If you’re spending a weekend in Lisbon Portugal, there are some things you just can’t miss. The city is full of history and has such a vibrant atmosphere, making it perfect for exploring during a short break to Lisbon.
Our family vacation to Lisbon started out as booking a trip after finding cheap flights. But it quickly turned into one of our all-time favorite trips. In this article, I put together 7 Lisbon must-sees all wrapped up into the perfect 2-day Lisbon itinerary.
Let’s jump into what to do when visiting Lisbon for a weekend.
Day 1 of Your Weekend in Lisbon
Rua Augusta Arch
One of the most pivotal moments in Lisbon’s history is the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1755. The Rua Augusta Arch was built to commemorate the reconstruction of the city after that earthquake. You’ll find this landmark on Praca do Comercio, Lisbon’s largest square.
Start your morning here to take in the area with less tourists. Then, as you walk under the arch, you’ll be on Rua Augusta. This large pedestrian walkway in the city center is full of restaurants and shops, and it takes you all the way to Rossio Square.
Santa Justa Lift
Lisbon, Portugal, is known as the city of seven hills, which makes for quite the commute around the city. While the Santa Justa Lift was once a big part of Lisbon’s public transport system, it’s now a unique tourist attraction.
Tip: Take in the view of the Santa Justa Lift from the ground and from the top. But you don’t need to ride on the lift to go up or down if you want to save some money. There are stairs nearby.
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Make sure to come back to visit the Santa Justa Lift at night to enjoy a fun atmosphere full of live music.
Praco do Rossio (Rossio Square)
Located in the heart of Lisbon, Rossio Square is the liveliest square in the city. You can’t miss the eye-catching black and white, wavy cobblestone pattern.
This square is located right next to Rossio Train Station, where you may find yourself if you’re looking to take a day trip to Sintra. It would be the perfect thing to add onto this itinerary if you’re planning to spend a long weekend in Lisbon, Portugal.
Carmo Convent
If you’re only sightseeing in Lisbon in 48 hours, make sure to visit to Carmo Convent. This is a stark, yet beautiful reminder of the 1755 earthquake mentioned earlier.
Formerly a Catholic convent, the ruins of this convent is now an archeological museum. Dating back to the 1300s, this museum is full of history and one of the top things to do in Lisbon.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
While you could start your day here to beat the crowds, exploring Castelo de Sao Jorge is pretty magical in the evening hours as the sun is setting.
The castle sits on top of the highest hill in Lisbon, giving you a panoramic view of the city. It was initially founded in the 10th century, but archeologists have found remains that date as far back as the 6th century BC on the castle grounds.
Day 2 of Your Weekend in Lisbon
Belem
Jump on Tram 15 and in about 25 minutes, you’ll arrive in Belem, a neighborhood in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can take a bike tour of the Belem neighborhood. Plan to spend quite a bit of time checking out this area, as there is plenty to do.
Start your morning by enjoying a pastel de nata from Pasteis de Belem. Then head over to the Jeronimos Monastery. Dating back to the 1500s, this is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And to say you will be in awe of the architecture is an understatement.
Afterward, walk over to Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) and take in the view of the Tagus River, the Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge), and the Cristo Rei (Christ the King) monument.
Finally, walk along the Tagus River to Belem Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tower once served as the gateway to Portugal and was the first defense against invasion. Take the time to go inside the tower and climb to the top for a beautiful view.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
For the last stop of your weekend in Lisbon itinerary, head back into Lisbon to relax at Miradouro de Santa Luzia. With so many hills in Lisbon, there is no shortage of amazing viewpoints, but this one might be the prettiest of all.
Located in the Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon, this large terrace is picturesque with its grapevine-lined trellises. Grab a drink and enjoy the sunset…the perfect end to your Lisbon mini break.
Conclusion: The Perfect Weekend in Lisbon Portugal
A Lisbon weekend trip is the perfect getaway to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, learn about the rich history of the city, and enjoy the beautiful views. This 2 day Lisbon itinerary includes all of that, so you’re bound to have a great weekend getaway.
Author Bio
Hi! I’m Jenn, the blogger behind Those Johnson Boys, a family travel blog on a mission to give parents the confidence to travel with their kids. I love sharing travel itineraries, trip inspiration, and all the tips you need to know to make your next family vacation stress-free. Follow along on Instagram or Pinterest.
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