What an authentic weekend in Lisbon looks like
Lisbon has something you don't learn from guidebooks. It's a city to experience slowly, with all your senses, from the smell of strong coffee to the echo of tram 28 as it echoes up the steep hills. If you're a first-timer, a weekend is enough to get the rhythm and make you want to come back.
First impressions
From the airport, the drive to the city center takes less than 30 minutes. The first thing that strikes you is the light - clear, warm, unlike any other European capital. The colorful buildings, cobblestone sidewalks and yellow trams give the city an energy you can feel immediately.
Ideal accommodation for a short city break is in the Baixa-Chiado or Alfama area - you're close to everything that matters, and in the evenings you can walk to restaurants and miradouro (viewpoints) without rushing.
What to do on your first day
Start the morning with a simple breakfast - an espresso and a pastel de nata. Then take tram 28 and head up to Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighborhood. The narrow streets, houses with tile-covered facades and the sounds of fado wafting from the local bars create a special atmosphere.
After lunch, head down to the old center and visit Praça do Comércio and the banks of the Tejo River. In the evening, head to Bairro Alto - the area with the best mix of bars, restaurants and terraces. The food is simple but excellent: fresh fish, seafood and local wine.
Next day: Belem and the ocean
The Belem neighborhood, west of the city center, is worth a second day. Here you'll find Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and modern art museums. You can easily get there by tram or bus in about 20 minutes.
Don't leave without trying Pastéis de Belém, Lisbon's traditional dessert, served warm with cinnamon. The oceanfront promenade is nearby - a great place for a sunset stroll.
Transportation and local atmosphere
Lisbon is a city best explored on foot or by public transportation. Trams and funiculars are part of the local charm, and a daily ticket costs around €6. From the Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the views over the city are spectacular, especially at sunset.
People are warm and open and English is easily spoken everywhere. If you're curious, try exchanging a few words in Portuguese - the locals always appreciate the effort.
Conclusion
A weekend in Lisbon isn't about ticking goals, it's about the mood it leaves you in. It's a place where you can sit on a terrace for hours without feeling rushed, where every corner has a story and where the fall light makes everything more beautiful. If you leave on a Sunday evening, part of you will stay there, among the streets that climb skywards.
