Top 9 Things to do During a Weekend in Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is home to beautiful churches, historic sites, museums, architectural buildings, lush green parks, open-air museums, Alfama district with old labyrinth streets, landmarks, monuments, galleries, and coffee shops, restaurants, shopping malls, rooftop bars, and boutiques. Lisbon has something for everyone. However, these are the top nine things to do during a weekend in Lisbon. Read on!  

#1 Belem River 

Strolling along the waterfront in Belem is a lovely way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Belem River has immense historical significance because this is the place where the country's seagoing exploration started in the 15th century. 

Strolling the Belem River will remind you of the two historic voyages: a might stone to the Age of Discovery and the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, also known as the Monument of Discoveries. 

There is a tower near the Belem River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower served as a lighthouse, fortress, and customs house. It is the symbolic gateway to Lisbon. 

#2 Tram 28

London is famous for its red double-decker buses, and San Francisco drives people to enjoy riding the cable cars. However, Lisbon is renowned for its iconic trams. Tram 28 runs from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourque, allowing locals and tourists to relish Lisbon's most picturesque routes and tourist-friendly areas.  

Tram 28 passes through Lisbon's famous neighborhoods, including Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Graca. It also travels by the world-famous tourist attractions, such as Alfama and St. George's Castle. Tram 28 is comfortable transportation for locals and tourists. 

Although Lisbon has many trams, nothing matches the excursions of Tram 28 for tourists. It has been passing through the iconic neighborhoods in Lisbon since World War II. So, you will have an enjoyable time with your family members or friends. 

#3 Cascais

Cascais is a seaside town and a 45-minute drive from Lisbon. Previously, Cascais was a fishing village, but it has become a famous tourist destination today. People from all over the world visit this beachside town to enjoy the magical sunrise and sunset and breathe in the fresh air. 

The town has world-class and luxurious hotels and resorts. So, we recommend visiting this place on the weekend to enjoy your vacations and create memorable experiences with your family or friends. 

There are plenty of places to see and things to do during a weekend in this small town near Lisbon. For example, you can stroll the beautiful, colorful, and cobblestone paths, visit the forts, relax on the beach, eat at a waterfront restaurant, and picnic with your family in the laid-back atmosphere. 

#4 Walk by the Tagus River 

Walking by the Tagus River is one of the best things to do during a weekend in Lisbon. Thanks to the year-round sunshine and pleasant weather, walking by the Tagus River is an excellent way for ecotourists to breathe in Fresh air and soothe their minds. 

The pathways between Belem Tower, Padrao Dos Descobrimentos, Alcantara, and Cais do Sodre are the most popular along the Tagus River. If you love riding a bicycle, you can rent it and pedal through the beautiful tracks. 

Once you have completed the track, head to the Cais do Sodre cafeteria to drink your favorite coffee, revive your senses, elevate your energy levels, and enjoy the river view. 

#5 Explore Gulbenkian Foundation 

Gulbenkian Foundation is the most eco-friendly thing to do during a weekend in Lisbon. Once you enter the garden, you will forget the city's beauty and immerse yourself in nature. Renowned Portuguese landscape architects designed Gulbenkian Foundation in the late 60s. 

Here, you will find a wide range of flora and fauna, including native plant species. If you want to relax for a moment, sit at the outside amphitheater and read a book. Make sure the weather is clear. 

On the other hand, you can visit the two on-site museums to explore the artifacts and learn about the history of the Gulbenkian Foundation. The best thing about this place is that museums are free on Sundays after 2:00 PM. 

#6 Questo 

Questo is one of the most popular city exploration apps with unique features that keep you engaged and entertained throughout your journey. For example, when you are in Lisbon and use Questo, you will find amazing games available on Questo. 

Playing games on Questo is easy, fun, and enjoyable because you go on quests, follow the cues, and solve riddles while exploring the city. Questo has both indoor and outdoor city exploration games. If you want to keep yourself entertained and find places you may have never visited before, use Questo. 

#7 LX Factory

LX Factory is one of the favorite destinations for tourists in Lisbon, boasting street art galore, shops, stores, bars, restaurants, and cafes. It was a cloth and textile factory. The local government has transformed it into a unique, colorful, vibrant, and energetic place for visitors. 

For instance, you can visit the place on the weekend to shop for your favorite items, including clothes, footwear, accessories, souvenirs, etc. You can also enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the restaurants. 

#8 Mouraria Quarter

Mouraria, also known as Moorish Quarter, is one of Lisbon's most widely visited neighborhoods, thanks to its eclectic and laidback atmosphere. Once you are at Mouraria Quarter, you will see colorful buildings and winding streets that showcase a completely different side of Lisbon. 

However, Moorish Quarter is the birthplace of fado, which is Lisbon's most iconic and symbolic music style. Moreover, you will find hundreds of fado houses in Moorish Quarter, including Maria da Mouraria, which is Maria Severa Onofriana's house, the pioneer of fado music in Lisbon. 

#9 Bairro Alto

Last but not least, we recommend visiting the Bairro Alto on a weekend night to explore the lively, vibrant, and energetic district with numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. 

The magical atmosphere and elevating energy will immerse you in this side of the city, and you can taste your favorite drink, go dancing, or have a party with your adult friends. 

Final Words 

Lisbon is a beautiful city in Southern Europe with hundreds of places to see and things to do. However, if you want to make the most out of your weekends, we recommend exploring these places. Don't forget to use Questo to keep yourself more entertained while discovering new places. Until Next Time!