Lisbon, the vibrant capital city of Portugal, is a must-visit destination for any traveller. With its colourful buildings, historic neighbourhoods, delectable cuisine, and stunning coastline, Lisbon offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker.
Lisbon holds a special place in my heart, as it was my first destination on this world trip. Filled with anxieties about whether I had made the right choice, I fell in love with the city’s laid-back atmosphere, captivating sunsets, and delightful food. For me, Lisbon symbolises freedom.
In this Lisbon travel guide, I’ve put together valuable information to help you plan your upcoming trip to Lisbon such as all the best things to do, where to stay, and helpful tips!
You might also like – 17 Lisbon Travel Tips
17 best things to do in Lisbon
1. Scoot from Praça do Comércio to Ponte 25 de Abril
Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin as you speed past cars on your scooter…! Okay, so not quite fast and furious, but it is a lot of fun! Start at Praça do Comércio (i.e., the main square in Lisbon) and grab a scooter. You will need to download an app. I would recommend Bird or Lime, which I found to be the most reliable in terms of availability and affordability (15 cents per minute). Don’t worry about traffic; there is a bike lane that you can scoot on.
It is a straight route to Ponte 25 de Abril and takes about 20 minutes. The views are incredible, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars. One of the best views can be experienced from the MAAT museum.
If you have more energy, you can continue on to Belem Tower; this is another 15-minute scoot away. If you’ve made it that far, I would recommend parking the scooter and exploring Belem. The tower is nice, but the town has a few museums and the best pasteis de nata in Lisbon!
2. Experience the nightlife in Bairro Alto
Experiencing the area of Bairro Alto at night is among the best things to do in Lisbon. The district is packed with bars and restaurants, where people spill out onto the streets. Here are my top suggestions:
– Crispy Mayfa: Super tasty fried chicken and cocktails
– A Cevicheria: Peruvian restaurant with strong but good pisco sour cocktails
– Loonie Eatery: Authentic Canadian dishes
– Quiosque Príncipe Real: A nice little spot to grab a coffee, beer or cocktail in the park
If you want to meet new people and have a fun night then consider going along to the Lisbon Funky Monkey pub crawl. They will take you to three pubs in Bairro Alto and then end the night in a club. The price also includes an hour of unlimited free beer or sangria and discounts on cocktails.
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3. Oceanario de Lisboa
According to TripAdvisor, this is the number 1 tourist attraction in Lisbon. It is situated just outside the city in Parque das Nações. You can take the metro to get there, and there is plenty to see in Parque das Nações, making it well worth the visit.
I wouldn’t exactly call myself a fish enthusiast (if that’s even a thing?!!), but I truly enjoyed the Aquarium. It’s quite large, spanning across four stories. The main highlight is the massive tank that houses a variety of aquatic species, from sharks to moonfish, eagle rays, and mackerel. At each section of the tank (which, by the way, spans all four floors), there are seats for you to relax and observe. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this!
Due to its popularity, the place tends to get very busy. I recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance.
4. Eat as many Pasteis de Nata as you can
Just go for it – they’re incredibly delicious. Rumour has it that the city’s hilly terrain is meant to balance out all the over-indulgence of pasteis de natas!
Pasteis de nata are small, flaky delights filled with custard. I’d suggest you visit Pasteis de Belem and Manteigaria at Time Out Market. They’re at their finest when served warm and sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon.
You might also be interested in my blog post on Where To Eat In Lisbon
5. Visit Graça & Santa Clara Market
I stayed in Graça and absolutely loved it, exploring it is one of the best things to do in Lisbon! It seemed to be a place where locals frequented for food and drinks.
As the highest point in Lisbon, it offers one of the best viewpoints at Miradouro De Nossa Senhora Do Monte. Tram 28 passes through Graça, making it easily accessible.
Graça boasts amazing bakeries and is only a short walk from the famous Santa Clara Market, a vibrant marketplace that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday (9 am – 6 pm).
Moreover, there’s a dog park, and to be honest, I ended up spending an astonishing amount of time just watching all the dogs!
6. Watch the sunset at Cais das Colunas
Lisbon has some truly dreamy sunsets, and my personal favourite spot to watch the sunset was Cais das Colunas. While it’s a popular location, it’s not too hard to find a cosy corner to call your own.
If you’re fortunate, there might even be a musician performing nearby. When the photo above was captured, a band was playing Coldplay’s ‘Yellow.’
Despite visiting several rooftop bars in Lisbon for sunset views, nothing compares to the simple pleasure of sitting on this wall.
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7. Take a ride on Tram 28
I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this tram.
A part of me really disliked it because I depended on it for daily transport and more often than not I was turned away because it was too crowded. However, that is a testament to how great it is.
Tram 28 takes you around all the mains spots of Lisbon and for €3.50, that is a steal considering tour buses are triple that price. I would advise taking a spin on it first thing in the morning as the lines can be really long and the tram can get packed.
8. Time Out Market
A few years back I watched Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix (side note this is a must-watch if you are into food & travel!), in the Lisbon episode he visited TimeOut Market and it is everything he says it is.
You can get burgers, fish, Asian food, eclairs, alcohol and much much more. The food is not regular market food, the quality and the creativity are out of this world, and some stalls are even fine dining.
The below picture is of a dish I tried during a rare moment of bravery, eat with caution!
The next 2 tips are for anyone looking to escape the city for a day.
9. Day trip to Sintra
Sintra seems like it was plucked from the pages of a Disney fairytale, with its castles, whimsical colours, and an enchanting ambience.
The journey to Sintra from Lisbon’s Rossio train station takes a little over an hour, and you don’t need to pre-book tickets. Despite the rain on the day I visited, it was still a magical experience.
Getting to Sintra: A frequent train connects Rossio to Sintra train station, taking around 40 minutes and costing €2 – €3.
You can walk from Sintra station to Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO-classified historical site featuring a Palace, a Chapel, and gardens with grottoes. It’s worth the visit for the initiation well alone!
After exploring Quinta da Regaleira, I recommend heading to Palacio Nacional de Pena. If you choose to hike, it’s about 1 hour 20 minutes from Quinta da Regaleira or the train station. For those short on time or not in the mood for hiking, fret not, as there are local buses, hop-on/hop-off buses, and tuk-tuks available. Due to the torrential rain, we opted for a tuk-tuk, which cost us €10.
10. Hike from Praia das Maçãs to Caba da Roca
This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lisbon and is a must for hiking enthusiasts. The hike takes around 4 hours, and the views are consistently breathtaking throughout the entire journey.
The route covers 7 beaches, and you can choose to visit each one if you desire. Be aware that some of the descents can be challenging, yet the effort is absolutely worth it!
The beaches you can visit are, Praia das Maçãs, Praia do Rodizio, Praia Grande, Praia da Adraga, Praia do Cavalo, Praia da Ursa, and finally Praia da Aroeira.
I only had a regular pair of running shoes, not hiking boots, but the descent to Praia da Ursa is incredibly steep with loose gravel. I had to sit down and use my hands to navigate, as my shoes lacked proper grip.
The hike ends at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe and a place once believed to be the edge of the world. We sat there for a while, enjoying ice cream and music, while mustering the energy to continue.
From Cabo da Roca, a 25-minute bus ride takes you to Cascais, a coastal resort town. I recommend you get dinner here as there are plenty of options.
11. Glow in the dark mini golf
This indoor golf course promises a fun and challenging experience. There are 18-hole interactive courses with vibrant themes that cater for all skill levels. Even with minimal mini-golf experience, I found the majority of courses challenging yet enjoyable. Aside from golf visitors can also play pool, table football and air hockey.
Moreover, Lisbon’s mini golf serves up cocktails, be warned they are very strong and deliciously addictive.
Cost: €14 adults / €12 children
Location: Calçada Ferragial 8, 1200-484 Lisboa, Portugal
12. Águas Livres Aqueduct
Águas Livres Aqueduct, is an impressive 18th-century engineering feat that spans over 35 kilometres. Its towering arches, and intricate details make it one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
This unique walk allows you to walk across the impressive structure, it takes a total of 20 minutes to do a loop of the aqueduct, at this height you can view the city from a completely new perspective, you will also see plenty of planes on their descent to Lisbon airport. It is a quiet place that does not get many tourists so you will likely have a leisurely stroll.
Cost: Entrance is €4 per adult and is free on Sundays.
Getting there: the 711 bus will drop you off at Amoreiras Shopping Centre, where you will need to walk for 9 minutes to reach the aqueduct.
Location: CC da Quintinha 6, 1070-225 Lisboa, Portugal
13. Lisbon Zoo
I love zoos, If I am in a city for longer than a weekend I will always squeeze time in for a visit!
Lisbon Zoo is home to 41 animals including bears, white tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees and flamingos. What I loved about Lisbon Zoo is that you can take a cable car for a birds-eye view of the park, the ride takes 20 minutes but it is exhilarating seeing the animals from this angle. The car fits approximately 2 adults and 1 child (or 1 adult/2 kids)
All of the animals were super active the day I visited! A chimpanzee kicked the glass window across from where I was peering in, a baboon almost peed on me and a Tiger kind of chased me (it was obviously still in a cage but it really did make a beeline for me – if you are curious I have video footage).
Cost: €27.50 adult / €17 child / €9.50 senior buy tickets online
Getting there: take the blue line metro towards Reboleira, you will be getting off at the Jardim Zoológico stop.
Location: Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, 1549-004 Lisboa, Portugal
14. Dine on the edge at Ponto Final
This is no hidden gem, it has been on my bucket list since watching Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix. You might be questioning whether a visit to Ponto Final is worth it. Well, let me assure you, it absolutely is. Not only was this one of the highlights of my time in Lisbon, but it was also one of the best meals I had.
Taking one of the yellow seats at Ponto Final guarantees a dining experience like no other. Situated on the edge of a pier, just mere meters away from the depths of the Tagus River, all while looking out at Ponte 25 de Abril. Due to its location, it can get chilly, but the restaurant provides blankets for your comfort.
The restaurant specialises in traditional Portuguese cuisine, with its signature dish being Monkfish Stew (Arroz Tamboril). However, I found this a bit too expensive at €58 so I opted for the Octopus Salad, which turned out to be delicious.
It’s worth noting that whether you’re seated on the pier or not is a matter of pure luck. Some seats aren’t close to the water, and I believe these don’t offer the full experience. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to secure a pier-side seat, although it did involve a 30-minute wait in the queue.
Cost: expect to pay between €20 and €50 per meal
Getting there: Cacilhas – Cais do Sodré ferry from the ferry terminal. From the terminal just follow the Rua do Ginjal Street Art road.
Location: R. do Ginjal 72, 2800-285 Almada, Portugal
15. Santuário de Cristo Rei
Inspired by Rio’s Christ the Redeemer Statue, Lisbon’s version Santuário de Cristo Rei meaning Sanctuary of Christ the King is located in Almada, just across from the Tagus River. It is a significant religious landmark that attracts many tourists and pilgrims.
The 90ft statue of Christ on top of a 246 ft pedestal has been overlooking Lisbon since 1959. Visitors can reach the top via an elevator for a fee of €6 and the ground floor also has a chapel.
For me the highlight was the terrace that has panoramic views over Lisbon, this was one of the best views of the 25 de Abril Bridge. I think that even if the statue does not interest you it is worth visiting for the views alone. Check out this beautiful viewpoint.
Getting there: 3001 bus from the ferry terminal
Location: Av. do Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal
16. Pop Cereal Cafe
Pop Cereal Cafe is a fun place to have breakfast or brunch. As the name suggests, it is a cereal cafe that offers a wide variety of cereals from all over the world, especially from America. You can choose a mix of any 3 or 5 cereals and top them with a large scoop of ice cream. Along with their gourmet cereal concoctions, you can also order waffles, pancakes, milkshakes, and lattes.
The cafe’s interior is colourful with comic book-style pop art. Being here took me right back to my childhood. Saturday mornings were all about enjoying a massive bowl of cereal while sitting in front of the TV, watching SM:TV Live! Ah, when life was simple!
Cost: Between €4 – €5 for cereal and toppings, drinks are approximately €2.50
Location: R. do Norte 64, 1200-287 Lisboa, Portugal
17. LX Factory
If you are looking to explore Lisbon’s artistic side then head to the LX Factory, it is also one of the best things to do in Lisbon for foodies. The former industrial site has now been repurposed into a trendy cultural and creative hub.
The complex houses businesses, cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries, boutiques and co-working spaces. Make sure to check out the bookshop with the suspended bike.
I recommend visiting in the late afternoon as most shops close at 6 pm.
How many days is enough in Lisbon?
To fully immerse yourself in all that Lisbon has to offer then give yourself 4 days in this city. This will allow you to explore the popular neighbourhoods of Alfama, Baixa and Belem, the historic sites and indulge in some of the finest Portuguese cuisine. You will also be able to squeeze in a visit to the fairytale-like palace of Sintra.
Is a weekend enough time in Lisbon?
Do not worry, with a weekend in Lisbon you will still get to see and experience a lot. I advise you to not go on any long day trips and just stick to the city and neighbourhoods.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Lisbon is a walkable city so wherever you stay will be a short walk or subway to the tourist spots.
Check out some of these hotels that are in an excellent location.
Bairro Alto
the best area for nightlife
9 Hotel Mercy
Lisbon Colours
The Lumiares
Solar dos Poetas
Teatro B&B
Alfama
the charming old town
Santiago de Alfama
Memmo Alfama Hotel
Áurea Museum
São Vicente Alfama by TRIUS
Olissippo Castelo
Baixa & Chiado
Most central areas
Lisboa Prata Boutique Hotel
Brown’s Central Hotel
Dare Lisbon House
behotelisboa
Hotel da Baixa
Fancy something a little more special, check out some of the best Luxury Stays in Lisbon:
Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina – beautiful sophisticated rooms, 360º rooftop overlooking the old town
Bairro Alto Hotel – historic building with modern rooms, location is amazing
Le Consulat – rooms overlook Praça Luís de Camões
Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel – a palace 10 minutes outside of Lisbon city
Getting To Lisbon
The main International Airport Humberto Delgado Airport, is located just under 10km from Lisbon city centre. Lisbon is an incredibly popular destination and is well-serviced by many airlines, the following are a few top airlines that fly to Lisbon; Aer Lingus, British Airways, EasyJet, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa, TAP Portugal, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines.
Getting to Lisbon city centre
The easiest option is to take the metro, the line is the ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line and you will be in the city in 20 minutes. Tickets cost €1.45.
Another easy option is to book a transfer from the airport. You will be met at the arrival hall of the airport by your driver. I usually use this option after a long flight (to me that means anything over 5 hours) or when I am arriving very late.
Getting around Lisbon
Good news! Lisbon has a fantastic public transport network!
If you will be using public transport then consider purchasing a Viva Viagem Card for 60 cent. This rechargeable card allows you to load it with single tickets or choose from various unlimited travel options, providing flexibility and ease of use across trams, buses, metro, and even some ferries. Use of this card is referred to as ‘zapping’, a single journey will cost €1.50, and unlimited tickets such as a 24-hour ticket (around €6.40), a 48-hour ticket (around €10.55), or a 72-hour ticket (around €15.15) are also available.
Metro
My favourite way to travel around Lisbon along with the most efficient. With four lines covering the major areas, including the airport, you can easily access popular attractions and landmarks. The metro runs frequently and the stations are colourful and clean. If you are using the Viva Viagem Card then you will need to tap your card on the sensors at the entrance of the station and again when leaving.
Bus
Lisbon has a total of 172 bus routes if the metro won’t take you there then chances are that you can reach it by bus.
Lisbon buses are yellow and you will usually have to flag it down so it will stop for you. You can pay using your Viva Viagem card or onboard from the driver with cash but this will be more expensive.
The Viva Viagem card reader is located at the front of the bus.
Commuter train
The lines that will likely interest most readers here are the Sintra and Cascais lines.
For Sintra trains depart from Rossio station and take approximately 45 minutes.
For Cascais trains depart from Cais do Sodré and take approximately 40 minutes.
Check out the timetables for both train on CPs official site.