Anyone who sets off for a few days to Lisbon will certainly not be disappointed: Portugal's charming capital at the mouth of the Tagus River impresses with its diversity. Centuries of history are joined by modern clubs and bars. And gourmets, young creatives and luxury fans don't miss out here either.

Where to eat 

Time Out Market is home to more than 40 restaurants. © Suzi Kim

Gourmets and foodies will quickly find what they are looking for in Portugal's capital: In numerous outstanding restaurants, you can enjoy local cuisine, such as grilled sardines or bacalhau. During the day, you should take a detour to the Time Out Market with its more than 40 curated restaurants. Also the LX Factory, a former factory site that now houses umpteen restaurants, cafes and Lisbon's creative scene, is well worth the visit. 

Related: These Are the Top 7 Restaurants in Lisbon

Where to stay

The Martinhal Chiado is just a three-minute walk from Lisbon's center, making it ideal for a short city break. The five-star hotel specializes primarily in families, but couples and solo travelers will also feel at home thanks to the friendly service and excellent facilities. The rooms have their own kitchenettes and extremely comfortable beds, and the colors are playful. In the morning, guests enjoy a generous breakfast buffet before setting out to explore Lisbon. 

Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Luxury Hotel & Apartments
Rua das Flores 44, 1200-195 Lisboa, Portugal
Tel.: +351 21 002 9600
Web: martinhal.com/chiado
Price: doubles from €150

What to do: A weekend in Lisbon 

Castelo de São Jorge

Looking out over all of Lisbon: the Castelo de São Jorge. © Alano Oliveira

On a site of 6,000 square meters and high above Lisbon rises the Castelo de São Jorge. The fortress offers an excellent view over the city - but only on sunny days, otherwise the fog lies over the rooftops and the bay. Very nice is also the route to the sight, which leads through charming old streets and past some murals.

Lisbon's quaint streetcars

Lisbon's quaint streetcars are the hallmark of the Portuguese capital. © Aayush Gupta

After visiting the Castelo de São Jorge, a few steps down the hill lead you to the iconic 28 streetcar. It runs through Lisbon's city center and all the way to Belém. In general, Lisbon's quaint yellow streetcars, the "remodelados," are iconic: a ride is a must. Tickets are available directly from the driver for about 3 euros. So it's worth getting a 24-hour ticket for 6.40 euros on the subway beforehand.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Manueline style. © Simon Infanger K

The Hieronymite Monastery in Belém impresses with its 16th-century Manueline architecture. It is rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Large groups usually visit in the morning, which is why it is best to visit the building in the late afternoon.

Pastéis de Belém

Pastéis de Nata is Lisbon's most famous dessert. © Sina Reinartz

Airy puff pastry. Accompanied by sweet cream made from vanilla egg cream. Pastéis de Nata from Belém have been tempting our palates since 1837. The Confeitaria, just a few minutes' walk from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, where they were invented, is probably Lisbon's most enjoyable attraction. Here you order a bica as well as a pastéis. But beware: in front of the café Pastéis de Belém there is always a queue.

Torre de Belém

The Torre de Belém is a landmark of Lisbon. © Igor Ferreira

After you have rejuvenated yourself with a Pastéis de Nata, you walk along the shore of the Tejo estuary and visit the various attractions. For example, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos and the Torre de Belém. The Manueline-style tower houses the first rhinoceros representation in Europe and looks out over the river and city at a height of 35 meters.

Arco da Rua Augusta

From Arco da Rua Augusta, enjoy the view over Baixa and the Tagus River. © Jay Joshi

The path leads through Lisbon's shopping district - cinnamon buns at Copenhagen Coffee are a must here - to the grandiose Arco da Rua Augusta. The Arc de Triomphe grants access to Praça do Comércio - and even holds a viewing platform.

Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon's luxurious boulevard. © Shutterstock

Arguably Lisbon's most beautiful and greenest boulevard, Avenida da Liberdade is the place-to-be for luxury shopping. From Gucci to Escada to Louis Vuitton, the world's most prestigious brands congregate here. They are joined by numerous five-star hotels and chic cafes.

Enjoy the view

The Miradoura de Santa Luzia in Alfama. © Polina Kocheva

Lisbon scores with countless viewing platforms: Among them the Elevador do Carmo in Chiado, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama and the grandiose Miradoura da Graça in Graça. The evening is best spent at the Silk Club, which offers panoramic views over Lisbon's rooftops.

Related: These are the most beautiful rooftop bars in Lisbon

Still time?

If you've added an extra day to your long weekend in Lisbon, don't miss a day trip to Sintra. This magical little town is barely an hour's drive from Lisbon and impresses with its fairytale buildings and palaces.