Things To Do in Lisbon
Lisbon is everything you think and more; there are so many things to do. It has culture, beaches, nightlife, nature, and fun day trips less than an hour away from the city center. It’s so beautiful to see the preservation of the quaintness. From the tiled decorations to the cobblestone streets and architecture, it’s perfect for families, friends, couples, and even solo travelers. The list goes on of things to do in Lisbon, Portugal, so let me help you consolidate a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Visiting Lisbon
- What’s the easiest way to travel around Lisbon? It’s a very walkable city, so be prepared to wear comfortable shoes and make sure to download your Google Maps so you don’t have to waste data. If you’re not within walking distance, then Uber is affordable, but sometimes unreliable. A 30-minute Uber ride to Sintra only cost us 25 Euros. Say you have to take a train or flight, Uber might not work, so go to a more popular spot in town, like the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and opt for a taxi if multiple Ubers are canceled.
- How many days do you need in Lisbon? You can easily go for four days and allow a few extra days for day trips near Lisbon such as Sintra, Colares, Costa da Caparica & more!. I spent two days here and felt like another one or two would have been helpful!
- What languages do they speak in Portugal? Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, but a majority of people also speak English. If you only know Spanish as an example, you can still get by. It is always helpful to learn the basics and have a translating app handy in case you need to communicate.
The Best Airbnb
If you’re looking to check off everything on this guide for things to do in Lisbon, then stay at this bnb. The views, hospitality, location, and ambiance were everything. This Airbnb is right in the Alfama district, close to so many iconic places to visit and within walking distance to Fado shows at night. They welcomed us with a delicious bottle of wine and let us check in early, which is always a plus. The views in the morning were exactly what I was looking for, and really appreciated the balcony. Check it out here.
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Tips for Traveling To Lisbon, Portugal
- For a local experience, stay in the Alfama District. Alfama is the oldest region in Portugal because it was one of the only towns to withstand the earthquake of 1755. The working-class neighborhood became the birthplace of Fado, the traditional music of Portugal.
- See a Fado show. What better way to see Fado than in its hometown? It’s beautiful to see the inspiring work of the new generations putting their heart into their culture. Every night, they have shows going on, so walk around the district and find a spot. If you prefer a plan, I have a few recommendations below.
- Choose Your Viewpoints wisely. There are many viewpoints in Lisbon, but the Miradouro de Santa Luzia is the best for photos. I’d aim to come here on a day when the sun is in your favor for pictures. The beautiful buildings in the background are close, so the photos end up so nice. If you want a sunset view, Miradouro da Graca has great, aerial-like views of the city center. Seeing the lights at night is a community affair, so many locals and tourists alike gather to watch another day pass by. Do yourself a favor and skip the elevator view people recommend; there are way better, unobstructed views.
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Things To Do in Lisbon, Portugal
- Tile Museum: Tiles are such an important part of Portugal’s history and identity. The concept itself derived from Egypt, and from the 13th-century Arab invasion, tiles arrived and never left. I’d take a look at this post here, which goes in depth on the history of tiles in Portugal.
- Castelo de São Jorge: One of the most distinctive castles is Castelo de São Jorge, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. With so much history showcasing how sophisticated Moorish culture was, it’s a sight you must see with unparalleled views of the city. Check out tickets here.
- Free Tours: Doing a free tour is always a good idea. It helps you gain navigational skills to help you adjust to a new city. You also get local expertise, historical context & better yet, places they recommend checking out as a local. Check out from New Europe Tours here & FreeTour.com here.
- Praça do Comércio: To get an idea of just how amazing this city is and the way they developed their city, check out Praça do Comércio. It’s a beautiful plaza overlooking the water.
- Jerónimos Monastery: A testament to cultural influence is the Jerónimos Monastery. Blending Manueline architecture (Gothic, Renaissance & Moorish elements) comes from Vasco de Gama’s Age of Discovery through his adventure in India.
- Livraria Bertrand: Founded in 1732, you can see a part of history as it’s not only Portugal’s oldest bookstore, but also the world’s. It secured a Guinness World Record in 2011.
- Ride Lisbon’s Iconic 28 Tram: Just make sure to go early to secure a seat in front. If the lines are so long, then I’d skip out on it. You can see them ride past while you’re en route to other places without wasting too much time.
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Best Places to Eat in Lisbon, Portugal
- Bistrô Gato Pardo: If you’re looking for a unique spot to eat, then this is the spot. With a great variety of food to eat, vegetarian options, and a great vibe. We had delicious cauliflower soup and a delicious stew that helped us fuel the rest of the day, walking around the city. The owner is the kindest with great service. Would recommend this spot, especially if you plan to visit the Church of St.Vincente de Fora.
- For classic Pasta de Natal, there are two spots to check out. Both Manteigaria & Pastéis de Belém are known for their delicious traditional dessert.
- Other Recommended Spots include Zé da Mouraria, Farol De Santa Luiza, Lisboa Tu & Eu, so there is no excuse not to enjoy a traditional Portuguese dish.
What Is Traditional Fado?
Fado is the soul of Portugal’s music, born in Lisbon’s working-class neighborhoods in the 1820s. It blends African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences, creating a sound filled with melancholy and longing. Fado is typically performed with a Portuguese guitar, known for its resonant, shimmering sound, which amplifies the emotion of each song. Fado houses provide an intimate setting where performers connect with their audience, making each performance a deeply emotional experience. Recognized by UNESCO in 2011 as part of the world’s cultural heritage, Fado is a powerful expression of Portuguese identity. Watching a live show is more than a performance; it’s an emotional journey through Portugal’s history, culture, and soul. Here are my top lists of Fado houses to visit on your next trip to Lisbon
Things To Do In Lisbon: Best Fado Houses
- Patea de Alfama: I’m not one to do a fancy dinner, but this one was so worth it. Upon arrival, you order a three-course meal with dessert, and the food selection is top-tier. I had multiple internal dialogues in my head deciding which meal to order. Each meal paired so well with the other, and they timed it perfectly between performances. Each singer performed their heart out with so much passion. They performed about 2-3 songs and got the entire audience engaged. The performance by candelight was the cherry on top and added an intimate experience, perfect for couples. Would recommend going here again.
- Taverna D’El Rey: Another great spot filled with love and passion for the Fado arts. The performers sang so well and are incredibly talented. The woman who owns the spot is a renowned Fado artist, helping to continue to tradition. The service was excellent, and the pear dessert was UNLIKE ANYTHING I’ve ever had. Even if you drop by, order the pear dessert, trust me, it’s scrumptious (pears soaked in red wine and paired with oranges).
- Other Fado Houses to Visit: I do a ton of research and found that these spots are the best to go to. In case you have already visited the two above, check these out: Esquina de Alfama, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, and Casa de Linhares.
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Day Trips from Lisbon: Sintra
Sintra is a town filled with history, just 30 minutes from Lisbon. Its story begins in the 8th century with the Moorish Castle, a fortress built by the Moors to defend against Christian invasions. By the 12th century, Sintra became a royal retreat after being captured by King Afonso I. The Sintra National Palace was home to Portuguese royalty for centuries, with its unique blend of Moorish and Gothic architecture. In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II commissioned Pena Palace with Romanticism aspects. The Quinta da Regaleira, built by a wealthy Brazilian, is filled with hidden tunnels and mystical symbols, reflecting the region’s deep connection to mysticism. Sintra remains a living testament to centuries of Portuguese history, from its Moorish roots to its royal legacy.
Tips for Visiting Sintra
- Buy tickets in advance. They do sell out quickly, so keep that in mind.
- The time of the ticket you purchase is the time you have to be at the physical palace, which is about a 30-minute walk from the entrance. Get there 2 hours earlier so you’re not rushing, and explore the walking paths nearby. We did the Cruz Alta path, which brings you to the highest point in the Sintra mountains at 1.7k feet.
- There are a few other spots aside from the National Palace of Pena to visit, such as the Quinta da Regaleira and the Countess of Edla Chalet and Gardens, so plan your day early in the morning or stay the night in the town of Sintra to make sure you see it all.
- Traveling through public transportation is still doable. Take the Lisbon Rossio train station for a little under an hour (price is roughly 2.3 euros each way). Once you get off the station, tuktuk drivers cost $15 per person or a shared jeep for 7.50 per person. The Uber straight from Lisbon is probably cheaper and less of a hassle to coordinate, so I’ll let you decide that.
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Day Trips from Lisbon: Colares
Colares is a 15-minute ride from Sintra and 45 minutes from Lisbon, and a place you need to add to your bucket list.
Given the fertile land perfectly in between the forest, hills, and the sea, it’s no wonder early settlers dating back to the Neolithic Era (4,000 B.C). Seen as a countryside escape for Lisbon aristocracy, the cool and breezy climate makes it a perfect refuge from the heat, and today it’s a charming & local beach. We dined at Barmacia, which had unobstructed views of the sunset. The drinks were refreshing, and the seafood was scrumptious. A perfect day trip is if you love the beach, a local vibe, and nature.
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There You Have It
The time to visit Lisbon is now, and with this guide, you are all set. You don’t have to worry about a thing because the ultimate guide for things to do in Lisbon, Portugal, is right here. Lisbon is a beautiful city with so much culture, and you already know that I will be back time and time again. Let me know places you’re looking to check out in Lisbon and any questions in the comments.
what do you think?