Lisbon isn't just one of Europe’s most romantic capitals, it’s also one of the world’s most romantic cities. On your honeymoon, or simply on a special day or weekend for two, here's what you should do:
1| Sunrise in Alfama and a Morning at the Castle
Wake up early and head to Miradouro das Portas do Sol (if you’re staying at one of the hotels in the Alfama district, like Memmo Alfama, Santiago de Alfama, Convento do Salvador, Solar do Castelo or Solar dos Mouros, you won’t have to go very far). You’ll see that the name of the place (which translates to “the gate of the sun”) is quite appropriate, as this is where you have the best sunrise view. After breakfast, head to the castle , but before reaching the ticket office walk through the streets of the neighborhood and discover another lookout terrace, the Miradouro do Recolhimento .
2| A Waterfront Walk in Parque das Nações
After old Lisbon, see the 21st-century city. Take the Metro to Oriente station , and walk towards the Oceanarium . That’s the starting point of the Passeio das Tágides promenade, with a boardwalk over the water, below the cable cars. Walk towards the Vasco da Gama Bridge , past the Vasco da Gama Tower, and along the way you’ll find plenty of spots to relax and to enjoy the views.
3| Find Your Favorite View
Lisbon has literally dozens of viewpoints , and everyone has their favorite. The most romantic one is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, which can be the starting point of a walk through the neighborhood of Príncipe Real . Relax in the shade of a huge cedar tree in the Principe Real Garden, and then cross the street to find a special gift at the Embaixada shopping gallery.
Another lookout terrace that’s quite popular with young couples is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, especially late in the afternoon, at sunset.
4| A Cruise or Helicopter Tour
See Lisbon from a different perspective, on a cruise or from a helicopter. Here are several options:
• Boat Tours
• Helicopter Tours
5| A Day of Discoveries in Belém
The neighborhood from where Vasco da Gama and other Portuguese explorers departed for their voyages has the city’s main landmarks. After a visit to the Jeronimos Monastery , to the Belém Tower and to the Discoveries Monument , stroll through the Tropical Botanical Garden , see the magnificent carriages of the Coaches Museum , and go up to the Royal Palace of Ajuda . And don’t forget to stop by Antiga Confeitaria de Belém for the irresistible custard tarts.
6| A Stroll by the River or the Sea
On sunny days, tourists and locals walk by the river and cuddle in Ribeira das Naus . Others catch a train from Cais do Sodré and head to the beach in Cascais . For couples, we recommend a walk down the promenade from Cascais to Estoril , which only takes 25 minutes, but with several inviting beaches in between.
7| A Fairytale Day in Sintra
Europe’s capital of romanticism is just 40 minutes from Lisbon. You need an entire day to see all of the fairytale castles and palaces, but the must-sees are Pena Palace and the Sintra National Palace . You may also want to visit Europe's westernmost point (Cabo da Roca ) and the wild and beautiful beach nearby (Praia da Ursa ). To have time to see everything, stay the night at the oldest hotel in the Iberian Peninsula (Lawrence's Hotel), or at the beautiful and romantic Seteais Palace.
8| The Sunset
Lisbon is the only European capital where you may see the sun setting in the sea. For that you must go to Belém, where the Tagus becomes the Atlantic, but there are also beautiful views from the center of the city, at Ribeira das Naus or Cais das Colunas by Comercio Square.
9| A Romantic Dinner
End your day with a special meal at a special place. There are some great and beautiful restaurants in Lisbon, and for a romantic dinner we recommend these: The 10 Most Beautiful Restaurants in Lisbon
10| A Drink With a View
After dinner, choose one of several rooftop bars to toast a drink overlooking Lisbon. Park is the most popular, but in the warmer months we also recommend Sky Bar. Know more about these and other rooftops here: The Best Rooftop Bars in Lisbon
Romantic Hotels in Lisbon:
- Memmo Alfama Hotel
- Palácio Ramalhete
- Torel Palace
- Altis Belém Hotel
- Bairro Alto Hotel
- Teatro Boutique B&B
- Olissippo Lapa Palace
- Palacete Chafariz del Rei
- Myriad Hotel
- Palácio do Governador
- Pestana Palace
- Pousada de Lisboa
- Santiago de Alfama
- Solar do Castelo
- Solar dos Mouros
- Verride Palácio Santa Catarina
- The One Palácio da Anunciada
