27 Best Things to Do in Lisbon (In 2023)

A favorite European capital city, you can truly ‘choose your own adventure’ with the bounty of different things to do in Lisbon.

The thing about visiting Lisbon, though, is that it’s tough to decipher which popular tourist attractions and hidden gems are worth your time. While Lisbon is one of the best places to visit in Portugal, it also comes with a lot of fluff and overrated activities that you might want to skip. Luckily, I’m here to help you navigate the slightly overwhelming array of things to do in Lisbon. 

I traveled in Portugal for over a month and the bulk of that time was spent getting to know Lisbon. In consultation with two other Travel Lemming writers who’ve recently visited Lisbon, Nate and Clara, we’ve prepared the ultimate list of the best things to do in Lisbon.

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27 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Belém Tower

Claim your chance to enter this 16th-century UNESCO-listed tower that’s one of Portugals’ most famous landmarks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213)-620-034 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $6.38, adults | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator 

If it’s your first time in Lisbon, you need to hit all the most popular Lisbon attractions right out of the gate. The 500-year-old Belém Tower is among the most famous (it also tops my list of things to do in Portugal). Even if you’re a local who never carved out the time to check out this famous site, it’s definitely worth a trip. 

Located in Lisbon’s Belém district on the banks of the Tagus River, this historic tower has lived many different lives. From its start as a fortification used to defend Portugal to becoming a lighthouse and its current status as one of the country’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

While you can get a glimpse of the architecture from the outside, the interior holds even more wonders, such as the King’s Chamber and the stunning tower terrace.  

Jerónimos Monastery

Catch a glimpse of historical tombs, Portuguese architecture, and a maritime museum at this huge Gothic monastery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213)-620-034 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $10.62, adults | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator 

Another one of the must-see Lisbon attractions in the Belem district is the Jerónimos Monastery. This attraction is a little bit outside of the city center, but it’s obvious why this historic monastery still gets around a million visitors every year. 

If you’re a photographer with a thing for interesting architectural masterpieces, you’ll get a huge kick out of this monastery. It’s also an alluring attraction for those history buffs who want to come face-to-face with some historic tombs. 

👉 Pro Tip: The Jerónimos Monastery and Belem Tower are both located in the Belem neighborhood. It’s easy to visit both of these famous Lisbon attractions in one afternoon. 

Time Out Market Lisbon

Munch down on traditional Bacalhau, pastries, and everything in between at this modern marketplace.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (210)-607-403 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 12 am Sun-Thurs, 10 am – 1 am Fri-Sat | Entrance: Free

Let’s step away from all of Lisbon’s historical sites for a second and dive into the city’s culinary scene. Feel your stomach rumbling after exploring all the things to do in Lisbon?

You can find an eclectic range of food all under one roof at Time Out Market. If you’re wandering Lisbon with a big group of people, this place will solve the issue of everyone wanting something different to eat. 

You could visit Time Out Market daily and still find a stall you didn’t notice before. There are traditional Portuguese specialties like francesinha and Bacalhau à Bras. Along with international offerings like sushi, burgers, pizza, and tacos. 

Sintra

Take a day trip to explore 1,000 year old castles at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Sintra Small Group Tour From Lisbon

If you only take one day trip from Lisbon, go to Sintra. It is just 30 minutes away from Lisbon’s center. You can get there by public transport, Uber, or by taking this highly rated group tour.

At Sintra, you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several castles you can explore on foot (wear comfortable shoes!). Popular sites at Sintra include Pena Palace, National Palace of Sintra, the Moorish Castle, Monserrate Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira. 

Castelo de S. Jorge

Head up to the highest hill around Lisbon to visit one of the oldest monuments in the country.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-800-620 | Website  | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily (Nov – Feb), 9 am to 9 pm daily (March – Oct) | Entrance: €15 adults, Free under 12

It’s always interesting to be taken back in time at a city’s attraction and the Castelo de S. Jorge in Lisbon does just that. This massive 11th-century royal palace can be seen overlooking Central Lisbon from the highest hill in the city. Its strategic location allowed for maximum protection against enemy attacks. 

Today it just provides visitors with breathtaking views over the entire city and the Lisbon coastline. 

👉 Pro Tip: Even though Portugal is marketed as a summer-y heaven, it can get a bit brisk up at these high-elevation attractions. Make sure to put a light jacket on your Portugal packing list.  

LxFactory

A wonderland of art, restaurants, boutique shops, and bars located in the body of a 19th-century industrial factory.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free

One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon was to discover the quirkier attractions and street art around the Portuguese capital. Luckily, Lisbon has a lot to offer in that department, such as the undeniably cool LxFactory. 

LxFactory is the repurposed bones of an old production plant that have been given a new life as a venue/marketplace with a diverse list of offerings. You can run into the open-air market to grab a snack, lunch, or even drinks at night. 

However, there are also a bunch of other types of things to see at LxFactory. There are bookstores, galleries, and art installations, along with a small in-house cinema, and tons of adorable shops with unique souvenirs.

Even if you just visit LxFactory to walk around, there is a lot to see. Just make sure you head up to the rooftop bars to catch the sun dipping down under the Tagus River at dusk. It’s the perfect way to transition from day-time exploration to evening adventures. 

Oceanário de Lisboa

Dive into the ocean to experience aquatic life and underwater forests at this kid-friendly attraction in Parque das Nações.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-917-000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: $23.18, adults, $15 aged 3 to 12, Free under 2 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator 

If you’re in Lisbon, Portugal with children, it can be difficult to find activities that will keep everyone entertained. However, the Oceanário de Lisboa is a place that’s sure to make kids squeal with joy as they discover a whole new world in Lisbon. Not to mention that it’s a pretty fun spot for adults, too. 

This huge aquarium is actually the biggest of its kind in the entire country. It’s home to thousands of different aquatic animals from all over the globe. There are habitat exhibits with penguins, sea otters, fish, and more. If you’re really feeling the ocean experience, you can even opt to have a sleepover with the sharks and spend the night under the glow of the tanks.  

National Tile Museum

Follow the traditional Portuguese craft of decorative tiles through time from the 15th century to the modern era.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-100-340 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $5.30, adults

The National Tile Museum might not sound like one of the most exciting things to do in Lisbon. However, it’s an important attraction to visit to get in touch with one of Portugal’s most prized traditions – tile making. 

For hundreds of years, the art of crafting colorful tiles has been a staple of Portuguese culture. The National Museum of Tiles will take you back through that rich history and how it evolved over the years. Plus, the museum itself is very grand and filled with some of the most beautiful tilework in the whole country. 

Pastéis de Belém

Grace your tongue with the taste of a staple dessert in Portugal at one of the most famous pastry shops in Lisbon.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213)-637-423 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Who doesn’t love a local sweet treat to really get a feel for a new city? In Lisbon, Portugal, the first dessert that everyone urges new visitors to try is the Pastel de Nata. If you have ever visited Lisbon in your life, you’ve definitely heard of these delicious little custard tarts. 

You can find this pastry all over the city center of Lisbon. However, I’d recommend venturing out into Pastéis de Belém to taste the very best ones in the city. It isn’t quite a day trip from Lisbon, but it’s a bit of an excursion.

This pastry shop is legendary for its Pastel de Nata (and loads of other baked goods, too). As someone who’s tried them from Pastéis de Belém and all over Lisbon, I can promise you that the hype is real. 

👉 Pro Tip: Locals and tourists alike flock to this bakery for a taste of its pastries. The best way to beat a long line is to arrive early right when they open in the morning. 

Lisbon Cathedral

Pay your respects at the oldest and most well-known places of religious worship in the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-866-752 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

Located near the coast and with a bunch of cool restaurants, the Lisbon Cathedral is the very oldest church in the city. It was originally built a whopping 875 years ago and has been rebuilt several times since then. Wrap your brain around that for a second to imagine just how much history you’re looking at when you step inside the cathedral. 

Despite its notoriety, the Lisbon Cathedral is actually free to enter. So, it’s a great option if you’re looking to save money. 

Carmo Convent

Snap photos at the roofless ruins of this convent that still remain one of the most striking pieces of architecture in Portugal.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213)-460-473 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily, Closed Sundays | Entrance: $5.27, adults, Free under 14 

As a traveler who always has a camera in her hand, I always get that rush of excitement when I discover a place like the Carmo Convent in Lisbon, Portugal. 

The Carmo Convent once stood as a massive Gothic Cathedral in the city center, but it was obliterated by a ruthless earthquake over 250 years ago. Today, the ghostly roofless ruins of the cathedral still remain. It’s one of the most haunting, yet gorgeous, attractions in all of Lisbon. 

National Pantheon

Wander a monument that forever houses the tombs of Portugal’s most famed nobles and queens.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-854-820 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $4.25

If there is one place that might actually be haunted in Lisbon, Portugal, it’s the National Pantheon. The National Pantheon used to be a church but was eventually turned into a very important monument. 

It’s where some of the most significant and well-respected figures in Portugal are buried. Inside, the tombs of people like the Prince Royal of Portugal and Queen Amélie of Orléans are safely tucked away where they can forever rest. Additionally, the building itself is just stunning much like a lot of the architecture in Lisbon. 

Bairro Alto Neighborhood

Spend some time in the Lisbon neighborhood with the city’s top dining establishments and captivating nightlife.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator 

If you don’t really want to visit any more tourist attractions and just want to get a feel for the local life in Lisbon, then this list item is for you. The Bairro Alto neighborhood. When I first arrived in Lisbon, my very kind Airbnb host gave us a single golden rule: go hang out in Bairro Alto. 

It’s the beating heart of Lisbon. The streets of Bairro Alto are painted with the city’s famously colorful street art. It offers some of the best places to eat Portuguese food in all of Lisbon like Taberna do Bairro alto and Rosa da Rua. The bars around the area range from jazz clubs to Irish pubs. Plus, most of the city’s other top attractions are only a few blocks away. 

Just wandering around Bairro Alto will inevitably lead you to something fun. 

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Capture a lofty perspective of downtown Lisbon at this 650-foot-high viewpoint.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (925)-217-044 | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free 

If there’s a good viewpoint overlooking a city, you’ll find me there at least once. I think it’s one of the best ways to kick off a trip to a new place because it gives you a clear perspective on the area you’re about to dive into. When it comes to Lisbon, there is no better starting viewpoint than Miradouro de Santa Luzia. 

Located in the Alfama district, this viewpoint gives you a 360 perspective of downtown Lisbon and the Tagus River in the distance. Many people regard it as one of Lisbon’s most romantic locations. So, if you’re looking for a place to take a date in the city, this is it. 

Parque Eduardo VII

Explore the manicured hedge-lined grounds of Lisbon’s biggest park.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free 

Parque Eduardo VII is an enormous public park with picturesque grounds that are kept trimmed to perfection. It feels almost like walking around the garden of royalty with its manicured hedges neatly placed in rows. 

But unlike a royal attraction or castle, this park offers unlimited free access to pedestrians. Making it an excellent option for people looking to travel on a budget in Europe. 

Historic Alfama District 

Soak in Portuguese culture in this photogenic neighborhood vibrating with traditional Fado music.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Get Your Guide 

The historic neighborhood of Alfama is one of the oldest areas of Lisbon. This neighborhood was technically designated as outside of city walls when it originated around 700 years ago, but it’s considered to be a key part of Lisbon today. 

Here you’ll find the classic cobblestone streets that most people think of when they imagine Portugal. Plus lots of beautiful spots for idyllic street photography. 

Along the hilly streets, there are plenty of joints to enjoy the local Fado music or go shopping at the interesting outdoor flea market. Additionally, many of the city’s best attractions are located in the Alfama district. Including Castelo São Jorge, Miradouro Santa Luzia, e Lisbon Cathedral. 

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Alfama is located right in the heart of Lisbon, which is why it’s one of the best places to stay in Lisbon. There is a bunch of luxurious-feeling, yet affordable hotels around this area, too. Like the ultra-comfortable and centrally-located São Vicente Alfama Hotel. 

Cervejaria Ramiro

Indulge in some of Lisbon’s super fresh seafood at a restaurant that’s been around for over 60 years.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-851-024 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 12 am daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free

It can be difficult to decide which restaurants you want to dine at in Lisbon because there are a ridiculous amount of options. But some establishments you simply must try when you’re in Lisbon, such as Cervejaria Ramiro. 

Cervejaria Ramiro has been concocting some of the best seafood dishes in the city for over 60 years now. This restaurant is located slightly outside the city center. Giving it a slightly more chill atmosphere to eat some lobster and shrimp and sip on Portuguese wine or beer. 

Pavilion of Knowledge

Embark on a hands-on journey into the world of science at this interactive museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-917-100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tues-Fri, 10 am – 7 pm, Sat-Sun | Entrance: $11.73, adults, Free under 2

The Pavilion of Knowledge is an interactive museum in Lisbon that’s fun for the whole family. It has a permanent collection of interesting exhibits with topics like movement, the ocean, and women in science. 

The hands-on activities inside this museum can keep kids and adults of all ages entertained for hours on end. It’s also possible to rent out areas for birthday parties throughout the year. 

Praça do Comércio

Grab breakfast or just people-watch at this beautiful public square that’s constantly buzzing with activity.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free 

Though there are several busy plazas throughout Lisbon, Praça do Comércio is by far the most well-known and visited. This bright yellow town square has spectacular architecture and a few grand bronze statues like the King Joseph I Statue. 

Just walking around this city square is impressive enough. But the real treat comes in the form of its many upscale seafood restaurants. Such as Baía do Peixe and Tabuaria do Paço

Jardim Botânico d’Ajuda

This beautiful botanic garden is a hidden gem perfect for a quick escape to nature (or for snapping Insta-worthy photos).

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +35 121-365-3157 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: 2 euros 

Lisbon is home to several amazing parks and botanical gardens, but Ajuda is one of the best hidden gems. You’ll find perfectly manicured gardens with rows of hedges, plants imported from many of Portugal’s former colonies, and several gorgeous garden statues. It’s one of the best-kept secret photo spots in Lisbon.

To combine several top Lisbon attractions in one go, visit here then walk down the hill towards Jerónimos Monastery before ending your trip at the famous Belém Tower.

Money Museum

Virtually mint your own coin, learn about the evolution of cash, and play games at this completely free museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213)-213-240 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Entrance: Free

It’s not every day that you find a museum that’s totally dedicated to money. When you first hear about the Money Museum in Lisbon, the first thing you’re probably wondering is what that experience even entails. 

Well, there are a bunch of intricate displays and hands-on activities at this nifty little museum. You can make your own coin here or just peruse the history of currency in Portugal and around the world. Many of the exhibits here are touch-friendly, so it’s one of the best museums in Portugal to visit with young children. 

Telecabine Lisboa

Hop aboard this aerial lift and ride 100 feet above the Tagus River for comprehensive views of the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-956-143 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: $9.50 roundtrip, adults, $6.40 roundtrip aged 3 to 12 years

If a stationary viewpoint isn’t exciting enough for you, just grab a ride on the Telecabine Lisboa. This famous tram carries passengers along the river, all the way from Oceanário de Lisboa to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa convention center. 

A ride along the Telecabine only takes around 10 minutes to ride from end to end. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the best views along the coastline. 

Pink Street

Stroll along the distinctive pink walkway that signifies Lisbon’s most iconic street.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

When you look up ‘things to do in Lisbon’ one of the first things that often pops up is Pink Street. Yes, it’s true, the street is definitely painted pink, but it’s a lot more well-weathered than most photos on the internet will lead you to believe. While it is a very popular tourist street that’s a bit overhyped, it definitely has some redeemable qualities.

Pink Street runs right through the center of Lisbon. It’s packed with restaurants and nightlife hotspots all within walking distance from the rosey walkway. Some of the top bars to kick off an evening of partying are around Pink Street – including Pensão Amor and 4 Caravelas. Everyone in Lisbon should check out Pink Street at least once even though it’s more on the touristy side. 

📚 Related Reading: If you visit Pink Street during the super hectic high season in the summer, you’ll be packed like sardines with tourists. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the fall or spring. To learn more about the seasonal norms for this beautiful country, check out my guide to the best time to visit Portugal. 

Livraria Bertrand

Browse the literary selections at the oldest bookstore in the world with nearly 300 years under its belt.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (210)-305-590 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

I’m a sucker for a cool bookstore and this one has a pretty compelling hook. Livraria Bertrand in Lisbon is the oldest bookstore in the entire world. Seriously – this place has been passing on the gift of the written word since 1732. That’s the same year George Washington was born! 

Santa Justa Lift

Ascend seven stories up one of the tallest hills in Lisbon to reach the loveliest views over the capital city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (214)-138-679 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10:45 pm daily | Entrance: $6 roundtrip

The Santa Justa Elevator is technically a mode of public transport, but it also doubles as one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions. This iron elevator has been carrying people up and down from the Baixa neighborhood to Carmo Square for 120 years so far. It’s definitely the most fun way to get up to the higher streets of this Lisbon district. 

👉 Pro Tip: The Santa Justa Lift will take you right up to the square where Carmo Convent is located. So, you can kill two birds with one stone by taking this historic elevator. 

Principe Real Garden

Get lost in a pocket of nature at this thriving public garden that offers a variety of events throughout the year.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (912)-054-890 | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

One of my favorite things about Lisbon is that even though it’s a hilly city with a municipal feel, it still offers people tons of green spaces. Such as the magnificent Principe Real Garden about 20 minutes outside of the city center. 

This big garden is free to the public and has tons of spots to chill out during the afternoon. Depending on the season, this park also offers rotating events like the annual gay pride parade and weekend street markets. 

Conserveira de Lisboa

Pick up the local specialty at this historic family-run cannery that’s been in the business since 1930.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (218)-864-009 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily, Closed Sundays | Entrance: Free

Canned seafood is one of the most beloved specialties in Portugal. Americans might get a touch of culture shock out of this one, but it’s absolutely true. From sardines to anchovies, you’ll find an abundance of establishments and vending machines selling canned goods. 

The best of them all, though, is Conserveira de Lisboa. Stacked around the walls of this quaint cannery are stacks of multi-colored tins with all different fish. Grabbing a can or two from this place is one of the most authentic souvenirs you can bring home. 

FAQs About What to Do in Lisbon

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You’re officially in the loop about all the best things to do in Lisbon. What are your must-see attractions in Lisbon, Portugal? If you’ll be spending any time in the nearby coastal town of Nazare, don’t forget to read my guide to where to stay in Nazare, too! 

Editor’s Note: Nate Hake and Clara Kesseler contributed to this article.