Lisbon Stopover? What’s a Stopover?
Is it the same as a layover cuz no one likes those! Ok so get ready for your new travel obsession! This is a program a few airlines offer but we’ll be focusing on TAP (Air Portugal)’s “Stopover Portugal”.
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You can get more info at the link but the basic idea is…you can break up your trip either to your actual destination or coming home by stopping in Lisbon or Porto for up to 5 nights. Something to keep in mind…if you’re flying on TAP because it’s a great deal…you’ll be stopping in Lisbon more than likely anyway so you may as well have a little fun. Haha…
Something else to consider is how incredibly affordable Portugal is right now. You won’t be tacking on too much to your trip budget by stopping for a night or two. I decided to do this on my way home from Italy and it was totally worth it. I can’t wait to go back! Here are my travel tips and suggestions for your Lisbon Stopover in Portugal! If you’re lucky enough
Lisbon Travel Guide:
Take the Metro into Lisbon city center.
- The Lisbon Airport is great even if you’re just laid over for a couple hours but if you’re doing a Lisbon Stopover…its time to head out into the city.
- Follow the signs to exit the airport. The Metro entrance is directly across from the airport doors.
- The ticket kiosks inside are pretty easy to use. In the bottom corner is a little UK flag that you can press for the English language.
- I would do one of the 24hr package deals as you can use these all over the city for various forms of transportation…not just the metro.
- Once you get your ticket, you’ll need to swipe it at the turnstile to get in and AGAIN to get out. You have to swipe both ways.
- You won’t see maps or anything because there is only the one train leaving the airport which makes it a little less confusing for your first time.
- My recommendation is to take the red line (airport train) to Alameda. Switch to the green line going towards Cais do Sodre. Get off at Rossio.
Where to Stay:
Located not even a block from the Rossio metro station is The Hotel Portugal in the Baixa neighborhood.
From their website, “Located Lisbon City Center, a couple of steps away from the main points of interest of the city, Portugal Boutique Hotel offers its guests the possibility to indulge in Lisbon lifestyle, experiencing closely Rossio, Chiado, Alfama, Av. Da Liberdade , Castelo de S.Jorge, Bairro Alto or Principe Real, discovering Lisbon and its most remarkable traditions.
Boasting 53 comfortable rooms, Portugal Boutique Hotel provides its guests with a service of excellence that sets it apart from the others, turning each stay into a unique and unforgettable experience.
From the entrance, the atmosphere is marked by a touch of luxury and refinement, induced by the materials themselves and the overwhelming golden spread by the entire Lobby Lounge and Reception. It is a unique design, typical of a historical building from the Pombaline era, fully recovered in a project of Arctic Interior Architecture Office, by Cristina Santos Silva.
In addition to Jony Rules, a Tapas Bar with a terrace sheltered from the bustle of the city, offering the best of Portuguese wines and tapas, Portugal Boutique Hotel also offers one of the most exquisite spaces you can find in the heart of Lisbon: Premium Wine House – a private wine cellar in Lisbon underground, offering unique wine experiences in an intimate atmosphere. During the week guests can experience Wine Tastings, whilst the Wine Brunch is available on Saturdays.”
One Day Lisbon Stopover Itinerary:
- St. George’s Castle Viewpoint: A charming, tree-lined viewpoint with unbeatable views over the Tagus River and the old town, you can walk there or use the 28 tram
- As Bifanas do Afonso for a quick lunch: Great spot for THE Portuguese pork sandwich!
- R. Augusta Promenade: Beautiful pedestrian street with shops and cafes. You can walk straight down it to the river.
- Arco da Rua Augusta: At the base of the Promenade, this arch marks the reconstruction of the city after the devastation from the 1755 earthquake. Pro tip…you can pay a couple Euro to climb to the top for incredible views of Lisbon.
- Praca do Comercio: One of the largest plaza’s in Portugal on the other side of the Arco da Rua Augusta.
- Time Out Market for dinner: Over 40 restaurants AND shopping. Definitely a must do so you can try a bunch of different things all in one meal! Perfection!
- Santa Justa Lift: Designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel…who did the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its built at the base of the steepest hill in Lisbon…and let me tell you…there are a LOT of steep hills in Lisbon. Its gorgeous and has a viewing platform on the top of it so I highly recommend giving this a go. It is technically part of the public transportation system so you can check it out on the 24 hr ticket I was talking about above.
- Praca da Figueira: A huge square in the center of Lisbon. Its in the neighborhood I love, Baixa. Its definitely one you’ve seen if you’ve every searched anything for Lisbon. Its gorgeous and full of fun stuff at Christmas.
Staying a little bit longer?
Visit Belem or check out any of these Portuguese Landmarks!
So maybe you decided to stay a couple days as opposed to just an overnight. Good plan! Depending on when you’re leaving, take the train from Cais do Sodre to Belem. Belem is still technically Lisbon and it is a quick jaunt to get there from the downtown.
- Belem Tower: This MUCH photographed tower was used to protect Lisbon. Constructed in the 16th century, you can obviously see what all the fuss is about. You can pay to go inside but lines can be long as they don’t let many people in at once.
- Jeronimos Monastery: An incredible tribute to when Portugal was the world leader in adventure and discovery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and something to behold! The architecture is incredible. Vasco da Gama is buried here among many other Portuguese greats.
- Monument to the Discoveries: Across from the monastery, (you can get there through an underpass from the gardens) is the Discoveries Monument. Built to commemorate 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, it represents a ship ready to set sail.
- Pasteis de Belem: Ok so hot topic…pastel de nata is the very famous…very delicious Portuguese pastry. The ones made here are legendary and apparently have a very secret recipe from the monastery. I say you should try them everywhere possible to be able to make the absolute best scientific judgment. ; )
Where to Eat:
- As Bifanas do Afonso: As mentioned above, there is SOMETHING about this pork sandwich. SO good. This place is super small and you’ll probably stand to eat but its totally worth it.
- Ginjinha: Super fun stop to add a little pep in your step as you walk around Lisbon. This tiny bar only serves Ginja, a type of cherry brandy. Walk up get your shot for under 2 euro (cash only) and enjoy! Ask for it with the cherry in it! You can also buy a bottle as a gift while you’re there.
- Time Out Market: Ok I know I’ve already talked about this but you HAVE to go here for at least one meal. There are so many options so you can’t try a bunch of different stuff without committing to one restaurant. Its great! Just trust me.
- Ponto Final: These last two are on my list for my next visit so I haven’t been officially but I heard about them through Somebody Feed Phil which is like travel gospel. Its right on the water and the food looked amazing…obviously I have to go.
- Ramiro: Also featured on Somebody Feed Phil. I am OBSESSED with seafood so I’m stoked to try this place out. And I mean, they give you a pork sandwich for dessert…what’s not to love?
Where to Shop:
- The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines: Hear me out. I know everyone’s all weird about sardines but #1: Have you tried them? Cuz they’re delicious. #2 It’s not just sardines that the Portuguese put in cans. This place is EPIC. It’s circus themed…why? Who knows but its super fun. At least go in for the experience and find a can of sardines with your birth year on it. Random but cool.
Time Out Market: If you’re short on time but looking for a little bit of Portugal to take home with you…this place is the spot. Just like with the food, the shops are also an eclectic mix for you to wander through.
Also, make sure to download my Lisbon shopping guide if you’ve got a little more time on your hands.
Day Trip Outside of Lisbon:
If you’ve given yourself a couple days before heading on to your ultimate destination, you should consider a day trip to Sintra. It’s straight out of a fairytale.
○ Admire the beauty of Sintra from one of the highest hills of the region
○ Marvel at the 19th century Romanticism style of architecture as you tour Pena Palace
○ Explore the forested grounds and natural beauty of Pena Park
Bonus: Christmas Markets during a Lisbon Stopover
Obviously a very seasonal recommendation…haha…but Lisbon is just wonderful during the holidays. There are Christmas lights and trees up everywhere. The markets set up in the big plazas are full of food and gifts from local artisans. It’s such a great way to really get into the holiday spirit. If it was possible to tack Lisbon on to your next Christmas trip…you will not be disappointed!
You are now VERY prepared to take your first Lisbon Stopover and I can’t wait to hear all about it! Let me know how it goes! If you need some advice on international travel in general check out this post and get yourself going!
