlook the ocean, once again offering wonderful memories. Above all, they are home to magnificent coves with beautiful white sand beaches. Take the time to bathe in the exceptionally calm waters of the Atlantic. Choose the beach of Portinho.
... or the city of Palmela
Palmela is topped by an imposing medieval castle which proudly towers over the small town. Inhabited by religious, it is open to visitors (it also has magnificent exhibition rooms). Above all, this castle shelters a pousada, that is to say a hotel located in an old fortified castle, a widespread type of accommodation in Portugal. You will be able to spend the night there ...
Return to Lisbon, this time passing by the Vasco da Gamma Bridge, built during the 1998 Universal Exhibition. Your long 3-day weekend in Lisbon is unfortunately already over ...
A weekend, 3 days… or more?
I hope that this idea of a route to discover Lisbon in 3 days will be useful to you. In any case, if you want to extend your stay or simply find alternatives, I invite you to complete your reading with our guide covering the essentials of Lisbon before leaving.
