Secrets Itinerary: The Best Tips To Fully Enjoy Lisbon ♦ 5 days in Lisbon is the ideal duration to fully discover the capital and surrounding region. A 5 day holiday allows for Lisbon to be fully explored, which takes three days and provides two days as excursions to visit the interesting towns close to Lisbon. Popular day trips from Lisbon include the charming town of Sintra, the historic fishing port of Cascais and the glorious beaches of Carcavelos and Costa de Caparica. Today Secrets From Portugal brings what not to miss in the heart of the city of Lisbon, see where to sleep, where to eat and where to sleep. Let us know if you want to know more.
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Lisbon is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway: it’s a city with cultural diversity, passion and that will certainly conquer your heart with the most perfect mix between the old-fashioned and modern daily life. Nowadays, Lisbon is at the same level as other great European capitals, like London or Paris. There’s plenty of history on every street. Manueline art, tiles and fado are unique expressions and genuine symbols of Portuguese culture but also a contribution to World Heritage. There are 24 classifications by UNESCO in Portugal, including monuments, landscapes and intangible heritage. Lisbon is the land of arts. In Lisbon, you can find ceramics, the typical Portuguese azulejo and even Murano glass in the Emmanuel Babled showroom, located in the heart of the Portuguese capital. See out top choices of places, hotels and restaurants, and see how to enjoy it to its fullest.
Where to Go
São Jorge Castle
The Castelo de S. Jorge – National Monument occupies a privileged area of the old medieval alcáçova (citadel) and consists of the castle, ruins of the former royal palace and part of the neighbourhood for the elite. The fortification, built by the Moors in the mid-11th century, was the last defensive stronghold for the elite who resided on the citadel: the Moorish governor whose palace was nearby, and the elite city administrators whose homes are visible today in the Archaeological Site. Archaeological research conducted in various areas in the late 20th century was vital in confirming how ancient hilltop settlement had been, as well as the location’s invaluable historical importance, basis for the Royal Decree of 1910 declaring the Castelo de S. Jorge a National Monument.
Alfama
Alfama is one of the most genuine neighbourhoods in Lisbon, its architecture features peculiar characteristics of old and colourful buildings that give it a character of joy and tranquillity. Walking around Alfama is an invitation to get lost among extremely charming alleys. Easy to get lost, even easier to find! Alfama is one of the oldest districts of Lisbon and was founded by the Arabs who gave it the name “Al-hama”, which means ‘source of warm water, good water’. You can’t live a genuine Lisbon experience without getting lost among the alleys and charms of the neighbourhood that is considered the heart of the city. As you walk through the cluttered narrow streets of Alfama, you will feel in a small village and witness conversations between neighbours, hear the fado that echoes down the stairs, and see the Tagus in another dimension.
Bairro Alto
BAIRRO ALTO is a 16th-century creation and, well sought after, is still found in arcades or Manueline clues. It was a hamlet of craftsmen and merchants, a steep nook of wealthy people who built houses there for palatial tics, until it was dominated by the figures of journalists (the old stables allowed the installation of large printing presses), thieves, fadistas and prostitutes, neighbourhood of bohemian life where everything was discussed by mouth open at different times when the country closed to freedom. In its own way, BAIRRO ALTO has remained a village for decades. The houses dwindled in width, everyone knew each other, the liveliness of the residents was as famous as their taste for quiet sleep, the lack of car parking their narrow and straight streets was made for walking and the whole place became famous. of the maze, as if it were recognized superhuman quality to those who could not get lost in it, even with streets taken by mythical and that carry the neighbourhood in the lap, with names like Rosa, Atalaia, Gaveas or Baroque. A day of walking, turning and turning in straight lines, in a repeated choreography that is well worth a visit and requires more than a handful of obligatory stops.
LX Factory / Village Underground
Decoration shops, creative workshops, burlesque-themed games, Tagus views, enchanted nights and lots of good food in the many restaurants in the world and now. Explore this city within the city, always with a lively cultural agenda going on and news always on the lookout, with our suggestions for things to do at Lx Factory in Alcântara. We travelled through the directory, ventured into the field and selected some very recommendable stops. Follow the roadmap for things to do at Lx Factory. We advise you to save a couple of hours for this tour, which here is no hurry. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop bt the amazing rooftop ‘Rio Maravilha’ – a panoramic terrace on a fourth-floor falls into the goblet of lettuces – and they don’t even think about it. Let’s face it, in this Rio Maravilha souls do not get tired of watching the Tagus, the bodies thank the sun, and the river inspires the menus and cocktails. This rooftop has one of the best views of Lisbon, guarantee!!
Village Underground Lisboa (VULX) is a space for creativity and culture in Alcântara. We believe in equality, diversity, sustainability and the knowledge to think, act and communicate creatively. We do this through programs where we bring together creators, artists and the community around contemporary cultural and socio-economic issues. VULX is the venue for music, theatre, film, exhibitions, conferences and transdisciplinary formats.
Viewpoints
São Pedro de Alcântara
If sighing through the details of Lisbon through the viewpoint made you get lost in the midst of so many quirks, take a look at the tile panel with the map of the city shown, which is next to the telescope. This tile panel was made by Fred Kradolfer in 1952 and is there to facilitate orientation, similar to a map of Lisbon. Perfect, no? The São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint is not only pleasant to rest under the trees that make it up, sitting on one of the many comfortable benches. It is also one of the most common venues for night meetings, especially before heading to the famous Alto neighbourhood night.
Portas do Sol
Portas do Sol Viewpoint is located in Largo das Portas do Sol and has a view worthy of a postcard. It is a privileged balcony over the hill of São Vicente, one of the best scenic spots in Lisbon, hence always full of visitors. The square is at the top of one of the city’s hills and is named after an old gate of Cerca Moura.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
One of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city, with superb views of Alfama and the Tagus River. In the detailed tiles of this viewpoint, we can also see representations of Praça do Comércio before the 1755 earthquake and also of the Christian attack on S. Jorge Castle. Also notable here is the bust of Júlio de Castilho, in honour of the famous olisipographer.
Miradouro do Recolhimento
his previously-inaccessible terrace was landscaped and opened to everyone in the spring of 2015. It’s hidden by the castle, but to find it you just have to go down Rua do Recolhimento before reaching the castle’s ticket office, and then turn on Beco do Recolhimento. It’s simply known as “the garden of Rua do Recolhimento,” and in addition to the shade provided by the olive trees, it offers a beautiful panoramic view of old Lisbon.
Nossa Senhora do Monte
It was once one of the city’s biggest secrets, but it has been discovered by tour guides and young couples. It offers a panoramic view of Lisbon, which is also observed by a small image of the Virgin that gives the place its name (“Our Lady of the Mount”). Behind the image is a small chapel from the 1700s, which is almost always closed. According to an old legend, pregnant women who sat on the stone chair inside would have problem-free childbirth. This is one of the highest points in the city, so several monuments, identified on a tile panel, can be seen from here.
Where To Sleep
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Situated in the heart of Lisbon, our historic hotel reflects the soul of Portuguese culture. Inside, Art Deco notes blend with an updated Louis XVI style, and a collection of important works of modern art by Portuguese artists decorates the atriums. Outside, views of the city’s hills and gleaming tiled facades spread out before him. After a day exploring the city’s sights, many within walking distance of the hotel, we invite you to dine on the terrace of our acclaimed Balcony Restaurant to enjoy the pink hues of the sun rising over the horizon.
Pousada de Lisboa – Small Luxury Hotels Of The World
With a prime position on the corner of Praça do Comécio – the Commerce Square – Pousada de Lisboa has watched over Lisbon’s comings and goings for centuries. Now, beautifully restored and transformed into a luxury, boutique hotel, it’s an elegant hideaway in the heart of the city. While the majestic golden façade hints at its grand past, it’s the interior of Pousada de Lisboa that really wows. The contemporary restaurant RIB Beef & Wine is the ideal place to settle in for the evening with wine and fine Portuguese cuisine. While the jewel in the hotel’s crown is the magnificent ballroom. When it’s time to head upstairs, you’ll find rooms that are chic and contemporary, with grand windows giving far-reaching city views.
Memmo Principe Real
Príncipe Real is undoubtedly one of the most aristocratic and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in Lisbon. It is here, in this area of the city, that the contrast between the historic city, with its buildings, its antique shops, and contemporary Lisbon, with its latest trend shops and restaurants, is most evident. The hotel blends into this setting, in perfect harmony between past and present, and stands out in its prime location.
Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina
This is a renovated historic townhouse in the heart of Lisbon, one of the most exciting cities in Europe. That is why they want to share with you our comfortable and elegant 19 rooms, suites and the stylish and sophisticated common areas. The top floor terrace where you will feel immersed in a breathtakingly beautiful 360º view of the old town, the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean. After all, Verride is all around you.
Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade
Over 86 years of tradition, personalized service and a prime location in the heart of Lisbon, on Avenida da Liberdade, make Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa one of the city’s most iconic 5-star hotels and the obvious choice for personalities from around the world. Situated within walking distance of typical Portuguese neighbourhoods such as Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real or Chiado, and renowned shops, Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Bulgari, among others.
Where To Eat
Alma
ALMA defines itself as a fine dining restaurant: signature cuisine served informally in a sophisticated setting. It aims to be an innovative space, not only in terms of the approaches it proposes but in simplifying and breaking some basic rules of the rigorous but relaxed service. For Henrique Sá Pessoa there is only good cooking and bad cooking. Yours defines it as a kitchen of taste: refined taste, perfect technique and excellent product. The basis of its gastronomic philosophy lies in its influences and references: world travel, passion for Asia, knowledge of traditional Portuguese cuisine, life in Lisbon.
Belcanto
At Belcanto, José Avillez offers a gastronomic trip. and absolutely unique sensory. It offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine in a sophisticated environment that makes you travel from the romanticism of old Chiado to the future. With two Michelin stars, and 42nd place on the list of “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants”, Belcanto is also distinguished by its privileged location in the historic centre of Lisbon for its warm, discreet and attentive service, and for an extraordinary wine cellar that makes known some of the best Portuguese wines, as well as major international references.
Eleven
The restaurant is located in the heart of Lisbon’s business district, overlooking the entire city and surrounded by lush gardens. More than simply a restaurant, Eleven is a place of culture and art, both at the table and beyond it. The architecture of the purpose-built building is modern, minimalist and organic, using natural materials like wood and decorative stones, and boasting enormous glass windows that open towards Lisbon and the river Tagus. The restaurant witnesses metamorphosis during the day as it adapts to the changing effect of the outside light and the views over Lisbon.
Loco
A tree, a stove; light, stone, nature. Heart. LOCO means in place, ie in the kitchen. And the kitchen is the heart of Chef Alexandre Silva and his team. LOCO is organic, values national products and nature live to the taste of micro stations. With a fine-dining concept, by author cuisine, LOCO is much more than a restaurant, with a gastronomic proposal that goes far beyond a meal.
JNcQuoi Asia
JNcQUOI Asia is a space that tells the story through the food of a small nation and its adventurous, curious and tenacious people, who extended their influence overseas, opening up food and spice routes to all four corners of the globe. These travels resulted in a fusion of cultures that allowed Portugal to extend its influence to India, Siam, China and Japan. We are the true “Heroes of the Sea”! JNcQUOI Asia is the revelation of the Portuguese legacy in the Orient.” The Asian restaurant stands at the very centre of the venue, combines striking shades of red, golden and green with materials such as velvet, wood and leather. Designed with keen attention to detail, the kitchen is packed with traditional utensils from each region, and features the Tandoor oven, the Peking duck, the great robata grill and several wok stations, allowing the utmost authentic regional flavours to flourish.
