Travel Guide by Shuttle Direct
  • Home
  • WHAT WE OFFER
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Guides
    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Bulgaria
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Korea Republic
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukranie
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • News
    • Web Discounts and Coupons
MY BOOKING
  • en
HELP

48 Hours in Lisbon

Portugal, Travel Guides | 5 September, 2017 | 0 | by Polly Hayes
48 Hours in Lisbon

There’s so much to see and do in Portugal’s mesmerising capital that you could return over and over again and always discover something new. But that’s not to say that a weekend break to Lisbon isn’t perfectly long enough to fall in love with this vibrant city of fado music, gastronomic delights and stunning historic architecture.

It may be a tall order, but two days is plenty of time to scratch the surface of Lisbon and discover a thousand reasons to return.

A weekend break can sometimes turn into a race against time, and that is no way to really experience a city. So, my advice is to fill your two days with just a selection of the sights, scents, sounds and flavours of Lisbon – you won’t see everything but you will get a true sense of what makes this beautiful city’s heart beat.

Day One

Morning

Early morning, before the crowds have gathered and the day has really begun, is a great time to see a city. Instead of having breakfast in your hotel, head to Café Nicola on Praça Dom Pedro IV. Established in 1929, this elegant café was once a regular haunt for the city’s intellectuals and philosophers. Now it’s a great place on the Praça do Rossio (one of the city’s most impressive squares) to get coffee and a delicious Portuguese pastry.

After breakfast, for an authentic tour of the city, stroll over to the Praça da Figueira and catch the pretty, historic 28 tram. These rattling city trams have been running since the early 1930s; despite being modernised by some rather impressive graffiti in recent years, they still offer a great way to see some of the city’s most famous sights.

Jump off at Sé Cathedral, Portugal’s most important religious building. Tourists looking at the Cathedral are often struck by the fact that the twelfth-century building looks more like a fortification than a church. This is because it was actually built by the Crusaders following the ‘liberation’ of Lisbon from the Moors.

Inside the Gothic architecture is stunning, but make sure you make time to visit the cloisters where a partial excavation reveals the foundations of an ancient Mosque on which the church was built.

Next, take the tram to Estrela Basílica. Built for Queen Mary I of Portugal in 1761 to celebrate the birth of her son, this marble church is one of the most ornate Baroque and Neoclassical-style buildings in the city, with a Rococo interior well worth exploring.

Lunch Time

Get back on the 28 tram and return to Praça da Figueira for lunch in one of the charming outdoor cafés which line the square. My personal favourite is Restaurante Figus, which serves stylish, contemporary Portuguese food and tapas in a friendly atmosphere and elegant surroundings.

Afternoon

After lunch take a stroll through the winding, narrow streets of the Medieval Mouraria district before heading up hill to the eleventh-century Castelo de São Jorge.

Built during the Moorish occupation, the castle was designed to protect the city’s elite from the nearby citadel in case of invasion. Eleven towers keep watch over the city below and make a great vantage point for some stunning views. Today the castle has its own interactive museum so you can learn more about its history and that of the local area.

Evening

Head to Lisbon’s oldest (and most vibrant) district, Alfama, for a drink in one of its authentic bars, followed by some of the great local cuisine the city has become famous for. I would recommend the elegant Moorish surroundings of the Casa do Alentejo.

Day Two

Morning

If you enjoyed breakfast al fresco yesterday, then for your second morning why not join the well-heeled Lisboetas at the famous Confeitaria Café. Enjoy its wooden panels and Art Nouveau styling, delicious pastries and refined atmosphere over one of the best cups of coffee you’ll get in Lisbon.

After breakfast take a tram to the sixteenth-century Jerónimos Monastery. A feast of Manueline architecture, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. The stunning façade and interior – begun in 1502 by architect Boytac and embellished after his death by the beautiful detailing of João de Castilho – houses many notable tombs, including the poet Luís de Camões and explorer Vasco da Gama.

Lunch Time

Many of the best places to eat in Lisbon are to be found in the trendy, historic Baixa district. Take a break from all that sight-seeing with a lunch at Café A Brasileira, an elegant Art Deco café which has been serving Lisboetas since 1905.

Afternoon

After lunch, take your time wandering around the Livraria Bertrand (not just Lisbon’s oldest bookshop, but the oldest in the world!). Then, if you’re feeling brave, you could take a ride in the turn-of-the-last-century Elevador de Santa Justa.

Take a stroll down the river bank to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, a bright yellow, seventeenth-century palace which houses some of Portugal’s most impressive historic art, including Dürer’s St Jerome, Nuno Gonçalves’ Panels of São Vicente and Lucas Cranach’s Salomé.

Evening

To reward yourself for fitting everything into 48 hours in the city, you deserve a truly authentic, delicious Portuguese dinner. Probably my favourite restaurant in the whole of Lisbon is A Travessa in Lapa. Enjoy the excellent mussels and chips in this beautifully converted convent alongside a crowd of elegant locals. But be warned, I’m not the only one who loves it here so booking in advance is seriously recommended.

How to Get to Lisbon

There are regular flights to Lisbon Airport from most UK cities, and flights take around two and a half hours. Don’t waste any of your precious time queuing for taxis at the airport – instead book a private airport transfer with Shuttle Direct before you leave home and a driver will be waiting for you when you land.

Where to Stay

Altis Avenida – Enjoy a touch of five-star luxury at the Altis Avenida. Set in the heart of Lisbon’s stylish shopping district, this is close to many of the city’s sights and restaurants. For a fabulous dinner with a view, try the fine-dining rooftop restaurant.

The Vintage Lisboa – Relax after a day’s sightseeing at the spa at the centrally-located The Vintage Lisboa. This five-star hotel has a beautiful rooftop bar so you can enjoy views of the city while enjoying a well-deserved glass of wine.

Hotel Avenida Palace – Set right in the centre of Lisbon with views over Castelo de São Jorge, the five-star Hotel Avenida Palace is an elegant, traditional city hotel.

 

About Shuttle Direct

Shuttle Direct is Europe’s leading provider of airport transfers. You can book your private transfer online and rest assured knowing it will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination.

LISLisbonPortugal

About the Author

Polly Hayes

Polly Hayes

Polly has a wealth of journalistic experience, having begun writing for weekly and monthly magazines more than 15 years ago. But while she’s always loved words and writing, her other passion has been for travel. Having journeyed around South East Asia, Europe, America and the Caribbean, three years ago she decided to combine her two loves and become an online travel writer. Today she is lucky enough to write about the things she loves, from skiing in the Alps to finding the best family-friendly attractions on the Spanish Costa del Sol, for LeadGeneratorsDigital. When she’s not writing or travelling she loves just ‘hanging out’ with her partner and their two lovely daughters in North London and taking her slightly crazy labradoodle for long walks on Hampstead Heath.
View all posts by Polly Hayes →
Previous
Get the Inside Scoop on Oktoberfest
Next
Coffee and Tattoos: a Hipsters’ Guide to Jerusalem

Related Posts

  • Relax and Get to Know the Highlights of Cabanas de Tavira

    Relax and Get to Know the Highlights of Cabanas de Tavira

  • A Culture Fuelled Trip to Armação de Pêra

    A Culture Fuelled Trip to Armação de Pêra

  • Get Wet and Wild in Praia da Luz

    Get Wet and Wild in Praia da Luz

  • Little Ones and Adults Alike Will Love Lisbon

    Little Ones and Adults Alike Will Love Lisbon

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Origin not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

Destination not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

You should at least select 1 passenger.

No

Additional Luggage?

Passengers Done
  • + -

  • + -

You should at least select 1 adult passenger.

Please indicate child age.

Additional Luggage Done

Each passenger may carry one standard piece of luggage and one small item of hand luggage (for example a handbag or laptop). If you have additional or extra large baggage or sporting equipment, select from the options below:

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

Outbound journey Done
Flight arrival date
Flight arrival time

Please insert the date and time of your flight arrival (not take off), as informed by the airline. The driver will take into account luggage collection and inmigration formalities.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

Return journey
Done Flight return date
Flight departure time

Please insert the date and time the flight takes off, as informed by the airline. The pick-up time will be calculated automatically taking into account journey time and check-in time at airport.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

ShuttleDirect

    banner

    Search

    Follow

    Categories

    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Azerbaijan
    • Bahrain
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Brazil
    • Bulgaria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Country Profile
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Discounts & Coupons
    • Dominican Republic
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • Foodie Posts
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Indonesia
    • Infographics
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Katar
    • Korea Republic
    • latest news
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macau
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Recipes
    • Romania
    • Route Guides
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Sin categoría @en
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Travel Guides
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukraine
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • vietnam
    • vietnam
    • Best Places to Stay in Phuket for Families and Couples

      Best Places to Stay in Phuket for Families and Couples

      3 December, 2019 | 0
    • 6 Fun & Quirky Things to Do in Dublin

      6 Fun & Quirky Things to Do in Dublin

      16 February, 2018 | 0
    • First-class network of ski lifts in Soldeu

      First-class network of ski lifts in Soldeu

      19 November, 2015 | 0

    Archives

    • November 2020 (3)
    • October 2020 (2)
    • September 2020 (2)
    • August 2020 (3)
    • July 2020 (5)
    • June 2020 (13)
    • May 2020 (6)
    • April 2020 (6)
    • March 2020 (8)
    • February 2020 (6)
    • January 2020 (7)
    • December 2019 (11)
    • November 2019 (8)
    • October 2019 (8)
    • September 2019 (10)
    • August 2019 (15)
    • July 2019 (13)
    • June 2019 (15)
    • May 2019 (22)
    • April 2019 (22)
    • March 2019 (21)
    • February 2019 (20)
    • January 2019 (22)
    • December 2018 (33)
    • November 2018 (32)
    • October 2018 (34)
    • September 2018 (35)
    • August 2018 (35)
    • July 2018 (30)
    • June 2018 (32)
    • May 2018 (31)
    • April 2018 (30)
    • March 2018 (31)
    • February 2018 (34)
    • January 2018 (30)
    • December 2017 (33)
    • November 2017 (26)
    • October 2017 (23)
    • September 2017 (24)
    • August 2017 (37)
    • July 2017 (23)
    • June 2017 (26)
    • May 2017 (27)
    • April 2017 (27)
    • March 2017 (28)
    • February 2017 (24)
    • January 2017 (23)
    • December 2016 (20)
    • November 2016 (29)
    • October 2016 (30)
    • September 2016 (32)
    • August 2016 (41)
    • July 2016 (38)
    • June 2016 (40)
    • May 2016 (34)
    • April 2016 (36)
    • March 2016 (58)
    • February 2016 (33)
    • January 2016 (69)
    • December 2015 (37)
    • November 2015 (45)
    • October 2015 (50)
    • September 2015 (36)
    • August 2015 (33)
    • July 2015 (31)
    • June 2015 (28)
    • May 2015 (37)
    • April 2015 (35)
    • March 2015 (34)
    • February 2015 (17)
    • January 2015 (13)
    • December 2014 (5)
    • November 2014 (5)
    • October 2014 (6)
    • September 2014 (1)
    2003 - 2016 Shuttledirect operated by Viajes Alameda CV-Mm037A

    SHUTTLEDIRECT.COM

    • Service types
    • About us
    • help & FAQ
    • Sitemap

    LEGAL INFORMATION

    • Credit card security
    • Privacy policy
    • Terms & conditions

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • google +
    • linkedIn
    • YouTube
    • pinterest

    BUSINESS SERVICES

    • website owners
    • transport companies

    This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience.

    Find out more or adjust your settings.

    Powered by GDPR plugin
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

    Strictly Necessary Cookies

    Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

    If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

    3rd Party Cookies

    More information about our Cookie Policy