Top Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal
FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Lisbon Portugal will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal. Then, check out my 48 hour Lisbon itinerary. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Travel Guide to Portugal
Top Landmarks in Lisbon Portugal
- Ride the iconic Tram 28.
- Photograph the Discoverer’s Monument and walk the waterfront to Belém Tower.
- Tour Jerónimos Monastery.
- Tour São Jorge Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Check out the Rua Augusta Arch and Praça do Comércio.
- Check out the Lisbon Cathedral.
- Photograph the Águas Livres Aqueduct, an 18th-century aqueduct.
- Explore Igreja e Convento do Carmo.
- Spend some time people-watching in Rossio Square.
- Stop by Igreja de São Roque, the most expensive chapel in Europe.
- Photograph Ponte 25 de Abril from the roof of LX Factory.
- Ride the Ascensor do Lavra, Lisbon’s oldest funicular, and Ascensor da Bica.
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Lisbon Portugal
- Ride the Santa Justa Lift.
- Hang out with sharks at Oceanario de Lisboa, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.
- Attend a Fado Show for an emotional performance.
- Relax next to the fountains and people-watch in Rossio Square.
- Zip around Lisbon’s hills on a Tuk Tuk sightseeing tour.
- Photograph the Rossio Train Station.
- Walk down Rua Nova do Carvalho, Pink Street.
- Wander the Alfama District.
- Learn to make Portuguese Pastries.
- Take a photo with Escultura de Fernando Pessoa.
- Visit the rooftop terrace of the Basilica da Estrela.
- Relax and people watch in Praça Luís de Camões.
- Photograph the Fado Living Statue
Best Museums in Lisbon Portugal
- Check out the urban art at Underdogs Gallery.
- Browse the modern art of Museu Coleção Berardo.
- Check out the ancient artifacts at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
- Visit Museu Nacional do Azulejo and make your own tiles.
- Explore the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology).
- Explore the history of Fado at Museu do Fado.
- Browse the modern art of the Berardo Collection Museum including works by Picasso and Warhol.
- Explore the collection of European, Asian, and African art at the National Museum of Ancient Art.
- Learn about Portugal’s maritime history at the Maritime Museum.
- Check out the Lisbon Military Museum exhibits on Portugal’s military past.
- Learn about the history of currency in Portugal at the Money Museum.
- Explore the medical and pharmaceutical artifacts at the Museum of Pharmacy.
- Learn the history of Lisbon at Museu de Lisboa.
Outdoor Activities in Lisbon Portugal
- Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas for riverfront views.
- Take a bike ride or sunset cruise along the Tagus River.
- Wander the gardens of the Palace of Marquises of Fronteira.
- Photograph the hedges at Eduardo VII Park or Ajuda Botanical Garden.
- Have a picnic in Jardim da Estrela.
- Browse the Botanical Garden of Lisbon.
- See the cactus garden at Tapada das Necessidades.
- Ride the Telecabine Lisboa cable car at Parque das Nações.
- Say hello to the peacocks at the Jardim Botânico Tropical.
- Go for a hike at Monsanto Forest Park.
- Rest your feet under a tree canopy at Principe Real Garden.
Shopping in Lisbon Portugal
- Buy a cork souvenir.
- Window shop on Rua do Carmo.
- Shop for souvenirs at Alfama’s Artisan Shops, Conserveira de Lisboa, A Vida Portuguesa, or LX Factory.
- Wander Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s largest flea market, for something unique.
- Check out Bertrand Bookstore, the world’s oldest operating bookstore.
- Browse the luxury boutiques, high-street brands, and unique local shops in the Chiado District.
Where to Eat in Lisbon Portugal
- Eat Pasteis da Nata, egg custard pastries, at Pasteis de Belém.
- Sample Portuguese food at the Mercado da Ribera or Time Out Market.
- Take a Portuguese cooking class.
- Hang out in a café on Rua Garrett.
- Try Portuguese tapas at Taberna da Rua das Flores.
- Eat traditional Portuguese food with a waterfront view at Ponto Final.
- Head to Cervejaria Ramiro for seafood or A Cevicheria for ceviche.
- Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal at Alma or Bairro do Avillez.
Lisbon Portugal Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Listen to Fado Music at Tasca do Chico.
- Spend a night out bar hopping in Bairro Alto.
- Sample craft beer in Dois Corvos brew room.
- Go Wine Tasting in the trendy Chiado district.
- Sample Portuguese wine at Vini Portugal or The Old Pharmacy wine bar.
- Enjoy a cocktail with a view at Park Bar or Rio Maravilha.
- Enjoy craft cocktails at Pensão Amor, Foxtrot, or the Red Frog Speakeasy.
- Dance the night away at LuxFrágil, or Musicbox.
Lisbon Portugal Lookouts and Viewpoints
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: highest viewpoint in Lisbon with panoramic views of the city and São Jorge Castle.
- Miradouro de Santa Catarina: great for sunset views over the Tagus River.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara: views of downtown Lisbon and the castle.
- Elevador de Santa Justa: one of the best views of Lisbon’s Baixa district.
- Miradouro da Graça: views of the city with a relaxed, local vibe.
- Amoreiras 360 Panoramic View: platform at the top of the Amoreiras Shopping Center with a 360-degree view of Lisbon.
- Miradouro das Portas do Sol: overlooks the Alfama district.
- Castelo de São Jorge Viewpoint: views of the city from its walls.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia: views over Alfama and the Tagus River.
- Terraço do Carmo: views of the city center.
Instagrammable Places in Lisbon Portugal and Best Selfie Spots
Some of the best selfie spots in Lisbon are: Pink Street, Palace of Marquises of Fronteira, Praça do Comércio, Monument to the Discoveries, Arco da Rua Augusta, Belém Tower, LX Factory Murals, Tram 28, Rossio Square, and the Narrow Streets of Alfama.
Day Trips from Lisbon Portugal
- Spend a day exploring the fairy-tale palaces, gardens, and castles in Sintra.
- Head to Cascais for a beach day, see also Estoril, Setúbal and/or Ericeira.
- Head to the fishing village of Sesimbra for fresh seafood.
- Take a day trip to Mafra National Palace.
- Step back in time in the medieval town of Óbidos.
- Take a boat tour of Arrábida Natural Park.
- Visit Fátima, one of the most important pilgrimages in the Catholic world.
Check the Lisbon Portugal Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Plan your Trip to Lisbon Portugal
Why Visit Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon Portugal had approximately 15 million international visitors last year. People are drawn by Lisbon Portugal Lisbon for its wooden trams, rooftop views, colorful neighborhoods, Azul tile, sidewalk art, Christ statue, pink street, custard tarts, and street performers. Lisbon Portugal is also full of history, museums, fun attractions, and great shopping.
How Many Days in Lisbon Portugal is Enough
2 days in Lisbon Portugal is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.
READ 48 Hours in Lisbon Portugal, Two Day Itinerary
Is Lisbon Portugal Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Lisbon Portugal is low. However, the risk of being scammed or pickpocketed is medium. Check their website for more information.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon has a mild climate and averages 300 days of sunshine each year. Expect temperatures in the mid-50s in winter and mid-70s in the summer. Shoulder season in Lisbon is either from March to May or September to October. During these times, the weather is still warm, hotel rates are cheaper and there are fewer crowds than in summer. August is the high season. The rainy season is December and January.
How to Get to Lisbon Portugal
Currently, there are no nonstop flights from LAX to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). A flight from LAX to Lisbon Portugal is about 13 hours with a 1 hour connection. Nonstop JKF to LIS is about 7 hours. Prepare for your flight!
How to Get Around Lisbon Portugal
Fly into Lisbon Portela Airport and take the Metro Red Line into the city. The red line passes the Oriente Station for train connections to other parts of Portugal and continues towards the final station of Sao Sebastiao. A single ticket price is 1.40 Euro; it is approximately a 20-minute ride into the city. Or arrive from nearby cities by train and take the metro into the city. The city is well connected by metro.
Where to Stay in Lisbon Portugal
Choose a hotel at your price point near the Baxio-Chorro Metro Stop. Lisbon is a hillside city, avoid carrying your luggage up a steep hill!
What Should I Budget for Lisbon Portugal
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $143 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal
Romantic things to do in Lisbon include a sunset cruise on the Tagus River, a dinner show with a Fado performance, watch the sunset from Miradouro de Santa Catarina, picnic next to a pond at Jardim da Estrela, rooftop cocktails at Park Bar, or wine tasting in Setubal.
Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal with Young Children
Oceanario de Lisboa, Lisbon Zoo, Pavilhao do Conhecimento (science museum), the playground at Parque das Nacoes, Castle Sao Jorge, and Museu da Marioneta (puppet museum) are a few things children may enjoy in Lisbon.
Things to do in Lisbon Portugal with Teens
Teens may enjoy a beach day, ride on Tram 28, Tuk Tuk sightseeing tour, LX Factory murals, and a Sintra day trip.
Visiting More Portugal Cities?
Check out our Portugal Travel Guide with links to must see destinations and itineraries!
Plan Your Trip to Lisbon Portugal
Portugal Travel Guide
Pick up a Portugal Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Lisbon Portugal Now
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Lisbon Portugal Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
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