Did you know that some locals have never been to São Jorge Castle? Or that they’ve never been on a streetcar, which, even if it’s not the best thing in the world, it’s still fun! These are our 40 things to do in Lisbon that you really shouldn’t miss. .. if you really want to get to know the city.
If the whole world – the tourists who visit our cities every day – is knocking on our door, there’s a reason… or many.
It doesn’t matter if some things are often full of tourists, the city belongs to everyone and deserves to be experienced at your leisure.
So here’s a basic overview of what you should do in Lisbon. I’m sure you’ve missed some of these options.
1 – Riding on streetcar 28 (and 24)
Traveling in the electric 28 is to take a walk through the city’s history. Do you accept our invitation to learn more about the city’s most famous streetcar? But look at electrical 24 is not far behind in beauty either!
2 – Eating snails at Júlio dos Caracóis
We met a few places where you can try snails in Lisbon, one of the most traditional and delicious Portuguese snacks – for those who like it, of course – but this house is one of the oldest in the capital… and it doesn’t just sell this summer delicacy!
3 – Eating ice cream at A Veneziana
Lisbon has some of the best ice cream parlors in the world! You may already have our list with the best ice creams in town and, of course, too suggestions from our readers, but eating an ice cream at A Veneziana has another charm.
4 – Spending the evening facing the Tagus River
We’ve already written so much about our beloved Tagus River (and it’s not just us who do it) that there are still so few words and adjectives to describe how much we love him. And there are many ways to make use of it.
5 – Watch the sunset from one of our viewpoints
Is there anything more fascinating than seeing a beautiful sunset from one of the wonderful lisbon’s viewpoints? We’re sure you won’t!
6 – Exploring the 7 hills
They’re hard to climb, but they’re beautiful and they have unique stories which, if you don’t know, you should!
7 – Getting lost in Mouraria
If there are neighborhoods that have history, Mouraria is one of them… and there are so much to see there.
8 – Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium
It’s one of our prides, and what’s more, it’s linked to the sea! It is one of the largest tanks in Europe and has been visited by more than 28 million people from all over the world.
9 – Going to the Tile Museum
Most visited by foreigners than by Portuguese, but that could change quickly with your visit. Will you accept the challenge?
10 – Take a trip back in time at the Chinese Pavilion
If there are “strange” but at the same time incredible places in Lisbon, the Chinese Pavilion is one of those places, and you have to see it up close to understand this statement!
11 – Taking that foreign friend to taste codfish
Is there a Lisboner who doesn’t like cod? You see in these houses, the best are served!
12 – Entering St. George’s Castle
There’s no point in arguing: this is one of the best views over Lisbon, and it’s in the curious St. George’s Castle.
13 – Crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge
By car, motorcycle or even train the sensation of crossing the april 25 bridge is always incredible.
14 – Photographing in front of the Belém Tower
If everyone does it, because it really is unique and very photogenic, why shouldn’t you, too, save some photos of the Tower of Belém for you?
15 – Visit MAAT
It’s our newest… and also our most modern and technological. It’s called Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, and stays there in Belém, kissing the Tagus.
16 – Take a trip to Cacilhas
Did you know that of Cacilhas do you have one of the most beautiful panoramic views over Lisbon? If not, get going now, stay close to Almada.
17 – Going to a Candlelight concert
Millions of people around the world have seen one of these spectacular candlelit concerts. And you have no excuse, because there are also several in Lisbon.
18 – Helping a tourist understand how CP, Metro and Carris tickets work
Do them a favor! It’s not just you who has the right to appreciate the beauty and architecture of some of our metro stations and train.
19 – Discuss whether the best pastel de nata is the one from Belém, the one from Manteigaria or none of these
If you get into one of these discussions, which are always healthy and very delicious, follow our guide to custard tarts in the city and leave all your friends without arguments.
20 – Going to the flea market to haggle
If you’re looking for a good bargain, at Feira da Ladra you have to go, because you won’t leave empty-handed.
21 – Spending a Sunday in the Botanical Garden
The gardens e green parks lisbon are fabulous, but then there are some that make you fall completely in love with the surrounding nature. O Botanical Garden is one of those cases of blind love.
22 – Throwing the axe
O USAxe Club of Lisbon has transformed an ancient art into a spectacular contemporary experience, at thebest way to relieve stress.
That’s why it’s one of our favorite places to go with friends or, in this case, to get the whole work team together for a team building where everyone can have fun and, at the end, dinner or a drink.
23 – Eating a Benard’s croissant
The benard pastry croissants they are to die for, there’s no doubt about it. We love the ones filled with chocolate, and is also very fond of the chocolate ones versions of the competition.
24 – Visit the Cold Greenhouse in Parque Eduardo VII
O Edward VII Park has many attractions and is a green area of the city with lots to explore, starting with its Cold Greenhouse.
25 – Eating a loaf of God’s bread with your coffee
Since not everyone can like yellow (read pastel de nata), why not try it? other delicacies for sale in Lisbon?
26 – Seeing Avenida da Liberdade at Christmas
Avenida da Liberdade, one of the busiest in the Portuguese capital, not just for Christmas shopping, but at this time of year takes on a new shine, another life.
27 – Eating sardines in the month of St. Anthony
The st. Anthony’s festivities in Lisbon are a must for anyone who really loves the city… and eating sardines is part of that tradition.
28 – Order a breakfast menu from Padaria Portuguesa, whether you like it or not
The Portuguese bakery has brought back, and made the habit of taking the breakfast away from home. And who are we to say it wasn’t an excellent idea?
29 – Buying what you need in Colombo on a Saturday afternoon, only to regret it later
Who hasn’t, right? But it’s not just in Colombo. Other shopping centers in Lisbon it’s exactly the same!
30 – Hiding your food from the ducks at Gulbenkian
Anyone who goes to the Gulbenkian and doesn’t do this, because the ducks are sleeping 😴
31 – Spending a whole day on a terrace
Do you still think this title deserves comment? And there’s no shortage places in Lisbon to enjoy this pleasure!
32 – Spend a whole night at LUX
Whether at Lux Frágil or elsewhere nightclub in Lisbon. What matters is that you have fun all night long!
33 – Jumping from bar to bar in Cais do Sodré
From bar to bar, restaurant to restaurant… in short, there are so many places to go in Cais do Sodré that it’s best to just keep going our guide.
34 – Living Street Art in Marvila
Urban art there’s no shortage of them all over Lisbon, from the walls to the premises to the sidewalks. But Marvila is where you breathe the most street art.
35 – Hang out at the Santo Amaro Docks in Alcântara
Alcântara has always had a special place in the heart of the writer of these lines. It was in this neighborhood and the docks where I spent most of my nightlife as a student.
36 – Having a coffee at Martinho da Arcada, which was frequented by Fernando Pessoa
Fernando Pessoa spent much of his time sitting at a table in this one, still surviving, coffee in Terreiro do Paço.
37 – Talking to a bookseller
They are an endangered “species” and that saddens us. That’s why we still keep these memories, a very interesting conversation.
38 – Taking a photo with that statue of Fernando Pessoa
If you want to become part of the city’s “history”, you have to take a photo with this poet. And we tell you where can you find it!
39 – Experience a night of fado à desgarrada, or an afternoon of fado in Jardim da Amália
Lisbon is also a city of fados, and you have no idea what a show like this is like in one of these fado houses. It’s absolutely incredible! If you prefer something quieter and more original, house and garden of the Fado diva, Amália Rodrigues, is the place to go.
40 – Strolling in Chiado
There are so many reasons to love this part of the city. Let’s start with these 15!