Lisbon, the sun-kissed capital of Portugal, is a city full of charm, history, and culture. With its cobbled streets, colorful tiled buildings, and stunning river views, it has a unique atmosphere that captures travelers from all over the world. Whether you are a history lover, a foodie, or someone who simply enjoys soaking in beautiful views, Lisbon has something special for you.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best things to do in Lisbon. These are the highlights that will make your trip memorable and help you experience the city’s true spirit.
1. Belém Tower
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 16th century, this fortress once guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor during the Age of Discoveries.
The tower combines beautiful Manueline and Moorish architectural styles, and its riverside location makes it perfect for photos. After exploring the tower, walk along the Belém waterfront to see the Monument to the Discoveries and enjoy views of the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Travel tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid long queues. Even with pre-booked tickets, waiting times can stretch up to two hours later in the day.
2. Ride the Historical Trams
Lisbon’s vintage trams are more than just transport – they’re part of the city’s soul. The most famous is Tram 28, which winds its way through the historic neighborhoods of Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. Riding it feels like stepping back in time.
In addition to trams, don’t miss the funiculars that climb Lisbon’s steep hills and the Elevador de Santa Justa, a neo-Gothic lift that connects Baixa with the Largo do Carmo. The views from the top are worth it.
For convenience, you can book a pass that includes Tram 28, the Santa Justa Lift, cable cars, and a 24-hour public transport ticket. It also comes with an audio guide about Lisbon’s history – a great way to explore stress-free.
3. Castelo de São Jorge
High above the city sits Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval fortress that dominates Lisbon’s skyline. From its ramparts, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the red rooftops, the Tagus River, and the distant hills.
Inside, you can explore ancient battlements, towers, and a small museum with artifacts that tell Lisbon’s story. Keep an eye out for the resident peacocks wandering around the gardens – they add a unique touch to the visit.
Tickets cost around €15, and an audio guide is available for a few euros more, which we highly recommend for a deeper experience.
4. Mercado da Ribeira and Time Out Market
Food lovers should head to Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon’s oldest market. Today, part of it has been transformed into the Time Out Market, a modern food hall with more than 30 restaurants. Here you can taste everything from traditional Portuguese seafood dishes to international street food.
If you want to dive into Lisbon’s creative scene, head to the nearby LX Factory, a trendy cultural hub full of street art, boutique shops, restaurants, and cafés inside a former industrial complex.
5. Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent is one of Lisbon’s most hauntingly beautiful sights. Destroyed in the great earthquake of 1755, its gothic arches remain open to the sky. Today, it houses a small archaeological museum with historic artifacts, but the ruins themselves are the main attraction.
The entrance fee is only €7, making it one of Lisbon’s most affordable historic gems.
6. Lisbon Botanical Garden
Hidden in the heart of the city, the Lisbon Botanical Garden is a quiet escape from the bustling streets. With more than 18,000 species of plants from around the world, this green oasis is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. It’s especially enjoyable if you need a break after exploring busy neighborhoods like Chiado or Baixa.
7. MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology
The MAAT is a striking museum that reflects the modern side of Lisbon with its bold architecture and forward-thinking exhibitions. Situated on the banks of the Tagus River, it provides stunning vistas and houses engaging exhibits in art, technology, and architecture that provoke thought and inspire creativity. Get your ticket from here!
8. Jerónimos Monastery
Another highlight of Belém is the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and one of Lisbon’s most important historical sites. Inside, you’ll find stunning cloisters, richly decorated stonework, and the Church of Santa Maria, where famous explorer Vasco da Gama is buried.
The ticket costs 18€, but you should expect to wait in line – which can sometimes be very long – even if you have purchased your tickets in advance.
9. Oceanário de Lisboa
The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and a great choice for families. Its central tank recreates the open ocean and is home to sharks, rays, sunfish, and hundreds of colorful species. The aquarium emphasizes conservation and provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Tip: To skip the long lines, consider purchasing a fast-track ticket online at the same price.
10. Praça do Comércio
Located right on the riverfront, Praça do Comércio is Lisbon’s grandest square. Once the site of the royal palace, it is now an open public space surrounded by arcaded buildings, cafés, and shops.
Walk through the Rua Augusta Arch to enter Lisbon’s bustling downtown. You can even climb the arch for panoramic views of the square and the river.
11. Tagus River Cruise
Seeing Lisbon from the water is a magical experience. A Tagus River cruise offers unique views of the city’s landmarks, including Belém Tower, the Cristo Rei statue, and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
We saved it for our last night in Lisbon. A cruise on the Tagus River at sunset, with a drink, passing by the city’s illuminated landmarks. I highly recommend it. Get your ticket from here!
12. Miradouros – Lisbon Viewpoints
Lisbon is famous for its miradouros, or viewpoints, scattered across its many hills. Some of the most popular are Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, which offers sweeping views across the entire city, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina, a lively sunset spot.
These terraces are perfect for photos, relaxing with a coffee, or simply admiring Lisbon’s beauty from above.
13. Alfama District
Wandering through Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, feels like traveling back in time. Its narrow lanes, traditional houses decorated with azulejos (tiles), and cozy fado bars make it one of the most atmospheric parts of the city.
Spend an afternoon getting lost in Alfama’s alleys, stopping for a glass of vinho verde or listening to live fado music in the evening.
14. Avenida da Liberdade
Lisbon’s grand boulevard, Avenida da Liberdade, stretches from Restauradores Square to Marquês de Pombal. Lined with designer boutiques, theaters, fountains, and shady trees, it feels like a mix of Paris and Lisbon.
Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a pleasant place to walk and admire the elegant architecture.
15. Day Trip to Sintra
Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra offers a fairy-tale landscape of mist-soaked forests, eccentric palaces, and exotic gardens. Visit the colorful Pena Palace, explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira and enjoy the town’s charming streets. Cool climate of Sintra makes it a refreshing escape from the city.
Don’t miss a trip to Sintra and the surrounding areas. All you need to do is book a spot on an organized tour that includes Regaleira, Pena, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais. The tour provides a guide who will give you all the essential information about these places.
Lisbon is a city where every corner has a story to tell. From ancient castles and monasteries to lively markets and modern museums, it blends the old with the new in a way few cities can. Whether you ride a tram through its steep hills, watch the sunset from a viewpoint, or take a river cruise at night, the city will leave you with unforgettable memories.
If you’re planning a trip, use this guide to the best things to do in Lisbon as your starting point. Combine famous landmarks with hidden corners, and don’t forget to take your time – Lisbon is best enjoyed slowly, with a pastel de nata in hand and the sound of fado in the background.