Lisbon travel guide: how to spend 48 hours in the city
Lisbon is the go-to destination for trips that finally make it out of the group chat, solo wanderers and foodie-loving couples. But as someone who has only ever flown through the airport (a great one, at that), does the city-break live up to the hype? The short-answer is a big ol’ yes.
I spent 48-hours in the Portuguese city, eating my way around and exploring all the culture it has to offer. So, from where to stay to what to do, here’s a guide on making the most out of the city when time is short…
Where to stay
Locke de Santa Joana is the hotspot that’s got people talking. A new urban destination, the hotel is located in the city’s centre, just a stone’s throw from Lisbon’s iconic boulevard, Avenida da Liberdade.
This hotel is huge, to put it simply. With 370 apartments, hotel rooms, suites and penthouses scattered across nine floors, there’s something for all types of stays, be it girl’s weekend or a romantic getaway.
The rooms themselves are spacious and sleek, sectioned into areas for living, dining and sleeping, making it comfortable enough for longer ones, as well as short stops. The hotel’s aesthetic is dreamy, with plenty of photo ops throughout, thanks to the mix of classic Portuguese design and modern influences. There are lots of social areas around the grounds, including a co-working space, a museum, and a stunning courtyard pool with sun terrace. It’s located right next to the vibrant pool bar and Santa Marta restaurant, making it a bit of an oasis in the bustling city.
Where to eat
I’m going to preface this section with the fact that I am a massive foodie, but also a vegetarian, and was warned prior to this trip that Lisbon wasn’t necessarily the best for veggies. But, I was, thankfully, proven wrong! There are plenty of dining options if you’re a vegetarian or pescatarian, and while it may veer slightly away from traditional Portuguese cuisine (which tends to include lots of meat and fish), you’re still guaranteed to find something you like.
Locke de Santa Joana has an impressive food and beverage offering on-site, so you really don’t have to stray far for good food if you’re a guest. Nuno Mendes (of Chiltern Firehouse fame) is heading up the menu at the hotel’s anticipated opening, Santa Joana, and the food is truly exceptional. Expect small, curated plates of local and fusion cuisine, paired with an extensive wine list in a sophisticated setting. Bliss.
Santa Marta is the hotel’s pool-side restaurant, with fresh pasta, grills and wood-fired pizzas for a midday pick-me-up. Cafe Castro is a hit with the locals for coffee, smoothies and breakfast on-the-go, and Marquise Da Mobler is an instagram-worthy cafe offering all-day brunch, and delicious coffee.
Speaking of coffee, Neighbourhood makes a great oat latte, and The Mill was a favourite when I asked locals for dining suggestions.
What to do
Hit up the LX factory for some shopping. This industrial warehouse over multiple floors has been transformed to house shops, markets, cafes and restaurants all in one, vibrant location. With over 50 shops, you can find unique vintage pieces, marvel at the books at Ler Devagar, or make a charm bracelet at one of the jewellery stores under the same roof. Make sure you grab a world-famous Pastel de nata from one of the bakeries to fuel your shopping.
If it’s second-hand shopping you’re after, Fiera Da Ladra, or flea market, is Lisbon’s most iconic market, where there’s always something original, kitsch or vintage to be found. It’s held every Tuesday and Saturday in Campo de Santa Clara, behind the monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
Stop by Hello Kristof for your fix of coffee and magazines, to enjoy at Jarfim do Torel, a beautiful garden spot with views of the city.
If it’s art and culture you’re after, you can grab a drink and people watch outside the MAAT museum, before heading inside and making the most of one of their curated exhibitions.
The CAM - Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian, holds the largest and most complete collection of modern and contemporary Portuguese art, and has recently undergone a huge transformation to make it even more accessible to the city. You could spend hours wandering around the art, or sitting outside and enjoying a quiet moment in the grounds.
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