Weekend breaks in Lisbon: fall in love with the Portuguese capital

Weekend breaks in Lisbon: fall in love with the Portuguese capital

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Discover one of Europe’s coolest cities with a weekend break in Lisbon

Fancy a city break? It doesn't get much better than the capital of Portugal. Lisbon is becoming a trendy destination for a number of reasons: it's a foodie haven, it boasts some impressive historical buildings, and it has lots of cultural attractions. With everything from designer shopping to ancient castles, Lisbon is a city well worth discovering. Best of all, it's small enough for you to get around in just one weekend - but you'll probably be planning your next weekend retreat in Lisbon by the time you leave!

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Planning a weekend retreat in Lisbon

Why should I choose Lisbon for a weekend getaway?

While there are tons of things to see and do in Lisbon, it's best known as a cultural destination. If you want to do a spot of sightseeing, there are so many places to choose from. Start with the Castelo de São Jorge, the city's iconic castle. It sits high on a hill, offering great views over the city and the bay. As one of the few buildings that survived the terrible 1755 earthquake, this ancient castle is a highlight of any weekend break in Lisbon. Another popular sight is the Jerónimos Monastery, with its impressive façade and interior full of glorious historical treasures. Lisbon isn't just about history, though. During your weekend retreat in Lisbon, be sure to dine out at the city's famous Time Out Market. This street food destination has a wealth of great stalls, leading it to be considered one of Europe's hottest foodie venues. In the evening, visit a bar with a live fado performance to enjoy the authentic sound of the city.

Where should I stay during a weekend in Lisbon?

First-time visitors should look for holiday lettings in Lisbon in the centrally-located neighbourhoods of Baixa and Chiado. You'll be right in the heart of the action, with the city's main shopping streets right on your doorstep. If you'd rather focus on nightlife during your weekend break in Lisbon, consider Alfama or the Bairro Alto. These lively neighbourhoods are known for their bars and clubs, with Alfama being a hotspot for traditional fado music and the Bairro Alto having a more modern vibe. Just keep in mind that these neighbourhoods are very hilly, so comfy shoes are a must on the steep streets after a night out!

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FAQs: Weekend Breaks & Getaways in Lisbon

What's the best time of year to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon has hot, humid summers and pleasant, mild weather at other times. July and August, which see daily highs of around 28°C, are the busiest months. For fewer crowds and lower prices, visit in spring or autumn. In May, for example, you can expect temperatures of around 23°C. Even in winter, it's never too cold - daily highs of 15°C are common in December - but its coastal location means you may feel a chill in the air.

How should I get to Lisbon?

There are direct flights to Lisbon from every major airport in the UK. Once you land, there are several easy ways to get to the city centre. Travellers on a budget can take a bus or hop on the metro. There's a station in the airport, and it will take about 35 minutes to reach the city centre. If you're not worried about money, then take a taxi. The city centre is just 15 minutes away, and taxis in Lisbon are significantly cheaper than in many Western European capitals.

How can I travel around Lisbon?

Lisbon has a great public transport network. There are buses to get around the city centre and trains that will take you to popular nearby destinations like Cascais or Sintra. The most iconic form of public transport in the city is the tram. In particular, Route 28 is used by sightseers and commuters alike. Its route takes you through the historic neighbourhoods of Graça, Alfama, and Baixa. The vintage yellow wooden tram cars - which date back to the early 1900s - add to the charm.

What annual events are worth seeing in Lisbon?

One of the highlights of the annual calendar is the Lisbon Carnival. The dates change every year, as it depends on when Easter falls, but it's always a fun event with lively costumes, a parade and parties in the street. 13 June is a public holiday in Lisbon, as it's the day of the city's patron saint. The celebration, called Santos Populares, sees revellers take to the streets and enjoy live music and barbecued sardines. Music fans should check the calendar, as there are a number of music festivals in Lisbon during the year, with several different genres represented.

What food and drink should I try in Lisbon?

Portugal is famous for its salt cod, or bacalhau. Locals will tell you that it can be served in hundreds of different ways - there's truly a preparation for everyone! Another popular dish is caldo verde, a warming soup with fresh greens that's ideal on a chilly winter's day. However, the most famous food in Lisbon is probably pastéis de nata, the city's iconic, gooey custard tarts. You can get them all over the city, but they were invented in Belém, and it's worth taking a train out there just to get your hands on the originals - they're unbeatable!

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