No expensive tours, no paid tickets: from free museums to free admission to events, discover the best free things to do in Lisbon

Since the weather in Lisbon is almost always nice, going to an outdoor café is one of our favorite pastimes— a place where you can relax for very little money by ordering just a coffee or a glass of water. Our list of outdoor cafés along the Tagus River is amazing and was created for the summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it while the weather still allows it.

Lisbon’s flat, riverside bike paths let you ride safely with the kids, away from car traffic. The 7.4-kilometer two-way route between Cais do Sodré and Belém runs along the Tagus River the entire way, offering a wide, easy-to-navigate path suitable for both regular and electric bikes. For families with more stamina, the continuous route connecting Parque das Nações to the Belém Tower stretches 16 kilometers along the river. The route features several tree-lined areas and open spaces, perfect for strategic breaks in the fresh air.

So, off the top of our heads , we think of Lx Factory and the newer 8 Marvila, where we’re sure you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained without having to spend a penny… unless you want to take advantage of some of the commercial services available there.

For now, there are 20 official viewpoints you can visit in Lisbon. Which one is the most beautiful and likely to leave you speechless with its breathtaking views of the city?

The Tagus is our “sea,” our inspiration , and one of the places we love spending time the most . And these are our favorite ways to have fun. If you haven’t tried these activities yet—some of which are free—what are you waiting for to enjoy our river?

On the south bank of the Tagus , there’s a place we really like! We’re talking about Cacilhas, which is a very peaceful and pleasant spot . Still on this side of the river, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained in Almada.

In case you don’t know yet, admission to museums, palaces, and monuments managed by the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage is already free on Sundays and holidays. This measure— which we, along with everyone who enjoys culture and similar events , greatly applaud— took effect in 2023, and free admission is guaranteed only to residents of Portugal.

The Sintra Parks already offered free admission on Sundays, but only to local residents. Now, they’re extending free admission to all residents of Portugal.

Clothing from the past, present, and even the future is on display at the Costume Museum, a must-see in one of the world’s most stylish capitals… Lisbon, of course!

Lisbon is the city of azulejos. We have murals, panels, entire facades covered in azulejos, and old ceramic factories right in the city center. You’ve surely passed by many of these panels; there are thousands of examples scattered throughout our city, on practically every corner and street. If you’re looking for free things to do in the city, this is one of our top recommendations— but get ready to walk a lot!

Right in the heart of the city lies a street—the greenest in Lisbon. It’s called Rua Verde and is located in a century-old neighborhood of Lisbon, near Santos, between Conde Barão and São Bento.

The Feira da Ladra, one of Lisbon’s oldest antique markets, is our favorite flea market in the capital. Most of the time when we go there, we don’t even buy anything, but it’s always a unique experience that we love to repeat on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Marvila is getting better and better, with new things happening every day in this part of the capital. Follow our guide to explore one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods.