The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Lisbon: A Local’s Perspective
If you’ve researched international travel, you’ve probably heard about the breathtaking city of Lisbon. This city is successful at drawing travelers from across the globe year after year with its incredible breadth of history, culture, and modern spectacles.
There are plenty of great reasons to visit Lisbon, whether you want to try the best food Portugal has to offer or just want to spend some of your summer days on a warm Portuguese beach. This article will provide a complete guide and valuable local perspectives on Lisbon’s best things to do.
Introduction to Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, doesn’t fail to meet travelers’ great expectations. This gorgeous city easily charms visitors with its incredible historic sites and charming neighborhoods. Whether you’re taking a vacation to see spectacular displays of history or just want to enjoy the nightlife scene across the world, you’ll love everything the Portuguese capital offers.
Why Lisbon is a Must-Visit Destination
Lisbon is one of the best destinations in Portugal for numerous reasons. If you’re interested in witnessing the rich cultural heritage of Portugal, there’s no better place to find it than the country’s historical capital. Baixa, the historic center of Lisbon, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city houses many museums with comprehensive collections of Portuguese art.
If you’re interested in the modern culture of Portugal, Lisbon is rich in that, too. Many venues across Lisbon allow visitors to listen to Fado or traditional Portuguese folk music. The capital city also hosts many famous and iconic Portuguese artists, performers, and icons.
Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene adds modern touches to the historic city, offering plenty of insight into the feelings and struggles of the people who call the city home. The art scattered across the city ranges from small independent works to large, detailed murals. Many guided tours help travelers find the most significant works of art and explain the broader context of the pieces.
The incredible food in Lisbon often appeals to visitors. Restaurants in Lisbon tend to serve a mix of Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine, with a particular focus on locally sourced seafood and produce. The best traditional Portuguese dishes include salted cod (bacalhau), pastel de nata (custard tart), and stews.
Portugal’s famous architecture is another thing that commonly draws visitors to the city, as many of the most famous sights are in Lisbon. The architecture in Lisbon draws from various influences, including ancient Moorish architecture, gorgeous Portuguese Baroque, and plenty of modern architectural styles.
Lastly, it can’t go unmentioned that Lisbon is one of the best places to go if you want to enjoy a summer in Europe. Portugal has a spectacular warm climate and many scenic beaches around Lisbon. If you envision yourself kicking back to relax on golden sands or playing in crystal clear ocean water, Lisbon is the place to go.
Top Attractions in Lisbon
Castelo de São Jorge
If you’ve ever wanted to see a gorgeous and historic castle in real life, the Castelo de São Jorge is a great place to visit. This incredible fortress is beautiful and heavily fortified. The Moors built it nearly a thousand years ago, in the 11th century. The Portuguese continued to use the São Jorge castle for defense for a very long time, and the building has since served as a prison, barracks, and even a palace.
Many people find a visit to the Castelo de São Jorge unforgettable. One of the most significant aspects of visiting the castle is the incredible view of Lisbon and the Tagus River you can enjoy as you walk along the walls and explore the towers. The castle is maintained diligently to this day and also features gorgeous gardens with live peacocks that visitors can stroll through and appreciate.
Remember to pack the right supplies for your visit to the Castelo de São Jorge if you want to make the best of your day. We recommend wearing supportive shoes and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing because exploring the castle requires plenty of walking. You should also take a good camera and plenty of water. Of course, you should always respect the staff, other visitors, and the castle itself while visiting.
Belém Tower
The Belém Tower is one of the most famous historic sites in Lisbon. The tower was initially built in the 16th century so that it could be used to defend Lisbon, but it has since become a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Exploring the Belém Tower gives fascinating insights into the history of Portugal — and as a bonus, you’ll enjoy a lovely waterfront view of the Tagus River.
There’s no shortage of fascinating things to see at the Belém Tower. The tower itself is one of the best examples in Lisbon of Manueline architecture, a style of buildings that tends to have very elaborate designs and decorations adorned across them. The Belém Tower is pleasantly located beside the Tagus River and just a short distance from Jerónimos Monastery.
When visiting the Belém Tower, it’s essential to come adequately prepared. Much like visiting any other tourist destination, you should wear supportive shoes and a comfortable, weather-appropriate outfit. Bring a camera or headphones to take pictures or enjoy a fun audio tour. Lastly, get to the Belém Tower early — beating the crowds makes the visit much more enjoyable.
Jerónimos Monastery
Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most incredible historic landmarks. The monastery dates back to 1502, when King Manuel built it to commemorate Vasco de Gama’s voyage to India. The monastery houses the tombs of many famous figures, including Vasco de Gama and King Manuel I.
There are many attractive features within the monastery that make it worth visiting. The architectural style effortlessly blends Moorish, Late Gothic, and Venetian-Byzantine influences into something incredibly beautiful. The intricately decorated Jerónimos Monastery includes numerous smaller buildings, including the Church of Santa Maria and two gorgeous cloisters.
If you decide to visit Jerónimos Monastery, we recommend taking a guided tour to see the most incredible details and understand their significance. A tour guide will be able to explain the history of many beautiful artifacts and works of art housed within the monastery. They will also be available to answer any questions you may have.
You can also use a guided audio tour to explore the monastery. Dress comfortably and wear supportive shoes when visiting the monastery. You should visit early to have time to appreciate the gorgeous monastery without dodging any large crowds. While you’re there, we recommend trying some traditional Portuguese food from a nearby cafe or restaurant!
Rossio Square
If you want to tour all of Lisbon’s most famous historical sites, you can’t forget to make a trip to Rossio Square. This incredible central square’s history dates back to the Middle Ages. Across its very long span of existence, the square has served as the gathering place for many significant events. Today, it attracts tourists from across the world.
One of the most appealing factors of visiting Rossio Square is its proximity to many interesting sites. For example, the historic and beautiful Rossio Station is beside Rossio Square. Many fun and delicious restaurants and cafes are located beside the square and happily cater to tourists, as are some beautiful hotels.
This is a perfect place to visit if you’re in Lisbon during the holiday season since Rossio Square is transformed into a lovely winter wonderland during the holiday season. Just remember to be cautious while visiting the square. Because it’s so popular with tourists, the square sometimes attracts pickpockets and thieves.
Lisbon Oceanarium
If you’ve always admired aquatic life, you won’t regret viewing the impressive collection of fish and other marine creatures that call the Lisbon Oceanarium home. This stunning aquarium houses over 15,000 fish and hundreds of other fascinating aquatic creatures, including dolphins, eels, seahorses, sharks, and rays.
If you decide to visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, plan so that you have enough time to wander the entire oceanarium. There’s no shortage of incredible wonders at this destination, but it requires at least a few hours to appreciate it fully. If you want to make the best of the day, you can even plan to watch an educational show or see if the oceanarium is hosting any events.
One of the most important things to note before you visit the Lisbon Oceanarium is its limited capacity for visitors. Plan and buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid being rejected for entry. If you want to make your visit to the oceanarium extra fun, you can research the schedule to see any events or even watch as some aquarium creatures are fed.
Hidden Gems in Lisbon
LX Factory
While LX Factory was once just a cluster of dilapidated industrial buildings, this Lisbon attraction now serves as a gathering point for locals and tourists to dine and shop the day away. You never know what you’ll find at this incredible plaza, as LX Factory focuses on sourcing its goods from local artists and craftsmen.
Visitors will find that LX Factory is relatively easy to get to, as this shopping center is just a short distance away from the center of Lisbon in the Alcântara neighborhood. Aside from the spectacular selection of clothing and crafts, one of the best features of LX Factory is the wide variety of restaurants that serve international cuisine and authentic Portuguese dishes.
If you want to visit the LX Factory, dress comfortably and bring just enough money to treat yourself to a meal, a drink, and maybe even a new piece for your wardrobe. If you research in advance, you can visit LX Factory during a concert or event. Lastly, be sure to check out the murals surrounding the area!
Alfama
If you want to see all of Lisbon’s historical delights, there’s no better place to go than the Alfama district. This neighborhood is easy to access and has delightful sights, including lovely historic homes and lively markets. Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon, so you’ll be amazed at the narrow cobble streets that line the neighborhood.
Once you’ve had a chance to soak in all of the sights of Alfama, you can’t forget to visit the most famous historic sites in the neighborhood. One thing that you won’t regret doing is visiting a local restaurant to enjoy Portuguese fado music and enjoy a delicious and authentic meal. Visiting an authentic bakery is also a great idea.
While you’re visiting, we recommend looking for some hidden gems. Getting caught up in all the shops and restaurants that market to tourists can be easy, but Alfama has much more to offer than meets the eye. You can find fantastic food and products if you live like the locals when vacationing in Alfama.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Lisbon is a beautiful city. While we recommend walking through gorgeous neighborhoods like Alfama, you can’t say you’ve seen it all until you’ve taken the opportunity to go to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint to see the city from above. Aside from offering a panoramic view of the city, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte also provides a great view of the Tagus River and the Castelo de São Jorge.
If you visit the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, pack to enjoy the view thoroughly. Researching ahead of time to identify famous landmarks, including the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Castelo de São Jorge, will make your visit a lot more enjoyable.
We also recommend dressing comfortably for the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Because of the hill’s elevation, it can sometimes get a bit windy. But if you’re visiting during the summer, you can expect to sightsee from the hill quite comfortably as long as your layers are light. Plan to visit during the dawn or sunset if you want to see the most stunning view.
Time Out Market
Lastly, you can’t forget to visit the Time Out Market in Lisbon. This lively shopping center is located right in the heart of the city within the Mercado da Ribeira neighborhood. Many enjoy going to the Time Out Market to dine at fantastic restaurants or grab delicious treats at authentic bakeries, but that isn’t all this market offers.
The Time Out Market is easily one of the best places to go if you want to see how authentic Portuguese culture and international influences mix. All of Lisbon’s best offerings are on display here, and vendors across the market sell spectacular goods like jewelry, produce, outfits, and various vintage pieces of furniture and clothing.
If you decide to visit the Time Out Market while you’re in Lisbon, take a multifaceted approach to your shopping. You can enjoy the greenery found within the market as you dine at any one of the dozens of eateries situated throughout the market. After a nice meal, you can grab a lovely coffee and shop for handmade crafts or gorgeous designer pieces.
One of our biggest recommendations for visiting the Time Out Market is that you bring more than enough to spend. While you don’t have to go all-out during your visit to this spectacular market, it’s safe to say you’ll probably find one or two things you like — and having enough money on hand to buy yourself a fantastic souvenir will make the visit more than worthwhile.
Best Activities in Lisbon
Ride Tram 28
Tram 28 is a fantastic way to get around Lisbon, but that’s not the only thing this tram line is good for. If you want to easily sightsee all of Lisbon’s most famous neighborhoods, riding Tram 28 is one of the best ways to start. You’ll immediately be amazed when you step onto the tram, as it still uses a wooden interior and vintage design.
Once the tram begins, you’ll be taken through neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa, and Graça. You’ll have a perfect view of the bustling city as you pass by lively shopping centers and gorgeous historical sights. If you decide to get off the tram and explore an area a little further, it’s straightforward to find the next tram and get back on the move once you’re done exploring.
Taking the tram is an enjoyable experience. It’s one thing that we think a vacation to Lisbon just isn’t complete without. Stay safe if you want to make the best of your experience while riding Tram 28. The tram is popular with tourists and locals alike, so some malicious thieves will try to pickpocket unsuspecting passengers on the tram. You should always remain aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings closely guarded.
Go on a Food Tour
Enjoying authentic Portuguese food is one of the most incredible aspects of visiting Lisbon. If you don’t know what to look for, however, you may go to restaurants that attract tourists by promising food that doesn’t live up to full authenticity. One of the best ways to resolve this is going on a food tour, such as the “Taste of Lisboa Food Tour”.
If you decide to go on this food tour, you can expect to enjoy a 3-4 hour trip led by an experienced tour guide. You’ll get to sample many delicious Portuguese treats, including salted cod (bacalhau), delicious wines and savory cheeses, and sweet custard tarts (pastel de nata). After the trip concludes, you’ll know all of the best restaurants for delicious and authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Take a Day Trip to Sintra
You don’t have to spend your entire vacation in Lisbon. If you’re looking to make the best of your holiday, one of the best things you can do is to take a day trip to a nearby town like Sintra. This beachside location is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to go sightseeing through a lovely city or enjoy nature for the day.
If you decide to visit Sintra, start your day trip by visiting the beach. Sintra is well known for having a lovely beach; whether you want to surf or sunbathe, you won’t regret seeing it. If you enjoy a day out in the town, you’ll be impressed with the comprehensive sightseeing and shopping. Hiking is also a great option since lush forests and well-kept trails can be found nearby.
During your visit to Sintra, we recommend visiting a historic destination like the Moorish Castle or the Palácio de Pena. It’s also worth researching in advance to figure out which beautiful cafes and restaurants in the city you might enjoy trying. As far as getting to the town itself goes, you can use the impressive Portuguese rail system to get from Lisbon to Sintra in just under an hour.
Visiting Portugal’s Stunning Capital City of Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the most incredible places you can visit in Portugal. Knowing what to do during your vacation in such a big city can be challenging. Still, as long as you build an itinerary that is catered to your specific interests and preferences, it’s safe to say that you won’t ever forget your vacation to Lisbon. There’s no better way to start building your Portugal itinerary for a magical vacation than using the sights and attractions listed in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Lisbon?
The best time of year to visit Lisbon depends on your preferences. The busy season is much more enjoyable for anyone willing to fight the crowds. Still, people who are averse to crowds may prefer dealing with the unpleasant weather to enjoy their Lisbon vacation fully.
The weather will be incredible if you decide to visit Lisbon between May and September. All shops and restaurants will happily serve customers, and the numerous events and attractions popular with travelers will be ongoing. You can expect that prices will be much higher and that most venues will be crowded.
If you decide to visit Lisbon between March and May or September and November, you can expect that Lisbon will be much quieter. You will likely be able to book accommodations and go to events for much lower prices, and lines in restaurants and cafes will likely be shorter. There won’t be many crowds at all. The weather will be variably unpleasant, though.
What Is the Currency Used in Lisbon?
Much like the rest of Portugal, Lisbon uses the Euro as currency. If you plan to visit Lisbon, you should research the exchange rate for Euros in advance to know how much you’ll need to budget for your trip. When you arrive in Lisbon, we recommend exchanging your money for Euros at an authorized exchange center or bank so that you don’t have to worry about being scammed out of your funds.
You can also use ATMs, but your bank might charge you an international withdrawal fee. Check before you decide to use an ATM, as it can be an expensive mistake if you do get charged. You can also check if retailers will accept the credit or debit card you have on hand since some major credit cards can be used internationally.
Is It Safe to Travel to Lisbon?
It’s completely safe to travel to Lisbon. Lisbon is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Since Lisbon is such a popular tourist destination, tourists are sometimes targeted by pickpockets and other criminals looking for easy profit.
With that being noted, violent crimes and other dangerous situations aren’t very common in Lisbon. As long as you remain aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions, Lisbon will be a very safe and pleasant city.
What Is Public Transportation Like in Lisbon?
The public transportation in Lisbon is excellent. While in the city, you can use options like trains, buses, metro lines, trams, and even ferries to get where you need to go — and many of the systems are conveniently connected. The public transportation system in Lisbon is popular with residents and tourists and is generally considered well-maintained.
Using public transportation in Lisbon is also very easy. If you want to use public transit to get around, we recommend purchasing a Viva Viagem card because you can use it on all forms of public transportation. Single-use tickets are also an option, but they are much more expensive. Using a Viva Viagem card is the cheapest and easiest way to use Lisbon’s public transportation.
Do I Need to Speak Portuguese to Get Around Lisbon?
You don’t have to speak Portuguese to get around Lisbon. Many tourists from around the world visit Lisbon, particularly English-speaking tourists — and as a result, it’s not uncommon to encounter tourists and residents who speak English. Most shops, tourist attractions, restaurants, and cafes will have at least one member of staff that speaks English. If you speak Portuguese, however, navigating the city and your interactions with residents may be easier!
