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Lisbon City breaks
A modern hub, but still so closely connected to its glorious past, Lisbon is a capital city that is full of contrasts. The charm of the old tramways through the sloping, narrow streets and the views over the Tagus estuary, which just invite you to take a trip there, are both excellent reasons to visit for a short break. If you add to that the many trendy bars, the wine cellars filled with Fado music, and the delicious cuisine that all make up part of the country’s pride and joy, you certainly won’t regret your choice.
Europe’s most exotic city, with its fragrance of spice and adventure, is waiting just for you!
Ready for a Lisbon city break?
Our top city breaks in Lisbon
Lisbon city break deals from your local UK airport
Things to do in Lisbon
Explore the Museums
If you’re looking to include a bit of culture on your Lisbon city break there are plenty of options.
- Tune in to traditional Portuguese music by visiting the Fado Museum in Alfama.
- Learn about the development of Portuguese guitar and the ‘Fado Houses’ as well as major singers and composers of the scene. Meanwhile, the Berardo Museum houses one of the best modern art collections in the world including works by Warhol, Picasso and Dali.
- Another cultural hub is the Gulbenkian Museum which holds a wonderful collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art.
- When you need a pit stop, you’ll find a café on every corner in Lisbon. From pavement cafés and hilltop kiosks to Art Deco coffeehouses and traditional pastelarias. We recommend trying the traditional tasty pastry, pasteis de nata (custard tarts) before you leave.
Near places to Lisbon
A day trip to Sintra is a great option on a city break to Lisbon. Its exotic gardens, thick forests and the 19th century Pena Palace all add to Sintra’s fairy-tale charm. You can grab lunch in Sintra village and head up the hill to see the palace bathed in afternoon light. You’ll also be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding lush forests and gardens.
Things to see in Lisbon
Enjoy vibrant nightlife, tasty pastries, stunning views and fairy-tale castles on a Lisbon getaway.
Lisbon is a hilly place. Whichever part of town you stay during your city break you’re likely to encounter steep inclines leading to impressive viewpoints. They’ve even built an elevator to navigate the city’s changing levels. The Elevador de Santa Justa is Lisbon’s historic vertical street lift. Built in the 19th century, it connects the lower streets of Baixa with the higher Carmo Square. And, there’s no expensive tourist fee to take the ride as the elevator is part of the metro system, so you use your city transportation ticket. Hop on one of Lisbon’s iconic trams to the Moorish São Jorge Castle, which sits in a commanding position at the top of a hill. From the walls you’ll look out across the Tagus River and see the Christ the King statue in the distance.
Locals give you their tips
- Beautiful views: For a memory to cherish forever from your Lisbon city break, head to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Alfama).
- For coffee: An unmissable stop-off during your city break in Lisbon: Pois Café Soft sofas, mellow music, some quirky knick-knacks to liven up a beautiful high-ceilinged room, this cafe serving light snacks is a favourite of Lisbon’s late-risers.
- A trip: More than just a peaceful trip, boarding the elétrico no. 28 at the Largo da Graça to the Bairro Alto offers a journey back in time. A peak into Lisbon life. An unforgettable moment during your stay in Lisbon.
- A must-visit shop: For budding oenologists or wine connoisseurs, Viniportugal offers a unique tasting concept. Added bonus: the wines are sold at producer price.
It's easy to travel to Lisbon with us!
Nightlife in Lisbon
Join the vibrant atmosphere in the Bairro Alto district where, in good weather, revelers spill out of bars on to the streets making for a vibrant atmosphere. Head here for a bit of bar-hopping. You might find yourself sipping Portuguese beer in retro bar Maria Caxuxa or sampling the local cherry brandy at A Ginjinha. If cocktails are more your thing, head to Lisbon’s rooftop bars. At Silk in Chiado (the shopping district) you’ll enjoy 360° views of the city, while the Sky Bar at the top of the Tivoli Lisboa Hotel gives you great views of the castle and river.
The best places for partying
Goodbye to the old buildings and fado! For a 100% successful weekend in terms of partying, it’s all happening in Madragoa and on the banks of the Tagus. Las Docas, the former docks, have been transformed into super-cool nightclubs dotted around a marina. Techno and salsa feature frequently. To see the capital’s best hip-swingers and enjoy a caipirinha on the river banks, head to Salsa Latina.
Public Transportation
Lisbon can be visited easily on foot, but tired feet can take advantage of the highly comprehensive public transport system. Metros and buses serve all of the tourist attractions, but you shouldn’t pass up the tramway and funicular experiences that make this Lusitanian city so glorious.
Typical food and gastronomy
When we think of Portugal, we instantly think of cod or sardines, which are the destination’s key products. But Lisbon locals are also fond of meat grilled at churrasqueiras, local delicacies along with chicken or pork ribs. For a dessert, you cannot miss the pastel de nata, this little pastry tart that’s so delicious on a weekend away in Lisbon.
What is the Best time of the year to visit Lisbon?
Lisbon enjoys a pleasant climate all year round! Between April and November, rainfall is minimal and the temperatures are more than mild. Winter is a little cooler, but you will still have a successful trip.
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