Post overview: A helpful roundup of the best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal based on first-hand experience from an American traveler.
More than any other European city, Lisbon has my heart. In fact, my husband and I enjoy this charming city so much we recently returned for a month-long stay (after visiting four times).
We wanted to soak in the colorful splendor, easy-going locals and the plethora of great things to do in Lisbon without the rush of deadlines and busy schedules.
Below is my personal list of the absolute BEST things to do in Lisbon, Portugal. I hope you enjoy!
Helpful Lisbon Travel Tips
Portuguese is the official language spoken in Lisbon
However, it’s very easy to get by using English. Regardless, a little effort goes a long way. Here’s a few words worth learning and using during your visit to Lisbon.
- Hello = Ola!
- Goodbye: Adeus
- Please: Por favor
- Thank you: Obrigada (feminine), obrigado (masculine)
- Yes: Sim and No: Nao
Restaurant culture
Length of the meal: Okay, one of the things that surprised me most during my first visit to Lisbon was the (intentionally) slow service at restaurants. Some of our meals lasted up to 4 hours, I kid you not.
Turns out slow dining is the norm in Lisbon. The waiters don’t rush you and you can easily spend 2-4 hours eating. We also had to initiate a request for the check, it wasn’t automatically brought over during a single meal, so heads up!
The couvert: Like most European cities, most Lisbon restaurants offer small appetizers (usually bread and olives) at the start of the meal. These small appetizers are called couverts and get brought out shortly after you get seated.
Typically the cost of the couvert is anywhere from 1,50€ to 3,50€ (could be higher at fancy places). You have the option of politely denying the couvert when it is brought out to you, but if it’s placed at your table you will be charged for it. Personally I enjoy the coverts and seldom reject them – ha!
Dinner is a late affair: The Portuguese typically eat dinner around 7pm or 8pm. As such, most restaurants don’t open until 7pm. Indeed, the majority of restaurants close down between lunch and dinner service, which means you might have a hard time finding food between 3pm and 7pm, plan accordingly.
This was a challenging adjustment at first because we found ourselves hungry around 5pm. However, once we found the groove, we were better able to prepare by purchasing light snacks before the dinner. Heads up!
Lisbon is budget friendly
Lisbon is considered one of the most budget-friendly cities in Europe. Most of our meals cost less than 15€ per person, and a bottle of wine averages 10€ to 15€.
Best payment methods in Lisbon
Credit cards were accepted at 90% of the places we went. However, it’s always handy to have some euros in your pocket. ATMs are easy to come by, especially in tourist areas. ATMs accept American bank cards, so pulling cash shouldn’t be an issue. But remember this helpful tip: ALWAYS pull out money using the country’s currency, rather than using the “USD conversion” option, which has a steep up-charge (we learned the hard way).
Public restrooms cost $1 to use
This is not uncommon in European cities, we just weren’t accustomed to paying for public restrooms. Just a heads up.
Drugs on the street
During our visit we noticed several folks trying to sell drugs. This mostly occurred in the evenings at main tourist attractions. A stern “no” was enough to end the conversation.
I mention this to give you a heads up, it wasn’t jarring so much as annoying. It wasn’t an issue for us.
Wear comfortable shoes
Lisbon is a walking town and you are bound to get your steps in. Between the charming hilly cobblestone streets and beautiful river views, you’ll absolutely need to pack your most trusted walking shoes.
So, what’s with the great Lisbon earthquake?
You can’t write about Lisbon without mentioning the great 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which destroyed approximately 80% of the city. The earthquake scarred Lisbon and the lingering impact can be felt to this day.
I mention the earthquake a lot in the article below because most of the historic attractions in Lisbon are directly impacted by it. Indeed, locals still talk about the earthquake as if it happened in their lifetime — our Uber driver spent twenty minutes regaling us with stories from that day.
Here’s what you need to know: On November 1, 1755 Lisbon was awakened by what would later become known as one of the deadliest earthquakes in history — and the worst day in Lisbon’s history.
Buildings collapsed, people died (12,000 – 50,000 estimated) and most of the city was completely leveled. What’s worse, the 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred on All Saints Day — churches and homes were full of lit candles.
When the earth stopped trembling, the fires engulfed what was left and the subsequent tsunamis further destroyed the rest. All told, the nightmarish event raged through Lisbon for five days.
The cumulative effects of these unfortunate events uprooted the Portuguese spirit. Portugal, revered around the world for their world discoveries, found itself littered in ashes. Palaces, churches and libraries ablaze — centuries of art, writings and discoveries forever lost.
The king himself left the city and took up residence on the outskirts of town. Forever haunted by the devastation, he developed claustrophobia and ardently refused to live in a walled building ever again. True to his word, he moved the royal court into a city of tents.
So yes, the Lisbon earthquake is worth knowing about. It is weaved into the fabric of the people of Portugal and influences everything left standing.
Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal
#25. Tour the Carmo Convent (The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
You can’t miss the Carmo Convent even if you tried. The famous destroyed church in Lisbon sits atop a hill and looms over the city, offering striking vantages from any angle.
Built in 1389, the impressive Carmo Convent was a Catholic convent destroyed by the formidable 1755 Lisbon earthquake mentioned earlier. The earthquake forced the vault of the church to collapse and rendered the building unusable.
As if that wasn’t enough, the subsequent fire (caused by the earthquake) destroyed everything inside the church, effectively wiping out all of the rich historic artifacts accumulated over the years.
Efforts were made to reconstruct the church but after the building and site were donated in 1864 to the Association of Portuguese Archaeologists, it was decided that the ruins would be used as a museum.
Today the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo (Carmo Archaeological Museum) has a great (albeit small) collection of interesting artifacts, statues and tombs. Most notable are the tombs of King Ferdinand I, Fernão Sanches (the bastard son of King Dinis I) and Queen Maria Ana of Austria.
#24. Tour the National Pantheon
The National Pantheon graces Lisbon’s skyline and can been seen from most popular viewpoints. Towards the end of our month-long stay in Lisbon we felt restless and embarked on a long leisurely stroll. Our stroll led us to the National Pantheon and we decided to pop in for a visit.
Located in the charming Alfama neighborhood, the National Pantheon was first used as the Church of Santa Engrácia. It was converted to a pantheon in 1916 during the First Portuguese Republic.
The building was completed in 1966 under the Dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar under speculation that he planned to use it as his final resting place.
The assumption was proven false when his wishes were reveled after his death, he chose to be buried in his hometown.
The National Pantheon might not be Salazar’s resting place, but it is the final resting place of several notable Portuguese. It also houses several cenotaphs (empty tombs or monuments erected in the honor of a person buried elsewhere).
A small admission of 3€ is required to tour the interior. When we were done gawking at the decor, we decided to climb the stairs that lead to the outdoor terrace. Our effort was rewarded with panoramic views of Lisbon.
Worth mention: The pantheon doesn’t seem like a very popular things to do in Lisbon (pity for most folks), and we practically had the entire place to oursevles, but you won’t hear me complaining.
#23. Visit the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)
A bit removed from the city center, but well worth an Uber ride, the Museu Nacional do Azulejo is easily one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
You probably know by know that Lisbon is known for their masterful tiles and nowhere is this more evident than at the National Tile Museum, which houses the most impressive collection of tiles in Lisbon.
The museum isn’t very large and didn’t take more than one hour to explore, but the experience was memorable. My favorite tile display was the panorama of Lisbon located on the top floor. It’s a breathtaking work of art and I can only image how long it took to create!
Location: R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa
#22. Visit the oldest bookstore in the world
Did you know that Lisbon is home to the oldest bookstore in the world? Well, now that you know you simply can’t skip it.
Thankfully, it’s conveniently located in Lisbon’s trendy Chiado neighborhood and it’s inevitable that you will spend a good portion of time here (the neighborhood is home to many top Lisbon attractions).
But back to the bookstore, founded in 1732, Livraria Bertrand is officially the oldest bookstore in the world. Pop in and peruse the books for yourself, the staff is incredibly friendly and visiting the store is a treat. Plus, it’s hard to imagine a better souvenir!
#21. Tour the National Coach Museum
I must admit, prior to visiting the National Couch Museum firsthand, I wasn’t sure it was worth the detour. Boy, how wrong I was, this is one of the most memorable things to do in Lisbon.
Lisbon’s National Coach Museum is home to one of the most important collections of carriages in the world. It was started by Queen Amélia of Orleans and Bragança, in an effort to preserve royal carriages. And what a blessing that turned out to be, these things are a true work of art.
The musuem has more than 40 carriages on display but the one that steals the show, by a horse-drawn mile (I couldn’t resist!) is the golden-clad Coach of Oceans, which is mind blowing.
Apollo takes center stage, hand raised decraing the incredible feats of the Portuguese, alongside two female figures — Spring and Summer. In front of Apollo sits a globe encircled by two male figures (the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean) shaking hands and symbolizing the passage of the Cape of Good Hope.
It’s a lot to take in, but I assure you, this is a masterpiece unlike any you’ve seen before. Which is exactly why I consider a visit to the National Coach Museum one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
#20. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral
Built in 1147, the Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in Portugal and the oldest building in Lisbon. This incredible structure miraculously survived the devastating earthquakes that have marred Lisbon over the years.
Admittedly the cathedral was severely damaged after the major 1755 earthquake, but it has been properly renovated over the years and was designated a National Monument in 1910.
The towering structure is a sight to behold and stands a stark contrast to the busy streets of Lisbon. As such, visiting this historic cathedral is one of the best things to do in Lisbon, especially for history buffs. Free admission.
#19. Hop aboard Tram 28
You simply can’t visit Lisbon without taking a photo of the iconic yellow trams that run through the city. Built in England in the 1930s, these charming trams have become icons of the city.
The most famous line is #28, which meanders through the historic heart of Lisbon (Alfama, Baixa and Chiado). Ascending steep hills and offering breathtaking views along the way.
Hopping aboard Tram 28 is a great way to get accustomed to the layout of Lisbon. It’s also a great way to get from the flat Baixa district to Alfama while avoiding climbing the steep hills.
The tram runs 3€ per person (tickets purchased from driver) and the entire route takes 40 minutes.
Note: Tram 28 is a hot-spot for pickpockets, keep your belongings close.
#18. Get lost in the Alfama District
The Alfama District is one of the most charming (and oldest) areas in Lisbon. Thankfully it’s ripe for exploration, too.
In fact, during our month in Lisbon, we felt ourselves drawn to Alfama almost daily. Between the warmth of the Portuguese culture, inviting al fresco restaurants, narrow streets and iron-clad balconies, we were smitten.
Wander aimlessly and you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by various viewpoints, old churches, people-watching opportunities, stores and cafes. There’s never a shortage of great things to see in Alfama, you can be sure of that.
All this to say, wandering the meandering streets of the Alfama District is one of the most exciting things to do in Lisbon. You won’t want to miss it.
#17. Explore São Jorge Castle (Saint George Castle)
São Jorge Castle (St. George’s Castle) is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon. Casting shadows on Alfama below, this impressive 11th-century Moorish castle sits atop the highest point in Lisbon.
Although the castle was originally built by the Moors, it was heavily altered by subsequent occupiers and it’s hard to find much of the original construction today.
Since the 12 century the São Jorge Castle has served as a royal palace and military barracks. Today it’s used as a national monument and museum, enjoyed by all who visit.
As you can imagine, the panoramic views of Lisbon from this vantage point are some of the best in the city. Try to catch sunset from here and you’ll be hooked.
There is a €10 admission to view the grounds.
Love Portuguese castles? Then you’d love a day trip to Sintra, Portugal! Here’s 5 Picture-Perfect Sintra Castles You Can’t Afford to Miss
#16. Take a stroll down Lisbon’s historic downtown district, Baixa
Teaming with lively restaurants and interesting small shops, Baixa is Lisbon’s charming and historic downtown. The area is clearly laid out in a gridded fashion and is well connected, so exploring is easy on foot or with public transportation.
While exploring Baixa, make sure to allocate an afternoon to Rossio Square. Built in the 13th century as a gathering place for locals, this remains one of the liveliest squares in Lisbon to this day.
So if mingling with locals tops your list of the best things to do in Lisbon, look no further than this.
#15. Enjoy some vinho verde
Vinho Verde literary translates to “green wine,” but really means “young wine.”
This specific type of wine originated in Portugal and is released 3-6 months after the grapes are harvested.
It has a distinct refreshing and tart flavor with a slight hint of fizziness. It’s the perfect pairing for seafood dishes (a specialty in Lisbon).
We enjoyed green wine so much, we started purchasing it in the US.
#14. Stroll down Pink Street
The official name of this Instagram sensation is Rua Nova do Carvalho, but it’s more commonly called Pink Street.
It can be found in the heart of Lisbon’s Red Light District, which is now referred to as the Pink Light District.
To better understand why the Pink Street exists, it’s helpful to remember that Lisbon has always been a working port town. As such, working men would look for ways to blow off some steam after a hard day’s work.
Like moths to a flame, these working men would congregate in the Red Light District to gamble, drink and then some. But overtime the city started to change and local officials sought to shed the reputation of this area by creating an attraction.
The solution? Pain the street pink. And you know what? It worked. New bars, restaurants and cafes started to fill vacant storefronts and the neighborhood became a cultural hub.
Today Pink Street is a very popular spot for bar hopping among tourists . In fact, it’s one of the most touristy spots in Lisbon during peak travel season — whether that’s a good thing or not is up to your discretion.
#13. Take a break at the Praca do Comercio
Praca do Comercio is a public courtyard with cheery cafes and restaurants that sits on the Tagus River. This is one of the most famous places to see in Lisbon, so it swells with people during the daytime.
You might hear locals referring to this place as still Terreiro do Paco (palace yard). That’s because it used to the location of the Pacos da Ribeira, a palace that was destroyed during the great earthquake of 1755.
Sipping a cafe while people-watching at Praca do Comercio is one of the most relaxing things to do in Lisbon. Give it a try if you’re in need of a break.
#12. Listen to Fado
Fado is a unique style of music native to Portugal. Often found in restaurants during the late evening hours, the songs are guaranteed to serenade you while you dine over a candle-lit meal.
Fado dates back to 1820 and the most common area to experience it is in Alfama. If there’s only one thing you do in Lisbon, this should be it!
A talented vocalist sings a soulful (oft melancholy) poetic song while being accompanied by an equally talented musician on a guitar or mandolin. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
#11. Eat all the seafood you can get your hands on
Like most port towns, Lisbon is renowned for its incredible seafood, especially cod and octopus.
But it gets even better, the prices are reasonable (especially compared to American prices). We had a plethora of octopus dishes and they averaged $15-20 each, a steal of a deal!
There’s two traditional seafood dishes I recommend trying in Lisbon:
- Bacalhau à Bràs: flaked cod mixed with scrambled eggs, thinly sliced potatoes, parsley, and black olives.
- Polvo à Lagareiro (translates to octopus and olive oil): cooked octopus served with cooked potatoes, drizzled lavishly with quality olive oil, garnished with garlic and cilantro.
#10. Try the most renowned treat in Portugal, pastel de nata
My only regret after returning home from Lisbon was not eating more pastel de natas. So learn from my mistake and stuff those things in your pockets if you have to.
These sweet warm egg custard treats are served in flaky crusts and are absolutely heavenly. Seriously, they’re worth every last calorie.
There’s two places to get them and both of these bakeries are well-worth a detour:
- Casa Pastéis de Belém: This bakery is known as the birthplace of the pastel de nata, so you can’t afford to skip it.
- Manteigaria: There’s an outpost at the Time Out Market if you don’t want to wait too long, very delicious. I ALWAYS stock up when I’m nearby.
#9. Explore Bairro Alto & Chiado
Barrio Alto and Chiado are older parts of Lisbon chock-full of tiny cafes, colorful homes and interesting small shops. You’ll find narrow cobble-stone streets, large city squares and a cheerful congregation of locals and tourists.
The area is classy and fun to explore during the daytime, but it really comes alive in the evening. You’ll find tons of fun bars and trendy restaurants, not to mention the breathtaking view of the city at night.
#8. Visit the Gulbenkian Art Museum
Visiting the Gulbenkian Museum is one of the best things to do in Lisbon for history buffs. The impressive private art collection spans 5,000 years and the modern building designed specifically for the musuem is a work of art itself.
The museum is named after Calouste Gulbenkian, an Armenian oil tycoon and avid art collector who amassed an impressive art collection over his lifetime. This is often considered one of the most exceptional private art collections in Europe.
Visitors can join a guided tour or pick up an audio guide when purchasing admission (10€ for the permanent and modern collection or 14€ if you’d like to see the temporary exhibits as well). We spent about two hours touring the museum and felt like we had adequate time to see everything without being rushed.
The museums is somewhat removed from the downtown core, so we decided to Uber over. Also worth mention, we practically had the entire place to ourselves.
For more helpful information about the museum, read here.
#7. Bike along the Promenade in Belém
Belém is the Portuguese word for Bethlehem. Located thirty minutes from the city center, Belém is of the most historic districts in Lisbon. In fact, Belém was the starting point of many expeditions during the Age of Discovery.
Many of these expeditions directly contributed to Portugal’s wealth, which was used to build impressive buildings and structures. As such, you’ll find a high concentration of Manueline style buildings in Belém.
Since there’s so much to see and do in Belém, I suggest allocating half a day to explore. One of my favorite ways to explore is by biking along the promenade. But you can easily Uber over or take Tram 15.
Regardless of how you choose to get here, make an effort to see the monolithic monument called Padrão dos Descobrimentos. It was erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator, one of the most famous Portuguese icons in history.
#6. Just for kicks, check out the Elevador de Santa Justa
The Elevador de Santa Justa is one of the most unique things to do in Lisbon. Built in 1902 and towering a stately 150 feet, this iron structure connect Baixa to Bairro Alto.
You might wonder why this incredible wrought iron structure exists. Well, Lisbon is a very hilly city and there’s a handful of public elevators peppered throughout the city to help folks navigate steep sections.
I don’t necessarily recommend riding the elevator (unless you feel compelled) because the lines are long and there’s an admission of €5.30. However, if you have the Lisbon Card, you can ride the elevator for free because the Elevador de Santa Justa is an extension of the public transportation network.
If you use your Lisbon Card to hitch a ride you will not have access to the viewing platform.
Did you know? The architect behind this masterpiece, Raoul Mesnier, apprenticed under French engineer Gustave Eiffel (the man behind the Eiffel Tower).
#5. Visit the São Vicente de Fora Monastery
Yet another incredible sight to see in Lisbon for history buffs is the São Vicente de Fora Monastery. The monastery was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and is considered one of the most impressive (and important) Mannerism style works today.
The striking glazed tiles are worth the visit alone!
#4. Explore the Tower of Belém
I have a special place in my heart for UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Torre de Belém (Belém Tower ) is no exception. The tower is a few minutes from the city center and definitely worth a visit.
Sitting on the Tagus River, the Tower of Belém was built in the 16th Century and stood watch over the city, protecting Lisbon from pirates. It’s also the thing most explorers saw before sailing out to the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and view the interior by purchasing a ticket (6€).
Visiting Belém Tower is one of the best things to do in Lisbon because it’s an important landmark. Plus, it gets you away from the busyness of the city, if you need a little break.
We chose to hop on city bikes and head over for sunset. The tower is very popular so I suggest visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds.
#3. Visit the Monastery of Jerónimos
Built by King Manuel in the 15th century, the Monastery of Jerónimos is one of the most impressive Manueline-style buildings in the world.
The monastery sits adjacent to a church where Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões are laid to rest. The church is free to tour, but admission (10€) is required for the monastery. The lines to get into the monastery are obnoxiously long, it’s worth getting pre-purchased tickets that allow you to skip the line.
I will say, the Monastery of Jerónimos is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my 10+ years of travel. It’s no wonder this is one of the most visited attractions in Lisbon.
The intricately details stone and wood carvings that cover every inch of this monolithic monastery are mind-boggling. Admission is €10 per adult and worth every penny.
Similar to Belém Tower, the Monastery of Jerónimos is an important example of the breathtaking Manueline style (a glorious mixture of architecture styles inspired from the travels during the Age of Discovery).
While exploring the monastery don’t skip the opportunity to admire the grandiose tombs of several notable Portuguese, including Vasco da Gama & Luis de Camões.
#2. Grab a bite at the Time Out Market
The Time Out Market is a great food hall stuffed to the brim with the best vendors and restaurants in Lisbon. The place swells with tourists during the lunch and dinner hours, so expect long lines.
Even though I enjoyed my time at the Time Out Market, I must admit that the prices are steep and the noise level is high.
I think touring the Time Out Market is a great experience, and recommend it for first time visitors. But if you’ve seen it once, I suggest heading to a local restaurant for a bite.
Tip: Manteigaria (best pasteis de nata in Lisbon) is located inside the Time Out Market. The lines at this location are much shorter than the locations at the city center.
#1. Catch sunset at a Miradouro
You’ll be hard-pressed to find something more relaxing than an easy afternoon atop a Miradouro (viewpoint). It’s one of the most natural things you can do in Lisbon.
The city is full of sweeping Miradouros that both locals and residents enjoy. Watch the sunset over Lisbon’s colorful city skyline with a drink of wine in hand.
Not only will you get some phenomenal views of the city from a higher vantage but chances are high that you’ll pass by some cool places too – you just never know what you’ll come across. Getting from one Miradouro to the next is an adventure in an of itself.
Further Reading: 10 EPIC Lisbon Miradouros You Won’t Soon Forget
Where to stay in Lisbon
Based on our personal experience, the two best areas to stay are Baixa and Chiado.
Baixa is a shopping district full of fun restaurants and big-name stores. We booked an airbnb in Chiado and our experience could not have been better. We were a mere three blocks from ten different bakeries and three gelato shops.
Best Things to Do Lisbon, Portugal (Post Summary)
- Find a miradouro
- Sample bites at the Time Out Market
- Monastery of Jeronimos
- Explore Belem Tower
- Have a traditional Portuguese meal
- Elevador de Santa Justa
- Bike along Parque das Nacoes
- Visit the Gulbenkian Museum
- Explore Bairro Alto & Chiado
- Eat pastel de nata
- Eat all the seafood!
- Experience Fado
- Take a break at the Praca do Comercio
- Take a stroll down Pink Street
- Try green wine
- Explore the historic district, Baixa
- Explore Sao Jorge Castle
- Get lost in Alfama
- See Tram 28
- Visit Lisbon Cathedral
- Visit the National Coach Museum
Map of the best things to see in Lisbon
Is the Lisboa Card worthwhile?
The Lisboa Card is a gem we discovered during our last visit to Lisbon. Visitors have the option of purchasing a 24 hour, 48 hour or 72-hour pass that covers unlimited rides on the Metro (trams, buses, trains),
FREE admission to 35 museums (some of which are included on this list), Fast Track privileges, and additional discounts.
Honestly, getting the Lisboa Card is a no-brainer, we buy it everytime we visit Lisbon. There’s three places to buy the card: The Lisboa Welcome Centre, Lisbon Airport and Foz Palace.
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Cheers!
Antonina
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I visited Lisbon a month ago and fell in love. It is such a beautiful city!! I went to Casa Pastéis de Belém, those were the best pastéis de nata I ever ate!!