TRAVEL | A weekend in Lisbon

This cosmopolitan city on the river seems to be climbing Europe’s city break wander list.

Nestled on the seven hills which provides the city with it’s Instagram worthy sloping streets and glowing light reflecting off the innumerable windows it’s not hard to fall head over heels in love with this place.
 
Wind your way through the labyrinth of narrow streets only to look down and see the wonky hand-laid cobbled stone pavements. Look up and be amazed at the vast pastel-painted buildings and a cascade of windows.
 
Take a tram to one of the city’s many viewpoints, grab a beer at a kiosk and soak up the sun while taking in the charm and beauty.
 
Feast on fresh seafood, clay-baked cod, warm pastel de natas and a €1 coffee in one of the many cafes, restaurants, and delis that fill the facades. 
 
Go back in time in a museum, delve into the world of new artists in the modern art gallery, gasp as the vast ceilings in the many cathedrals and discover new music around every corner.
 
Lisbon is a welcoming city, eager to please, without trying too hard. A place where people on their travels never seem to leave, ever-evolving, full of creativity – it’s easy to see why it’s a place everyone is talking about.

Here’s our brief guide to Lisbon.

SLEEP

The Lisboans
 
Serviced apartments, each styled with beautiful simplicity as well as a subtle touch of found and treasured Portuguese pieces.

EAT

Prado Mercearia
 
The sister deli to The Lisboans and Prado restaurant, stocking only the very best Portuguese produce, wine, and groceries. Perch in their window with a glass of organic wine, and a small bite from their daily changing seasonal menu.

Prado restaurant

Serving seasonal food in a stylishly designed, high-ceilinged restaurant.

LX Factory

Through an alleyway opens up an urban world of independent eateries, juice bars, cafes, and shops. You could while away a few hours in this industrial micro-village full of creativity.

 
Time Out Market
 
The iconic publishing house is now the owner of this marketplace, filled with booth upon booth of food from around the world focused around a central shared eating space. Join the hustle and bustle and you’ll need to visit more than once to make the most of it!

 
Pastel de nata
You can’t visit Portugal without having a warm custard tart straight out of the oven.
 

Copenhaagen Coffee

A modern pitstop for a perfect coffee. Try the boiled egg and rye bread for a healthy, filling breakfast.
 

EXPLORE

Take a tram
 
Get yourself a tram day ticket and take a tour of the city up the steepest inclines and the smallest streets on these vintage streetcars. Number 28 takes you on the most scenic route, but it can get very busy so travel after 7 pm when you’ll be more likely to get a seat. We recommend the number 15 which is a shorter, less-popular and circular route.

 
Hire an e-scooter
 
Dotted around the city are scores of electric scooters. Download an app in an instant and whizz around the city with ease. We recommend scooting along the waterfront along with the runners and cyclists.
 

DO

MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)

Opened in 2016, this museum is worth a visit even just to admire the swooping curves of the building, akin to the sails of the yachts on the river it’s perched alongside. Tickets to the museum are just €5, so if you can spare an hour or so you may discover something new.

PLAY

While this hilly city may not seem like the best place to take a family, the tram system and cheap Uber taxis mean you can explore Lisbon with children with ease.
 
There are plenty of pedestrianised squares and play parks for little ones to burn off some energy.
 
Each restaurant, whether on the menu or not tend to offer their unique version of ‘bitoque’, a flat-ironed steak with chips, sometimes an egg or coleslaw. They’re large portions which could be shared between two children and nearly always come in under €10.
 
The locals adore children, the old ladies blow kisses, the waiters do the old chocolate-behind-the ear trick, and so it truly is a friendly, safe place to explore with children.