11 Epic Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal

Are you looking for the top things to do in Lisbon, Portugal? Lisbon is one of the most visited places in Europe and the perfect place to start your Portugal Itinerary.

Wondering what to do in Lisbon? Stroll around Lisbon’s beautiful districts, try the famous Pastel de Nata, take a day trip to Sintra, see the best Lisbon Instagram spots, and enjoy magical sunsets.

This ultimate guide to visiting Lisbon includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Lisbon.

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Where is Lisbon?

Lisbon is located in the western region of Portugal, just a 3.5-hour drive from Porto and a 4.5-hour drive from Lagos.

It is the capital and the largest city of Portugal.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

Lisbon is the perfect all year round destination, with beautiful and sunny weather. The best time to visit Lisbon is in spring (March, May) or autumn (from September to mid-October) when temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing. The average annual temperature is 17°C.

When we visited in September, the weather was quite cool, so bring a light jacket and jeans!

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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Recommended post → Ultimate Portugal Itinerary

How to Get to Lisbon

You can easily get to Lisbon by plane, train, bus, car, or ferry. Lisbon is the perfect place to start your Portugal trip.

One of the cheapest ways to travel within Europe is by FlixBus or a low-cost airline. Lisbon has an International Airport, the Humberto Delgado Airport (airport code LIS). There are many direct flights to Lisbon from Europe, the UK, the U.S., and other international countries.

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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Portugal.

How to Get Around Lisbon

The easiest way to discover the city is by public transport. Lisbon Airport is just a 25-minute metro ride from the city center.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Portugal.

The best way to get around the country and see the most popular attractions is to rent a car and explore it at your own pace. Once you arrive at Lisbon Airport, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car. Book your car in advance to get the best price!

Check car rental prices and availability.

Viva Viagem & Lisbon Card

The Lisbon Card is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours (depending on the option selected) and provides unlimited free access to the public transport system. Enjoy free admission to the top attractions and discounts at various landmarks.

Get your Lisbon Card.

Alternatively, buy a Viva Viagem Card for 0.50 EUR, recharge it, and use it. A ticket costs 1.50 EUR, and a 24-hour ticket costs 6.40 EUR. The card is valid for 1 year and is accepted on buses, metro, and trains.

You can recharge your Viva Viagem Card at any metro station, ticket office, or newsagent.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

The best neighborhoods in Lisbon are Alfama, Baixa, Belém, Barrio Alto, and Chaido. Since public transport is well-connected and most attractions are accessible on foot, you can stay anywhere in the city. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Lisbon

Luxury: EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel
Mid-Range: Ikonik Lisboa
Budget: My Charm Lisbon Suites

more hotels in Lisbon

Best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

1. See the Most Instagrammable Places

Are you looking for the best things to do in Lisbon? One of the best free programs is to visit famous Instagrammable places. You can easily spend 1-2 days exploring, and most attractions are free to visit.

Walk through Pink Street, take a photo with the iconic yellow tram, visit Lisbon Cathedral, and see the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries).

We’ve put together a complete guide to the best Instagram spots in Lisbon, with tips and a map to help you plan your Lisbon Itinerary.

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Avoid the crowds and arrive as early as possible!

Join a sightseeing tour by tuk tuk.

2. Try Pastel de Nata

One of the best things to do is to try the famous Portuguese dessert, the Pastel de Nata. It’s delicious and sweet, so it’s not to be missed.

The best places to eat Pastel de Nata in Lisbon are Pastéis de Belém and Manteigaria.

It usually costs 1,20 EUR a piece, but you can get it cheaper in supermarkets.

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A Pastel de Nata will look perfect on your Instagram photos.

Join a Pastel de Nata Cooking Class.

3. Visit Belém Tower

Visiting the Belém Tower is one of the top things to do in Lisbon and is easily accessible by public transport. Visit just before it opens and take some beautiful photos without the crowds, then go inside and explore this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The entrance fee to Belém Tower is 6 EUR.

The Belém Tower is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM from October to April and from 10 AM to 6:30 PM from May to September. Every Monday is closed!

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Because this is one of the most popular attractions, avoid the queue and buy your tickets online!

Read our → Porto Guide

The impressive Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is just a 10-minute walk away. Then combine your sightseeing with another fantastic attraction, the Ponte 25 de April iconic bridge.

Discover Lisbon on a guided walking tour. Book this excellent tour through Viator or GetYourGuide.

4. Explore Lisbon’s Main Square and the Best Neighborhoods

Walk around the city and explore the cobbled streets, colorful houses, and hidden corners. Bairro Alto and Alfama were our favorite areas.

Just a 10-minute walk from Pink Street, you will find Lisbon’s bustling main square, Praça do Comércio.

There are many cozy cafés, great restaurants, and trendy boutiques. So wear comfortable shoes and spend the afternoon wandering the streets!

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The beautiful sandy beaches are about 15 minutes from the city center.

Read our → Algarve Guide

5. Enjoy the Sunset from the Viewpoints

One of the most important things to do in Lisbon is enjoy the beautiful sunsets. The best places to visit in Lisbon are the magnificent “Mirador” viewpoints.

Therefore, your Portugal Itinerary must include a visit to Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Enjoy the charming atmosphere, beautiful views, and the live music of the locals.

As these sunset viewpoints are popular, you should arrive early to get the best spot.

6. Take a Day Trip to Sintra

One of the best things to do in Lisbon is to take a day trip to Sintra and explore the iconic attractions. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its impressive castles, fairytale palaces, beautiful architecture, and romantic gardens.

Book a day trip to Sintra via Viator or GetYourGuide.

From Lisbon, you can get to Sintra by train from Rossio station in around 50 minutes. You’ll need a whole day to explore the best sights and can easily get from one place to another with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

We recommend you visit the Pena Palace, the Regaleira Palace, the Monserrate Palace, and the Moorish Castle.

Recommended post → Sintra Guide

7. Eat at the Time Out Market

Wondering where to eat in Lisbon? The Time Out Market is one of the bustling food markets in the city. The drinks and food are delicious.

You can choose from local flavors to international specialties such as seafood, pizza, hamburgers, healthy dishes, and much more!

The Time Out Market is open every day from 10 AM to midnight.

8. Enjoy the View from the Top of Santa Justa Lift

Are you looking for more things to do in Lisbon? A must-see in the city is the 45-meter-high Santa Justa Lift. You can enjoy a magnificent view of the Baixa from the top of the lift.

The Santa Justa Lift is open daily from 7 AM to 10:45 PM.

The admission fee for the observation deck is 1.50 EUR. The ride up and down the elevator costs 5.30 EUR. The 24-hour public transport ticket includes a ride on the Santa Justa Lift, which costs 6.40 EUR and can be purchased at any metro station.

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Join a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

9. Visit LX Factory & Ler Devagar

One of the best Instagram spots in Lisbon is the Livraria Ler Devagar bookshop, which is free to visit.

Ler Devagar is located in the LX Factory, where there are plenty of photogenic spots with cozy restaurants, colorful street art, trendy shops, and art galleries.

You can easily get to the LX Factory by tram E15 and E18 or bus 760 and 732.

10. See Carmo Convent

One of the most underrated sites is the Carmo Convent Ruins and Museum, but it’s worth a visit. It is open from 10 AM to 7 PM from May to October and from 10 AM to 6 PM from November to April.

The entrance fee to Carmo Convent is 7 EUR for adults or 5 EUR with a Lisbon Card.

Enjoy the video projection showing the six centuries of history of the Convent, see the Peruvian mummies in the Archaeological Museum, and take great photos.

11. Discover Jerónimos Monastery

One of the most beautiful sights is the Jerónimos Monastery, where the tomb of Vasco de Gama is located.

The Jerónimos Monastery is usually open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. The opening hours are extended by one hour from May to September. The entrance fee is 10 EUR.

This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site is close to the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.

Get Tickets here.

Is it Safe to Travel to Lisbon?

Yes, it is one of the safest cities in Europe. But small thefts and pickpockets may happen in tourist areas. So always take care of your valuables.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! Travel insurance is the best way to avoid extra expenses due to unexpected accidents, cancellations, delays, loss of personal items, and emergencies.

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Hungariandreamers readers get a 5% discount on Heymondo.

Where to Eat in Lisbon

In Lisbon, you can find many local restaurants, vegan options, national foods, or trendy restaurants with all budgets. There are a lot of good places to eat in the city, and these are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in Lisbon

Time Out Market (Best food spot)
Pastéis de Belém (Delicious coffee and Pastel de Nata)
Café Janis (Perfect breakfast place)
Pizzaria Luzzo Graca (Heavenly pizza)
Organi Chiado (Vegan restaurant)
Manteigaria (Best Pastel de Nata)
Heim Cafe (Popular brunch spot)
Amélia Lisboa (Another fantastic brunch spot)
LX Factory (Cozy atmosphere with fantastic restaurants)
A Cevicheria (Peruvian Restaurant)

Book this top-rated food & wine tour.

How many Days do you Need in Lisbon?

Depending on how many days you will be in Portugal, plan your trip to spend at least 3-4 days in the city.

You’ll need a whole day to visit Sintra and at least 2 days to enjoy the best things to do in Lisbon at a more comfortable pace.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Lisbon will help you plan your next trip to Portugal. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

11 Epic Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal