Lisbon had been on our travel list for some time, and a five-night break in June proved to be the perfect introduction to Portugal’s captivating capital. With warm sunshine throughout our stay, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Alfama, and memorable excursions to Sintra, Belém and Cascais, it was a trip that combined history, culture, cuisine and relaxation in equal measure.
Flying with British Airways
We booked our trip as a British Airways Holiday, combining flights and accommodation into one convenient package. The journey from London to Lisbon was straightforward, with British Airways economy class providing a comfortable and efficient start to our holiday.
Lisbon Airport is located just a short distance from the city centre, meaning we were quickly making our way to our hotel and beginning our Portuguese adventure.
Staying at Solar do Castelo
For this trip we chose Solar do Castelo, a boutique hotel tucked away within the walls of São Jorge Castle. The location alone makes it special. Set high above the city, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat while remaining within easy walking distance of Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods.
The hotel quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. Breakfast each morning was excellent, offering a generous selection of fresh and local produce. Throughout the day guests could help themselves to complimentary coffee and cake, a thoughtful touch that was particularly welcome after exploring the city’s steep streets.
Evenings brought another pleasant surprise, with complimentary sparkling wine served from 6pm onwards. Sitting in the courtyard with a glass of chilled sparkling wine after a day of sightseeing became something of a daily ritual.
The attentive service, historic surroundings and relaxed atmosphere made Solar do Castelo an outstanding base for exploring Lisbon.
Discovering Alfama
Our first full day was dedicated to getting to know Lisbon itself. Staying in Alfama meant we were perfectly placed to wander through one of the city’s most atmospheric districts.
Alfama is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, colourful buildings and hidden squares. Around almost every corner there seemed to be another stunning viewpoint overlooking the terracotta rooftops of Lisbon and the sparkling waters of the Tagus River.
The area is also packed with excellent restaurants and cafés. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch, sampling local pastries or settling down for dinner after sunset, Alfama offered an authentic and welcoming atmosphere that immediately made us feel at home.
The June weather was glorious throughout our stay, with clear blue skies and temperatures perfect for sightseeing. While the hills can be challenging in the heat, the spectacular views more than reward the effort.
A Day Trip to Sintra
The second day brought what would become one of the standout experiences of the holiday.
We booked a private tour through Swingo, with Diogo serving as our guide for the day. Having a knowledgeable local guide transformed the experience, allowing us to discover not only the famous landmarks but also gain a deeper understanding of the area’s history and culture.
Our first stop was the magnificent Pena Palace. Perched high above the surrounding hills, its colourful towers and terraces create one of Europe’s most distinctive and recognisable landmarks. The views from the palace are breathtaking, stretching across the Sintra mountains and all the way towards Lisbon on a clear day.
From there we visited the stunning Monserrate Palace and its beautiful estate. While often overshadowed by Pena Palace, Monserrate is every bit as impressive. The palace’s unique architecture combines Gothic, Moorish and Indian influences, while the surrounding gardens contain exotic plants collected from around the world.
Throughout the day, Sintra’s unique landscapes provided a constant backdrop of rolling hills, forests and dramatic viewpoints. It is easy to understand why this UNESCO-listed region has captured the imagination of visitors for centuries.
Having Diogo as our guide added valuable local insight and allowed us to make the most of our time in the area.
Exploring Historic Belém
No visit to Lisbon would be complete without spending time in Belém, and the city’s excellent rail network made it an easy day trip. We caught the train from Cais do Sodré Station and within a short journey found ourselves exploring one of Portugal’s most historic districts.
Belém is synonymous with Portugal’s Age of Discovery, and its riverside location helps bring that history to life. We visited the iconic Belém Tower, which once guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour and remains one of the country’s most photographed landmarks.
Nearby stands the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Its scale and intricate stonework are remarkable, and it is easy to spend considerable time admiring the craftsmanship that has survived for centuries.
A short walk along the waterfront brought us to the impressive Monument to the Discoveries, celebrating the explorers who helped shape Portugal’s maritime history.
Of course, no trip to Belém is complete without sampling the famous Pastéis de Belém. These delicious custard tarts are closely related to the traditional Pastel de Nata but have their own closely guarded recipe. Enjoyed warm with a coffee, they were every bit as good as their reputation suggests.
A Relaxing Day in Cascais
Our final full day took us west along the coast to the elegant seaside town of Cascais, approximately 45 minutes from Lisbon by train.
The journey itself is scenic, following the coastline and offering glimpses of beaches and the Atlantic Ocean along the way. Cascais proved to be the perfect contrast to the bustle of Lisbon.
The town combines beautiful sandy beaches, attractive promenades, a picturesque marina and a relaxed atmosphere that immediately encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. We spent the day wandering through the town, enjoying the sea views and soaking up the sunshine.
Lunch was a particular highlight at Marisco na Praça, where we enjoyed some exceptional fresh fish and seafood. Portugal’s reputation for seafood is well deserved, and this meal was among the best of the trip.
An Unforgettable Fado Evening
The highlight of our entire Lisbon experience came on our final evening.
Our hotel arranged a traditional Fado dinner at Casa de Linhares, one of Lisbon’s most renowned Fado venues.
The setting alone is memorable. Housed within a beautiful historic building, the restaurant combines elegant surroundings with excellent Portuguese cuisine. Throughout the evening, dinner was interspersed with performances from talented Fado singers and musicians.
For those unfamiliar with Fado, it is much more than music. It is an emotional expression of Portuguese culture, telling stories of love, longing, nostalgia and everyday life. The atmosphere in the room was captivating, with guests falling silent as each performance began.
The combination of wonderful food, a historic setting and deeply moving music created an experience that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Lisbon. It was undoubtedly the highlight of our visit and something we would recommend to every traveller.
Top Tips for Visiting Lisbon
After five wonderful nights in the Portuguese capital, a few practical tips stand out:
- Use Lisbon’s excellent train network. Services to Belém, Cascais and Sintra are affordable, reliable and easy to navigate.
- Consider purchasing a travel card if you plan to use public transport on consecutive days. It can offer excellent value and removes the hassle of buying individual tickets.
- Visit in June if possible. The weather is warm and sunny, but the city is generally less crowded than during the peak summer months.
- Don’t miss Lisbon’s June festivals, which bring extra colour, music and cultural experiences to the city.
- Stay in Alfama if you want to experience the historic heart of Lisbon.
- Make time for a Fado evening. It offers one of the most authentic and memorable cultural experiences Portugal has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon exceeded our expectations in every way. From the historic streets of Alfama and the luxury of staying within the walls of a castle, to the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the monuments of Belém and the coastal charm of Cascais, every day brought something different.
Combined with outstanding food, welcoming hospitality and glorious June sunshine, it delivered everything you could hope for from a European city break.
Five nights felt like the perfect introduction to Lisbon, but as we boarded our British Airways flight home, one thing was certain: we’ll be back.