Cocktail Bar with sea views
Some cities are made for lovers, and Lisbon is the living proof of it. The light gliding over the Tagus, the trams clinking through the narrow streets, the fado escaping from an ajar door: everything here seems to have been designed for two. Here is our 48-hour itinerary, planned starting from our neighborhood of Lapa, for a romantic weekend that you will still remember ten years from now.
Friday night: Arrive, go slow
The airport is only twenty minutes from Lapa: as soon as you land, you find yourself in a different world. Drop off your bags and enjoy the night air if you are staying at Villa Dorothéa, the top-floor terrace awaits you for a first drink with views of the city's rooftops. For dinner, stay in the neighborhood: the restaurants of Lapa, Madragoa and Santos serve authentic Portuguese cuisine in cozy environments where you can listen to 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 for the weekend is set.Saturday morning: Lisbon perfect like a postcard, before everyone else.
Wake up early: this is the secret of experienced couples. At 9 in the morning, Alfama is barely waking up, and you will have its narrow streets all to yourselves. Go 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 views of the Tagus, while the groups of tourists 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/her and visit a historic pastry shop to enjoy a sweet treat.Saturday afternoon: Stroll, 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, a few steps from Lapa, and its garden suspended over the port, perfect for a coffee.
- Stroll option: the designer 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 vantage point. There are countless viewpoints; we have our favorites, and our terrace on the top floor 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 the 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 settles naturally. You might not always understand the lyrics, but you will always capture the essence.Sunday: Belém or laziness, why choose?
Two options for the last morning: - The active option: stroll along the Tagus River to Belém; the riverside 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 in the courtyard and, after your meal, take a walk 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 one last coffee on a terrace. Lisbon is a city to be experienced 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, mainly from May to October.
Leave a free space in your schedule. The best moments of a weekend as a couple are rarely the ones 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 Lisbon winter, bright and quiet, is an excellent off-the-beaten-path option.Are two days enough to visit Lisbon? Most of the time yes, provided you choose your base wisely. And if the weekend leaves you wanting more, Sintra and the coast are well 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 as a couple.Book your stay
