Lisbon is a beautiful city in Portugal that offers travelers a great mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. There are many fun things to do in Lisbon, Portugal that draws hordes of visitors each year.
These include popular attractions such as the Castelo de São Jorge and Alfama District, as well as lesser-known places like the Museu da Marioneta.
Whether you are into outdoor activities or prefer to stay indoors, Lisbon has something for everyone. From popular tourist attractions to cheap and free activities, here are some of the best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisboa Card – City Pass
Before we look at some of the best things to do in Lisbon, it is important to know that the city does offer a tourist pass which can be a grea time and cost saver.
The Lisboa Card is a city pass that offers free or discounted entry into many of Lisbon’s top attractions. It also includes unlimited public transportation within the city.
If you are planning on doing a lot of sightseeing during your stay in Lisbon, then this card is definitely worth considering. You can purchase it online or at any participating tourist attraction.
Now, if you are wondering what to see in Lisbon, here are 30 best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal to consider.
Most Popular Thing To Do In Lisbon
Lisbon’s most popular tourist attraction is probably the castle of Saint George, or Castelo de São Jorge.
Explore Castelo de São Jorge
The castle sits on a hill in the Alfama district and is one of the most famous landmarks in Portugal. This spot offers stunning views of the city.
The castle dates back to the 11th century and was built by the Moors. It was later conquered by Christians in the 12th century. Today, the castle is a museum and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, visit the museum, and even go on a guided tour. You can get fast track tickets online to save time.
Popular Things To Do In Lisbon
Marvel at Torre de Belém
One of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks is the Torre de Belém. This tower was built in the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower sits banks of the River Tagus and is one of the symbols of Lisbon. You can go to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.
The district of Belem in itself is also worth exploring. There are many things to see and do in this area, including the Belem Palace, and more.
Visit the Jerónimos Monastery
This is where you’ll also find the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery was built in the 16th century and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon. The monastery is open to the public; you can explore the grounds, visit the museum, and even attend mass.
Ride Tram 28
One of the best ways to see Lisbon is by riding Tram 28. This is one of Lisbon’s most popular trams and it takes you through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. The tram passes by places like the castle, Alfama, and more.
You can buy a ticket for Tram 28 from the driver. However, most locals use prepaid cards, and the Lisboa Card for tourists also offers free rides on these trams.
Indulge In Pastéis de Nata
One of the best things about Lisbon is the food. You can find some of the best Portuguese food in Lisbon. One of the must-try Portuguese dessert is pastéis de nata, a Portuguese custard tart.
These tarts are found all over bakeries in Lisbon, but one of the best places to get them is at Pastéis de Belém.
Make sure you also take advantage of the interesting Lisbon foodie tours available to get a deep dive into the city’s gastronomy.
Take a Ride on the Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is an elevator in Lisbon that was built in 1902. The 148ft (45m) Gothic structure was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard This lift takes passengers from Rua Aurea, in Baixa, up to Carmo square. The ride comes with transportation as well as access to a viewing platform that offers nice views of the city.
The Santa Justa Lift is open every day from morning until around 9 or 11 pm depending on the season.
Indoor Things To Do In Lisbon
Appreciate the Art of Azulejos in the National Tile Museum
Lisbon is famous for its Azulejos, or blue and white tiles. You can find these tiles all over Lisbon, from the walls of buildings to the floors of churches.
If you want to learn more about this art form, head to the National Tile Museum. This museum is in an old convent and has a collection of over 5000 tiles.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free for EU citizens and discounted for students.
See Marine Life at Lisbon Oceanarium
Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It is in Parque das Nações, which was the site of Expo ’98. The oceanarium has over 250 species of marine life, including penguins, sharks, rays, and more.
The Lisbon Oceanarium is open every day from morning until around 6 pm, in the evening. This is one of the fun things to do in Lisbon for families. If you are visiting in the season, get a skip-the-line ticket beforehand.
Visit the Oldest Bookstore in the World
Certainly one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon for bookworms. Book lovers will be thrilled to know that Lisbon is home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Bertrand. This store has been open since 1732 and is still in its original location.
The store stocks over 200,000 books, both new and used. Simply visiting and browsing around the history of the store just gives a different vibe.
Discover Masterpieces at the National Museum of Ancient Art
The National Museum of Ancient Art is one of the best things to do in Lisbon for art lovers. This museum has a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from the 12th to the 19th century.
Some of the artists represented in the museum include Velázquez, Bosch, and more. The museum also has a collection of Portuguese art. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is €12 for adults and free for EU citizens and children under 18.
Learn the History of Puppets at the Museu da Marioneta
Another indoor activity in Lisbon is to visit the Museu da Marioneta. This museum is in an old theatre and has a vast collection of puppets, marionettes, and masks from all over the world.
You can learn about the history of puppetry, see how these puppets are made, and even catch some puppet shows at the museum.
The Puppet Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free for EU citizens and discounted for students.
Look Behind the Scene at Benfica Luz Stadium
For sports fans, a visit to the Luz Stadium is a must to retrace the steps of soccer legends. This stadium is the home of Portugal’s most popular football team, Benfica.
On a tour of the stadium, you can see the locker rooms, press rooms, and walk through the tunnel to the pitch. This modern stadium is also the grounds for the 2014 Champions League Final.
Outdoor Things To Do In Lisbon
View the City from Miradouro das Portas do Sol
One of the best things to do in Lisbon is to watch the sunset from one of its many miradores, or viewpoints. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of the best places to do this. This spot offers stunning views of the city and the river.
The viewpoint is in the Alfama district and is free to visit. However, you may have to pay a small fee to use the restroom.
Bargain hunting at Feira da Ladra
Feira da Ladra is a flea market that has been around since the 12th century. It is held every Tuesday and Saturday. This market is a great place to find antiques, clothes, and other interesting things. It is a curious place to wander around to see what items are on offer.
You can see that some of the items definitely have a story behind them and offers a window into the life of the seller. You may also just find some hidden treasures if you are lucky.
Cruise around the Tagus River
The Tagus River runs through Lisbon and is a great way to see the city. There are several companies that offer cruises of varying lengths. This is a great way to relax and take in the sights of Lisbon.
The cruises typically include commentary in English about the history and landmarks of Lisbon. You can find cruises that last anywhere from one hour to two hours. Some premium ones even include food and drinks. Prices vary depending on the company and length of the cruise.
Check Out the Padrão dos Descobrimentos Monument
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos Monument is a 52-meter tall monument that was built in 1960. It is on the waterfront and commemorates the Age of Discovery.
The monument has figures of important explorers and personalities from that era, such as Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator. You can also go to the top of the monument for views of Lisbon. Admission is free for children under 12.
Have Fun at the LX Factory Sunday Market
The LX Factory Sunday Market is a great place to find gifts, souvenirs, and handmade items. This market is held every Sunday from 11 am to sunset. You can find things like jewelry, art, clothes, and more. There are also several places to eat and drink at the market.
This is essentially like a huge fun fair with lots of things to see and do. It is a popular thing to do in Lisbon for both locals and tourists.
Wander through the Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Lisboa
The Jardim Botânico is one of the best things to do in Lisbon if you want to escape the city. The Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Lisboa is a beautiful garden that is perfect for a relaxing stroll. This garden was founded in 1878 and has over 1,300 species of plants.
Marvel at the Aqueduto das Águas Livres
The Aqueduto das Águas Livres is an aqueduct that was built in the 18th century. It supplied water to Lisbon from the springs in the Sintra Mountains.
This aqueduct is one of the most impressive things to see in Lisbon. It is over 20 kilometers long and has 145 arches. The aqueduct is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit it for free.
Cheap And Free Things To Do In Lisbon
Wander off In the Alfama District
The Alfama district is the oldest district in Lisbon. It is a great place to wander around and get lost in the narrow streets. This is one of the most atmospheric places in Lisbon.
You can find small shops, restaurants, and cafes here. The district is also home to many of Lisbon’s fado bars. This district has a good mix of things for both tourists and an authentic local scene.
Discover the Street Art in Lisbon
Lisbon is home to some great street art. This is one of the best things to do in Lisbon if you are a fan of street art. You can find murals and graffiti all over the city.
There are even street art tours that will take you to see some of the best pieces. This is a great way to see and understand another side of Lisbon. This is actually quite a city of visual expression.
Take a Walk Through Parque das Nações
Parque das Nações is a park that was built for the 1998 World Expo. This is one of the best places to go for a walk or run in Lisbon. No, this is not your typical green park, but a modern contrast to the historic districts of Lisbon.
There are also several museums and attractions in the park. The spacious area makes it a great place to come if you want to escape from squeezing with crowds. You can also find some great views of the city from here.
Enjoy Panoramic views at Panorâmico de Monsanto
The Panorâmico de Monsanto is a park that has sweeping views of Lisbon. This is one of the best places in Lisbon to get a panoramic view of the city. Despite the abandoned restaurant building that is now covered in graffiti and art, this is still a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Visit the Eduardo VII Park
This park in central Lisbon is one of the best places to go for a walk or just to relax. The park has beautiful gardens and is a great place to enjoy some peace. You can also find both a hothouse and greenhouse here with incredible plant species and nice views of the city. The park is named after King Edward VII from England and is the largest park in Lisbon.
Hang out in Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is one of the most popular and bustling squares in Lisbon. This is a great place to come and people watch. The square is right on the water and has a beautiful view of the Rua Augusta Arch. There are also several restaurants and cafes here where you can enjoy some traditional Portuguese food.
Hot Tip: Lisbon has many museums that offer free admission on certain days. For example, the Gulbenkian Museum is free every Sunday. Check out the website of the museum you want to visit to see if there are any free days.
Things To Do At Night In Lisbon
Nightlife at the Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto is one of the best places to go out at night in Lisbon. This is a lively district with many bars and clubs. This is the place to come if you want to drink, dance, and party.
There are also several restaurants here if you want to get something to eat before or after your night out. This is the district that never sleeps and is always lively.
Catch a Traditional Fado Show
Fado is a traditional form of Portuguese music that is melancholic and often about longing. This music originated in Lisbon’s working-class neighborhoods.
If you want to listen to fado, head to one of Lisbon’s fado houses. Many of these houses have live music every night. Some of the popular places to listen to fado are Clube de Fado, Mesa de Frades, Senhor Vinho, and Adega Machado. You can also get tickets to shows online.
PubCrawl in Lisbon
A pub crawl is a great way to explore Lisbon’s nightlife. This is a guided tour that takes you to different bars and pubs in the city.
You will get to try some traditional Portuguese drinks and meet new people. This is a great option if you are traveling solo or looking to make new friends while in Lisbon.
Lisbon has a lively nightlife scene with something for everyone. Whether you want to listen to traditional music, drink in bars and pubs, or party all night long, you will find it all in Lisbon.
Things To Do Outside Lisbon
If you are looking for things to do outside of Lisbon, there are many interesting day trips from Lisbon. From visiting castles and palaces to exploring nature, there are plenty of options. Here are a few popular ones.
Visit Sintra
Sintra is a town located about 30 minutes outside of Lisbon. This town is famous for its castles and palaces. The most popular ones to visit are the Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. Pena Palace is a very popular tourist attraction, consider getting a skip-the-line ticket beforehand.
Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. If you are interested in history and architecture, this is the place for you.
Visit Coastal Town of Cascais
Lisbon may not be as famous for its beaches, but it does have a few that are worth visiting. The most popular beach is in the town of Cascais, which is about a 30-minute train ride from Lisbon. This beach has golden sand and clear water.
Cascais is a coastal town about 45 minutes outside of Lisbon. This town is known for its beaches, restaurants, and cafes. If you want to escape the city for a day, this is the perfect place to do it. You can also check out the best beaches around Lisbon here.
There are also convenient day tours that bring you to these major sites around Lisbon, including Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. This is good if you don’t want the planning hassle or is tight for time and want to cover all in one day.
Climb the Cristo Rei in Cacilhas
The Cristo Rei is a statue of Jesus Christ across the Targus River in the Almada region of Lisbon. It is an iconic landmark that you can often see while walking around Lisbon city.
This statue is 108 feet tall and offers incredible views of the city. On a clear day, you can even see Pena Palace in Sintra from this vantage point.
Where To Stay In Lisbon
As the capital of Portugal, you can find a bunch of options in terms of accommodation. From the budget backpacker to the luxury traveler, there are many well-rated accommodations in Lisbon that you can consider.
Hostels In Lisbon
Home Lisbon Hostel: A home away from home with a great warm vibe for hanging out with other travelers. It is located in the historic city that is near many attractions. The hostel is known for the home cooked dinner prepared by the owner’s mum. Both a budget saver and a good time to mingle with others.
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Yes! Lisbon Hostel: Neat and energetic hostel with spacious common area and kitchen to hang around. The dorm beds come with privacy curtains that gives a better night sleep. They also organize events like pub crawls, walking tours and dinners.
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Rodamon Lisboa: Clean and modern hostel that features a combination of trendy minimalist furnishing with cultural Portuguese elements. There are tables and seatings that are good for working on your laptop for remote workers. The hostel is right in the center which makes it easy to get around.
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Mid Range Accommodations In Lisbon
Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa: No exaggerated decoration yet pleasing and special in its own right. Clean and homely vibe for a hotel, credit to good blend of modern furnishing with the classic building structures. With its central location, it is pretty well priced and has single rooms for solo travelers.
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Browns Central Hotel: Housed in a 18th century building, this hotel has a classy, cozy vibe that feels welcoming and homely. The interior decoration is interesting and comes from well known designers. The hotel is near a metro station, and also just a short walk to Barrio Alto, making it relatively convenient to get just about anywhere.
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Portugal Boutique Hotel: Located right in the city center, the 4 star hotel offers modern comfort in nicely decorated rooms. The convenient location makes it easy to access various interesting barrios for day activities and night life. There are also several classy restaurant and winehouse surrounding the hotel.
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Luxury Accommodations In Lisbon
BessaHotel Liberdade: Despite being a 4-star hotel, the centrally located, modern hotel offers a bunch of amenities like gym, pool and turkish bath. There are lots of common areas for restaurants to lounges, business center and outdoor seating. Design is trendy and airy with lots of space all around and a nice wall of greenery on the interior facade.
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Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel: A great combination of amenities and convenient location, this 5 star hotel housed in a 14th century building is known for professional and friendly customer service. While it might not look lavishly luxurious, it has high quality fittings throughout the hotel for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
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EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel: While this 5-star hotel might not be right in the city center, it has some of the best amenities including both an indoor and rooftop infinity pool that offers views of the Tagus River and downtown Lisbon. There is also a well equipped wellness center with gym, sauna and spa. The is perfect for travelers who also like to enjoy and pamper themselves after a day out.
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Getting Around Attractions In Lisbon
Lisbon is a large city, but it is easy to get around. The best way to see the city is by walking. This allows you to explore all of the narrow streets and experience the city like a local.
If you want to go further distances or are tired from all the walking, there are also trams, buses, and metro options. The Lisboa Card is a great option if you plan on using public transportation as it gives you unlimited rides for a certain period of time (24, 48, 72 Hours options). You can book it here beforehand to save time.
Lisbon also has a hop-on hop-off bus, tram and boat that is a great option for tourists which can be booked here.
Another great way to check out the city is to take walking, biking or tuk tuk tours that dives deeper into the history, culture and even food of the city.
Lisbon Airport Transfer
You can also get a private airport transfer in Lisbon for convenience. This is the most expensive option but also the fastest and most convenient. Alternatively shared transport options can be booked as a more budget option..
Another option is to take the metro (‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line) to downtown Lisbon.
Discovering Things To Do In Lisbon, Portugal
There are many things to do in Lisbon, both in the city and outside of it. Whether you want to explore Lisbon’s history and architecture or spend a day at the beach, there is something for everyone.
These are just some of the things to do in Lisbon, Portugal that is awaiting you when you visit. Be sure to check it out yourself and you are bound to uncover more places to visit in Lisbon that will make a great travel experience.
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I visited Lisbon a month ago and it has become my favorite European capital city! Half the things on this list I haven’t even done so this is the perfect excuse for going back again, thank you ;))
Planning a trip to Portugal soon, this is very useful. Thank you for the suggestions! 🙂