THE 11 BEST Things to Do in Lisbon (UPDATED 2024)

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Activities in Lisbon

Lisbon is a coastal city with over 2.8 million inhabitants and the capital of Portugal. There are many things to do and see while you're here, but we'll just focus on some of the most popular places. It was settled by the Romans, invaded by Arabs, and ruled by Spanish until its independence in 1143. It's one of Europe's oldest cities and it’s just 25 miles from the ocean.

The city is very compact and easy to navigate so you can get anywhere on foot. You will find that locals also use bikes extensively, but to cross major streets you will need to use a bridge or a tunnel.

The City Centre is marked by an area called Baixa (which means “lower”) which has many 18th-century buildings that have been restored in recent years. The Baixa contains many stately buildings and cultural sites including, most notably, Lisbon Cathedral and National Pantheon.

Wealthy residential areas include Avenida da Liberdade and Bairro Alto; these were traditionally where most people would live until they could afford better accommodation in Vila Nova de Gaia or Cascais (both about 2 hours by train from Lisbon).

Must Do Things In Lisbon

There are many tourist attractions and culinary delights that you need to visit and sample when travelling to the city. Some of the important things you should be doing when in Lisbon are:

Explore the ancient streets of Lisbon's historic centre

Sample Portuguese tarts at any one of the famous cafes in Lisbon’s old town area, such as Pasteis de Belem

Visit the Santa Apolonia train station and see where trains first brought Europeans to Africa's shores

Catch a show at historic Mercado da Ribeira

Wander through Bairro Alto and experience the vitality of this traditional bohemian neighbourhood

Take a stroll along the beautiful seafront promenade

Have a drink in one of the many bars, tasting rooms, or cafés that line Avenida da Liberdade

Attractions of Lisbon

A beautiful destination, you can find a lot of historical roots and a bustling culinary scene. The next step is to explore the city by foot and get lost in its streets or by boat along the coast. You won't regret it! Some important places to visit in this city are:

Baixa District and Chiado District: The first place to visit in Lisbon should be the Baixa District and Chiado District. The Bairro Alto District should be checked out next to see its nightlife attractions. A ride on one of the ferries that leave from Cais do Sodre should also be part of a day in Lisbon as it will give you a chance to experience the beauty of Portugal's second-largest city by river.

The Alfama District: The Alfama District is one of the oldest and most authentic districts in Lisbon. Come take a look at this vibrant and colourful district and find out why it is so popular among tourists.

The Alfama District is one of the oldest parts of Lisbon, with a rich history that can be felt around every corner. It has been known for centuries as a place to come for good food, traditional craftsmanship and lots of entertainment – but it also has plenty to offer in terms of culture, like beautiful churches and fascinating museums.

The best way to get around this picturesque quarter is by walking on its cobbled alleyways or taking a ride on one of the traditional trams that used to carry goods up the steep hillsides in years gone by.

Time Out Market: Some of the market’s most popular and exciting features are the Gastronomic Turn (a restaurant where you can try dishes from different countries), a chocolate shop, a pavilion with fresh produce and smoked meats, and a wine bar.

The marketplace is open on weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 6 pm. You can also visit it any time after 11 am on Fridays by prior appointment. The Market is closed on Mondays.

Santa Justa Lift and Torre de Belem: The Santa Justa Lift is a full-time, long-distance funicular in Lisbon, Portugal. It connects the lower city (Baixa) with the higher city (Bairro Alto). The Torre de Belem was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's return from India in 1499.

Santa Justa Lift and Torre de Belem are two of the most popular attractions in Lisbon. They are tourist destinations that provide a great experience for locals and visitors alike.

Lisbon Cathedral: The Lisbon Cathedral is known as one of the most spectacular gothic buildings in all of Europe. Construction was started in the year 1147 and it took over 200 years to finish. The Lisbon Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Portugal with a simple, yet stunning design, that can be seen throughout the building's intricate architecture and stained-glass windows.

Lisbon Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Portugal with a simple, yet stunning design, that can be seen throughout the building's intricate architecture and stained-glass windows. Construction on this gothic masterpiece started back in 1147 and it took over 200 years to complete. The cathedral is framed by exquisite exterior carvings that show off its architectural brilliance and religious importance. It's said to have changed little since its completion over 800 years ago.

Arco da Rua Augusta: The Arco da Rua Augusta Lisbon is located in a central part of Lisbon, Portugal. The arch is the center point of the arches that made up the entrance to the old city of Lisbon, and one can find it between the Marquês de Pombal Square and Praça do Comércio Square.

The Arco da Rua Augusta Lisbon was built with an intention to bring light into what was a very dark medieval street. The building was commissioned by King John VI of Portugal and designed by architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira.

The purpose of this arch was not only for decorative purposes, but also for historical reasons - it serves as a reminder to Portuguese people today that Portugal had once been under Spanish rule after their defeat in Peninsular War. The monument commemorates the bravery and resilience of Portuguese people who refused to give up during those years under Spanish rule from 1807 to 1822.

Padrão dos Descobrimento: Padrão dos Descobrimento Lisbon is a monument in Lisbon, Portugal, built to commemorate the Portuguese discoveries during the Age of Discovery.

The Padrão dos Descobrimento Lisbon was inaugurated in 1960 as a monument to commemorate the Portuguese discoveries during the Age of Discovery. The monument consists of three columns with sculptures by Eduardo Paolozzi to symbolize the union of three cultures: Europe, Africa and America. On top of one column is a statue representing Jesus Christ; on top of another is a statue representing Julius Caesar Octavian Augustus; and on top of the third one is statue representing Vasco da Gama.

Ajuda National Palace: It served as a residence of the Portuguese royal family and a place where official ceremonies were held. The Ajuda National Palace (Portuguese: Palácio Nacional da Ajuda) is an 18th-century Portuguese Royal palace located in Lisbon, Portugal. The name "Ajuda" was originally applied to a medieval town that grew up around the palace and shares its name, which is still part of Lisbon's Baixa Pombalina district.

Useful Tips When Visiting Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant city that has a lot to offer. Before you visit, make sure you read these travel tips

Get the most out of your stay by going on a walking tour or booking an evening cruise. Lisbon’s historic center is best seen by foot.

You should try to eat at least one meal in one of the traditional restaurants. This can be found in Lapa, Lisbon’s old port

Try to get off the usual tourist paths and explore some of Lisbon's lesser-known sights

If you have time left, we recommend you visit some of Lisbon’s museums and galleries. They offer insightful information about Portugal's many contributions to world culture

VISA: All visitors to Portugal need a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses while in the country, and return or onwards travel tickets. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don't need a visa to enter Portugal.

PHONES: The best way to connect with friends and family is through texting. However, you should be aware that text messages within Portugal cost more than texts sent internationally.

CHILDREN: Lisbon has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Europe, making it an ideal destination for children who are 10 years old and above without close supervision and care from adults if they're not used to being out on their own and away from their parents or caregivers for any length of time.

TRANSPORTATION: One way of getting around the city is by using public transportation - bus, trolleybus or tramway - which are cheap and readily available at most parts of Lisbon's metropolitan area

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

Lisbon has a rich culture and vibrant nightlife. It is worth visiting the city during all four seasons, but here are some of the best things to do in Lisbon during each season.

Spring: There are many colorful events like the Flower Expo, which will start its run-on March 20th. The Expo is a flower-filled festival that showcases flowers from around the world and transforms Lisbon’s largest exhibition space into an explosion of colors and creativity.

Summer: Along with lots of sunny days, a standard summer in Lisbon means tons of festivals, including Portugal’s largest vegan festival (VeganFest), Hip Hop International Festival (HipHop Fest) or Eurosonic Festival - one of Europe's most important music festivals for new talent.

Fall: One of Europe's most picturesque cities becomes even more stunning as autumn comes to Lisbon. This time period offers plenty of activities such as bike tours, pumpkin picking or vineyard visits."