Lisbon Best City Breaks Away From The Algarve

Lisbon a Top City Break Away From The Algarve

A visit to the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon, is a definite must. There is so much to see and explore. We guarantee you will have a great day or even better still a weekend away in this Wonderful city.

How to Get There – So Many Options

Getting there from the Algarve couldn’t be any easier, with various options to travel. Starting with the quickest, discounting the time spent queuing in the airport, is to take a flight from Faro to Lisbon. With a flight time of just 45 minutes and off-peak seats available for around 40 euros, it is quite affordable.

It takes only two and a half hours to drive from the Algarve. The roads are quiet until you hit the outskirts of the city where it can get quite busy at peak times. Bear in mind with fuel and road tolls, if using the motorway, it will cost you around 100+ euros for a return journey.

Alternatively and much more relaxing is the train journey which takes around 3 hours and costs around 20 euros each way depending on the time of day. Sit back and relax as you thunder through the beautiful Portuguese countryside and arrive refreshed and ready to hit the town!

Another option is total the coach that leaves from various points across the Algarve. This will cost you between 5-12 euros depending on the bus service and time. So definitely the cheapest option.

Lisbon the City With Everything

Once inside the city centre, if you have driven, parking can be quite scarce and sometimes the best option is to use one of the many multi-storey car parks. Whichever mode of transport you have used to arrive to get around the city is quite easy using the bus, metro or tram. Ubers are also quite popular and normally there are plenty available outside peak times.

There is an abundance of hotels, B&Bs, Hostels and apartments to choose from if you are staying over for a few nights. However, even with such a high number, there is always something going on in Lisbon to attract visitors so rooms tend to get booked up quickly on these occasions. It’s always best to book a few weeks in advance if your visit clashes with any big events.

Events, Festivals and Games Galore

Drawing thousands of visitors every week, Lisbon really does put on a show for every occasion. Check out what’s going on in the City to find out more about the events and festivals taking place. 

With two top football teams in Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, you can guarantee some great games. When both are in the champions league, as they are in 2022, you may even get to see your home team playing at some point.

Visit the Castelo of Sao Jorge & Cathedral

No trip to Lisbon would be complete without visiting the Sao Jorge Castle. In a commanding position high above the Lisbon rooftops, the view is to die for. Looking across the whole of Lisbon down to the River Tagus and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean. 

The trip down from the castle takes you through the lively old town streets of the neighbourhood to the Lisbon Cathedral. The cathedral which is the oldest church in Lisbon is over 800 years old. It holds a past that you can feel as you walk around exploring the historical journey that the place holds. 

Lisbon’s Commerce Square & Elevador

A short walk further down toward the River Tagus will bring you to the huge Commerce Square, perhaps one of the most photographed places in Lisbon. With many, a cafe dotted around it makes for a great place to while away some time watching the tourists pass by.

Walking back into the city from the square through the narrow streets and following the signs you will soon arrive at the Elevator Castelo which when reading the top you get a great view of the Sao Jorge Castle.

Take the Historic Lisbon Tram 28 Route

From there and still heading inland brings you to the Tram 28 pickup point. Taking the tram through 7 kilometres passing some of the city’s most historical sights. Once you have paid for your ticket you can get off and back on at any point. It takes around one hour and is one of the best ways to see just what the city of Lisbon has to offer.

The Trendy & Cultural Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto has to be the best place to exercise as you wander through steep cobbled streets, the houses and trams decorated with vivid graffiti and micro bars and restaurants at every corner. Try taking one of the trams up the narrow roads to save on the leg work and give you time to take in the sights! 

Music and art are the heart and soul of the neighbourhood hence it is said to be the cultural centre of Lisbon. Frequented by the cool and trendy brigade, however, there is always room for outsiders to join in the fun. 

Tower of Belem and Pastel de Natas

The Tower of Belem is another must-see monument. However, the walk along the river to reach the point is just as interesting. When in Belem do as the Belemians do, you just have to taste the Pastel de Natas at the famous Pastéis de Belém cafe, they are said to be the best you can buy!

Parque das Nações – Shopping & Cable Car Ride

Parque das Nações boast a cable car ride along the River Tagus with a great view of the surrounding area. The area was developed in 1988 for the Lisbon World Exposition and has been continually transformed into a great tourist attraction.

With museums, a fantastic indoor aquarium and buzzing with trendy restaurants and bars it’s a great place to spend a day or night exploring.

Found just outside the Oriente Station so easy to get to and has one of the best shopping centres in Lisbon, the Vasco da Gama complex. The food hall has cuisine from all around the world and the outside seating area has a tremendous view of the river and Vasco de Gama suspension bridge.

Cross the Bridge to Alochete & Freeport Designer Outlet

Crossing the bridge, the 2nd longest in Europe, takes you across the river into Alochete a small traditional fishing village that is host to large wetlands that lay host to a great variety of wildlife. The village itself is much more relaxed than the bustle of the Lisbon city centre.

A short drive from Alochete will take you to the largest designer outlet in the Lisbon area namely Freeport. Hosting outlets from most of the big brand fashion names all at discount prices. With plenty of parking and lots of restaurants to choose from it makes for a great shopping visit.

Conclusion to The Best City Break in Lisbon

For those living in the Algarve Lisbon is both an accessible and exciting city break. In a short article, it is difficult to point out all that Lisbon has to offer but hopefully, we have given you a few pointers to help you on your way.

If you are interested in buying a property in the Algarve and enjoying all the region has to offer why not take some time to view the great selection of villas and apartments on the market? If you have a specific area in mind why not create a property alert and be the first to see new homes arriving on the market?