For me, Lisbon is an uncovered gem in the South of Europe. I always see people going to Spain, like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, but not enough to Lisbon, Portugal (Barcelona had about 16 million tourists in 2023 and Lisbon only around 7 million). There are many things to do in Lisbon and figuring out the top things to do in Lisbon might be hard if you are planning a visit. Lisbon is a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.
In your trip plan for Lisbon, are you looking for more than typical sightseeing or wanting to dive into local customs? Since Lisbon is not as tourist-crowded as Barcelona or Paris, it is fairly easy to dive into the local culture and food, even downtown.
These local top things to do in Lisbon will make your visit more special, not just a few pictures taken for Instagram. It will also give you invaluable Lisbon travel tips to make the trip unforgettable. Whatever your travel style, Lisbon’s rich history and vibrant culture promise an unforgettable visit. 
Discovering Lisbon’s Charm: An Introduction
Portugal’s charming and beautiful capital, Lisbon, sits on hills by the Tagus River. It’s a city where history and modern life mix perfectly. There are colorful buildings, winding streets, tasty foods, and stunning views everywhere.
Lisbon has an interesting history dating back to the early Ages. Belém Tower and the Oceanário de Lisboa, a big aquarium, give a good insight into that history. These are definitely the top things to do in Lisbon. Lisbon also has amazing cuisine, especially the seafood and the pastries. It’s just top notch. When you land in Lisbon, your first trip should be to a bakery to get a Pastel de Nata.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
There’s no question that whenever you go to Lisbon, you will have good weather, that’s given. Although, choosing between traveling in peak summer times, full of tourists and high prices, and traveling when there is no one in rather colder weather can be a hard choice. I think late spring, from May to June, is best. The weather is nice, and there aren’t too many tourists yet. This is a great time to enjoy Lisbon’s famous lookout points and take pictures on your own. You can walk through historic areas, eat outside, and go on day trips from Lisbon to places like Cascais and Estoril.
Lisbon’s Historic Neighborhoods
One thing about Lisbon’s rich history is that it mixes with the daily life. When you are walking in certain regions and neighborhoods, you are walking in historic areas that used to host those cultural things that you normally need to spend money to see. Each street and district has its own charm. Alafama, for example, is probably the most famous district.
Alafama District
Alfama is Europe’s oldest neighborhood, and it’s literally in the middle of Lisbon’s downtown. It’s around 5-10 minutes of walking from the center of the city. Although it’s quite hilly, so walking there, especially in the summer heat, can be too much. Be careful of that. Once you are in, though, the narrow streets and traditional buildings are extremely picturesque. This place feels like walking in Lisbon’s past.
Alafama is known for its local markets, hidden spots, and the beautiful sounds of Fado music. One reason why Alafama is as intact as it is now is because the district was left untouched by the great earthquake of 1755. Because it’s also hilly and there aren’t as many tall buildings, it’s got amazing panoramic views.
Mouraria District
Mouraria, similar to Alafama, also has a great mix of cultures. It’s a vibrant part of Lisbon, especially in the summer evening. One thing about this district is that it’s less touristy and it can still blend traditional Portuguese culture very well with some global influence.
This district is famous for its street art, diverse food, and friendly locals. It’s also one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, and due to its history, Mouraria reflects Lisbon’s Moorish heritage. Its architecture and atmosphere show centuries of cultural exchange between Moorish. You can still find the Moorish walls in the Mouraria district.
Iconic Landmarks and Attractions
As I mentioned earlier, Lisbon has a rich history and it is relatively untouched. It’s filled with structures that tell stories of Portugal’s history – Alafama and Mouraria Districts are just the start of those landmarks. During a Lisbon sightseeing trip, one of the top things to do in Lisbon is to see a handful of landmarks.
São Jorge Castle: A Fortress with a View
São Jorge Castle sits on a hill and is a key historical landmark. The fortress is from the 11th century and was built on top of the hill because of its strategic point. Now, it gives us tourists amazing views of Lisbon. I suggest climbing its walls for a special view of the city’s red roofs and streets.
Belém Tower: Symbol of Portugal’s Golden Age
Belém Tower is on the Tagus River’s north bank. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Manueline architecture. The tower has beautiful detailed stonework if you are into architecture. This tower is from Portugal’s sea power days. It’s great for history, architecture lovers, and those who love taking photos. When I was in Lisbon for the first time, I accidentally encountered Belem Tower on my way to the beach. I remember wasting a few hours of my precious beach time.
Santa Justa Lift: Engineering Marvel
The Santa Justa Lift is basically a lift on one of the most crowded streets in Lisbon. It connects lower streets to Carmo Square. It’s weird to see a lift like that, but it’s quite beautiful and is a special Lisbon sightseeing experience you shouldn’t miss. There isn’t much history to this lift, but it’s definitely solid engineering work if you are into it.
Lisbon’s Art and Culture
Lisbon’s history takes a huge chunk when you are looking for things to do in Lisbon, but the city’s art and culture scene is also extremely nice. Lisbon is full of creativity, from top museums to street art. I think it’s mostly due to the country’s culture and the influx of expats worldwide. One of the top spots to visit if you are into this culture is the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. It took over 40 years to build this amazing collection. The museum has pieces from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
If you want a more modern touch, visit the Berardo Collection Museum. It’s full of 20th-century art treasures. The Galeria Belo-Galsterer is another highlight. It has works by international artists since 2012.
Lisbon’s streets are like an open-air gallery. The Urban Mural by André Saraiva is a must-see. It’s the city’s biggest street art piece, made of over 52,000 azulejo tiles. Graça neighborhood is also extremely fun to walk in. It’s known for its beautiful murals and traditional feel.
The cultural festivals in Lisbon, such as Festas de Lisboa, are also quite an important part of the cultural scene. There is a good mix of old and new between street parades and live shows. Plus, they offer delicious local foods that you can’t miss.
One place that I can offer for a short coffee break is Café A Brasileira. This place has been open since 1905, and artists and writers have frequented it. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Lisbon’s culture and take a break from the heat if you are visiting during summer.
Things to Do in Lisbon for Food Lovers
As an intense foodie, food is an important part of every visit for me. Lisbon – and Portugal – is just the perfect scene for foodies. There are as many things to do in Lisbon with food as there are for culture, art, and history.
Sampling Pastel de Nata
Trying pastel de nata is a must in Lisbon. These custard tarts are famous for their flaky crust and creamy inside. I suggest going to Pastel de Belém, where this treat was first made in the 19th century. However, be careful of paying too much for them in touristy areas. It’s around 1€ at the normal price.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market is great for tasting Lisbon’s diverse food. It brings together some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants in one spot. Here, you can try different local foods and feel Lisbon’s lively food culture. It’s like going to a food market in your city, but it’s more famous and has amazing tastes.
Dining in Traditional Tascas
Traditional tascas are a super nice part of the Lisbon’s food heritage. These small eateries serve real Portuguese dishes. You should try bacalhau (salted cod), a key dish with 365 ways to make it. Also, don’t miss the spicy piri piri chicken, marinated for 24 hours before cooking.
Enjoying Fado Music over Dinner
In Lisbon’s historic areas, you’ll find cozy Fado venues. They invite guests into the soft and deep feel of this long-loved music. For a special evening, have dinner with a fado show. Many Lisbon restaurants offer this experience. It’s a great way to enjoy Lisbon’s culture and food together.
Lisbon’s Stunning Viewpoints
In Portuguese, viewpoints mean miradouros, and they use this word for the viewpoints, and this is valid for all of Portugal, not just Lisbon. It’s a good trick to find nice areas in Google/Apple Maps. There are extremely nice viewpoints that you can visit in Lisbon in the city’s seven hills. In these spots, you can overlook the entire city, see the River and iconic spots, or just take in some fresh weather.
The Miradouro da Graça is probably in the top three. It’s got a direct view into the city, including the majestic São Jorge Castle. Amoreiras 360º Panoramic View is also in the top three, and it’s rather easier to reach because it’s on top of a shopping center. It offers a full circle view of Lisbon from 174 meters above sea level.
Another gem is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. This free viewpoint overlooks the charming Alfama district. Here, you can drink something at the terrace bar while taking in the view. On weekends, you might even catch some DJ entertainment.
Lastly, try the Panorâmico de Monsanto. It’s a bit different than the others because it used to be an abandoned building. They turned it into an official viewpoint area. It’s now open to the public for free. It’s a bit off the usual downtown area, but the views are worth the journey.
The Iconic Ride: Discovering Lisbon on Tram 28
The Tram 28 is a cheap and amazing way to move back in time, experience Lisbon from a local perspective, and see important areas. Some cities have this kind of line, like Budapest’s Tram 2 line. Both Lisbon’s Tram 28 and Budapest’s Tram 2 give you a look at the local day-to-day life while giving you the best views of the city’s heart.
Tram 28 goes through Alfama’s narrow streets and continues up to Graça’s great views. It climbs the famous Lisbon hills and goes through all those lively streets that I mentioned about before. This makes the ride more than just getting from A to B—it’s a journey through Lisbon’s touristic places.
Shopping and Souvenir Hunting in Lisbon
It may not strike you as if Lisbon is a shopping city, but it has some good gems if you know where to look. One of the reasons why it could be good is that you find a mix of modern and traditional senses in Lisbon’s shopping scene. I mean, walking through Alfama, it’s impossible to not find something traditional. You can also find some high-end boutiques and unique shops in Avenida da Liberdade.
Feira da Ladra Flea Market
Feira da Ladra is the go-to spot for finding hidden gems. It’s a flea market in Alfama, and if you are looking for a cheap yet quality shopping spree, this is the only place you should go.
Traditional Portuguese Gifts to Bring Home
Finding souvenirs in Lisbon is not a piece of cake like in Paris or Amsterdam, to be honest. It’s a bit tricky, but if you know what to look for, you will find some good options. Cork is generally a good starting point.
For food lovers, canned fish is a local specialty. Their canned fish are beautifully designed and are perfect for gifts. And don’t forget to pick up a bottle of port wine or vinho verde to enjoy back home.
For a piece of Lisbon’s artistic side, azulejo tiles from reputable stores could be a good option. These colorful ceramics are a true representation of Portuguese culture. Whether you are into music or not, a fado CD is one of those things that you must have from Lisbon.
Day Trips from Lisbon
I’ve talked about going on day trips from Lisbon in another article, but while talking about things to do in Lisbon, I can’t miss this. Lisbon is not just one city; it’s a mix of smaller cities surrounding it, like Cascais, Sintra, and Ericeira. Around these areas offer incredible day trips.
I won’t get into too much detail because I’ve already talked too much in detail in this article. However, briefly, Sintra, Cascais, Obidos, Ericeira, and Mafra are the top day trips from Lisbon and must be considered in your top things to do in Lisbon list as, to me, they are part of Lisbon.
These day trips from Lisbon offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. They’re a great way to expand your Portuguese adventure beyond the capital city.
Conclusion
All in all, Lisbon’s every piece is worth spending some time on it. Whether walking on the streets of Lisbon or making a day trip from Lisbon. Either is an acceptable thing in the things to do in Lisbon list. It has historic areas and famous landmarks that mix old charm with modern life. Places like the São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower show Portugal’s deep history.
The city is a paradise for food lovers, too. You can’t miss the famous pastel de nata at Manteigaria. The Time Out Market and traditional tascas offer a wide range of foods that show off Portuguese cuisine. Don’t forget to enjoy Fado music while you eat for a full experience.
Lisbon also has beautiful views, a lively art scene, and unique shops. While a quick visit gives you a taste, I suggest staying longer to see everything. Whether you’re walking through streets with azulejo tiles or enjoying the views, Lisbon has something for everyone.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon is in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). This is when the weather is nice, and there are fewer people around.
What are some of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods?
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, known for its narrow streets and traditional buildings. Mouraria is a multicultural area with a deep history. It offers a true taste of Lisbon’s culture, local markets, Fado music, and hidden spots with great views.
What are some of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks and attractions?
Lisbon is home to many famous landmarks and attractions. These include São Jorge Castle, Belém Tower (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Santa Justa Lift (a Neo-Gothic elevator), Jerónimos Monastery, and Praça do Comércio.
What are some must-try food experiences in Lisbon?
You must try pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém. Also, explore Time Out Market for a variety of local foods. Don’t miss dining in traditional tascas for real Portuguese dishes. Enjoy Fado music while tasting local specialties.
Where can I find stunning viewpoints in Lisbon?
Lisbon has many viewpoints (miradouros) and amazing city views. Check out Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. They’re great for watching sunsets over the city and the Tagus River.
What are some popular day trips from Lisbon?
Day trips from Lisbon include visiting Sintra for its fairytale palaces. You can also explore the beaches of Cascais and tour the historic town of Óbidos.