A Guide to the Best Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

Last Updated on 17th February 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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At over 3,000 years old, Lisbon’s history is rich and the city is diverse, full of interesting histories. Best-known for its beautiful architecture and mouthwatering food scene, Portugal’s capital city is a must-visit on any trip to the South Western European country. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Lisbon.

Lisbon has been inhabited by many cultures throughout the course of its history. This melting pot of cultures contributes to its unique character, making it one of the most charming and beautiful cities in Europe. If you’re planning to visit for a short time, then be sure to check out our guide on how to spend one perfect day in Lisbon.

With its seven hills, unique location close to the sea, narrow streets, beautiful architecture, hidden gems, colourful houses and fantastic weather, you won’t regret coming here for a second. With so many Lisbon attractions, you’ll be planning your next trip to the beautiful European city in no time.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

Many locals will argue that any time is the best time to visit Lisbon!  While this is true in some regards, there are definitely some months out of the year that will be better for newcomers to experience the city for the first time. 

From March to May or September to October (i.e. the European shoulder seasons) are the best times of the year to visit Lisbon because it’s still warm, hotels are more affordable, and there are fewer tourists during the summer.

During these seasons, you can also enjoy a few beach days so be sure to pack your swimwear and extra sunscreen. Summer brings excessively high temperatures, crowded beaches, elevated prices, and many tourists and so is perhaps not the best time to visit Lisbon.

Best things to do in Lisbon

Take a walking tour

The best way to acclimate yourself to a new city is to take a walking tour together with a local guide. There are both free walking tours and paid walking tours available. If you opt to take a free walking tour, be sure to tip your guide!

Walking tours of new cities help you to get the lay of the land, learn a bit of history, and discover some places that only locals know about. In my past experiences, the guides are able to offer up lesser-known facts as well as personal anecdotes that help to bring a place to life.

Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones (and hills since there are plenty in Lisbon)! To book ahead of time, check here for this well-reviewed Lisbon essential tour.

Indulge in local Portuguese cuisine

Portugal is well-known for having some of the most coveted food and wine in Western Europe. Aside from the obvious contenders like Italy and France, Portugal for sure has some of the best food I’ve tasted.

Of course, you’ve got to try Pastéis de Nata, the deliciously creamy egg-based tarts best served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar alongside a coffee.

Portuguese chorizo, salted cod, bifanas, and chicken piri piri are among some of the nation’s most popular dishes you’ve got to try.

In addition to traditional Portuguese food, there are a number of different ethnic cuisines in Portugal worth trying. Given its former status as a colonial power, Portugal is now home to some of the best food from Mozambique, Angola, and Brazil.

The Indian food is also very good – Goa was also a former colony. One of the best ways to guarantee you try all there is to offer is to take a food tour in Lisbon. The guides will ensure you get a smorgasbord of traditional Portuguese delicacies and other foods the city is known for.

Sample Ginjinha

If port is the tipple to sample in Porto, then no doubt ginjinha is the drink of choice drink while in Lisbon. This strong cherry liqueur is served with or without the cherry and is a must-try while in the Portuguese capital and surrounding towns. Ginja is also a unique souvenir from Portugal that you could consider buying a bottle of to bring home as a keepsake of your trip.

Take stunning photos from the Miradoures

The Portuguese word miradouro best translates as ‘view point’. There about thirteen worthy miradoures scattered throughout the city with terraces where you can sit and take in the views.

This isn’t surprising considering the fact that Lisbon is a city set on seven hills (just like Rome and my home city, Providence, Rhode Island, USA!). Among the most popular miradoures to visit in Lisbon include Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara (spectacular views of São Jorge Castle), Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol (great views of the terracotta Alfama rooftops), and Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte (best sunsets in the city).

Check out the UNESCO-inscribed tower of Belém

The Torre de Belém stands on the waterfront at Belém, near the mouth of the River Tagus. It is probably the most iconic symbol of the city, and so it is of course one of the best things to do in Lisbon. King Manuel I ordered the tower to be built as a defensive fortress after it had been originally intended as a lighthouse.

In 1521, when the tower was erected, it would have been much farther away from the shore than it is today. However, the 1755 earthquake changed the course of the river, and in the 19th century, land on the north bank was reclaimed and the river became narrower.

UNESCO designated the Belém Tower as a World Heritage Site in 1983. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lisbon.

This unique Manueline treasure is accessible by a narrow walkway off the broad esplanade of Belém. The narrow spiral staircases will provide endless enjoyment to kids, who will love to hide and seek among the parapets.

Wander around the Alfama district

From the Tejo Estuary to the Castelo de São Jorge, the steep, hillside neighborhood of Alfama is known for its cobbled streets and historic houses. Several of Lisbon’s most important historic buildings are located within this diverse and charismatic area. 

Among them are the Se Cathedral, the Castelo de São Jorge, the Panteão Nacional, and the Igreja de Santo Antônio. Alfama was historically a poorer district of the city.

The district remained the tough, deprived quarter where sailors and dock workers lived even as Lisbon developed as a major seaport. In the past few decades, Alfama has become gentrified and is now seen as a fashionable and artisan district.

With this being said, Alfama manages to hold onto its unique culture and rich history. Alfama is a delight to visit and is best explored over the course of a few hours by losing yourself within the maze of alleyways and streets.

A charming plaza, a trendy café, an independent shop, or a panoramic Lisbon viewpoint awaits at every turn or steep climb. Without a doubt, exploring Alfama on foot is one of the best things to do in Lisbon.

Take a ride on the Bica funicular

Located in Lisbon’s municipality of Misericórdia, the Bica Funicular, sometimes known as the Elevador da Bica, is a funicular railway line connecting the Rua de São Paulo with Calçada do Combro / Rua do Loreto.Yellow funiculars are staples in iconic Lisbon vacation photos.

You can’t miss them while in Lisbon. The Bica Funicular was originally built to assist local residents in climbing a hill in the Santa Caterina neighbourhood. In addition to that, it’s also become a popular tourist attraction, ranking as one of the top things to do in Lisbon to experience local life.

Check out Castelo de São Jorge

A former Moorish castle, São Jorge has been altered so much by subsequent occupiers that little of its original structure remains and those who built it would likely not recognise the Lisbon monument to this day.

With this being said, since it served as a royal palace for over a century, it hasn’t lost much of its splendour. In any case, the most captivating aspect of the castle is its spectacular views over the city.

From here, you can take in the terracotta patchwork of Lisbon roofs, lined with a maze of narrow, meandering paths. Overlooking the streets of the old Alfama District, Romans constructed the great citadel more than 2,000 years ago.

Over time, successive rulers of the city oversaw its development, from the Berbers to the Reconquista knights. A large dry moat surrounds it, in addition to mighty ramparts, intricately carved towers, and other fortifications. Purchase your Sao Jorge Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Escort here in advance.

Visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Just 15 minutes outside of downtown Lisbon, the National Tile Museum is a great place to visit if you love Portuguese tiles (azulejos). See some of Portugal’s oldest preserved tiles while learning about their extensive history.

Tile making and its associated technologies have a long history in Iberia that dates back to the time of the Moors. Obviously, the iconic cerulean-hued azulejos are the highlight of all exhibitions.

Ceramic works of art like these gave the country its reputation for craftsmanship.You will see a wide variety of types, sizes, and designs, and learn about the enchanting ornamental designs adorning their cobalt surfaces. When you’re in Lisbon, it’s the perfect way to escape the heat. Plus, photo opportunities abound!

Have lunch at Time Out Market

The city of Lisbon is known for its abundance of fine dining. Even though I highly recommend checking out some epic Lisbon restaurants, Time Out Market is a unique experience in itself that everyone should experience while in Lisbon and is the perfect spot to eat lunch!  

There are two levels in the market, each offering up their own distinctive take on Lisbon food and culture. Downstairs, you’ll find local fruit and veggie vendors selling fresh produce each morning. 

If you’re cooking from your vacation rental or Airbnb, be sure to get to the market early in the morning to beat the crowds. Upstairs, however, is an entirely different affair. Here, you’ll find something akin to a gourmet food court. 

There are a myriad of offerings, usually serving up something modern and eclectic, in addition to some more traditional Portuguese fare. Many of the Michelin-tier restaurants here have booths where you can try their cuisine in a casual setting without paying a fortune.

Take a ride on Tram 28

Portugal’s capital is a city renowned for its rattling trams, similar to those located in San Francisco. Tram 28 is the most iconic tram in Lisbon, which has climbed steep, cobbled streets for decades.

It begins beneath the palm-dotted hills of Graça, weaving its way through the hairpin alleys of Escolas Gerais before stopping at Estrela Basilica. To plan the ideal sightseeing route in Lisbon, Tram 28 would be the way to go.

Using Martim Moniz as a starting point, the route climbs through the Alfama district, continues through Baixa before ascending to Chiado. Passing majestic palaces and castles along the route, you’re bound to discover decades of history as you people-watch from the windows.

Get to the tram as early in the morning (and mid-week if possible) as possible to avoid crowds. Alternatively, choose Praça Martim Moniz as your starting point, which is the second stop, after where most tourists begin.

There is no guarantee of seating any time of day, but that is part of the fun. As you ride the tram, keep an eye on your belongings. Locals call Tram 28 “the pickpocket ride” jokingly.

As such, be sure to wear a crossbody bag like these ones. There is no loop on Tram 28. So, if you ride it all the way, you will either have to walk or take it again in the opposite direction to get back to your starting point.

Learn about Portugal’s colonial past at the Museu do Oriente

Lisbon’s Museu do Oriente offers an insight into Portugal’s colonial past. A colossal former fish processing factory now houses modern exhibition rooms.

Visit the Monastery of Jerónimos

From the ornate spires and grand carvings of the Monastery of Jerónimos, you can appreciate the significance of this massive landmark nestled along the banks of the Tagus River.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also one of the city’s most visited attractions. The wealth generated from Portugal’s period of colonisation led to the construction of monuments, including that of Mosteiro Dos Jeronimo.

Jerónimos Monastery was built for Vasco de Gama‘s. His tomb is also here. In the church is also the burial site of Lus de Camões, a Portuguese poet. 

Alongside beautifully sculpted, towering columns, stained-glass windows illuminate the tombs in an eerie, ethereal fashion. A vaulted ceiling, supported by intricately carved stone pillars, adorns the cloister. 

You have to pay €10 to enter, but the experience is well worth it. Please note that the monastery is closed on Mondays. One of the best places to take breathtaking photos in Lisbon are the golden arches of the inner courtyard. Purchase your ticket here in advance.

Visit the National Museum of Ancient Art

A prestigious collection of national art resides at the National Museum of Ancient Art in Portugal. This exhibition includes work by Nuno Gonçalves as well as Josefa de Biidos, depicting saints, atonement portraits, and chiaroscuro portraits.

Canvases in the collection date from the 16th to 19th centuries. They entered public ownership following the Liberal Wars that shook the country during the early modern period.

A series of travelling exhibitions are also available here, featuring past collections reflecting Lisbon’s Renaissance period as well as historical paintings from just after the Middle Ages.

Visit the oldest bookstore in the world

The oldest bookstore in the world is a beautifully appointed store in the Chiado district of Lisbon, Portugal. A stone’s throw away from world-famous attractions such as Lisbon Cathedral and the Carmo Convent, the Livraia Bertrand is a must-see while in Lisbon.

This Lisboa bookstore dates all the way back to the first half of the 18th-century, firmly placing it in the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘Oldest Operating Bookshop’, as a plaque proudly indicates at the entrance to the shop.

Enjoy food in a historic café

One of the most famous cafés can be visited in the form of A Brasileira do Chiado. This historic café is something of an institution in the neighbourhood thanks to its strong links with famous writers of times gone by. There is even a life-sized statue of Fernando Pessoa, the famous 20th century Portuguese poet, writer, literary critic, translator, publisher, and philosopher.

Ride the Santa Justa Lift

Santa Justa Lift’s history is somewhat similar to that of Elevador da Bica. It was also built in 1902 to link the lower Lisbon neighborhood of Baixa with the higher Bairro Alto.

It isn’t necessary to ride it, since the line can be incredibly long! Although riding the lift is one of the best things to do in Lisbon, there’s another way to appreciate the Santa Justa lift.

On the Bairro Alto side, you can enter from Travessa Dom Pedro de Menezes. Right here, you can begin your journey up to the top observation deck, where you can see Lisbon’s rooftops in all their glory.

Afterwards, you can grab a drink at Topo Chiado, a great rooftop bar near Santa Justa Lift offering up spectacular views. Consequently, it’s the perfect way to relax at sunset in Lisbon.

Take a stroll through Rossio Square

Rossio Square is home to the local life of Lisbon. Pedro IV Square, as it is officially called, marks the very heart of Pombaline Lower Town, which is spread out in broad boulevards between the Tagus and Baixa rivers.

This plaza has been a historical site since the medieval age, when public beheadings and bullfighting took place on its cobblestones. Today, it’s an excellent place to people-watch and stroll around, taking in the scenery.

There are plenty of leisurely activities in the park, including sunbathing on the shaded benches, watching the locals play dominoes, and admiring elaborate Baroque fountains babbling in the sun.

Party on pink street or in Bairro Alto

Partygoers flock to Lisbon in droves. As a result, you won’t have any trouble finding nightlife here if you seek it out! Pink Street is one of the most popular parts of town for its thriving afterhours activities.

This famous area is full of bars and clubs that spill out onto the streets until the wee hours of the morning. The area around here used to be the red light district of Lisbon.

The city, however, decided to revitalize the neighborhood in 2011 and chose to paint the road pink as part of the campaign. If you’d prefer a less rowdy night, you could do a bar crawl through Cais do Sodre or Bairro Alto.

Bairro Alto is another of the city’s top nightlife spots.Typically, the establishments don’t really open until mid-late evening, but when they do, it’s all about the pastelarias and the bohemian bars. Here, old Fado bars are interspersed with newer breweries and beatnik bars, perfect for a night full of artistry and debauchery.

Check out LX Factory

LX Factory is a former industrial site that has been transformed into a creative, cultural, and gastronomic hub. You’ll find plenty of artisans here, along with specialty food shops, quaint cafes, and inspiring art studios.

You can spend a couple of hours strolling from store to store here. Sustainably-sourced modern fare and traditional Portuguese dishes with a twist dominate the restaurant scene at LXF.

Try to fit in dinner at Taberna 1300 if your schedule permits! You’ll find cooking classes, a tattoo parlour, an acting school, a pole dancing studio, and even a tour company called We Hate Tourism Tours.

Eat a pastel de nata

If there’s one food that everyone should try while in Lisbon, it’s the pastel de nata. The Portuguese egg custard pastry is almost as emblematic of the city as its many inclines and is perfect when consumed together with a coffee.

There are even now vegan versions of the sweet! For more information, check out our guide on finding the best pastel de nata in Lisbon. If you prefer more hands on activities, then you should consider booking a class learning how to make pastéis de nata.

Take a day trip from Lisbon

Depending on the duration of your stay, taking a day trip from the capital is one of the best ways to spend a day when visiting Lisbon. The most popular is definitely Sintra, but since Portugal isn’t a very large country, there are plenty of options from which you can choose.

The beach town of Nazaré is a haven for surfers, while Fatimá is a great option if you have an appreciation for religious institutions and culture. The historical medieval village of Óbidos is beautifully-preserved with a fascinating history and the town of Sintra is perfect for those who wish to discover some more regal history.

If you’re not scared of a little driving time, head north to picture-perfect Porto in Northern Portugal! Alternatively, you could spend more than a day in Porto, as it definitely merits a couple of days at least. There are excellent day trips from Porto to take as well.

Stop and smell the roses at the palace of the Marquises of Fronteira

Standing at the very edge of Lisbon’s northwestern frontier, the grand Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira (known as Palacio dos Marqueses da Fronteira in Portuguese) dates all the way back to 1681 and is one of the more off-the-beaten-path remnants of Lisbon’s past.

During the Restoration War of the mid-17th century, the home once belonged to the Marquis of Fronteira, who received his land and wealth for staying loyal to the Portuguese royal name.

Today, you can spend your visit meandering through the manicured gardens, full of different flower species and plant varieties. Although it is remote, it still offers a glimpse of the majestic architecture that came to the forefront in Portugal during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Test your haggling skills at the Feira da Ladra

If you want to find quirky, curious and often downright weird tchotchkes and antiques, brush up on your haggling skills before you visit Feira da Ladra.  This well-known flea market is popular with tourists, though it’s worth mentioning that the prices are reflective of that fact!

Although it is hard to believe, the bustling bazaar dates all the way back to the 12th century. The market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. If you want to get anything worthwhile, you’ll need to get there early. 

Do not worry about what time you go if you just want to browse – just note that the crowds build as the day goes on.  You can even take the historic Tram 28 to reach Feira da Ladra.

Even so, it’s one of the quirkier things to do in Lisbon. There’s a treasure trove of things worth discovering, including old rotary phones, broken mannequins, and pre-loved vinyl. In addition to eclectic oddities, military objects, and your grandparents’ discarded furniture, there are also plenty of handmade items. 

Enjoy lunch at one of the tables overlooking the market for a fully immersive Lisbon experience. You can still experience traditional Portuguese cuisine by dining at the restaurants near the square, even if it’s on a day besides Tuesday or Saturday.

Soak up the sun at praia de Carcavelos

As soon as spring arrives in Lisbon, people begin flocking to Carcavelos. This is definitely the most popular beach north of the Tagus River. This fairly commercial beach is easily accessible by train from the center of Lisbon.

A 1.5km-long promenade above the beach frames the beach’s honey-colored sand with a row of bars and restaurants. Under the shade of wide, red umbrellas, these bars are the perfect retreat from the blazing summer sun, offering cocktails, smoothies and other refreshments.

With its relatively gentle waves, Carcavelos is a great place for amateur surfers to learn the basics. A number of surf schools offer lessons in both English and Portuguese.

In the very eastern end of the beach is a smattering of rocks which lead to São Julião da Barra Fort, a 16th-century military defense complex that once controlled access to Lisbon’s port.

Where to stay in Lisbon

For first-timers visiting Lisbon, where should you stay? For those looking to be centrally located, Chiado, Baixa, Principe Real, Bairro Alto and perhaps Alfama are the best options.

These neighbourhoods will place you within walking distance of major landmarks, restaurants, and shops and have a selection of hotels and other accommodation to suit every need and budget. Check here for price comparisons of hotels in Lisbon.

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