By Alaric 
If you’re looking for all the amazing things to do in Lisbon then you’re in the right place.
This metropolis is set beside the River Tagus and is a melting pot of history, stunning architecture, panoramic lookouts and incredible cuisine.
You can explore the historic streets of Aflama, shop til you drop in Chiado, be wowed by regal Baixa and explore the ancient riverside parish of Belém.
There is so much to do you’ll be spoiled for choice. I recommend at least 3 days here to fit it all in.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon including some hidden gems!
Consider purchasing a Lisbon Card
I highly recommend purchasing a Lisbon Card before your trip or when you get here from a tourist office.
The card gets you unlimited use of public transport across the city and even includes your train ride to Sintra if you decide to do a day trip.
Not only that, you also get free access or a discount on many of the main attractions at a bargain price.
Admittedly, I’m always a little dubious about city cards and whether they are a rip-off.
However, Lisbon’s really is a no-brainer as you’ll save a lot of money on your trip!
Things to do in Lisbon
1. Miradouro de Santa Liza
One of the best things to do in Lisbon is visit the many breathtaking viewpoints.
The most popular has to be Miradouro de Santa Luzia. A spectacular panorama that captures the city in one postcard-worthy picture.
From here, you can see the stunning historic district of Alfama with a hotchpotch of houses and spires perched beside the River Tagus.
In amongst those, you can also see some of the most iconic attractions including the National Pantheon’s glittering dome.
But, what makes this view especially magical is the stunning blue and white azulejo tiles and magenta bougainvilleas that bloom on a romantic pergola.
It’s one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Lisbon and a gorgeous photography location.
On my visit, there were pink colours in the sky and it was utterly magical.
2. History of Lisbon Mural
Almost underneath the Miradouro de Santa Luzia via the steps nearby, you can find a tunnel which has the History of Lisbon Mural (Mural Historico de Lisboa).
It’s a fun and quirky artwork which almost looks like a comic book and you can see an entire play-through of how the city of Lisboa came to be.
It is also really colourful and makes an incredible photo opportunity So, have your camera ready!
3. Miradouro das Portas del Sol
Another one of the best things to do in Lisbon is a viewpoint called Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
It’s a gorgeous viewing platform that looks over the historic district of Aflama.
From here, you can see all the white-washed houses and church spires almost stacked on top of each other beside the Tagus River.
Although it is a large viewing area, I would still get here early as it can get very crowded throughout the day.
The area has a nice vibe as you’ll find street musicians, artists and cafés dotted around the vista.
4. Castelo de Sao Jorge
I love visiting historic castles when I travel and one of my favourites in Portugal was the Castelo de São Jorge.
The fortification dates back to the 1st century and was occupied by many people including Romans and Moors until the Portuguese conquered it in 1147 during the Siege of Lisbon.
Alfonso Henrique (Alfonso I) then moved in and transformed the castle into his Royal Palace where he held his court.
Later, it became an army barracks, national archives, and finally a national monument and museum that you can visit.
You can walk along the castle walls and visit many of the towers that provide incredible panoramic views over the city! It’s easily one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
Top tip: buy your ticket online and in advance. Not only will this save you money but you’ll skip the large queues at the ticket office as well.
5. Santo Antonio Pastelaria
Just before you head into Castello de Sao Jorge, I would pop inside Santo Antonio Pastelaria for lunch or a snack.
It’s a cosy pastry shop famous for having the best-baked goods in Aflama!
I went here for a Pastel de Nata on my first day and I was not disappointed.
They have a large seating area where you can sit inside or you can take your pastry away for later.
It didn’t hurt that their bakery was covered in stunning azulejo tiles. It was wonderful.
6. Lisbon Cathedral (Se de Lisboa)
Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) is the oldest church in the city that was built in 1147 and is dedicated to St Mary.
Miraculously, it has survived many of the city’s notable earthquakes including the 1755 Great Earthquake.
Over the centuries, it has had several renovations so now there is a hotchpotch of architectural styles including Gothic and Romanesque.
Today, it’s a national monument and you can pay to go inside and see the marvellous interiors.
Even if you don’t go in, I would still recommend visiting the outside of the cathedral as the building is stunning.
You can also take a photo of the trams as they whizz by which makes a lovely souvenir.
7. Praça do Comércio
Praça de Commercio is the beating heart of Lisbon and a harbour plaza that sits beside the Tagus.
The Royal family used to live here in Ribeira Palace before the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.
The entire square was rebuilt by Marquês de Pombal. Today, it’s a symbol of the city and a hub filled with restaurants, shops and tourist information.
In the very centre, you can find an imposing statue of King José I riding his Lusitano horse Gentil. It was sculpted by Machado de Castro.
I loved the atmosphere of this square and it’s where most people start off their adventures in Lisbon!
8. Arco da Rua Augusta
At the back of the Praça do Comércio you can find Arco da Rua Augusta which is a ceremonial arch and viewpoint.
It was built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 Great Earthquake.
With its six enormous columns, historical figures and a statue of Glory rewarding Valor and Genius, it makes a profound impression.
Today, you can climb up the archway for incredible views over Praça do Comércio and Rua Augusta, the most popular street in the city.
You get free entry to the viewpoint with your Lisbon Card and I would recommend taking advantage.
Another top tip would be to visit early to avoid a long queue.
9. Pink Street (Calle Rosa)
Pink Street is the most famous party area in Lisbon and is somewhere you should go if you want to get a few cocktails.
It’s open until late and there is always something happening every night in the plethora of colourful bars with blaring music.
It’s also one of the most Instagrammable places in the city due to the pink floor and the colourful rainbow of umbrellas.
As much as I loved the colours of this street, I will warn you that it’s an Instagram vs. Reality situation.
Pink Street has a lot of mess left over by litterbugs and it is quite shocking.
The poor street cleaners spend a long time sweeping up the mess every morning! I felt awful for them.
I would head here early to get photos but not too early unless you don’t mind a street full of rubbish.
10. Time Out Market
If you’re looking for a vibrant and diverse place to eat in Lisbon then head over to the Time Out Market.
Sponsored by the publication giant Time Out, this fun food hall brings the best 5* restaurants in the city under one roof.
How it works is you visit the various food stalls to order your food and then sit in the central seating area.
So, it’s a great place to go if you and your friends or loved ones all fancy different meals as there is a diverse range to choose from!
It’s mostly Portuguese cuisine and seafood but they also have some worldly choices as well. There’s even an entire dessert section!
I visited the highly recommended Monte Mar for some fresh seafood. They had their own seating beside the kitchen which was ideal.
I had their Gambas Al Ajilio which was prawns in garlic oil with fresh bread and it was divine.
You’ll see the draught beer Super Bock served all over this market so I gave it a try and it went down smoothly!
11. Santa Justa Lift
One of the best things to do in Lisbon is take the Santa Justa Lift which is a steel elevator near Carmo Convent.
It was originally called the Carmo Lift and opened to the public in 1902.
As a history lover, I was so excited to take this lift. It was like stepping back in time and you could watch the staff use all the historic levers.
At the top of this elevator, you’ll be greeted with fabulous panoramic views over Lisbon.
It’s one of the best viewpoints in the city and is not to be missed!
From up here, you can see wonderful views over Rua Augusta towards Alfama and Castelo de São Jorge.
A journey is included with a Lisbon Card but the queues can be enormous as there is a capacity limit.
So, I would visit early in the morning (ideally as soon as it opens) to avoid waiting too long.
Top tip: if you want to skip the queue for this lift but want to see the viewpoint, just use the stairs beside it for free! You’ll see the same vista but save time and money.
12. Carmo Convent / Archaeological Museum
One of my favourite things to do in Lisbon was to visit the Carmo Convent or Carmo Archaeological Museum.
Originally called Our Lady of Mount Carmel, it’s a former Catholic convent built by King José I in 1389.
For years it was a powerful symbol of the city until it was almost destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.
Today, the ruins are a romantic attraction and there is an archaeological museum inside.
You can learn more about the convent’s history, the devastating consequences of the earthquake and the treasures they unearthed in the rubble.
I loved admiring the ruins as they were so beautiful. Compared to the busy streets outside, this museum was a spiritual oasis.
13. Tram 28
As you start exploring Lisbon, you’ll quickly notice that the city has an endless number of steep hills to traverse to visit the attractions.
A great way to get around the city would be to use the famous trams. A bonus is that rides are included with your Lisbon Card.
The most famous journey is Tram 28 which is a historic tram with wooden seats.
The tram journeys through the most famous districts of Lisbon including Alfama, Baixa and Chiado.
It’s an attraction in itself and makes a great way to get your bearings when you first arrive.
Just be warned that this is a very busy service and is not just for tourists. Locals use this tram too and it can get very crowded.
Sometimes you may have to stand and it can be a bit of a bumpy ride!
14. Praça de Rossio
Another busy plaza in Lisbon has to be Praça de Rossio or Rossio Square near to Rossio Train Station.
In the centre of the square, you can find the Column of Pedro IV also known as the virtuous Soldier King.
Also, you can see the famous National Theatre of Dona Maria II built in 1842 built on the site of Estaus Palace.
Café Nicola is also here which is one of the most famous coffee shops in Lisbon and has a delightful Art Deco front.
I found that the streets leading off of this square had some of the best shops too. So, you can use this time to purchase some souvenirs.
15. Caso de Alentejo
If you’re looking for some secret things to do in Lisbon then I would head to Casa do Alentejo.
This 17th-century Moorish residence used to be Palace Alverca, home of the viscounts of Alverca, and later Lisbon’s first casino.
It’s now a stunning social centre for Alentejo residents with a courtyard, tavern and social library.
The best part is the opportunity to dine in a luxurious Portuguese restaurant on the upper floor which is completely decorated with azulejo tiles.
It’s completely free to visit and makes an incredible photo opportunity.
16. A Ginjinha
Whenever I travel, I always research to see what the local drinks are that you can try.
In Lisbon, you can’t leave without sampling the famous cherry liquor Ginjinha.
It’s a Portuguese liqueur made from brandy and is infused with cherries, sugar and cinnamon.
The most famous place to try this would be A Ginjinha just off Rossio Square and it has been running since 1840.
It’s a hole-in-the-wall bar with no seating but a counter serving up shots of Ginjinha to hundreds of people throughout the day.
I love anything cherry-flavoured so I found it really yummy and loved that there was a sour cherry inside.
It’s also very good value for money at just €1.50 a shot. Bottoms up!
17. Elevador de Bica
Another iconic tram journey you can take in Lisbon is Elevador de Bica which is similar to a funicular.
It connects Largo do Calhariz to Rua de São Paulo and prevents you from having to traverse the steep hill of Ascensor da Bica.
The first service opened to the public in 1892 and has been running continuously for well over a century. It’s now a national monument.
It’s a busy service as it’s popular with tourists. The ride is only around 3 minutes and will cost you €3.80 for a return ride.
It’s also the most photographed tram ride in Lisbon and some photos do make incredible memories.
But, be prepared for this area to be busy throughout the day. To avoid the chaos, visit early in the morning.
18. Café a Brasileira
On Rua Garrett, you will find a historic café that is more like an institution in Lisbon.
Café A Brasileira do Chiado is like stepping back in time. It was established in 1905 by Adriano Teles and has not changed much since it was first opened.
Teles was born in Portugal but he lived in Brazil for some time and he wanted to bring back Brazilian coffee culture to Lisbon.
He opened his ‘Brasileira’s’ in the hope of making drinking coffee more of an enjoyable experience.
This coffee house has welcomed many literary figures over time such as Fernando Pessoa, who was a famous poet. You can find a life-size statue of him outside the café.
They are famous for their ‘Bica’ which is a strong short espresso and you must pair that with a freshly made pastel de nata, don’t forget to top it with a healthy dose of cinnamon!
As one of the most famous cafés in Lisbon, expect queues throughout the day and prices to reflect its legendary status.
19. Livraria Bertrand
Did you know that the oldest bookstore in the world is Livraria Bertrand in Lisbon, Portugal?
Established in 1732, its claim as the oldest operating bookshop has been verified by Guinness World Records.
It’s had a turbulent history over the centuries but was once a hive of the Portuguese writing elite and is now a literary empire being the largest book network in the country.
If you’re a reading lover you must visit their original store in Chiado covered in stunning Azulejo tiles.
There are lots of Portuguese and English books to browse and they have a cosy café at the back too.
20. National Tile Museum
If you’re anything like me and you love admiring all the gorgeous azulejo tiles throughout Portugal, then you must visit the National Tile Museum.
It’s set in the former Madre de Deus Convent founded in 1509 by Queen Eleanor of Viseu.
It’s now one of the largest collections of azulejo tiles under one roof in Portugal.
The experience takes you on a journey of the history of these stunning tiles from the 15th century to the present.
As it’s set in a former convent, you can expect to see lots of splendour including paintings and gold.
Entry is included with a Lisbon Card but it is a little way out of the centre so it’s best approached by tram or bus.
21. National Pantheon
One of the most impressive buildings in Lisbon is the National Pantheon with its glittering white façade.
It was originally the Church of Santa Egracia and was constructed in 1682. It was founded by Princess Dona Maria, daughter of King Manuel I,
It was later converted into the National Pantheon in 1916.
As the dome was only fully completed in 1966, it’s known as Portugal’s longest recorded construction project.
It’s this building that inspired the expression “Obras de Santa Engrácia” or “Works of Santa Engrácia”.
It’s a Baroque building and the decoration was inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
If you think that this building is impressive from the outside you must go inside as it is even more spectacular.
The central hall is larger than life and stretches 80 metres high. You can then see all the undulating balconies and rich decor that compliments the space.
You’ll also find gravestones of famous poets including writer João de Deus and Presidents like Manuel de Arriaga.
If you head up to the top floor, you can stand on the rooftop to get incredible views over Lisbon and the Tagus River!
22. Thieves Market (Mercado de Santa Clara)
Thieves Market is one of Lisbon’s oldest flea markets and dates back to the 17th century.
You’ll find stalls here every Tuesday and Saturday and there’s a great selection to choose from.
There are antiques, thrifted clothes, records, furniture and all sorts of treasures to find.
I also loved the street art you could find in this area! Mural de Azulejos – Botto Machado is one worth checking out.
23. Igreja de São Vicente de Fora
If you’re looking for a peaceful museum in Lisbon, I would visit Igreja de São Vicente de Fora.
It’s a monastery that was founded in 1147 by King Alfonso after the siege of Lisbon.
He pledged that if he was successful in conquering the city, he would build a mighty temple dedicated to St Vincent.
It’s had a few transformations over the centuries. In the 18th century, it was made into a sumptuous sanctuary adorned with gorgeous azulejo tiles.
Today, you can visit the monastery to see the incredible tilework, chapels, tombs, art galleries and a view from the rooftop!
24. Miradouro de Graça
Lisbon is filled with incredible viewpoints and one of the best is Miradouro de Graça.
It’s a lookout high above the city see all over the city and even as far as Belém!
Visiting the street lookout is free but I would head inside the Graça Church nearby too.
Here, you can check out their gorgeous array of azulejo tiles.
For a small fee, you can climb up to their rooftop for an amazing view and you even get a complimentary drink.
They had wine, ginjinha, champagne, beer or soft drinks to choose from! It was lovely to chill with a drink in the sunshine.
The views from the rooftop were incredible but be careful as you go. Some of the areas were narrow, uneven and there were wires on the floor.
25. Green Street
Rua da Silva is locally known as Green Street and is one of the prettiest streets in Lisbon.
It’s a quaint lane that has lots of emerald hanging plants, colourful flowers and garlands that decorate the space.
It can get very crowded throughout the day so I would visit earlier in the morning for fewer crowds.
You can visit the Barro Store for clothes, Tania Gil Jewellery and Buna Speciality Coffee shop.
The evening is also a great time to visit as there are some lovely restaurants like Roots Restaurante & Bar, A Obra and O Fatica.
26. LX Factory
After you’ve exhausted the attractions in the historic centre, I would make your way over to Lisbon’s trendy LX Factory.
There are lots of shops and markets to browse for all sorts of clothes, art and cork merchandise. Or, visit on a Sunday for their famous flea market.
You can also find lots of incredible street art. My favourite was the Bee installation by Bordallo II which can be found on the LX Hostel.
Bordalo II is a famous street artist in Portugal and he often uses abandoned materials and trash around the city to create his creative masterpieces.
You can find more of his work dotted around Lisbon and even Porto with the Half Rabbit in Gaia.
There are plenty of incredible restaurants to try in LX Factory and the most popular are Mex Factory, Cantina and The Therapist.
You can also visit Village Underground just a short walk away. You’ll find all sorts of stalls, bars, street art and tattoo bars here.
27. Livraria Ler Devagar
If you’re a book lover then you must visit the famous Livraria Ler Devagar in Lisbon’s trendy LX Factory.
Meaning “Read Slowly”, this mammoth bookstore is set in the remains of a former printing press on the grounds of a 19th-century industrial factory.
Today, it’s been voted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.
It has over 50,000 volumes to offer visitors as well as a record shop, art exhibition and cafe/bar.
28. Pastéis de Belém
It could be considered a crime to visit Portugal and not try a famous Pastel de Nata.
These custard egg tarts are found everywhere in the country but did you know that the original recipe is from Belém?
Pastéis de Belém is the bakery that started it all. They were founded in 1837 and use an ancient recipe from the Jeronimos Monastery.
Their tarts are patented so you can only try an original Pastéis de Nata here. They make over 20,000 pastries daily.
I highly recommend visiting the café in the morning before you visit Jeronimos Monastery as the queues can get ridiculously long.
I did this and found that this was my favourite custard tart I tried in Lisbon. It’s slightly thicker pastry than others and the filling wasn’t overly sweet.
Saying this, the coffee was…not great. But, it still gave me the kick I needed for a day exploring Belém.
Mondays are a great time to visit for fewer crowds as the monastery is closed.
29. Jeronimos Monastery
Jeronimos Monastery was easily one of my favourite things to do in Lisbon.
It’s the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém and was commissioned by King Manuel I in the 15th century.
It was the seat of the Order of Saint Jerome and a masterpiece of Manueline carving work and design.
It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to the public as a museum.
Once inside, you can admire the church, a 16th-century cloister courtyard, the tomb of Vasco de Gama and the monks’ refectory.
I could have spent hours here admiring all the beauty of the carving work!
Entry is included with a Lisbon Card but queues to enter the monastery can be very long and loop around the building.
I would queue up around 20 minutes before opening time to be one of the first let inside for the day.
30. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is an impressive attraction in Belém beside the Tagus River.
It celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery and is located where ships used to set sail to distant shores such as India and China.
It was unveiled in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator’s death.
It’s a beautiful structure to capture from the outside with the Pont de 25 Abril bridge in the backdrop.
You can also find a beautiful compass rose made of tiles on the floor directly in front of the statue. I wish I had a drone to capture it all.
You can also head inside the tower to find a viewpoint on the top floor but this does cost a small fee.
31. Belém Tower
Another one of the best things to do in Lisbon is to visit the historic Belém Tower.
It’s a 16th-century fortification that protected the city and was a ceremonial gateway to welcome you to the city.
This is easily one of the most photographed buildings in Lisbon so I would get here early to avoid crowds.
I got here around sunrise and had the place pretty much to myself, it was a magical morning.
As well as admiring the Manueline structure from the outside, you can head inside the Bastion which is a museum.
It’s a four-story tower that has many rooms where you learn the history of the tower, it’s role in the Belém area and the Age of Discoveries.
Plus, you get incredible panoramic views from the rooftop over the 25th April Bridge and Tagus River.
32. Pont de 25 Abril
The April 25th Bridge is a steel structure that dominates the skyline and connects the city of Almada to Lisbon.
It was called the Salazar Bridge when it was inaugurated in 1966 but became the 25th April Bridge to commemorate the day of the revolution.
The bridge is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Amazingly, there is a connection as they were both constructed by the American Bridge Company.
You can capture this bridge all over the city but the best area is a viewpoint by the river on the Belém boardwalk where it’s unobstructed.
33. MAAT Museum
The MAAT stands for the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology and is a popular attraction in Belém.
The building is a mix of contemporary design and a repurposing of the Central Tejo Power Station.
It’s one of the most visited museums in the country and is worth checking out on your trip.
It’s a temple dedicated to creative thinking and contemporary artwork with a café and a shop.
34. Queluz National Palace
Although not in Lisbon proper, Queluz National Palace makes a great day trip from the city.
The palace was founded by Queen Maria I and King Pedro III in 1747 as a royal Rococo residence and summer retreat.
Unfortunately, it also became a discreet retreat for Maria I as she suffered from severe mental illness after Pedro’s death.
It later became the official residence of Prince Regent João and his family following the destruction of Ajuda Palace in 1794.
There are so many gorgeous features, lavish rooms and wings to admire on a self-guided tour.
You can visit the elaborate ceremonial facades on the grounds with azulejo tiled water canals, grotto waterfalls, and elaborate fountains with Roman gods such as Neptune.
Inside the palace, you also have highlights like The Ballroom, Sala de Mangas and The Hall of Ambassadors. I also loved the Equestrian Library too.
It makes a great day trip from either Sintra or Lisbon. As not many people visit, it’s a great way to avoid the crowds.
The town of Queluz isn’t that great though. I had high hopes but only ended up getting a quick bite to eat before I left. So, make it a quick stop!
35. Take a day trip to Sintra
Sintra is one of the most magical places to visit in Portugal as it looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale.
There are emerald rolling hills as far as the eye can see, majestic castles, lavish palaces, mysterious wells, a colourful historic centre and gorgeous views of the Portuguese Riviera!
It’s a popular day trip from Lisbon and you can take a train from Rossio Station. The journey is also included in a Lisbon Card.
However, if you have time, I would recommend staying over as it’s a world away from the bustling capital.
The most popular place to visit is Pena Palace which I would head to first.
It’s a beautiful romantic castle decorated in bright yellow and red paint and blue azulejo tiles.
It was founded by Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha who married Queen Maria II.
Make sure to book tickets before you arrive as it gets extremely crowded. I would book the first slot of the day to avoid a long queue.
You can then head to the Moorish Castle for incredible views, Quinta de Regaleira with the Initiation Well and Sintra National Palace in the centre.
If you have time, I would also head to Monserrate Palace & Gardens, it’s a lot quieter than the other Sintra attractions but it’s breathtaking.
How many days in Lisbon are enough?
To get the most out of Lisbon, I would recommend at least 3-4 days.
There are many districts to see and they are quite spread out so a minimum of 3 days is an ideal amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace.
I would recommend spending 1-2 days in the historic centre, 1 day in LX Factory / Belém and 1 day to take a day trip to Sintra!
You don’t want to rush as almost every attraction in the capital of Portugal is a delight.
My top tips for visiting Lisbon
- Make sure to purchase a Lisbon Card for your trip. It includes public transport and free entry to many attractions.
- Pre-book your tickets in advance. Attractions can be busy, especially in the summer.
- Don’t underestimate the steep hills in Lisbon which make walking tough. I would recommend taking the public trams to help explore.
- Lisbon is a very crowded city. Waking up early will help you to get ahead and avoid queues.
Where to stay in Lisbon
During my visit to Lisbon, I stayed in the fabulous Pousada de Lisboa which is part of the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World.
It’s based in Praça de Commercio and used to be part of the Royal Ribeira Palace before the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.
The entire square was rebuilt by Marquês de Pombal and this hotel was built on the previous Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Today, it has many luxurious rooms and suites to stay in the heart of Lisbon. Their breakfast buffet is exquisite in the mornings.
Also, whilst you’re here you must visit their RIB Beef & Wine restaurant which is a fine dining experience and top-rated in the city.
Read more of my Portugal travel guides
Palacio da Bolsa – How to visit Bolsa Palace in Porto
Livraria Lello – magical bookshop in Porto
Was Harry Potter written in Porto’s Café Majestic?
Save these things to do in Lisbon for later!
