Discover the enchanting attract of Portugal’s capital metropolis, with our final information to the most effective issues to do in Lisbon. From the second you set foot on its cobblestone streets, Lisbon invitations you on a journey by way of historical past and tradition. Explore the historic Belém district, the place the monumental Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém are testaments to Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Wander by way of the slender alleys of Alfama, town’s oldest quarter, serenaded by the haunting melodies of Fado music. And don’t overlook to indulge in the culinary delights of the Mercado da Ribeira, a meals lover’s paradise, the place the most effective of Portuguese delicacies awaits.
The Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal
We spent 3 full days in Lisbon and will have stayed even longer. We actually cherished this metropolis and located it straightforward to see why folks really useful visiting right here so usually. It affords the proper mix of previous and current. Of course, it’s its historical past that often attracts folks right here, however don’t overlook that it additionally has a very cool modern tradition, from cutting-edge artwork galleries to stylish rooftop bars providing panoramic views that may take your breath away. It can be the proper place to base your self to discover, Sintra’s mystical palaces and Cascais’ golden seashores that are only a quick journey away.
In quick, Lisbon is the proper place to spend not less than 3 days and study Portugal’s historical past and delicacies earlier than venturing out to discover the remainder of the nation. And that’s precisely what we did. These are our suggestions for all the finest issues to do in Lisbon that you simply don’t need to miss.
1. Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
One of the primary locations it is best to go to in Lisbon is the enduring Belem Tower or Torre de Belém. Built on the Northern Bank of the Tagus River, Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolizing Portugal’s maritime energy.
Constructed in the early Sixteenth century as a fortress to guard the doorway to Lisbon’s harbor, guests are drawn to its ornate limestone façades, richly adorned with maritime motifs and historic figures, providing a glimpse into Portugal’s superb previous. Inside, you may climb the traditional spiral staircases, discover the outdated cannons, and revel in views of the Tagus River and the encompassing panorama.
The tower’s historical past as some extent of departure for explorers and its position in defending town make it an enchanting web site for historical past buffs and structure fans alike.
Belem Tower is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (October to April) and till 6:30 PM (May to September). Admission prices €6 for adults and is free with the Lisbon Card.
2. Jerónimos Monastery
Located only a hop skip and a bounce from Torre de Belém, Jerónimos Monastery is one other UNESCO World Heritage web site in the center of Lisbon’s Belém district.
This constructing is a masterpiece of beautiful magnificence. Jerónimos Monastery was constructed in the Sixteenth century to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s profitable voyage to India. Vasco de Gama was the primary European to attain India by sea.
His monument is a primary instance of Manueline structure, mixing Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish kinds. Its intricate facades, cloisters, and the awe-inspiring inside of the church, the place Vasco da Gama and different outstanding Portuguese figures are entombed, make it a must-visit for historical past fans and structure admirers.
The monastery is open to the general public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM in the winter months and till 6:30 PM throughout the summer time, offering ample alternative to discover its grandeur. The entrance price is €10 for the monastery, with varied reductions out there for college students, seniors, and households. Visitors also can take pleasure in free admission on the primary Sunday of every month, making it accessible for everybody to witness the splendor of one in all Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. We admired it from afar, as the road to get in was a bit of insane so we suggest reserving a timed entrance in advance and it’s also free to enter with a Lisbon Card.
3. Pastel de Nata at Pastéis de Belém
Indulging in Pastel de Nata is a quintessential expertise for any customer to Lisbon, and if you’re going to attempt it, the most effective place is simply steps away from Jeronimos Monastery.
Pastéis de Belém is an iconic bakery that has been serving its secret recipe since 1837 and affords the unique model of the creamy custard tart that has change into a logo of Portuguese culinary custom. The historical past of those tarts dates again to the early Nineteenth century, crafted by monks on the close by monastery. As the monastery closed, the recipe was handed to the bakery, guaranteeing the legacy of this scrumptious deal with.
Tourists flock right here not only for the pastries however for a style of historical past, witnessing the bustling ambiance and the azulejo-covered partitions that inform tales of the previous.
Pastéis de Belém is open every single day from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (or midnight throughout the summer time), inviting guests to take pleasure in these tarts recent from the oven. The price is remarkably inexpensive, with every tart priced at simply over €1, making it a must-visit for a candy style of Lisbon’s culinary heritage with out breaking the financial institution.
4. Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Monument to the Discoveries
Staying in the identical neighborhood, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is an imposing construction standing proudly over the Tagus River. Vasco da Gama could also be Portugal’s most well-known explorer. Still, the nation has a historical past of discoveries and it is a highly effective tribute to the explorers who ventured into unknown waters.
Located only a quick stroll alongside the water from Belem Tower, this placing monument is formed like a ship’s prow and was inaugurated in 1960 to commemorate the five hundredth anniversary of the loss of life of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key determine in the early days of the Portuguese Empire.
The monument showcases over thirty statues of historic figures who important roles in the discoveries, together with explorers, monarchs, cartographers, and scientists, all led by Prince Henry himself.
The Monument to the Discoveries is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (March to September) and till 5:00 PM (October to February), with an entrance price of roughly €6 for the point of view. This web site not solely affords a visible feast and a lesson in historical past but additionally a singular perspective on the daring spirit that propelled Portugal into the annals of world exploration.
5. Mercado de Ribiera (Time Out Market)
Located in the full of life Mercado da Ribeira at Cais do Sodré, Mercado de Ribiera was remodeled in 2014 by the workforce behind Time Out Lisboa journal right into a gastronomic haven, that includes a curated mixture of over 40 areas that features a few of Lisbon’s most famed cooks and eating places.
From conventional Portuguese dishes to modern fusion delicacies, the market gives an unparalleled alternative to style your approach by way of the flavors of Lisbon. It’s not nearly meals; there are additionally bars, retailers, and regularly held cultural occasions, making it a dynamic hub of exercise.
Open every day from 10:00 AM to midnight (and till 2:00 AM on weekends), the market welcomes guests to discover its choices. Entry to the Time Out Market is free, permitting you to price range in accordance to what you eat or drink, making it a versatile choice for vacationers wanting to expertise the most effective of Lisbon’s meals scene with out a hefty price ticket.
6. Food Tour
If you actually need to take pleasure in Portuguese meals, a meals tour is another choice. The Portuguese are captivated with their meals and we are able to attest that Portugal has nice meals. Take a meals tour to benefit from the varied methods to eat cod. There are 1001 methods to cook dinner cod from from roasted cod to canned cod.
This meals tour takes you thru Central Lisbon to pattern Portuguese cuisines whereas taking in the sights and strolling by way of the Streets. You’ll go to Bairro Alto, Chiato, Rossio and Comércio.
7. Tuk Tuk Tour
One of our favourite issues to do in the Portuguese capital was to hop in a Tuk Tuk and tour. Tuk Tuks are all around the metropolis and we hopped in one on the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Tuk Tuks are lined all alongside the streets right here and we negotiated a worth of 40€ every for a 90-minute journey. It was an effective way to see the highest historic sights and miradors overlooking town middle.
Lisbon is called town of seven hills and taking a tuk-tuk tour was a incredible approach to get to the highest of those lookout factors rapidly and simply with out having to wait in line for elevators or trams.
8. See the City Center from one in all Lisbon’s Many Mirador’s
As we talked about, Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills and some of the common issues to do in Lisbon is to go up to one in all its many views of town for dawn, and sundown or to merely gaze over town centre at any time of day.
The viewpoints are known as Miradors, and we visited many throughout our day exploring on a tuk-tuk. Standouts included the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for its panoramic views of town and the River Tagus. If you aren’t on a tour, you may simply entry it by way of the historic tram 28.
Not removed from there, Miradouro da Graça, situated close to the Graça Church, affords not solely beautiful views but additionally a café to loosen up in. A brief stroll or tram journey will take you to this spot, good for a leisurely afternoon.
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia, embellished with tile panels and a pergola, overlooks the Alfama district and is only a stone’s throw away from the Lisbon Cathedral, reachable by foot or by taking tram 28.
Lastly, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol presents a spectacular viewpoint of the outdated quarters, finest loved at dawn. Located close to Santa Luzia, it’s a handy subsequent cease in your miradour journey. Each Miradouro affords a singular perspective of Lisbon.
Free viewpoints
Miradouro da Senhora Miradouro Da Graca Miradouro Santa Luzia Miradouro das Portas do Sol
9. Elevador de Santa Justa – Santa Justa Lift
There had been big lineups for this carry and through our go to, the lookout platform was closed so we didn’t go up, however it’s value visiting for a lot of for merely the enjoyable of it.
The journey itself is not only a way of transport however a visit again in time to the flip of the Twentieth century. Designed by this Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the carry will remind you of the Eiffel Tower. When inside you’ll discover the carry’s ornate inside and equipment showcasing ingenuity in the commercial age. At the highest, the carry options two viewing platforms, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Lisbon, from the Tagus River to the fortress and past.
This neo-Gothic elevator is situated in the center of the bustling Baixa district. It affords a singular journey from the decrease streets of the Pombaline downtown up to the Largo do Carmo taking you immediately into the Carmo Square, the place the ruins of the Carmo Convent and a pleasant view await.
Remember to go to early or throughout off-peak hours to keep away from lengthy queues. We walked by in the morning, at night time, and throughout the day and it was busy each time. Santa Justa Lift tickets price round €5.50.
10. Tram 28
Riding Tram 28 in Lisbon is a quintessential expertise to see town from completely different vantage factors winding by way of well-known districts and previous iconic landmarks.
This journey begins in the Graça district and meanders by way of Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela, lastly reaching Campo Ourique, offering a complete tour of Lisbon’s various neighborhoods.
You can hop on this classic yellow tram at Martim Moniz Square, the place the route begins, and revel in a journey that seems like stepping again in time. Along the way in which, passengers are handled to views of Lisbon’s Cathedral, the Santa Luzia viewpoint, the bustling streets of Baixa, and the Estrela Basilica, amongst different sights.
For the most effective expertise, intention to journey early in the morning or later in the night to keep away from the crowds, and think about buying a 24-hour public transport ticket for limitless rides on Lisbon’s trams, buses, and metro.
We didn’t journey this tram and as an alternative took escalators, tuks tuks, and Ubers however we did journey the tram in Porto and if you’re visiting Portugal for the primary time, it’s essential to pop onto one in all its prime points of interest not less than as soon as.
11. Castelo de São Jorge
Visiting Castelo de São Jorge affords you a charming journey again in time, mixed with a few of the most breathtaking views over Lisbon. Perched atop one in all Lisbon’s highest hills, this historic fortress dates again to the Moorish occupation in the eleventh century. However, it showcases layers of historical past from varied durations of Lisbon’s previous.
As a logo of Portugal’s wealthy heritage, the fortress invitations guests to wander by way of its storied ramparts, discover historical ruins, and go to the exhibition that narrates its historical past by way of archaeological finds. Did you recognize this was Porugal’s first king’s royal residence?
The Camera Obscura, providing a 360-degree view of town by way of a periscope, and the superbly maintained gardens, the place peacocks roam freely, add to the appeal of this web site.
Castelo de São Jorge is open every single day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (March to October) and till 6:00 PM (November to February), guaranteeing ample time for exploration. Admission is roughly €10 for adults, with concessions out there for college students and seniors, making it a must-visit for these wanting to immerse themselves in the historical past and revel in beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon. Grab Your E-Ticket right here.
12. Walk Through the Alfama Neighborhood
It is becoming that Cube de Fado is situated in the center of the Alfama Neighborhood. This is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood which is a labyrinth of slender streets, historic buildings, and panoramic vistas that captivate guests from across the globe.
We had been drawn to its medieval alleys, vibrant road life, and beautiful views from the Miradouros (viewpoints) like Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
If you go to on a Tuesday or Saturday you may buy groceries on the Feira da Ladra. This flea market suits proper in with classic clothes, collectibles, and souvenirs.
Wandering by way of Alfama, you’ll encounter native markets, historic tram 28, and intricately tiled façades, offering limitless alternatives for images and making reminiscences.
The district can be residence to notable landmarks such because the São Jorge Castle, the majestic Sé Cathedral, the National Pantheon, Feira da Ladra, and the Door of the Sun viewpoints. A strolling tour of this neighborhood is one of the best ways to respect all it has to provide.
13. Watch a Fado Show at Clube de Fado
We booked a Fado Show by way of GetYourInformation, however we want that we went to a extra genuine Fado Show in the Amalfa District.
Clube de Fado is one in all Lisbon’s most esteemed venues. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed for its intangible cultural heritage. The dimly lit room units the stage for an evening of poignant performances, creating an electrical but deeply emotional ambiance.
Clube de Fado attracts a few of Portugal’s most interesting Fado singers and classical guitarists (enjoying the Portuguese guitarra) pouring their hearts into each efficiency. The acoustics of the venue are designed to improve the mournful melodies and poetic lyrics that talk of life, loss, and longing, capturing the essence of the Portuguese spirit.
Dining at Clube de Fado provides one other layer to the expertise, with conventional Portuguese dishes and wonderful wines serving as the proper accompaniments to the night’s leisure.
While reservations are extremely really useful due to the recognition of the venue, the trouble to safe a spot is nicely value it for the unforgettable expertise of connecting with the uncooked emotion and cultural depth of Fado music.
14. Museo do Fado
If you need to study extra about Fado, go to the Museu do Fado. Portugal’s most iconic musical expression is acknowledged as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Located in the historic Alfama district, only a stone’s throw from the Lisbon Cathedral, this museum is devoted to celebrating the historical past and tradition of Fado, from its origins in the Nineteenth century to the current day.
The Museu do Fado gives an immersive expertise with its in depth assortment of Fado recordings, memorabilia, and private objects from legendary Fado singers. Visitors can discover interactive reveals, pay attention to traditional and modern Fado performances, and even attempt to play a Portuguese guitar.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
15. LX Factory
We actually cherished the vibe of LX Factory. This former industrial advanced has been remodeled right into a busy artists group nestled beneath the towering 25 de Abril Bridge in the Alcântara district of Lisbon.
This city oasis is a must-visit for vacationers searching for to immerse in Lisbon’s modern artwork scene, providing an eclectic mixture of artwork studios, quirky retailers, fashionable cafes, and world-class eating places. Plus, the meals and drinks are fairly inexpensive making it an ideal cease for lunch.
LX Factory was as soon as an industrial advanced of outdated buildings that has been remodeled right into a dynamic cultural and business hub.
The space hosts common markets, stay music, and artwork exhibitions, guaranteeing that no two visits are the identical. Entry to LX Factory itself is free, permitting guests to stroll by way of its alleys, admire the placing city artwork, and absorb the artistic power that permeates the air.
Open every single day, with retailers sometimes working from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and eating places and bars usually staying open a lot later, guests can discover at their leisure, experiencing the buzzing ambiance that lasts into the night time.
16. Pink Street
Pink Street, formally often known as Rua Nova do Carvalho, is a full of life hotspot in Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré district that has change into a must-visit vacation spot for vacationers searching for the heart beat of town’s nightlife and cultural scene.
Once a seedy space identified for its nightclubs and bars catering to sailors, Pink Street is remodeling into one in all Lisbon’s most trendy and Instagrammable areas. It nonetheless has a seedy really feel, however throughout the day, it attracts Influencers and wannabes to take photographs of its hanging umbrellas and pink-painted streets.
Painted pink in 2013 as a part of a revitalization undertaking, Pink Street is a singular city landmark. It is open 24/7, and the realm is busy, particularly after darkish when the bars, golf equipment, and eating places come alive, providing every little thing from conventional Portuguese dishes to revolutionary cocktails.
Visitors can discover the road and its environment without charge, having fun with the colourful road artwork, fashionable retailers, and the full of life ambiance that embodies the fashionable spirit of Lisbon. Pink Street is not only a spot to see; it’s an expertise, providing a glimpse into town’s transformation and its vibrant modern tradition.
Whether you’re on the lookout for an evening out with associates, a style of native delicacies, or only a stroll in an attention grabbing setting, Pink Street in Lisbon guarantees an unforgettable expertise with out the necessity for admission charges.
17. National Tile Museum
One factor you’ll discover in most of the cities of Portugal is the attractive ceramic tiles adorning the facades of buildings in town middle. The National Tile Museum or Museu Nacional do Azulejo, in Lisbon, is a singular cultural treasure that gives guests an in-depth have a look at the artwork and historical past of Portuguese tiles, often known as azulejos.
Housed in the previous Convent of Madre de Deus, based in 1509, the museum showcases the evolution of tilework in Portugal from the fifteenth century to the current day.
The assortment contains beautiful examples of azulejos, (ceramic tiles) starting from easy geometric patterns to elaborate narrative panels that depict Portugal’s wealthy historical past and tradition. One of the museum’s highlights is a 36-meter-long panorama of Lisbon earlier than the devastating 1755 earthquake.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing ample time for guests to discover its huge reveals. Admission is round €5, with reductions out there for college students and seniors, making it an inexpensive and enjoyable expertise.
18. Central Baixa District
Nestled on the coronary heart of central Lisbon this district is called the downtown space of Lisbon, Baixa is distinguished by its grand plazas, Pombaline structure, and majestic streets like Rua Augusta, main to the triumphal arch and the beautiful Praça do Comércio going through the Tagus River.
This district is a must-visit for its mix of historic significance and trendy vitality. With pedestrian-only streets, buying, and cafes the Central Baixa District is a great spot to hang around for a day.
Key points of interest embody the Elevador de Santa Justa, an ornate, early Twentieth-century carry that we talked about earlier in this text, and the MUDE (Museum of Design and Fashion).
Baixa’s grid-like format, designed after the good earthquake of 1755, makes it straightforward to discover on foot. You can take pleasure in buying, and sipping espresso in conventional cafes, in addition to loads of eating places serving Portuguese and worldwide delicacies. Exploring Baixa is basically free, except for particular points of interest just like the Santa Justa Lift, the place a ticket prices round €5.50.
19. Praça Comercio
Praça Comercio stands entrance and spherical on the shores of the Tagus River and you’ll undoubtedly find yourself right here not less than as soon as in your go to to town. Entering from Baxia below the Arco da Rua Agusta will take your breath away.
This grand sq. on the River Tagus is as huge as it’s stunning, with its distinctive U-shaped association of yellow Nineteenth-century buildings standing on the former Royal Palace of Ribeira that was destroyed following the devastating 1755 earthquake.
Historically, it served because the gateway to Lisbon, the place retailers would commerce items from across the globe. Today, it stands as a testomony to Lisbon’s resilience and its maritime glory, framed by its iconic yellow Pombaline structure and the statue of King José I at its middle.
20. Bairro Alto
One of our favourite spots for a drink in town was in the Bairro Alto District. Nestled in the center of town, Bairro Alto comes alive because the solar units, with its slender cobbled streets buzzing with an array of bars, eating places, and stay music venues that cater to each style.
By day, this district remains to be value a go to with its beautiful Sixteenth-century structure, colourful facades, and picturesque viewpoints that overlook town.
As night time falls, immerse your self in the district’s full of life ambiance, the place the sounds of Fado music spill out from the normal homes. Bairro Alto’s central location, simply accessible by the enduring Tram 28 or the Baixa-Chiado metro station, makes it a must-visit vacation spot for anybody wanting to expertise the genuine spirit of Lisbon. Whether you’re in search of cultural enrichment or just to take pleasure in an evening out, Bairro Alto affords an unforgettable slice of Lisbon’s dynamic city tradition.
21. Lisbon Cathedral – Sé de Lisboa
The Lisbon Cathedral, regionally often known as Sé de Lisboa, is a monumental landmark that no customer ought to miss whereas exploring town. Located in the center of the historic Alfama district, this imposing cathedral was initially constructed in 1147 however the cathedral has undergone varied architectural transformations, mixing Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque kinds.
You can discover the cathedral’s inside, which homes important spiritual artifacts, stained glass home windows, and the spectacular cloister. The treasury room is one other spotlight, showcasing a group of ecclesiastical treasures.
Open every day, with hours sometimes from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
22. Sintra
Pretty Sintra will get all the eye, and if you’re on the lookout for a tried-and-tested day journey from Lisbon, this charming village is the best choice. You can admire attractive royal residences, together with the Pena National Palace. Pena Palace is legendary for its shiny colours and daring structure and takes over 2.5 hours to tour due to all its grandeur and scale.
However, Sintra has loads of palaces and castles, so don’t restrict your self to one. Our favourite place to go to in Sintra was Quinta da Regaleira. The mysterious nicely is situated on a Nineteenth-century property surrounded by lush gardens crammed with unique crops and flowers.
The actual attraction of the Quinta da Regaleira is its underground tunnels and caves. These mysterious passages had been as soon as used for initiation rites by secret societies such because the Free Masons, and their secrets and techniques nonetheless stay hidden to this present day. Visitors can discover the tunnels and caves, discovering hidden chambers and hidden passageways as they go.
Sintra is simply half-hour from Lisbon, making it some of the common issues to do. It is a handy but epic day journey for anybody wanting a magical day tour from Lisbon. And you may benefit from the novelty of palaces and romantic structure in simply half a day.
23. Cascais
Cascais is a small city however an especially enjoyable day journey. Moreover, this is likely one of the solely day journeys from Lisbon you may take by prepare versus bus, as Cascais has its personal prepare station linked by the ‘Linha de Cascais.’ It is a scenic journey, taking you previous sandy seashores and coastal surroundings, and it solely takes 40 minutes from Cais do Sodre station in southwest Lisbon. The seaside resort is bubbly, with a enjoyable vibe and a mix of buying streets and beachfront eating places. Its outdated city is the place you’ll discover the extra ‘serious sightseeing’ alternatives, with the Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and Citadel Palace.
Cascais is a enjoyable allrounder with an excellent steadiness of issues to do if you’d like a fast escape from Lisbon’s metropolis middle.
Why We Love Lisbon, Portugal
Whether you’re marveling on the iconic tram 28 because it weaves by way of town, sipping on a glass of Vinho Verde in a full of life Bairro, or watching the sundown from the São Jorge Castle, Lisbon guarantees an unforgettable journey. Let’s embark on this journey collectively, exploring the most effective issues to do in Lisbon, the place historical past, tradition, and sweetness intertwine to create a vacation spot like no different.
Visiting Lisbon isn’t nearly checking off the necessary monuments and prime points of interest. It is about strolling by way of its cobbled streets, taking in the power of the completely different neighborhoods and districts, and getting to know the folks. We solely spent a couple of days in Lisbon, however you may simply spend every week in town to take pleasure in every little thing it has to provide.