Portugal · Weekend · 3 days · 14 stops
A weekend in Lisbon: Friday to Sunday
This plan is built around flight times: on Friday you only have the evening, so it is a short stroll through the Baixa and sunset in Graça. Saturday belongs to Belém and the west of the city. On Sunday you are at the castle early and done by mid-afternoon, in time to head to the airport.
In short
- Length
- Friday evening to Sunday, 14 stops
- Highlights
- Rua Augusta Arch, Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, Graça viewpoint, Belém Tower
- Where to stay
- Baixa and Chiado, Príncipe Real
- Getting around
- Explore the old town on foot – wear comfortable shoes, the paving is slippery and steep.
- Best time to go
- March to June and September to October are the most pleasant: warm but not hot.
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Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .
Friday
Arriving in the Baixa
Rua Augusta Arch
There is a small viewing terrace on top of the arch: a first look over the square, the river and the old town.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Rua Augusta Archabout 10 min on foot
A Ginjinha
A tiny bar on Largo de São Domingos. You drink the cherry liqueur standing up, out on the square.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): A Ginjinhaabout 10 min on foot
Graça viewpoint
Evening light over the castle and the Baixa, under pine trees. For dinner, the streets of Graça have simple local places.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Graça viewpoint
Saturday
Belém, LX Factory and Bairro Alto
Tram 15E runs to Belém from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio, about 25 min.
Jerónimos Monastery
The monastery with the ornate cloister. Arrive early and you almost have the arcades to yourself. Best to buy tickets online.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Jerónimos Monasteryabout 5 min on foot
Pastéis de Belém
Two corners away, the custard tarts come warm out of the oven. The takeaway counter is usually quicker.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Pastéis de Belémabout 20 min on foot
Belém Tower
The tower stands right on the water. A walk along the riverside to see it is often enough – inside it is cramped.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Belém TowerTram 15E towards the centre to Alcântara, about 10 min, then a few minutes on foot.
LX Factory
A late lunch in the old factory under the bridge. Afterwards, browse the big bookshop in the former printing hall.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): LX FactoryTram 15E to Cais do Sodré, about 10 min, then about 15 min uphill on foot.
Santa Catarina viewpoint
Locals sit on the wall here looking out over the port and the bridge. A good spot for a drink before dinner.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Santa Catarina viewpointabout 5 min on foot
Bairro Alto
Dinner in the grid of lanes above Chiado. On Saturdays it stays busy until late at night.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Bairro Alto
Sunday
Castle and Alfama before you leave
São Jorge Castle
On a Sunday morning the castle courtyard is still quiet. A loop along the walls takes about an hour and a half.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): São Jorge Castleabout 5 min on foot
Portas do Sol viewpoint
The terrace looks straight at the white church of São Vicente and across the rooftops to the river.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Portas do Sol viewpointabout 5 min on foot
Lisbon Cathedral
With its two towers the cathedral looks like a fortress. Tram 28 often rattles past the front door.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Lisbon Cathedralabout 5 min on foot
Alfama
Lunch in the stepped lanes. Many small places grill sardines and fish right outside the door.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Alfamaabout 5 min on foot
Fado Museum
At the bottom edge of Alfama: voices, guitars and the story of fado. Check opening hours before you go.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Fado Museum
Good to know
From the airport
The metro (red line) leaves straight from the airport. You change once for the Baixa, and the whole ride takes about half an hour.
Trams 15E and 28
Both are often full. The 15E to Belém comes every few minutes. Tram 28 up to Graça is usually calmer on a Friday evening than during the day.
Luggage on Sunday
If you have to check out before your flight, ask the hotel to store your bags. Dragging a suitcase through Alfama is no fun.
For the best time to go, public transport and where to stay, see the 3-day plan for Lisbon.
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A weekend in Lisbon: frequently asked questions
Is a weekend in Lisbon worth it?
Yes. With one evening, one full day and half a day you see the Baixa, Belém, the castle and Alfama. Save Sintra for next time.
When should I leave for the airport on Sunday?
The plan ends in the early afternoon. By metro or taxi the airport is about half an hour away – leave enough time for bag drop and security.
More plans for Lisbon
- One dayLisbon in one day – walking route with mapFrom the castle down through Alfama to the river, then up to Bairro Alto in the evening – all on foot.
- 3 days3 days in Lisbon – a ready-made itineraryCastle, viewpoints and old-town lanes, plus Belém and a day among the palaces of Sintra.
- 5 days5 days in Lisbon with Sintra and CascaisThree city days with museums and gardens, plus a day among the palaces of Sintra and one by the sea in Cascais.
- With kidsLisbon with kids: 2 easy daysOne day with the aquarium, experiments and a cable car, one with model ships, a lawn to run on and a riverside tower.
- On a budgetLisbon on a budget: 2 days, mostly freeTwo days of viewpoints, squares and riverside paths – you hardly pay an entry fee anywhere.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.
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