
Did you know that some locals have never been inside São Jorge Castle? Or that they’ve never been on a streetcar, which, although it’s not the best thing in the world, is fun!
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 their leisure.
So here’s a basic overview of what you should do in Lisbon. I’m sure you’ve missed some of these options.
These are our 45 things to do in Lisbon that you really shouldn’t miss… if you really want to get to know the city.
1 – Ride the streetcar 28 (and 24)
Traveling on streetcar 28 is a walk through the city’s history. Do you accept our invitation to learn more about the city’s most famous streetcar? But streetcar 24 isn’t far behind either!
2 – Eat snails at Júlio dos Caracóis
We know a few places where you can try snails in Lisbon, one of the most traditional and delicious Portuguese snacks – for those who like them, of course – but this place is one of the oldest in the capital… and it doesn’t just sell this summer delicacy!
3 – Eat ice cream at A Veneziana
Lisbon has some of the best ice cream parlors in the world! You probably already have our list of the best ice creams in the city and, of course, the suggestions of our readers, but eating an ice cream at A Veneziana has another charm.
4 – Spending the evening facing the Tagus River
We’ve written so much about our beloved Tagus River (and it’s not just us who do it) that there are still too few words and adjectives to describe how much we love it. And there are many ways to enjoy it.
5 – Watching the sunset from one of our viewpoints
Is there anything more fascinating than watching a beautiful sunset from one of Lisbon’s wonderful viewpoints ? We’re sure there isn’t!
6 – Explore the 7 hills
They’re hard to climb, but they’re beautiful and have unique stories that, 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’s so much to see there.
8 – Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium
It’s one of our prides and it’s connected to the sea! It’s one of the largest tanks in Europe and has been visited by over 28 million people from all over the world.
9 – Going to the Tile Museum
It’s visited more by foreigners than Portuguese, but that could quickly change with your visit. Will you accept the challenge?
10 – Take a trip back in time to the Chinese Pavilion
If there are “strange” yet incredible places in Lisbon, the Chinese Pavilion is one of them, and you have to see it up close to understand this statement!
11 – Taking that foreign friend to taste codfish
Is there any Lisboner who doesn’t like codfish? Because these places serve the best!
12 – Entering São Jorge Castle
There’s no point in arguing: this is one of the best views of Lisbon, and it’s in the curious Castelo de São Jorge.
13 – Crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge
Whether by car, motorcycle or even train, crossing the 25 de Abril 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, keep some photos of the Tower of Belém for yourself?
15 – Visiting MAAT
It’s our newest… and also our most modern and technological. It’s called the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, and it’s right there in Belém, kissing the Tagus.
16 – Take a trip to Cacilhas
Did you know that from Cacilhas you have one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon? If not, get going now, it ‘s near Almada.
17 – Going to a Candlelight concert
Millions of people around the world have seen one of these spectacular candlelight concerts. And you have no excuse, because there are several in Lisbon too.
18 – Helping a tourist understand how CP, Metro and Carris tickets work
Do them that favor! It’s not just you who has the right to appreciate the beauty and architecture of some of our metro and train stations .
19 – Arguing about whether the best pastel de nata is the one in Belém, the one in Manteigaria or none of these
If you get into one of these discussions, which are always healthy and very delicious, follow our guide to pastéis de nata 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, you have to go to the Feira da Ladra, because you won’t leave empty-handed.
21 – Spend a Sunday in the Botanical Gardens
Lisbon’s gardens and green parks are fabulous, but then there are some that make you fall completely in love with the surrounding nature. The Botanical Garden is one of those cases of blind love.
22 – Throwing the axe
The USAxe Club of Lisbon has transformed an ancient art into a spectacular contemporary experience, the best 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 team together for a team building session where everyone can have fun and, at the end, have dinner or a drink.
23 – Eating a Benard croissant
The croissants from the Benard bakery are to die for, there’s no doubt about it. We love the ones filled with chocolate, just as we love their competitors’ versions.
24 – Visit the Cold Greenhouse in Parque Eduardo VII
Parque Eduardo VII has many attractions and is a green area of the city with lots to explore, starting with its Estufa Fria.
25 – Eating a Pão de Deus with a coffee
Since not everyone can like yellow (i.e. pastel de nata), why not try some of the other delicacies on sale in Lisbon?
26 – Seeing Avenida da Liberdade at Christmas
Avenida da Liberdade, one of the busiest avenues in the Portuguese capital, isn’t just for Christmas shopping, but at this time of year it takes on a different shine, a different life.
27 – Eating sardines in the month of St. Anthony
The Santo António 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
Padaria Portuguesa has brought back the habit of eating breakfast away from home. And who are we to say it wasn’t a great idea?
29 – Buying what you need in Colombo on a Saturday afternoon and then regretting having gone there
Who hasn’t, right? But it’s not just in Colombo. The same thing happens in other shopping centers in Lisbon!
30 – Hiding your food from the ducks at Gulbenkian
If you go to the Gulbenkian gardens and don’t do this, it’s because the ducks are asleep 😴
31 – Spend a whole day on a terrace
Do you still think this title deserves a comment? And there’s no shortage of places in Lisbon to enjoy this pleasure!
32 – Spending a whole night at LUX
Whether at Lux Frágil or any other nightclub in Lisbon. What matters is that you have fun all night long!
33 – Hopping from bar to bar in Cais do Sodré
From bar to bar, restaurant to restaurant… there are so many places to go in Cais do Sodré that it’s best to follow our guide.
34 – Living Street Art in Marvila
Street art is everywhere in Lisbon, from walls to walls, from installations to sidewalks. But Marvila is where you can breathe street art the most.
35 – Staring into the air at the Docas de Santo Amaro, in Alcântara
Alcântara has always had a special place in the heart of the writer of these lines. It was in this neighborhood and on the docks that 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, still surviving, café in Terreiro do Paço.
37 – Striking up a conversation with a bookseller
They are an endangered “species” and that saddens us. That’s why we still have these memories of 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’ll tell you where you can 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 fado, 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, the house and garden of fado diva Amália Rodrigues is the place to go.
40 – Stroll around Chiado
There are so many reasons to love this part of town. Let’s start with these 15!
41 – Going to the Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is undoubtedly one of Lisbon’s greatest ex-libris, and if you can’t get in because there’s always a queue at the door (buy your ticket at Fever), at least take a walk around it to admire its architectural beauty.
42 – Going up the Elevador de Santa Justa
Did you know that the Santa Justa Elevator was designed by a pupil of Gustave Eiffel, the engineer of the famous tower of the same name in Paris, France? It’s true, and there are many other curiosities about this Lisbon elevator.
43 – Dinner at Galeto after a Benfica or Sporting match
Any day is a great day to have lunch or dinner at Galeto, but on days when there’s soccer in town, Benfica or Sporting, the atmosphere is different, more fun and relaxed, especially if your team has won.
Inside, sitting at the balloon is imperative, face to face with the friendly and experienced waiters, always ready to hand you another cold beer and, of course, present the menu full of delicacies, including the famous croquette, the Galeto steak, the Prego com “Martelo” or the warm and always tasty Canja de Galinha.
44 – Enter the oldest bookshop in the world
Chiado is home to the oldest bookstore in the world still in operation, a word in the Guinness Book of Records.
Bertrand Chiado was founded in 1732 by Pedro Faure , who joined forces with Pierre Bertrand in 1742, and is considered a real treasure to be browsed and treasured.
45 – Visit this “open-air” museum
We’re talking, of course, about the immense urban art you can visit all over Lisbon, including 10 absolutely incredible murals . If you need a guide, we suggest two options:
- Urban art tour in Lisbon: A three-hour guided tour of Lisbon’s most beautiful street art;
- Street Art Tour: a tour that ends at a mural by national superstar Vhills.
As well as paintings, there are around 15 pieces of art in Parque das Nações alone that deserve a closer look.