3 Perfect Nights in Lisbon: Hills, Trams, Tuk Tuks and Rooftop Sunsets

In March this year we escaped to Lisbon for a long weekend, flying direct from Dublin for three nights of sunshine, sightseeing and seriously good food. Lisbon is one of those cities that instantly feels welcoming: colourful tiled buildings, vintage yellow trams rattling by, and views that seem to appear at the top of every hill (of which there are many!!)

We based ourselves at the Avani Avenida Liberdade, a stylish hotel in a fantastic central location. From here it was so easy to explore on foot, hop on the metro, or simply wander and see where the city led us. After dropping bags and freshening up, headed straight out for a stroll and a cocktail to get our bearings.

Tram 28 and a Tuk Tuk Adventure in Alfama

No first-time trip to Lisbon is complete without a ride on the famous Tram 28. This classic yellow tram winds its way through the narrow, cobbled streets of Alfama, the city’s atmospheric old town, screeching around corners and squeezing past doorways and balconies.

As well as the tram, we decided to see Alfama by Tuk Tuk, which was such a fun way to explore. Our driver zipped us through the steep, winding lanes, stopping at hidden corners and viewpoints we might never have found on our own. Between the tram ride and the Tuk Tuk tour, we really got a feel for the character of the old town: washing lines strung between windows, tiny shops, locals chatting on doorsteps and those beautiful tiled facades in every direction.

Miradouros: Lisbon From Above

Lisbon is famous for its miradouros (viewing terraces), and we made it our mission to see as many as possible.

From these viewpoints the city opens up beneath you: terracotta rooftops, church towers, and the River Tagus stretching out towards the sea. We saw some of the best sunsets here, with the sky turning soft pink and gold and the whole city glowing as the day faded.

Of course, to earn those views you have to tackle Lisbon’s legendary hills. We climbed what felt like an endless number of steps over the weekend, but every time we reached the top there was another reward: a sweeping panorama, a quiet church, or a little café perfect for a quick espresso.

Rooftop Bars, Pink Street and the April 25 Bridge

Lisbon really comes into its own in the evenings. One of the highlights of the trip was discovering the city’s rooftop bars, where you can sip a cocktail with the skyline spread out around you. We enjoyed drinks with a wonderful view of the famous April 25 Bridge, watching the light reflect off the river as the sun went down and the city lights began to twinkle.

We also made time to visit the Instagram‑famous Pink Street, with its colourful pavement, buzzing bars and lively atmosphere. It is a fun spot for an evening wander and a great contrast to the quieter, traditional streets of Alfama. Between the rooftop terraces, Pink Street and the Miradouros, we were treated to some truly unforgettable sunsets right across the city.

Churches, Tiles and Quiet Corners

Lisbon is dotted with beautiful churches, many of them seemingly modest from the outside but hiding intricate interiors filled with azulejo tiles, carved stone and gilded detail. We stepped into several as we explored, taking a moment of calm away from the bustle of the streets.

These little pauses became an important part of the weekend: slipping into a church, finding a shady square, or lingering over a drink at a pavement café while we watched the world go by. Lisbon manages to be both vibrant and laid back, and that balance is a big part of its appeal.

Pastel de Nata and Café Culture

Of course, no trip to Lisbon would be complete without the famous Pastel de Nata. We happily embraced the local tradition of enjoying these delicious custard tarts at any time of day. Crisp, flaky pastry, silky custard, and just a sprinkle of cinnamon: they became our daily treat, usually accompanied by a strong coffee.

From traditional pastry shops to modern cafés, Lisbon’s food scene is a joy to explore, and even in a short break you can sample so much. Whether it was a quick bite between sights or a leisurely evening drink, eating and drinking felt woven into the rhythm of the city.

Why Lisbon Works So Well for a Long Weekend

What struck us most is how easy Lisbon is for a short break from Ireland. The flight from Dublin is straightforward, and in just a few hours you can swap grey skies for sunshine, sea breezes and a completely different atmosphere.

In three nights we managed to:

• Explore Alfama and other historic neighbourhoods
• Ride the iconic Tram 28 and tour the old town by tuk tuk
• Visit several Miradouros for sweeping city views and incredible sunsets
• Enjoy rooftop cocktails with views of the 25 April Bridge
• Wander through Pink Street and soak up the evening buzz
• Step inside beautiful churches and hidden squares
• Indulge in pastel de nata and embrace the café culture

Yet we still left feeling there was plenty more to come back for, which is exactly how a city break should be.

If Lisbon sounds like your kind of escape, I would love to help you plan your own long weekend here, tailored to how you like to travel. Whether you want more culture, more food and wine, or simply more time to relax and enjoy those rooftop views, I can design a short break that makes the very most of your time away.