24 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant and beautiful city in Portugal with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively culture. From exploring historic neighborhoods to sampling delicious Portuguese cuisine, you will never be bored. This post is research for my upcoming trip on March 31st! We booked our hotel from Booking.com and a few excursions from Get Your Guide. We have a day trip booked to Lagos and the Benagil Caves and a Sintra day trip! I have not yet planned what we will do for our free days in Lisbon, so I created this list to help me decide on our itinerary! I will update this list when I get back from Portugal in April! Here are the 24 best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.

TIP: Buy the Lisbon Card for unlimited public transportation and free admission to 39 museums, monasteries, castles, and more historic, world-famous sites on one pass for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours!

Where to Stay?

We are staying in the Chiado neighborhood. I will write my review of our hotel when we get back from the trip! In the meantime, search for a hotel in Lisbon below!!

How to Get Around Lisbon?

tram on steep street in lisbon — Tram 28

1- Take a Ride on Tram 28- Hop on Lisbon’s famous yellow tram 28 for a scenic journey through the city’s historic neighborhoods.

The Best Neighborhoods to Discover:

2- Parque das Nações- Visit Lisbon’s modern waterfront district, home to the Lisbon Oceanarium, the Vasco da Gama Tower, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
3- Alfama- Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods. Discover historic buildings, stunning views, and charming cafes along the way.

4- Bairro Alto- If you are a night owl, check out Lisbon’s nightlife hotspot, known for its lively bars, restaurants, and street art.
5- Chiado district- Explore this trendy neighborhood known for its upscale shopping, vibrant cafes, and historic landmarks. Discover charming boutiques and cultural attractions along the way. A great way to see the historic neighborhoods in Lisbon is to book a guided walking tour!

Palaces to See:

6- Visit the National Palace of Queluz- Explore this beautiful 18th-century palace. You will enjoy its stunning architecture, gardens, and historical significance. BOOK YOUR TICKET!!!

7- Ajuda National Palace was the last residence of the Portuguese Royal Family in the 18th and 19th centuries. The former Royal Palace is now a national monument and museum. BOOK YOUR TICKET

Views:

8- Visit the iconic Belém Tower – This 16th-century tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the tower’s stunning architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the Tagus River. BOOK YOUR ENTRY TICKET

9- Climb the Santa Justa Lift- Take a ride on this historic elevator for stunning views of Lisbon’s downtown area.

10- Miradouros – Visit one of Lisbon’s many scenic viewpoints. Enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, riverfront, and beyond.

11- Arco Da Rua Augusta- Climb to the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta for panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. BOOK YOUR TICKET TO SEE THE VIEW

Religious Sites:

12- Jerónimos Monastery- Located near Belém Tower, this impressive monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its intricate Manueline architecture and visit the resting place of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Book Your Ticket!

13- Historic Lisbon Cathedral- Visit this stunning medieval cathedral, one of the city’s oldest and most important religious buildings. Admire its beautiful architecture and explore its interior. BOOK YOUR ENTRY TICKET

Food:

14- Sample Portuguese Cuisine at Time Out Market- Visit this food hall at the Mercado da Ribeira. Sample traditional Portuguese dishes from some of Lisbon’s top chefs.

Museums:

15-Discover the National Tile Museum– Visit this unique museum dedicated to the art of Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos. Admire its stunning collection of tiles and learn about their history and significance in Portugal. ENTRANCE TICKET
16- Explore the Tile Factory- Visit the historic Viúva Lamego tile factory, known for its beautiful hand-painted tiles. Discover the process of creating these intricate designs and purchase unique tiles.
17- Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum- Explore one of Lisbon’s most famous art museums, known for its impressive collection of European and Asian art. Discover paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from around the world.

Parks:

18-Relax in Jardim da Estrela- Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in this peaceful park in the Estrela district.
19- Discover the Gulbenkian Gardens- Relax in the tranquil green oasis of the Gulbenkian Gardens. Explore its peaceful grounds, lakes, and sculptures.

Culture:

20- Enjoy a Fado show- Immerse yourself in Portugal’s traditional music genre, Fado, by attending a live performance in one of Lisbon’s historic Fado houses. Experience the emotional and soulful sounds of this unique musical form. BOOK FADO IN CHIADO TICKETS

Day Trips:

21- Take a Day Trip to Sintra- Explore the beautiful town of Sintra on a guided tour from Lisbon, where you will discover stunning palaces, colorful gardens, and historic landmarks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. BOOK THE DAY TRIP
22- Take a Day Trip to Cascais- Explore the charming coastal town of Cascais, home to beautiful beaches and historic landmarks! BOOK THE DAY TRIP
23- Relax on the Beaches of Costa da Caparica- Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Costa da Caparica, located just a short drive from Lisbon. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports on this picturesque coastline.

Boat Ride:

24-Take a Cruise on the Tagus River- Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Tagus River for stunning views of Lisbon’s waterfront, bridges, and historic landmarks. Relax and enjoy the sights from the water. BOOK A SUNSET BOAT CRUISE

We shared 24 best things to do in Lisbon! Lisbon is a beautiful city that I cannot wait to discover on March 31st. I will update this list when I return from my travels in April with a FULL review of where we stayed and what we accomplished on a time limit and budget. Thank you for reading!!

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24 Best Things to Do in Lisbon