The perfect 48-hour itinerary
A romantic weekend in Lisbon
Some cities are made for lovers, and Lisbon is living proof of that. The light sliding over the Tagus, the trams clattering through narrow streets, fado escaping from an ajar door: everything here seems to have been designed for two. Here is our 48-hour itinerary, planned from our neighborhood of Lapa, for a romantic weekend that you will still remember ten years from now.
Friday night: Arrive, take it slow
The airport is just twenty minutes from Lapa: as soon as you land, you are already in a different world. Leave your bags and enjoy the night air if you are staying at Villa Dorothéa, the top-floor terrace awaits you for a first drink overlooking the city's rooftops.
For dinner, stay in the neighborhood: the restaurants in Lapa, Madragoa and Santos serve authentic Portuguese cuisine in cozy settings where you can hear your dinner companion. Ask for recommendations at the reception it is our favorite pastime and then walk home through the quiet streets, under the streetlights. The tone of the weekend is set.
Saturday morning: Lisbon picture-perfect, before everyone else.
Wake up early: this is the secret of experienced couples. At 9 am, Alfama is just waking up, and you will have its narrow streets all to yourselves. Climb up to the castle or simply wander aimlessly getting lost together in Alfama is an adventure in itself. Stop at the Santa Luzia viewpoint, with its bougainvillea and view of the Tagus, while the tour groups are still sleeping.
Return to Baixa for a coffee and a pastel de nata, then head up to Chiado: stop by the Bertrand bookstore to choose a book for him and visit a historic pastry shop for a treat.
Saturday afternoon: Walk, get a table, relax
Have lunch at the Time Out Market if you prefer a lively atmosphere, or at a tavern in Madragoa if you prefer a quieter one. In the afternoon, two options depending on your mood:
- Cultural option: the National Museum of Ancient Art, just a few steps from Lapa, and its garden suspended over the port perfect for a coffee.
- Walking option: the design boutiques of Príncipe Real, its garden and its centennial cedar, followed by an ice cream on a terrace.
At the end of the day, allow yourself the quintessential Lisbon ritual: watching the sunset from a privileged viewpoint. There are countless viewpoints we have our favorites, and our rooftop terrace has the advantage of being reserved exclusively for our guests.
Saturday Night: Fado, or the Art of Saying Without Speaking
A romantic weekend in Lisbon without fado would be a missed opportunity. Avoid large concert halls: choose a small fado house in Alfama or Madragoa, where the singer is just three meters from your table and where silence naturally settles. You may not always understand the lyrics, but you will always grasp the essence.
Sunday: Belém or laziness, why choose?
Two options for the last morning:
- The active option: walk along the Tagus River to Belém the riverfront promenade is one of the most beautiful in the city. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and get in line (which is well worth the wait) at the historic Pastelaria de Belém.
- The option for those who prefer to relax: sleep in, enjoy a quiet breakfast on the patio and, after the meal, take a stroll through the Jardim da Estrela, the most romantic garden in Lisbon, just a few steps from the hotel.
In any case, set aside an hour for a last coffee on a terrace. Lisbon is a city to exit slowly.
Our three tips for a successful romantic weekend
Stay in a quiet neighborhood. Romance does not thrive on noisy streets; that is exactly what Lapa offers and so do we.
Book your fado shows and Saturday dinners in advance. The best places fill up quickly, especially from May to October.
Leave some free space in your schedule. The best moments of a weekend for two are rarely those you planned.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time for a romantic weekend in Lisbon? May, June, September and October offer the best balance between pleasant weather and crowds. The bright and quiet Lisbon winter is an excellent off-the-beaten-path option.
Are two days enough to visit Lisbon? Most of the time yes, as long as you choose your base wisely. And if the weekend leaves you wanting more, Sintra and the coast are worth an extra day.
Should you rent a car? No. You can get around on foot, by tram or by taxi. A car is only useful for a trip to Comporta.
Extend your itinerary: our 10 favorite romantic experiences in Lisbon and our rooms designed for weekends for two.Book your stay
