Spending a weekend in Lisbon- the best places to stay, eat and drink, shop and do
The hilly yet coastal capital of Portugal is an adored central city in Europe. Lisbon was voted third hospitable city in the world from a survey conducted by Trip Advisor. This city encompasses over 20 centuries of history even given the name “city of spies” during the II world war. It boasts meditterean climate and it hosts architectural beauties with modern installations. With summer making its way, here is a WKNDTRP recommended way to spend a weekend in Lisbon, with the best places to stay, eat, drink, shop and do.
Where to stay
If you’re in Lisbon to splurge and treat yourself then a stay at Bairro Alto Hotel is probably the best decision you can make. A state of the art 5 star hotel that has been renovated from one of Lisbon’s historic buildings, here you can find spacious rooms, a range of amenities and its just a hop skip away the city center. It is located in the vibrant Chiado neighborhood with cafes, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife close by.
Visiting Lisbon means you can choose from the star class hotel chains or opt for something more intimate. If you prefer smaller quieter spaces the Hotel da Estrela is just the option. Comprising of a selection of just 19 rooms the space is a smaller boutique hotel in an intimate setting. Conveniently situated in the Santa Isabel part of Lisbon, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options.
Restaurants and Bars
Located in the Bairro Alto Hotel, Belcanto is 2 michellin star restaurant that is even included in the World’s best 50 restaurants. Amid its sober and sophisticated decor, the restaurant provides guests with a highly exclusive experience. Diverse and creative, the cuisine revisits Portuguese gastronomy through a continuous study that deals as much with flavours as it does textures. Guests of the hotel or just about anyone can make a reservation allowing them to enjoy some of the best food in the world… their words not ours.
The Eneko Lisboa restaurant, by the Basque chef Eneko Atxa, who currently holds 5 Michelin stars, is the most recent gastronomic project of Penha Longa Resort. It brings out the city of Lisbon fine dining “plus local nuances”, whilst remaining true to the philosophy of the three Michelin Star Azurmendi. We recommend you make a prior reservation as it can get crowded.
Bars
One of the best ways to experience Lisbon’s nightlife and night lights, the Sky Bar at at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa is probably where you need to head to. . The bar offers an impressive view of Lisbon, and has a good variety of cocktails in their menu. Whether you are here with friends, a SO, business meeting or just riding solo for a night, you can hope to have a night to remember.
Silk is a premium traditional Japanese restaurant that becomes a club after midnight, with a breathtaking view over Lisboa. Located centrally, in the Chiado district of Lisbon, the swanky Silk Club now combines a restaurant, rooftop bar and club. It offers both a top-class clubbing and dining experience. This is an ideal place to enjoy a night out with good food and good drinks all in one place. You have to be 18 and above to enter Silk Club.
Where to shop and what to do
Shopping in Lisbon is an exciting experience, mainly because there are plenty of places you can go to. The city has a wide variety of luxury shopping ranging from the well- known brands to street-side shops and vintage boutiques. The Avenida da Liberdade is the swankiest shopping street in Lisbon, lined with high-end shops and designer boutiques. This tree-lined Boulevard is home to many of Portugal's most exclusive stores. It is also one of the best cities to find vintage shops so here are the Top 8 Vintage Shops In Lisbon
Things to do
Belém is filled with grand parks and green spaces, making it a joy to walk around. Further up you will find the Discoveries Monument on the way, an impressive stone structure that celebrates the Portuguese time of global exploration.
Venture into the LX Factory, a raw creative hub and micro-neighborhood filled with street art, trendy boutiques, cool cafes, and bars. This is great for a younger visitor who enjoys a stroll through this area.
The Time Out market hall brings together a curation of the city’s best restaurants under one roof. Here you can try the best of Portuguese cuisine – from salted cod to octopus to pastel de nata. Here you can enjoy an authentic Lisbon. Try food from multiple stalls, this is an enjoyable activity if you have a couple of hours to kill.
There is much to do in Lisbon especially over a weekend. Use the WKNDTRP app to find and make your itinerary the next time you visit this wonderous city.