Lisbon is the charming capital of Portugal, located along the west of the country where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Nicknamed the City of Lights from the way the Tagus reflects sunlight back onto the city like a mirror, you’ll be dying to head to Lisbon’s gorgeous waterfront to beat the heat in summer or escape the cold in winter.
If you’ve never been to Lisbon or are seeking more to do on your next trip there, this article has everything you need! From the best things to do in Lisbon to the city’s best-kept secrets, there are activities for everyone no matter whether it's your first time or you’re a frequent flyer.
Thanks to its often-clear skies and temperate coastal weather, Lisbon is the perfect traveler’s destination all year-round, averaging nearly 200 days of sunshine annually. Not only that but the city also boasts some of the tastiest cuisine in the Iberia peninsula as well as scenic monuments and lively nightlife to keep you entertained around the clock.
So, what are you waiting for? Here are the 20 best things to do the next time you’re in Lisbon AKA the White City.
Praça do Comércio
1. Stroll around Praça do Comércio
Measuring 175 m by 175 m, Commerce Square is Lisbon’s main plaza and one of the most well-known points of interest in the city thanks to its proximity to several other important monuments. The history of the square is extensive since it was constructed on the site of the former Royal Palace, Paço da Riberia, which was destroyed in an earthquake and tsunami in 1755.
Situated along the Tagus River, the plaza was re-envisioned as the symbolic entrance to Lisbon where merchants would gather to plan voyages to far-off destinations like Brazil and India and then trade their goods upon return. The plaza is walled in by Pombaline-style yellow buildings on three sides with the southside facing the Tejo Estuary, the glistening waterfront that lent the city its nickname.
Besides touring the plaza, there are plenty more sights to see such as the statue honoring King Jose I, the monarch who commissioned the reconstruction efforts, and the Arco da Rua Augusta to the north. The plaza is also home to several fine dining establishments, including Lisbon’s oldest restaurant, Martinho da Arcada, which opened in 1782. Feel free to dip your toes in the water at Cais das Colunas to cool in hotter weather or head over to Cais do Sodré Ferry Terminal to book a boat tour.
2. Check out the panoramic view from Arco da Rua Augusta
Erected to the north of Praça do Comércio, this triumph arch was designed by one of Portugal’s top architects, Santos de Carvalho, who led the reconstruction of Lisbon after the Earthquake of 1755. Completed in 1873, the arch is adorned with many statues of Portugal’s most influential historical figures, including Vasco da Gama, Viriato, the Marquis of Pombal, and Nuno Álvares Pereira.
The arch stands in testament to the resilience of the Portuguese people who overcame the destruction of their capital and innovated more than ever. The arch’s summit was opened to the public in 2013 with an exhibition in the Clock Room devoted to its storied history. Arguably, the best viewpoint in the city, with the Tagus River on one side and the cityscape on the other, the small entrance fee is well worth the sacrifice.
3. Take the tram around the city
The seven hills that saturate Lisbon’s give way to breathtaking views at their summits but it can be a long way to the top on foot. The best way to get around Portugal’s capital is undoubtedly using the public transportation system in the form of trams that zip around the city.
The tram network spans 31 km with 63 trams in operation daily, making it the cheapest and most reliable way to get around Lisbon in a jiffy. Tram 28 is particularly noteworthy since its route passes by all the most prominent landmarks in the city. Get a transport card at any metro station which lets you also connect to the bus and metro systems and is cheaper than buying your trips on board.
One tram line you must definitely ride is the Funiculaire de Bica, the famous 19th-century cable cars that you see on nearly every postcard. To get there, take Tram 28E from Praça de Comércio and get off on Rua do Loreto at the Calhariz (Bica) stop. Snap a picture at the top of the hill and then pay to ride the tram down for an unforgettable experience.
Funiculaire de Bica
4. Look over Lisbon at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Translating to ‘Our Lady of the Hill,’ this famous lookout is the highest vantage point in Lisbon, offering an undisturbed 250⁰ panoramic view of the cityscape. If you’re craving to snap a quintessential photo of Lisbon’s skyline, there’s no nearly better viewpoint than this. You’re also less likely to run into hoards of tourists who tend to crowd around the other miradouros scattered around the city.
This lookout is a popular hangout for locals in the evening who sit beneath the lush pines trees that shade the area. After getting your fill of the view, check out the Nossa Senhora do Monte Chapel which is frequently patronized by pregnant women soliciting divine protection during childbirth. Some other miradouros that absolutely be on your radar are Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, all within walking distance of one another.
5. Mosey around the ruins of Castelo de São Jorge
Although the first inhabitants on the hill date back to the 8th century BC, the first fortresses began around the 1st century BC to defend against the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and eventually Moors. The hill was finally conquered in 1147 by the Portuguese who then added to the fortifications erected by the Moors in the 11th century. The castle went on to function as a royal palace, military barracks, and a national archive before becoming a current-day museum.
Take a guided tour around the grounds or explore on your own to capture some of the best views of the city. Some highlights include the vast gardens, the Black Chamber (a must-see), the permanent artifact exhibition, the palace ruins, and the archaeological site.
6. Sample local wines at Wines of Portugal
If you’re already near Praça do Comèrcio, why not visit Wines of Portugal, located on the west façade? Open since 2010, this establishment specializes in Portuguese wines from all over the country and hosts informative tours of their reserves for interested wine connoisseurs.
Book a tour to sample any of their thousands of wine selections or ask any of the sales attendants to help you pick out the perfect wine. From sweet port wines to crisper white wines, there’s certain to be something for every palette and you can always buy a few bottles as souvenirs to give to friends and family.
View from Ascenseur de Santa Justa
7. Ride the Ascenseur de Santa Justa
Also known as the Carmo Lift, the Santa Justa Lift is a 19th-century industrial elevator that rises 45 m above Lisbon’s Baixa district to the Largo do Carmo. The wrought-iron structure, adorned with neo-gothic arches and other geometric shapes, offers an excellent view of the skyline while two varnished wood elevators carry up to 29 passengers each to and fro.
Once an integral part of Lisbon’s transportation system, the elevator has largely become a tourist destination, which is reflected in the ticket price of admission. You can actually visit both viewing platforms for free; the top deck is reachable by following the path on the right of the Carmo ruins and walking through Bellalisa Elevador Restaurant. Head to Santa Justa Lift for sunset to catch the lights illuminating the Se Cathedral and Castelo de São Jorge.
8. Book a boat tour
The Tagus River flows right through the heart of Lisbon and out into the Atlantic Ocean, making it the perfect place to take a boat tour on the open water. You have your choice of watercraft, from ferries to private charters, and there are several tour operators offering river cruises from dusk until dawn.
The cheapest option would be to use the public ferries and you can even use them to reach Cristo Rei, the stature of Jesus Christ. You can book tours in advance or last minute at either Doca do Bom Sucesso or Cais do Sodré Ferry Terminal. Whether you prefer to splurge or penny-pinch, there are journeys for every budget bracket.
9. Try the cod on Rua dos Bacalhoeiros
Nestled on the western coast of the Iberia peninsula, Portugal is renowned for its incredible cuisine, particularly its seafood dishes. If you’re craving to try Portuguese food, Lisbon’s Rua dos Bacalhoeiros in the city center should be your first stop. Renamed in 1755, the history of Rua dos Bacalhoeiros stretches back even more centuries passed (it once was home to several confectioners’ shops) but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that this ancient pathway saw some resurgence in modern-day Lisbon.
Nowadays, Rua dos Bacalhoeiros is lined with enough trendy bars and restaurants, museums, and artisanal shops selling homemade goods that you’ll have everything you could ever want on one block. Some noteworthy picks for places to eat are:
Sála de João Sá (try the tuna belly with wasabi mayonnaise)
Baixamar (ask for the Baixamar-style octopus)
Maria Catita (order the cod soup or the codfish confit)
Restaurante Solar dos Bicos (try the bacalhau à marinheira)
Cais na Preguiça (get the lemon-drenched clams)
Taberna Moderna (the perfect stop for lunch)
Qosqo (the first Peruvian restaurant in the city)
No matter your price point, you’ll be able to find a watering hole that suits you. For travelers looking for souvenirs, make sure to also stop in at Benamor, a cosmetics shop open since 1925 that specializes in hand-crafted soaps, skin cream, and perfumes.
Torre de Belém
10. Visit the Torre de Belém
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon, as emblematic as the Tagus River. The tower was built in 1520 at the height of the Portuguese Renaissance in a Manueline style by local architect Francisco de Arruda originally as a fortress to protect Lisbon and as a gateway for Portuguese explorers. Standing 30-m tall, the four-story structure has had many functions since, next as a lighthouse and then as a customs center.
Although the tower is not accessible to visitors, that fact doesn’t deter droves of tourists from visiting the prestigious landmark. While in the area, why not take a stroll through the garden adjacent to the monument or, better yet, have a picnic while you people watch? The only drawback is that the tower is a bit far from the city center but is conveniently reachable by Tram 15E from Praça do Comércio.
The journey is well worth it as there are plenty more famous monuments in the neighborhood within walking distance, such as:
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (a 20th-century monument honoring Henry the Navigator’s death)
Jerónimos Monastery (a Gothic-style Manueline monastery)
Farol de Belém (a former lighthouse)
Bom Sucesso Fortress (a former fort turned military museum)
Monument to the Overseas Combatants (a war memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers)
Monument to Sacadura Cabral and Gago Coutinho (a sculpture commending the first Portuguese aviators)
The paved boardwalk connecting to each monument is also lined with food trucks providing midday snacks and refreshments, making for the perfect adventure.
11. See the view from the top of Padrão dos Descobrimentos
While near the Torre de Belém, another sight to tick off your bucket list is Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), a massive statue erected to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery which lasted between the 15th and 16th centuries. Conceived by Portuguese architect José Angelo Cotinelli Telmo and Portuguese sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida as a temporary exhibition for the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940, the original structure was constructed with perishable materials.
Twenty years afterward, the current monument was rebuilt in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of Infante Dom Henrique’s death. Known more commonly as Henry the Navigator, the prince was the fourth child of Portuguese King John I but would become a prominent historical figure due to his involvement in promoting Portuguese exploration of Western Africa and beyond.
Now a symbol of Portugal’s Golden Age, the interior of the monument was remodeled in 1985 to include an auditorium, exhibition hall as well as a top deck. The admission ticket is certainly worth it since the top of the monument offers the best panoramic views in the area, with the Tagus River expanded ever forward where Portuguese explorers once adventured.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
12. Try the best pastries in town at Manteigaria
Situated at the corner of Largo de Camões, this well-known pastry shop is celebrated for its dessert, particularly the pastéis de nata. The sweet, crispy custard is a Portuguese gastronomic staple and there’s no better establishment to try them than at Manteigaria. Acclaimed for using high-quality ingredients and zero preservatives, their baked goods are inarguably the best in town. Order a Portuguese coffee to go with your pastry or buy a box to go as souvenirs.
Either way, if you got a sweet tooth, you’re bound to be in confectionary heaven. A few cafes that are worth frequenting are Chiado Caffe (one of the best coffee shops) and Le Petit Price Café Culture. As for restaurants, foodies can’t go wrong at O Vinhaça, A Taberna do Mar, or Lisbon Tu & Eu.
13. Go for a stroll around Principe Real Garden
This neo-romantic garden was completed in 1863 and is encircled by lavish buildings and filled with sculptures honoring Portuguese writers as well as a fountain surrounded by a lake. Have a picnic in any of the vast green spaces or bargain-hunt at the weekly Saturday farmers’ market. There is also a crafts and antiques market every last Monday and Saturday of every month for relic hunters.
Just around the corner is Lisbon’s Tropical Botanical Garden, another great place to stop and smell the exotic flowers. The garden is replete with plants from all over the globe, including rare and endangered species. Unlike the Principe Real Garden which is free to visit, a small admission fee is required to access the botanical garden. Lisbon is practically bursting with equally gorgeous green spaces so you can also take your pick among the likes of Guerra Junqueiro Garden and Tapada das Necessidades.
14. Visit a museum
Museums abound throughout Lisbon from the traditional like the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga to the more avant-garde such as the Museu da Cerveja. There are sure to be exhibits that interest all travelers since Lisbon is home to several art archives, archaeological artifacts, and collections of pre-modern vehicular crafts. Frankly, there are probably too many museums to visit in a single trip yet plenty should be at the top of your list, including:
Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (an ancient European art museum enshrined in a 17th-century palace)
Museu da Cerveja (an exhibit detailing the history of Portuguese beer)
Casa dos Bicos (a museum dedicated to Nobel prize writer José de Sousa Saramago)
Museu de Marinha (a collection of maritime vessels, artifacts, and models)
Museu Nacional de Arqueologia (a former monastery that houses national treasures)
Museo do Fado (an exhibit devoted to Fado music with audiovisual displays)
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda (a 19th-century neo-classical former royal palace)
Museu Nacional de História Natural e de Ciência (a natural science museum with several anthropological artifacts)
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian (an exhibit of Greek, Roman, and Asian artwork)
MAAT (a museum set in an abandoned riverside power station dedicated to renewable energy)
Vasco da Gama Aquarium (a 19th-century aquarium and oceanographic museum devoted to local sea fauna)
Museu do Dinheiro (hands-on coin-making and banknote printing exhibits)
Museu Nacional dos Coches (a display of opulent 16th-19th century royal carriages)
Museu Colecão Bercado (a modern and contemporary art museum featuring artists like Warhol and Picasso)
Museu Nacional do Azulejo (a museum showcasing decorative tiles located in a 16th-century monastery)
Whether you prefer to wander around elegantly-decorated royal palaces or learn more about Portugal’s prolific history, you can rest assured that you’ll find a museum that suits you.
Convento do Carmo
15. Explore Convento do Carmo
This former monastery is one of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon, located in Carmo Square near the city center. Carmo Convent was originally founded in 1389 and continually expanded until the early 15th century. At its peak, it housed 126 clergymen who were forced to evacuate when the structure was destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1755.
Although some restorative work has been done on the church in recent years, the majority of the complex still lies in ruin but is open to visitors. The neo-gothic style was typical for the time as well as its Latin cross floorplan and these days the complex contains a museum that showcases tombs, fountains, and other architectural remains from its glory days. For lovers of ruins, this relic should be high on your list.
16. People-watch at Praça Dom Pedro IV
This vibrant plaza is nestled in central Lisbon across from the National Theater of Dona Maria II and is considered by many to be the true heart of the city. Officially named after King Pedro IV, the plaza is also sometimes referred to as Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square) for the main train station just a stone’s throw away. The plaza encompasses two grand fountains along with a statue of Dom Pedro IV and is often frequented by locals from buskers to protesters as well as copious tourists. That makes it the perfect place for people-watching as the square is rarely devoid of life and entertainment.
For travelers with more time, Praca Luis de Camaõe is another photogenic square adorned by a statue of Luis de Camaões, a 16th-century poet. The square is just off Largo do Chiado and across from two Baroque churches, Loreto and Encarnação, plus Lisbon’s most famous café, A Brasileira. The latter has long been a hotspot for the city’s brightest creative minds so you can spot the statue of another poet, Fernando Pessoa, seated out front since he was a frequent patron.
Praça Dom Pedro IV
17. Catch a train from Rossio Estacião
Formerly known as Lisbon’s Central Train Station, Rossio Estacião still holds much importance thanks to its train network that connects it to the region of Sintra to the west. Completed in 1890 and also the site of presidential assassination in 1918 (RIP, President Sidónio Pais), the station’s main façade boasts neo-Manueline carvings and sculptures including interlocking horseshoe-shaped entrance portals at its name entrance (the back entrance is a bit less impressive).
Long considered as the gateway to Sintra (home to some of Portugal’s most gorgeous palaces) and Quelez (another national palace), you’ll inevitably end up at Rossio Station if wanting to further explore the immediate area around Lisbon. Tickets are cheap and trains leave nearly hourly so plan ahead to beat the crowds that often clog the ticket booths by midday.
The train to Sintra Train Station takes around 40 minutes while the ride to Quelez is about half of that (exit at either Monte Abrão Station or Quelez-Belas Station and then walk another kilometer), but buying a day pass is highly recommended since it also grants access to public transportation in both areas.
18. Say your prayers at Basilica da Estrela
This opulent 18th-century Baroque-style church was once a Carmelite convent and was commissioned by Queen Maria I who dedicated the church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, making it the world’s first. The church’s architecture features late baroque and neo-classical influences as well as a large dome and two bell towers. Queen Maria I would go on to be enshrined within the church upon her death in 1816 yet this final resting place isn’t the only church you should plan to visit while in Lisbon.
For enthusiasts of classical architecture and artworks, some other churches worth venturing to are:
Igreja de São Vicente de Fora (the burial place of the Braganza monarchs of Portugal)
Igreja de São Domingos (a Catholic church originally built in 1241 and rebuilt after several earthquakes)
Igreja de São Roque (a 16th-century Jesuit church with baroque chapels)
Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa (an 18th-century baroque-style church believed to be the birthplace of Saint Anthony)
Like most formerly (and currently) devotedly Catholic countries, Portugal’s capital encompasses several churches both grand and demure. You’ll most assuredly see them here and there while walking around the city center so make sure to drop in where you can as they’re typically entirely free to visit.
19. Have a drink on Pink Street
While Pink Street’s reputation in the past might have been infamous (it was the site of Lisbon’s Red-Light District), the neighborhood around it, Cais do Sodre, was revitalized in the 2000s. Although its official name is Rua Nova do Carvalho, the street was nicknamed after it was painted over in 2013.
What started out as a den of brothels and dive bars frequented by visiting sailors, local criminals, and streetwalkers, has now become one of the hippest places in the city for nightlife. The street is packed with plenty of lively bars as well as some more erotic call-backs to its past like Purple Rose, a lingerie store.
Some of the best bars and nightclubs to try are:
Pensão Amor (a bar with an erotic bookshop at the back)
Tokyo Lisboa (a favorite former haunt of sailors and now tourists)
Sol e Pesca (a popular stop for fish and beer)
The Music Box (one of the liveliest nightclubs in the city)
Espumantaria do Cais (a bar specialized in wine, champagne, and cocktails)
Pink Wine Point (all-pink cocktails, all the time)
4 Caravelas Cocktail Bair (the best cocktail bar in Lisbon)
Going out on Pink Street makes for a fun alternative to travelers looking for night escapades but who’ve already tried the nightlife in the popular neighborhood of Bairro Alto.
Jerónimos Monastery
20. Explore the Old Jewish Quarter
Centered around Rua da Judiaria, Lisbon’s Jewish Quarter is situated in the medieval neighborhood of Alfama around Castelo de São Jorge. Although it’s only one of the four Jewish quarters in Lisbon, its history goes back to the first Jewish settlers in the 1st century AD after the destruction of Jerusalem caused a diaspora of refugees.
Thus, there are many monuments in the area that honor its long-established Jewish heritage such as the site of Old Synagogue, the new Jewish Museum, and Shaare Tikva, a synagogue erected in 1904. While exploring the Jewish Quarter, make sure to stop in Ai Maria, a gift shop selling authentic Portuguese handmade crafts as well as Fado music records and artisan cheese. Try their cherry liquor served in little chocolate cups for a bonus treat!
Final Thoughts
There are nearly endless things to do in Lisbon and this list only comprises a fraction of the historical and architectural gems scattered around the city. From its rich gastronomic scene to its pumping nightlife, Lisbon has much to offer travelers in terms of activities, venues, and cultural exhibitions.
Regardless of whether you prefer to spend your day sampling the most delectable Portuguese cuisine or exploring every nook and cranky for the most iconic snapshots, Lisbon won’t disappoint travelers looking for a thrill. Sate your taste buds by snacking on some affordable pastries straight from the oven for the perfect start to any adventure.
Want even more to do? Why not visit Sintra on a day trip or plan a beach day?
Praia do Guincho and Praia de Caravelos near Cascais are both fantastic options for surfers while Praia da Adraga and Praia da Ursa in Sintra are ideal for those wanting to escape crowds. If you’ve never had a chance to dip your tours into the Atlantic Ocean, this should be it.
Write me when you get there!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M