When I first moved to Lisbon for a short internship in January 2022, I never in a million years thought I’d still be here three years ago.
That’s the kind of way in which Lisbon captures your heart: sweeping views, cobbled streets, and rattling yellow trams come together to the sound of fado music drifting from a nearby doorway to create something truly unique.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is home to just 500,000 people overlooking the Tagus River (or Rio Tejo, as we call it here).
During my time here, I’ve done almost everything there is to do as a tourist in Lisbon. Much of that was crammed into the first three months, because I thought that was all the time I would have here, so I know how to feels to plan your days as a tourist in Lisbon as well as a resident.
I’ve put together this guide of my favourite things to do in Lisbon to, hopefully, make planning your trip to Lisbon a little bit easier. For this list I have stuck to things to do in Lisbon itself, and I haven’t included any day trips like Cascais or Sintra. I have included things to do in Belém, because although it’s a short trip out of the centre it is still technically in Lisbon city!
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13 Things to Do in Lisbon
1. Torre de Belém
The Torre de Belém is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, and for good reason. It looks like a small castle, and as it sits right on the river you often see the waves lapping up against the bottom of it in quite a dramatic way. It also often has the sun setting behind it which makes for really great pictures, and there is often live music being played nearby.
The tower can get quite busy, particularly during peak season, so I’d recommend arriving either first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want to go inside. The queue might look daunting, but it moves fairly quickly. If I’m being totally honest, I don’t think it’s really worth going inside – it’s much more beautiful from the outside!
2. Get Lost in Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, and walking through the narrow and winding cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time. This district survived the devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon, so its medieval character remains largely intact.
The beauty of Alfama lies in getting lost – literally. Forget about Google Maps and just wander through the labyrinthine alleys, where you’ll discover tiny squares, local restaurants and pastelerías, and you’ll still find many locals just going about their day despite the fact that Alfama has become very touristy lately.
3. Ride Tram 28
The famous yellow Tram 28 is more than just public transport; it takes you on a journey through Lisbon’s most historic and picturesque neighbourhoods. The tram rattles and squeaks its way up and down the city’s steepest hills, passing by major landmarks and offering glimpses into local life.
A word of caution: while this is a must-do experience, it’s also very popular with tourists and sometimes it can be annoying for locals who need to use the tram to actually get about the city. So, I always recommend putting it on your itinerary, but get on when you actually need to use it to go somewhere, don’t just get on for the sake of it.
4. Visit Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is another place to visit in Belém, and I always say if you can only visit one thing in Belém, this is the place you should go. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s simply stunning, especially when the lighting is right. The monastery was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, and even houses his tomb.
The line for the Jerónimos Monastery is usually reeeeally long, but it goes down quickly, too.
5. Eat Pastéis de Nata
You can’t visit Lisbon without trying the famous pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). While you’ll find these everywhere in the city, certain bakeries do the best ones – namely pasteis de Belém in Belém, and Manteigaria, a chain you’ll find all over the city. They’re best eaten warm, when the pastry is still crispy and the custard barely set.
(By the way, if you were wondering, pastel is singular, and pastéis is plural)
6. Explore LX Factory
LX Factory shows modern Lisbon at its best. It is former industrial complex that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural centre, filled with restaurants, boutique shops and office spaces for small businesses. I especially like to come here when the Sunday market is on (I think they also do it on a Saturday now, too, but I’m not sure if that was just over the summer or not!).
Don’t miss the bookshop, Ler Devagar (it houses an old printing press, a flying bicycle installation, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves), or the best chocolate cake in the world at Landeau.
7. Watch the Sunset at a Miradouro
Usually ‘watch the sunset’ is a bit of a cop-out on these “things to do” lists, but in Lisbon it is not. Lisbon’s hills mean the city is full of miradouros (viewpoints) that are perfect for watching the sunset, and each one offers a different perspective of the city’s terracotta roofs, church spires, and the river. Thanks to the unpredictable weather from the Atlantic Ocean, every sunset in Lisbon is different, and almost always magical.
Some of these viewpoints have small kiosks serving drinks and snacks, and the atmosphere is always lovely, with a mix of locals and visitors gathering to watch the sky turn pink over the city.
8. Visit Time Out Market
The Time Out Market has revolutionised Lisbon’s food scene by bringing together some of the city’s best restaurants under one roof. Located in the beautiful Mercado da Ribeira building, it’s the perfect place to try various Portuguese dishes without having to traverse the city.
The market gets very busy at peak times, but that’s part of its charm. Grab whatever looks good and find a place to squeeze in on the communal tables – you might even make some new friends.
9. See a Fado Show
Fado, Portugal’s soul-stirring traditional music, is an essential part of Lisbon’s cultural identity. It is traditionally performed live whilst you’re eating your dinner (which, yes, sounds a bit intense, but it’s actually amazing).
The best fado experiences often happen in tiny restaurants in Alfama or Bairro Alto, where singers perform between courses. It’s polite to maintain silence during performances – the music really does deserve your full attention.
10. Visit São Jorge Castle
Now, this is the one thing in Lisbon I actually haven’t done, and it’s actually becoming a bit of a joke now. When I decided to apply for residency in Portugal, I decided that going to the castle would be my celebratory event because it is free for Portuguese residents on certain days. But… I just never got around to it. I’d been living here for over a year by the time I was officially a resident so I’d very much slipped into every day life, and didn’t feel like a tourist anymore.
You can see São Jorge Castle in all its glory from the city, and I’ve been up to the gates and wandered around it several times. I just haven’t actually been in. Apparently the views are great, though!
11. Climb the Elevador de Santa Justa
The Elevador de Santa Justa is a neo-Gothic style elevator that dominates the city centre. It was built in 1902, and it connects the lower streets of Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. While it’s a practical way to avoid climbing one of Lisbon’s steepest hills, it’s also a beautiful piece of industrial architecture.
The viewing platform at the top offers incredibe views over downtown Lisbon (it is especially beautiful at sunset, but that’s also when it’s busiest, of course). There is always an hours-long queue to actually ride the lift, but you can get up to the viewing platform by foot if you don’t want to wait.
12. Shop at Feira da Ladra
The Feira da Ladra (Thieves’ Market) is Lisbon’s oldest flea market, held every Tuesday and Saturday in the Alfama district. Here you’ll find everything from genuine antiques to quirky bric-a-brac, vintage tiles, and local craft items.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere and people-watching opportunities.
13. Discover Modern Art at MAAT
The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) represents the contemporary side of Lisbon’s art scene. The building itself is interesting to look at, with sweeping curves and walkable roof that offers yet another unique viewpoint.
The exhibitions change regularly, and focus on contemporary art and new media, providing a much needed and interesting contrast to Lisbon’s more historical attractions.
FAQs About Lisbon
Is 3 days in Lisbon too long?
Not at all! Three days in Lisbon gives you enough time to explore the main attractions whilst also getting a feel for the city’s unique atmosphere. You’ll be able to visit key sites like Torre de Belém and Jerónimos Monastery, wander through the historic Alfama district – if anything, I’d say to spend more time here.
What is the number one attraction in Lisbon?
Praça do Comércio and it’s Equestrian Statue of King José I is often considered Lisbon’s top attraction – I didn’t actually include it on this list because it’s more something that you will walk through/past at some point during your time in Lisbon.
What is Lisbon famous for?
Lisbon is famous for its stunning hilltop views, traditional yellow trams, historic architecture, and delicious pastéis de nata. The city is also renowned for its soulful fado music, beautiful azulejo tiles, and excellent seafood.
Is Lisbon still cheap?
While Lisbon is still more affordable than a lot of Western European capitals, it’s not as cheap as it once was. You can still find good value in local restaurants, public transport, and many attractions. However, accommodation costs have risen significantly in recent years, especially in popular areas.
What’s the best time to visit Lisbon?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Lisbon. During these months, you’ll find milder temperatures (summer can get really hot), fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices.
Conclusion
Lisbon is a city that rewards those who take time to explore its many layers. While the main tourist attractions are undoubtedly impressive, it’s the small moments – like finding a hidden viewpoint or stumbling upon a tiny family-run restaurant – that make this city truly special. Whether you’re interested in history, food, culture, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Lisbon offers something for everyone, wrapped up in its own unique charm and authenticity.