Lisbon is a must-visit for its stunning architecture, breathtaking viewpoints, delicious food, lively atmosphere, and deep-rooted history.
Discover the things you absolutely must visit and do in the city of Lisbon. This blog covers the best highlights in Lisbon and provides valuable tips to make your trip unforgettable.
By the end of this post you will know the top 10 things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.
Top 10 things to do in Lisbon
Has Lisbon been on your bucket list for a while? It’s time to check it off and book your trip!
The rich cultural life, delicious food, charming streets, and warm, welcoming people—all topped off with a wonderful climate—make Lisbon truly enchanting. This is the true Portugal aesthetic! With its unique blend of history, vibrant energy, and stunning views, it’s no wonder this city has become one of our favorite city trip destinations.
Use this travel guide with top Lisbon activities and sights to help plan your next trip, because believe us, you will want to go.
Top 10 things to do in Lisbon
1. Start your day at Praça do Comércio
We always took the metro to Terreiro do Paço station by the Tagus River, and it was the perfect spot to start the day with the morning sun. Praça do Comércio is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, right on the river. Before airplanes, this was Lisbon’s main spot for ships to arrive, where kings and important guests would come to visit Portugal.
2. Visit Sé de Lisboa
The Lisbon Cathedral, dating back to 1147, is one of the city’s must-see attractions. It’s also the spot where you can catch the famous ‘28 tram.’ To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting before 10 AM, right when it opens.
3. Have a romantic moment at Miradouro de Santa Luzia
If you take a right next to the Lisbon Cathedral and follow the road, you’ll arrive at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This spot has a truly romantic vibe, offering stunning views of the city. The area is adorned with flowers, beautiful blue tiles, and when we visited, there was even a live singer adding to the charm.
4. Take the views in from Miradouro da Graça
Another fantastic viewpoint to visit is Miradouro da Graça, located near the Church of Our Lady of Grace. You can relax under the shade of the trees and enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the views.
5. Wander at Rua Nova do Carvalho (Pink street of Lisbon)
Rua Nova do Carvalho, officially known as Lisbon’s Pink Street, is located in the trendy Cais do Sodré neighborhood, which was once Lisbon’s Red-Light District. In fact, this area was known for its taverns and nightlife, drawing sailors and locals alike in the past. So, how did it go from red to pink? The street was painted in 2011 and completed by 2013 as part of a neighborhood revitalization project. Today, it’s a lively hotspot with vibrant bars, restaurants, and a thriving nightlife scene, offering a mix of history and modern energy.
6. Shop in Feira da Ladra
Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s famous flea market, is held every Tuesday and Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM in the charming Alfama district. Originally established in 1272, its name—“Market of Thieves”—reflects its history, as it was once a place where stolen goods were rumored to be sold. Today, the market is a vibrant spot offering a mix of antiques, second-hand items, crafts, and quirky finds. Arriving early is recommended for the best selection, and be sure to bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Lisbon’s eclectic side.
7. Spend your evening in the Belem area
This is probably personally one of my favorite areas in Lisbon. Belém is a must-visit for anyone in Lisbon, with plenty to see and do. Start by checking out the Jerónimos Monastery, a stunning example of Portuguese architecture that’s definitely worth a visit. For a killer sunset, head to Belém Tower. It can get pretty crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, but the view at sunset makes it all worth it.
As you walk along the river, you’ll come across the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument honoring Portugal’s famous explorers from the 15th and 16th centuries. Finish up your trip by exploring the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology). The museum’s rooftop is open to the public and offers amazing views of the river and the Belém waterfront, making for a perfect end to your day.
8. Sunset moment: Looking out at Ponte 25 de Abril
Another great spot to catch the sunset in Lisbon is by the ocean, just across from Praça do Comércio. From here, you get an awesome view of the “Ponte 25 de Abril.” It’s a bit smaller than the Golden Gate Bridge, but still super impressive, and the sunset makes it look even more amazing.
9. Day-trip in Sintra
A trip to Sintra from Lisbon is a must-do. You can take the train from Rossio Station, which takes about 40 minutes and costs €4.50. Once you arrive, Sintra feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with its castles, palaces, and beautiful gardens. The town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
To reach the main attractions, hop on the 434 bus, which takes you to sites like Palácio da Pena and Castelo dos Mouros. A single ticket costs €4.55, or you can get a 24-hour unlimited ride pass for €7.60. The buses run frequently, but they tend to get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early.
If you want a quicker way to explore, you can also take a taxi or tuk-tuk, though they’re a bit more expensive. Sintra’s stunning sights are definitely worth the trip!
Palácio da Pena is Sintra’s most iconic landmark, built in 1840 and recognized as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. This vibrant castle stands proudly above the town, visible from across Sintra. While its exterior is stunning, don’t miss the chance to explore the interior, which reflects the royal family’s personal touch from their summer stays.
Insider tip
Also make sure to visit the park next to Palácio de Pena, which is included with your ticket. This lush and mystical park is home to more than 2000 species of exotic plants from all over the world.
In addition to Palácio da Pena, Sintra is home to many other incredible sights, including Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta da Regaleira, Convento dos Capuchos, Parque e Palácio de Monserrate, Palácio de Sintra, and Palácio de Queluz. We didn’t have time to visit them all, but that just gives us another reason to return!
10. Eat a pastel de nata
Have you really been to Lisbon without trying a pastel de nata? This iconic Portuguese custard tart is a must-try, and you’ll find it in bakeries all over the city. Fun fact: The famous Pastéis de Belém, which has been serving these treats since 1837, is said to use a secret recipe that’s only known to a few people! You can’t visit Lisbon and skip this delicious pastry—it’s a true taste of the city.
Now that you know what to do in Lisbon- here are some helpful travel tips to make your trip even smoother.
How long to stay
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, we definitely recommend giving yourself 4 to 5 days to explore. We tried to squeeze everything into 3 days, and honestly, it felt pretty rushed. Having a little extra time will make your trip way more relaxed and enjoyable—trust us on this one!
How to get around
Lisbon’s metro system is super easy to use, and we highly recommend it! There are four lines, each with its own color. A one-way ticket costs €1.80 per person, and a 24-hour pass is €6.80, allowing unlimited travel on the metro and Carris network.
Good to know: the metro connects directly to the airport via the red line, making it a super convenient and affordable way to get into the city.
Where to Stay in Lisbon: Our Experience at Chalet d’Avila
Finding the right place to stay in Lisbon is key, and for that, we always turn to Booking.com. That’s how we discovered Chalet d’Avila, an affordable and cozy option that offers private rooms with shared bathrooms.
At first, we weren’t sure about the shared bathroom setup, but it turned out to be no issue at all—there are multiple bathrooms, they’re always spotless, and we never had to wait. Our room was fantastic, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, making our stay even better.
Another big plus? The location! There are amazing restaurants just around the corner, and a metro station right across the street, making it super easy to explore the city. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and comfortable stay in Lisbon, we can definitely recommend it!
Where to eat
Breakfast/ brunch/ lunch
You know that feeling when you find a place so good that nothing else compares? That’s exactly how we felt about Nicolau Lisboa. Their menu has something for everyone, from healthy vegan dishes to indulgent treats for those with a sweet tooth. If you go, we highly recommend trying the pancakes and granola—they’re absolutely delicious!
To snack
Besides Pastéis de Nata, two other great snacks to try are Suspiro and Rocha. Both were tasty, but we have to say—we liked the Rocha a bit more!
Dinner
We had dinner at Oficina do Duque, about a 10-15 minute walk from the heart of Lisbon. Tucked away in the charming, hilly streets of the city, the location itself is a gem. There was quite a line when we arrived, but trust us—the food was absolutely worth the wait!
This post was all about the top 10 things to do in Lisbon.
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