Top Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal during a Weekend
Posted on 22. Mar, 2010 by Photographer in Random Thoughts
Lisbon, Portugal has so many places to visit, things to do and stuff to eat but if you are heading over there for an EasyJet weekend, here are some of the top things to do in a short period of time.
- Welcome to Lisbon
First get yourself either a Lisbon card (from the tourist office) or a day travel pass (from the Post Office or gaming shops or the metro station). The latter is much cheaper but doesn't get you free or discounted entries to tourist sites.
- Two of Lisbon's famous domes
Get a bird's eye view of Lisbon on top of Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)
- Santa Justa Lift
This iron lift is 45 metres tall and is decorated in neogothic style. There are two lift cages with a wooden interior and accommodates around 20 passengers. The top storey is reached by a spiral staircase and has a terrace that offers views of Lisbon Castle, Rossio Square and Baixa.
- View of Lisbon and São Jorge Castle
- Random guy artistically crossing the street
Taste the delicious Pastéis de Belém (Portuguese egg tarts)
- The best egg tart in the world
Created before the 18th century by Catholic Monks at the Jerónimos Monastery, you can still get these mouth watering egg tarts from one of the most famous bakeries in Lisbon. Since 1837, locals and tourists have gone to Casa Pastéis de Belém to get these warm-out-of-the-oven egg tarts. They are also eaten with sprinkles of cinnamon and sugar powder. Each costs 0.90 EUR and there is always a long queue.
Walk along the shores of Belém during sunset
- Another random guy walking cleverly photographed with walking man symbol on the ground
Take a long walk from the Jerónimos Monastery to the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) alongside the Tejo river where you will get a good view of the Ponte 25 de Abril (April 25 Bridge) which is often often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
- Looks like Golden Gate bridge but it is not
- Belém Tower looking splendid at dusk
Take a ride on Tram 28
- Why walk when you can ride one of these
Tram 28 takes you through many of Lisbon's most famous sites and it only costs Euro 1.40 per journey (free if you have the Lisbon card or day pass). Tickets can be purchased on-board. The trip is hilly, noisy and hectic but gives a beautiful glimpse of the city as it winds its way from Campo Orique to Martim-Moniz through many neighbourhoods and past several interesting sights including churches and gardens. From start to finish the ride takes 30 minutes.
- Cool panning shot, as we missed the Tram
Get a panoramic view of Lisbon at Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle)
- Panoramic view of Lisbon
The castle is one of the main historical and touristic sites that overlooks the city of Lisbon. The fortified medieval castle is located on the highest hill in the historic center of the city which gives you an excellent panoramic view of the entire city. If you exit the castle following the path that leads you back to the tram stop, there is a small restaurant that serves the best grilled sardines ever.
Get lost along the narrow streets in Alfama
- Spring fashion collection 2010
Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon. You can literally use up all your CF cards photographing the architecture. Definitely worth the visit to soak up the sounds and smells of old Lisbon.
- A tile out of tiles
Have lunch in Café Nicola
- Happy Meal
Overlooking Praça de Dom Pedro, this charming cafe with its beautiful wood and steel architecture is the work of famous architect Norte Júnior. Café Nicola was opened in 1929 and started immediately Lisbon’s long tradition of the café as a place of literary and political meeting point. They serve good Bacalhau (cod fish) and porto (port wine).
Day trip to Sintra
- Windows Vista
If you have some time to spare, take a day trip to Sintra. The train ride is about 40 minutes. Because of its 19th century Romantic architecture, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pena National Palace
- Another fellow photographer
Lisbon being situated 2.5 hours flight from Geneva, it is definitely a great place to spend the weekend especially if you're a photographer.
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