Lisbon is for Lovers: The Perfect Romantic Getaway!

There are several European cities known for their Old-World romance, sprinkled in fairy dust and history, but there is no place quite like Lisbon! Enjoy leisurely strolls past ancient architecture, beautiful promenades and cozy little cafés humming with live music.

Lisbon is unique for star-crossed lovers because it’s just a short train-ride away from the stunningly beautiful, hilltop city of Sintra. This UNESCO World Heritage site paints the perfect fairytale romance filled with castles, palaces, decadent manor houses with flowery landscaped gardens, and winding cobblestone streets and alleyways that make this city charming. Both Sintra and Lisbon have their fill of beautiful views, delicious sweets and pretty gardens so either would make for a great romantic day, but the complete Lisbon lover’s package would be Sintra by day and Lisbon by night.

Below is your go-to intimate itinerary for two, with several options to choose from for sightseeing, food and drink. And one’s “getaway” trip cannot be complete without accommodation and travel tips; hence, I’ve provided a list of my top-rated romance-themed hotels /guesthouses /apartments in and around Lisbon. Another option is to simply book the idyllic honeymoon or romantic weekend away, leaving all the details to us so you can focus on the one you love!

Enjoy the Romance!

A Romantic Day in Sintra

Morning: Take the train early 

Buy round trip tickets (ida e volta in Portuguese) from the Rossio train station in downtown Lisbon to the end of the line – Sintra. It’s about a 20-30 minute train ride. When you arrive, head in the direction of where the train was facing which is the historic center of the city. Here, you’ll be able to see the cascading hilltop houses and buildings in the distance as you walk towards the center. Great for photos!

Enjoy a cozy Portuguese café with some of Sintra’s regional pastries

Sintra is known for their queijadas (sweet cheese tarts) and travesseiros (puff pastry “pillows”) with a sweet almond filling. You can find these mouthwatering treasures at many cafés and pastry shops around town but the most celebrated location is Piriquita, or their second shop, Piriquita II. Another sweet vintage café worthy of seeking out is Saudade.

Visit Sintra’s luxurious Monserrate Palace and botanical gardens 

Set on a gorgeous estate, Monserrate Palace is one of Portugal’s most exquisite examples of Romantic architecture, surrounded by lush botanical gardens. Together, they create an intimate setting to explore. Located outside the main city, the palace is a bit too far of a walk for most, so hop on the 435 bus and it will drop you at the gate.

Lunch

As there are several tourist traps for dining in the historic center of Sintra, I suggest you head up the hill to Tacho Real. Set within an ancient stone building with beautiful archways adorning the dining room, the setting is delicious. If weather permits, head outside to their terrace where you can experience live music. If you prefer something a little more upscale or modern, go to G-Spot Gastronomia, which is just around the corner from the train station, heading out of town. Small, non-touristy, it offers a gourmet tasting menu and great wines.

Afternoon: Red is the color of love, so enjoy some Port and Ginja 

There are plenty of shops and cafés to peruse in Sintra featuring various styles of Port wine by the glass, but the most popular is Ruby, meant to be paired with dark chocolate (while milk chocolate is good with Tawny). You can also find many places to try the Portuguese cherry liquor Ginja, produced in the nearby town of Obidos, which is famously drunk in an edible chocolate cup, que romantico!

Horse-drawn carriage ride through Pena Park at Sunset

The Sintra Park Office provides passeios de charrete (carriage rides) through the enchanting Vales dos Lagos (Valley of the Lakes) and the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, in the green, hilltop forests of Pena Park. It’s a leisurely 20-minute ride pulled by the majestic Ardennais horses that live in the park. Public rides are available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 – 4:30pm but private bookings for any day or hour can be made in advance (see carriage link for details). After your carriage ride, take the 434 bus up to Pena Palace, the colorful Moorish-architecture-meets-Disney fairytale-gone-wild former vacation home of the royals at the top of Serra da Sintra for some breathtaking views of the surrounding area. And don’t miss out on touring the inside of the palace, which is just as decadent and glittering as the outside! If you still have time, tour the Moorish Castle and the Convent of the Capuchos, just a short walk down the hill, and catch the bus back down to the city.

Staying in Sintra

I highly suggest Monserrate Restaurant in the Tivoli Sintra Hotel, or Tivoli’s Palacio dos Seteais Restaurant, both with panoramic views of the mountains and valley.

Panoramic views of Lisbon

All lit up with São Jorge Castle glowing in the center and the Ponte 25 Bridge (Golden Gate Twin) shimmering in the distance, it’s a site to behold. A romantic evening in Lisbon is best spent enjoying freshly grilled fish, fado music and miradouros (panoramic views) all over the city. Here are some of my suggestions for how to make an evening like this romantically memorable.

Evening in Lisbon

For a light and casual meal 

If you’re craving lighter fare, which includes wine tastings and petiscos (Portuguese tapas) then look no further than one of Lisbon’s many cozy, dimly lit wine bars. There are plenty in ever popular Bairro Alto neighborhood, such as BA Wine Bar, Artis Wine Bar and Garrafeira Alfaia. The Decadente, located inside the Independente Hostel and Suites, just across from the panoramic miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is ideal for those of you who want something a bit more substantial. For those of you trekking up to São Jorge Castle, visit WineBar do Castelo, located right down the street from the castle in the picturesque Alfama neighborhood, a good starting point if you want to hear some live Fado music afterwards.

Luxurious fine-dining meal

There are countless restaurants in Lisbon with high-rated gourmet food and wine for which we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 “must taste” Portuguese foods for you to savor! But for a romantic dinner, check out these places (full description of romantic restaurants):

Cozy and intimate: 100 Maneiras, Belcanto, Volver By Chakall or Assinatura

Traditional with royal flair: Tavares or A Travessa

Dining with a view- Panorama Restaurant (Sheraton Hotel), Restaurant Eleven , 12 Bistro Terrace,  Tagide, Rossio Restaurante (Altis Avenida Hotel) or Grill D. Fernando (Altis Hotel)

Enjoy Lisbon’s Fado music 

Fado is an emotionally moving style of Portuguese music. Created as a reminder of times past, it can either haunt you, or set your heart aflame. Most casas do fado (fado houses/bars) tend to be cozy, dimly lit spaces where singers are accompanied by live guitarists. However, be careful to avoid the tourist trap Fado bars, which are mostly in Bairro Alto and Alfama. They have outrageous cover charges and you definitely don’t want to have dinner there (or any fado bar normally) as the food is usually low quality and overpriced as well. Some of the known Fado houses accepted by locals (and with decent food) are Senhor Vinho in the small neighborhood of Lapa, Senhor Fado in Alfama and Casa da Severa (don’t confuse with A Severa) in Mouraria. Another way to find a good fado that won’t break your bank is to stroll along the tiny alleyways in Alfama. You’ll typically encounter several small cafés and bars that advertise the upcoming Fado group that evening. These are usually worth your time.

Nightcap with a Panoramic view of the city

Before you call it a night, check out one of the beautiful miradouros dotted across the city.  You could also check out one of the pretty rooftop bars and terraces on many hotels around the city for more incredible views.

Top-Rated Romantic Themed Hotels

Inside Lisbon

1. Lapa Palace
2. Torel Palace
3. Avenida Palace
4. Palacete Chafariz d’el Rei
5. Palacio Belmonte
6. As Janelas Verdes
7. Casa Baltazar
8. Chiado 16- Luxury Aparthotel
9. Mercador Suites- Luxury Apartments
10. Teatro B&B
11. Heritage Avenida Liberdade
12. Casa Amora

Surrounding Lisbon

1. Palacio dos Seteais (Sintra)
2. Fortaleza do Guincho (Guincho/Cascais)
3. Penha Longa (Sintra/Cascais)
4. Pergola House (Cascais)
5. Grande Real Villa Italia (Cascais)
6. Casa Vela Guesthouse (Cascais)
7. Palácio Estoril Hotel (Estoril)
8. Vila Galé Collection Palacio dos Arcos  (Paço dos Arcos)

For more delicious ideas, why not take a look at Catavino’s Lisbon Gourmet Guide?

Custom Tours of Lisbon and Sintra

If you want to discover the delights of Portuguese gastronomy in the company of an expert guide, ask for a customized tour or check out our current tours!

If you have any additional suggestions for places to enjoy on a romantic day out, please share! We’d love to hear your thoughts! Otherwise, enjoy!! Remember romance should be a lifelong experience, not just on Valentines Day.

Join us for a Romantic Food and Wine Experience in Lisbon!