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.

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Where to Stay?

Praca Do Comercio Main Square

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:

Alfama
  • 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.
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Bairro Alto
  • 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:

National Palace of Queluz
  • 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!!!
Ajuda National Palace
  • 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:

Historical Belem Tower
  • 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
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Santa Justa Lift
  • 9- Climb the Santa Justa Lift- Take a ride on this historic elevator for stunning views of Lisbon’s downtown area.
Miradouros
  • 10- Miradouros – Visit one of Lisbon’s many scenic viewpoints. Enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, riverfront, and beyond.
Arco Da Rua Augusta

Religious Sites:

Jeronimos Monastery
  • 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!
Historic Lisbon Cathedral
  • 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:

Pasteis De Nata
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  • 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.
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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
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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

How to Spend One Week in Portugal

How to Spend One Week in Portugal

Portugal is a dream destination that you will not regret visiting. The charming country has beautiful landscapes. Portugal is known for its historic castles, stunning beaches, and energetic cities. You have to try the delicious seafood cuisine and wine while you are there. Below is how to spend one week in Portugal.

Book a Flight to and from Lisbon:

gray plane wing
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Tips for Visiting:

  • Money to Use: Euro
  • Local Language: Portuguese
  • Best Food to Try: Seafood
  • Popular Drinks: Porto Wine, Ginja, and Licor Beirão
  • Transportation: Boat, Train, Tram 28, or Bus

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon + Sunset Boat Cruise-

white and orange concrete house near body of water
Photo by Helena I on Pexels.com

Unpack and settle into your hotel in Lisbon! We recommend staying in the heart of Lisbon! We list many things to do in Lisbon on your first full day in Portugal; however, you might not have time to get to it all! 

Find a Hotel in Lisbon from Night 1-3:

About Lisbon:

The architecture, art, and scenic views are charming. In Lisbon, you will be able to see new and old areas, with the benefits of the city being the least expensive capital in Europe. If you look at pictures of narrow streets and architecture in Lisbon, the photos will make you want to go. 

Stop 1: Enjoy Coffee-

two cups of brown coffee on top of brown tray
Photo by Valeriia Miller on Pexels.com

Start your morning with a delicious cup of coffee! The coffee culture in Portugal brings people together! Be sure to visit Fabrica Coffee Roasters for an incredible cup that will spark your senses. After enjoying a tasty cup of coffee, go to Praca do Comercio. Praca do Comercio is a beautiful plaza to add to your Lisbon bucket list. 

Stop 2: Visit the National Tile Museum, Ajuda National Palace, or Lisbon Cathedral-

Option 1: National Tile Museum

Portugal is known for its ceramic tiles or colorful Azulejos and Pombaline architecture. The architecture became prominent in the downtown area when the country was designed and rebuilt in Lisbon following the earthquake in 1755. Speaking of the incredible ceramic tiles, you must go to the National Tile Museum while you are in Lisbon! Other museums to see are the Navy Museum and the National Coach Museum.

Option 2: Ajuda National Palace

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.

Option 3: Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has a Romanesque style.

Stop 3: Lisbon Winery or Sunset Boat Cruise-

Option 1: Lisbon Winery

close up photography of wine glasses
Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

 The best place to try tapas and taste different types of wine is at the Lisbon Winery! 

Option 2: Sail at Sunset

silhouette photo of watercraft
Photo by Mo Eid on Pexels.com

Finish your evening to see Lisbon’s monuments from the water during a 2-hour boat cruise!

Day 2: Sintra Day Trip-

Learn about Sintra’s architecture and history with a professional tour guide. The tour guide will take a small group to see TWO palaces at Pena National Park, a sea arch, and a seaside town. The Sintra day trip from Lisbon will be the time of your life!

  • Palaces in Pena National Park Palaces: Palacio and Quinta da Regaleira
  • Sea Arch in Marina in Cascais: Boca do Inferno
  • Seaside Town: Praia das Azenhas do Mar

Day 3: Lisbon Walking Tour-

Sometimes it is better to learn about a new place by a guided tour! Take a guided walking tour of central Lisbon to see the main attractions. You will stroll through the Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado and discover the revolutionary history of Lisbon in Restauradores Square.

You will ride Tram 28 throughout the day. Tram 28 is one of the best ways to get around Lisbon. It is a historic form of transportation that can take you to these popular neighborhoods!

Day 4: Lisbon to Lagos + Beach Day-

bird s eye view photography of cove
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Buy Train Tickets from Lisbon to Lagos!

Find a Hotel in Lagos for Nights 4 and 5:

Lagos is the most visited city in Algarve. Spend your first day in Lagos at the beach. The beaches come in all shapes, sizes, and colors because some are crystal-clear blue colors while others are emerald green. Some beaches are calm, and others have greater intensity. You will fall in love with the beaches of Portugal. The best beach to see is Ponte de Piedade in Lagos. Other great beaches are Praia Do Camilo and the Caves of Benagil Beach. 

Day 5: Boat Day

Option 1: Caves of Benagil Boat Day

Caves of Benagil

There are so many geological formations along the beaches in Lagos and what better way to see the rock formations than go on a boat tour to get to the caves of Benagil? These caves are INSANELY beautiful! 

Option 2: Caves of Ponta da Piedade Boat Day

Ponta da Piedade is the BEST BEST BEACH in all of Lagos. It is rated #1 on TripAdvisor!! You can take a boat trip to get to this beach!!!

Day 6: Lagos to Lisbon

Buy Train Tickets from Lagos to Lisbon!

Find a Hotel Near the Lisbon Airport for Nights 6:

Go out to dinner in Lisbon!

Day 7: Fly Home

silhouette of airplanes
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Unpack and fly home!

We shared how to spend a week in Portugal! Have you ever been to Portugal? Please comment about your experience.

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22 Things to Do in Portugal

22 Things to Do in Portugal

bird s eye view photography of cove
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Portugal is a charming country and has beautiful landscapes. Portugal is known for its historic castles, stunning beaches, and energetic cities. You have to try the delicious seafood cuisine and wine while you are there. Below are 22 things to do in Portugal.

Tips for Visiting:

  • Money to Use: Euro
  • Local Language: Portuguese
  • Best Food to Try: Seafood
  • Popular Drinks: Porto Wine, Ginja, and Licor Beirão
  • Transportation: Boat, Train, Tram 28, or Bus

Lisbon:

#1: Witness the Beautiful Architecture-

If you look at pictures of narrow streets and architecture in Lisbon, the photos will make you want to go. Portugal is known for its ceramic tiles or colorful Azulejos and Pombaline architecture. The architecture became prominent in the downtown area when the country was designed and rebuilt in Lisbon following the earthquake in 1755. 

#2: Museums-

National Tile Museum

Speaking of the incredible ceramic tiles, you must go to the National Tile Museum while you are in Lisbon! Other museums to see are the Navy Museum and the National Coach Museum.

#3: Wine Tasting and Tapas-

close up photography of wine glasses
Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

The best place to try tapas and taste different types of wine is at the Lisbon Winery!

#4: Lisbon Cathedral-

Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has a Romanesque style.

#5: Fabrica Coffee Roasters-

close up of a cup of coffee
Photo by Arda Kaykısız on Pexels.com

The coffee culture in Portugal brings people together! Be sure to visit Fabrica Coffee Roasters for an incredible cup that will spark your senses. 

#6: Explore the Plazas-

Praca do Comercio

Praca do Comercio is a beautiful plaza to add to your Lisbon bucket list. 

#7: Ajuda National Palace-

Ajuda National Palace Museum

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.

#8: Tram 28-

Tram 28

Tram 28 is one of the best ways to get around Lisbon. It is a historic form of transportation that can take you to popular neighborhoods, including Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado.

#9: Guided Walking Tour-

Alfama

Take a guided walking tour of central Lisbon to see the main attractions. You will stroll through the Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado and discover the revolutionary history of Lisbon in Restauradores Square.

#10: Boca Linda Restaurant-

margarita glass on table
Photo by Sabel Blanco on Pexels.com

If you love Mexican food, go to Boca Linda in Lisbon! They have delicious margaritas. 

#11: Sunset Boat Cruise-

See Lisbon’s monuments from the water during a 2-hour boat cruise including wine!

Day Trips from Lisbon:

#12. Day Trip to Sintra to See the Sintra National Palace-

Pena Palace

Learn about Sintra’s architecture and history with a professional tour guide. The tour guide will take a small group to see TWO palaces at Pena National Park, a sea arch, and a seaside town. The Sintra day trip from Lisbon will be the time of your life!

  • Palaces in Pena National Park Palaces: Palacio and Quinta da Regaleira
  • Sea Arch in Marina in Cascais: Boca do Inferno
  • Seaside Town: Praia das Azenhas do Mar

#13: Day Trip from Lisbon to the Caves of Mira de Aire-

Caves of Mira de Aire

Take a break from the narrow streets of Lisbon and discover the Caves of Mira de Aire on a private tour. The rock formations will leave you speechless. The tour also stops at a few other incredible places, including the Salinas de Rio Maior, Pegadas de Dinossauros, Algar do Pena cave, Polje de Minde, and MORE!! View the full itinerary! 

Lagos

#14: Lagos, Algarve Beaches-

bird s eye view photography of cove
Photo by julie aagaard on Pexels.com

Lagos is the most visited city in Algarve. The best beach to see is Ponte de Piedade in Lagos. Other great beaches are Praia Do Camilo and Caves of Benagil Beach. We list tours below that will take you to these places. 

#15: Boat Trip to Ponte de Piedade-

Ponte de Piedade

This beach is the BEST BEST BEACH in all of Lagos. It is rated #1 on TripAdvisor!! You can take a boat trip to get to this beach!!!

#16: Geological formations tour to the Caves of Benagil in Lagos-

There are so many geological formations along the beaches in Lagos and what better way to see the rock formations than go on a boat tour? These caves are INSANELY beautiful! –

#17: Boat Day in Lagos to Praia do Camilo-

This INCREDIBLE cruise includes lunch, snorkeling gear, and stops at BEAUTIFUL beaches that you can only get to by boat. Beaches that this tour stops at include:

  •  Praia da Luz
  • Praia do Camilo
  •  Praia do Canavia

Sao Miguel, Azores

#18: Hot Springs in Sao Miguel-

Hot Springs Poca da Dona Beija

Poça da Dona Beija is THE BEST hot springs in Portugal, located in São Miguel, the largest Azore island.

#19: Waterfall called Cascata da Ribeira Quente-

The Ribeira Quente Waterfall

Sao Miguel, Azores is also home to Cascata da Ribeira Quente, which is an AMAZING waterfall you can hike to. 

Porto: 

#20: Explore the Main Sites in Porto-

Porto is a beautiful city in Portugal along the water with cobblestone streets. You have to try Porto Wine if you find yourself in Porto. The historic center of the Old Town is charming. 

The best things to do in Porto:

  • Old Town Historic Center
  • Porto Cathedral
  • Dom Luis I Bridge
  • Panoramic Views from Clerigos Tower
  • Bolsa Palace

#21: Jardin do Morro Garden in Nova de Gaia, Porto-

You have to visit Jardin do Morro by taking a cable car. The cable car will lead to a green space with beaches and palm trees at the summit. This place is in Vila Nova de Gaia in Porto. 

Day Trip from Porto:

#22: Cascata da Cabreia Waterfall-

Another great waterfall in Portugal is the Cascata da Cabreia, located in Silva Escura, near Porto. 

We shared the 22 things to do in Portugal. Have you ever been to Portugal? Please comment below about your experience! 

Top of this Post: 22 Things to Do in Portugal

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