Did you know there are locals who have never set foot inside São Jorge Castle? Or who have never ridden a tram, which, even if it’s not the best thing in the world, come on, it’s kind of fun!
If the whole world —the tourists who visit our cities every day—is knocking on our door, there must be a reason… or many.
It doesn’t matter if some places are often packed with them; the city belongs to everyone and deserves to be enjoyed to the fullest. So, here’s a basic rundown of what you should do in Lisbon. I’m sure some of these options have slipped your mind.
These are our 47 things to do in Lisbon that you really shouldn’t miss… if you want to truly get to know the city.
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 spot is one of the oldest in the capital… and it doesn’t just serve this summer delicacy!
Millions of people around the world have already seen one of these spectacular candlelight concerts.
And you have no excuse, because there are several in Lisbon as well.
Lisbon has some of the best gelaterias in the world!
You probably already have our list of the best ice creams in the city and, of course, our readers’ suggestions as well , but having an ice cream at A Veneziana has a special charm.
We’ve written so much about our beloved Tagus River (and we’re not the only ones who do).
The truth is, there are still too few words and adjectives to describe just how much we love it. And there are many ways to enjoy it.
Is there anything more fascinating than watching a beautiful sunset from one of Lisbon’s wonderful viewpoints?
We’re sure there isn’t!
They’re a real climb, but they’re beautiful and have unique stories that, if you don’t know them, you should!
If there are neighborhoods with history, Mouraria is one of them… and there’s so much to discover there.
It’s one of our proudest attractions, and on top of that, it’s connected to the sea!
It is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and has been visited by over 28 million people from all over the world.
It’s visited more by foreigners than by Portuguese people, but that could change quickly with your visit.
Are you up for the challenge?
If there are places in Lisbon that are “strange” yet incredible at the same time, the Chinese Pavilion is one of them.
And you have to see itup close to understand what I mean!
Is there a Lisboner who doesn’t like cod? Because these places serve the best!
There’s no point in arguing: this is one of the best views of Lisbon, and it’s located at the fascinating São Jorge Castle.
Whether by car, motorcycle, or even train, the feeling of crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge is always incredible.
If everyone does it—because it really is unique and very photogenic—why shouldn’t you, too, take some photos of the Belém Tower for yourself?
It’s our newest… and also our most modern and high-tech.
It’s called the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology and is located right there in Belém, overlooking the Tagus.
If you get into one of these discussions—which are always healthy and absolutely delightful—follow our guide to the city’s pastéis de nata and leave all your friends speechless.
If you’re looking for a good bargain, you have to go to the Feira da Ladra, because you won’t leave empty-handed.
Lisbon’s gardens and green parks are absolutely fabulous, but then there are some that make us fall completely in love with the surrounding nature.
The Botanical Garden is one of those cases of love at first sight.
The USAxe Club in Lisbon has transformed an ancient art into a spectacular contemporary experience, the best way to relieve stress.
That’s exactly why it’s one of our favorite places to go with friends or, in this case, to bring the whole work team together for a team-building session where everyone can have fun and, afterward, grab dinner or have a drink.
The croissants at Benard Bakery are to die for, no doubt about it.
We love the chocolate-filled ones, just as we really like the versions from the competition.
Eduardo VII Park has many attractions and is a green space in the city with plenty to explore, starting with its Estufa Fria.
Since not everyone may like yellow (i.e., pastel de nata), why not try other delicacies available in Lisbon?
Avenida da Liberdade, one of the busiest streets in the Portuguese capital, isn’t just for Christmas shopping.
At this time of year , it takes on a new sparkle, a new life.
The Saint Anthony festivities in Lisbon are a must for anyone who truly loves the city… and eating sardines is part of that tradition.
Padaria Portuguesa has revived and made a habit of having breakfast out.
And who are we to say it wasn’t a great idea?
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? But it’s not just at Colombo. The exact same thing happens at other shopping centers in Lisbon!
If you go to the Gulbenkian gardens and don’t do this, it’s because the ducks are sleeping.
Do you still think this title deserves a comment? And there’s no shortage of places in Lisbon to enjoy this pleasure!
Whether at Lux Frágil or any other nightclub in Lisbon.
What matters is that you have fun all night long!
From bar to bar, from restaurant to restaurant… well, there are so many places to go in Cais do Sodré now that it’s best to just follow our guide.
Urban art is everywhere throughout the city of Lisbon, from walls to fences, from installations to sidewalks.
But Marvila is where the artistic street life really comes alive .
Alcântara has always held a special place in the heart of the author of these lines.
It was in this neighborhood and at the docks that I spent much of my nightlife as a student.
Fernando Pessoa spent much of his time sitting at a table in this café, which still stands today, in Terreiro do Paço.
They are a “species” on the verge of extinction, and that saddens us.
That’s why we still hold onto these memories of a very interesting conversation.
If you want to be part of the city’s “history,” you have to take a photo with this poet.
And we’ll tell you where you can find him!
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 more laid-back and unique, the home and garden of fado diva Amália Rodrigues is the place to go.
There are so many reasons to love this part of the city. Let’s start with these 15!
The Jerónimos Monastery is, without a doubt, one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks.
And if you can’t get inside— because there’s always a line at the door (buy your ticket on Fever)—at least take a walk around it to admire its architectural beauty.
Did you know that the Santa Justa Elevator was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel?
The engineer behind the famous tower of the same name in Paris, France, is indeed true, and there are many other interesting facts about this Lisbon elevator.
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 bar is a must, face-to-face with the friendly and experienced staff, always ready to serve you another cold beer and, of course, present the menu full of delicacies, from which we highlight the famous croquette, the “ ” the “Bife à Galeto,” the “Prego com ‘Martelo’” or the warm and always tasty “Canja de Galinha.”
Located in Chiado is the oldest bookstore in the world still in operation, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Bertrand Chiado was founded in 1732 by Pedro Faure, who partnered with Pierre Bertrand in 1742; it is truly considered a treasure to be explored and cherished.
We’re talking, of course, about the immense urban art you can see all over Lisbon, and we’d like to highlight 10 absolutely incredible murals.
In addition to paintings, there are about 15 art pieces in Parque das Nações and alone that deserve a closer look.
Bifanas are one of the Portuguese people’s favorite traditional snacks; from north to south, few can resist this delicacy.
Fortunately, in Lisbon there are many places where you can “devour” these sandwiches, such asAfonso’s Bifanas —one of our favorite spots in the city.
If you enjoy visiting unique and free spots, we recommend stopping by the Bordallo Pinheiro Garden in the Campo Grande area.
There, you’ll find a true open-air art exhibition. What does that mean? Well, this space stands out for combining ceramic art pieces with nature.