by Christine Orford

With gorgeous Mediterranean weather, stunning scenery and a laidback vibe, Lisbon’s easy to love. Even if you’re only coming for a short visit, check out our guide to see how you can get the most out of the coastal city.

Saturday, 9:30am

As soon as you arrive, pick up a 24-hour travel card from any Metro station. It covers all Metro, tram and bus travel and is really good value. It’s a reusable card, too, so don’t throw it away. If you’re staying longer or want to come back (and we bet you will), just top it up when you need it.

Saturday, 10:30am

Head to Tartine and kick off your day with a tasty breakfast. Sample freshly baked breads and pastries in the upstairs cafe and wash it all down with a juice or a coffee.

If you want a little extra to take with you, stock up in the bakery downstairs before you leave.

Saturday, 12:00pm

After breakfast, get a bus or a Metro to historic flea market Feira Da Ladra in the old neighbourhood of Alfama. Markets have been in this spot since the 12th century, with this one’s name first recorded as far back as the 17th century.

It opens from 6:00am every Tuesday and Saturday and you’ll find stalls packed with trinkets, pieces of jewellery, decorative tiles and even old Nokia phones. It’s the perfect place to pick up unusual souvenirs.

Saturday, 2:30pm

When you’ve had your fill of shopping, head to Hospital de Bonecas, where toys of all shapes, sizes and vintages are cured of their ailments.

The Doll’s Hospital museum entrance fee is just a couple of euro and it’s a fun way to spend an hour or two. At once compelling, quaint and creepy, it’s definitely not your run-of-the-mill tourist spot in Lisbon!

Saturday, 4:30pm

Walk up to Miradouro de Santa Catarina to get some amazing panoramic views of the city and a selfie or five.

Grab a sandwich and a coffee from a kiosk and take in the scenery as you eat your late lunch. Stick around to watch the sunset and get ready to fall in love with the Portuguese capital.

Saturday, 6:00pm

Now boasting four branches, the original A Vida Portuguesa shop is just a short stroll away from Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

It’s based in an old warehouse and perfume factory and sells everything from jewellery to stationery to toys and even cleaning products! This eclectic mix of goods all has one thing in common, they were handpicked to showcase the best of Portuguese craftsmanship.

Saturday, 7:30pm

If there’s one drink you should sample in Lisbon, it’s ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur that’s served in small measures. Ginginha do Carmo is less than 10 minutes from A Vida Portuguesa and specialises in the tipple.

Here, the bartenders serve your ginjinha in an edible dark chocolate cup. They also have port, wine and a non-alcoholic redcurrant alternative called groselha, but the cherry liqueur is the true star of the show.

Saturday, 8:30pm

If you haven’t filled up on those dark chocolate ginjinha cups, it’s time for dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro.

This restaurant is extremely popular, so you’ll probably have to queue for a table. But if you’re a seafood lover, it’s worth the wait. With huge shellfish and crustaceans, it’s easy to over-order, but make sure you save room for the delicious whole crab.

Saturday, 11:00pm

Walk off your dinner and get ready for an unforgettable digestif (or two) in A Tabacaria. There’s no menu but the bartenders will whip you up a cocktail based on your preferences, so you end up with your perfect drink. They don’t come cheap so you mightn’t stay there al night, but the bartender’s expertise is evident in every drop. Definitely value for money!

Sunday, 2:00am

After you’ve had your fill of fancy cocktails, get a bus to Lux Frágil for something a little more modern. Part owned by John Malkovich, this super-club on the dock attracts big names in electronic music from Europe and beyond.

It’s worth checking their listings to see who’s on, but even if you don’t know the acts, you’ll have a great time dancing under the giant disco ball and sipping cocktails on the rooftop terrace.

Sunday, 5:00am

If you’re still not tired, head on to Kremlin and experience one of the city’s most famous nightspots. Notorious for wild nights out, the party doesn’t stop here on the weekends until 9:00am, so you can stay out (almost) as long as you want.

Sunday, 9:30am

After all that, you’re going to need to sleep for a while… Luckily, Lisbon has tonnes of hostels dotted around the city centre which are world-renowned for being the best boutique hostels around.

The Hub New Lisbon Hostel is in a recently renovated 18th-century building and has lots of sharing and private room options.

Book a room in the Lisbon Chillout Hostel and enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast, satellite TV and lots more during your stay.

And if you’re feeling a little homesick, why not stay at the Home Lisbon Hostel? It’s cosy, decorated in a traditional Portuguese style and has nightly home-cooked dinners too.

Thanks to Frances Ellen, Andrea Mann, Edna Winti, Mark Jensen, bjaglin, Rosinoand Marilena for use of their great images under the Creative Commons license.

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