Travel // 7 Things to Do in Lisbon: Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

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On our recent family trip to Portugal, we tagged on a few nights in Lisbon at the end. In hindsight, we might have done this at the start of the holiday, but we enjoyed it all the same.

The lovely @kinshipcreative had visited a week before us and kindly shared her top tips on where to go (check out her Instagram highlights). We stayed close to the train station and, most importantly, not on a hill (more on why that’s key later!).

We didn’t have a strict itinerary for Lisbon. Mostly, we wanted to walk around, soak up the atmosphere, and see what unfolded.

As always, I made a Google Map before our trip filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and must-see spots. It’s such a handy way to get a bird’s-eye view of what’s near each other and plan routes that make sense.

Here’s my list of the best things to do in Lisbon on a weekend break.

1. Take a Sunset Sailboat Ride on the River Tagus

This experience made it into my top three for the whole holiday. It’s such a beautiful way to see the city from a different perspective. From the boat, you’ll spot MAAT, the King on the hill, the red suspension bridge, the Discoveries Monument, the Praça do Comércio arch, and even the container port.

We had a special moment spotting a container ship from Singapore, where we used to live, which felt like a timely nod to our former home.

2. Visit Praça do Comércio and the Arch

The grand square and Arco da Rua Augusta are unmissable. From here, you can wander down to the waterfront for sweeping views over the bay. It’s a lively, historic heart of Lisbon and a perfect starting point for first-time visitors.

3. Explore LX Factory

Once an industrial complex, the LX Factory has been transformed into a hub of creativity with independent shops, artist studios, quirky cafes, and cool restaurants.

It was refreshing to wander around an area without chain stores, every shop felt inspiring and unique. I even snagged a copy of the coffee table book, Jaipur, which had been on my wishlist for ages.

4. Enjoy Lisbon Café Culture

Lisbon is full of charming coffee shops, and we made the most of them. We tried a few Instagram-famous spots, but after watching one couple photograph their food for ten minutes (and another ask for a doggy bag without eating), we realised we preferred quieter cafes with better coffee and nice matcha.

The exception was COMOBÅ coffee, which had about seven types of matcha on the menu, every one delicious, and the vibe was super chilled.

5. Eat Your Way Around Lisbon

Lisbon has an incredible food scene. Some highlights to try:

Time Out Market – buzzing with food stalls, reminiscent of Asia’s hawker centres.
RUMI Lisboa – cosy and delicious.
Sophia Italian – for when you’re craving pasta and pizza in Portugal!

For more inspiration, check out my post A Warm Welcome in Lisbon: Our Family Stay at Look Living which includes dining tips near the hotel.

6. Ride Lisbon’s Historic Trams

Lisbon is built on seven steep hills, and the trams are both practical and fun. You can buy a two-day pass from a kiosk for the best value, or pay around €2 per ride with a tap card.

Not only is it a classic Lisbon travel experience, it’s also a great excuse to avoid climbing yet another hill.

7. Take a Day Trip to Cascais

Cascais is a vibrant seaside town just 45 minutes from Lisbon by train. Sadly, we missed catching up with a friend who lives there (she was away), but we still enjoyed strolling the streets, eating at local restaurants, and soaking up the beach atmosphere.

It’s an easy, family-friendly day trip from Lisbon and well worth adding to your itinerary.

Bonus Things to Do in Lisbon (for Next Time)

A friend of mine always says you need to leave something to do next time you visit a place. We ran out of time, but these are on our list for next time:

Visit MAAT – a striking riverside building with thought-provoking modern art.
The National Tile Museum – for stunning azulejos and, apparently, a great café.
Lisbon viewpoints (Miradouros) – the hills make for incredible views of the city.

Lisbon Travel Tips: Conquering the Seven Hills

Lisbon is famously built on seven hills. And when I say hills, they feel more like mountains. It’s brilliant if you’re looking for a workout, your thighs will definitely feel the burn.

But if you’re travelling with kids, a buggy, or just don’t fancy steep climbs, be prepared. The trams can get packed, and walking isn’t always easy. I was very glad our hotel was on flat ground, making evening walks to dinner much easier.

Our apartment was also on the 4th floor and we choose to take the stairs over the lift, so every night we had one last climb after a day of sightseeing. Let’s just say it kept us fit!

Final Thoughts on a Lisbon City Break

Lisbon is the perfect destination for a weekend city break, full of history, food, culture, and surprises around every corner. With its hills, trams, and riverside charm, it’s a city that rewards both wandering and planning ahead.

And if you’re exploring more of Portugal, check out my other posts: