100 Things To Do In Lisbon

Lisbon is an incredibly vibrant city, full of culture, history, and amazing food. From the winding streets of its old town to the beautiful beaches of Cascais and Estoril, Lisbon is sure to have something for everyone. With so much to do and see in this city, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip. To make your trip planning easier, we’ve put together an extensive list of the top 100 things to do in Lisbon. From exploring the city’s historic castles and palaces to tasting the best of Portuguese cuisine, this guide has something for everyone.

Explore the Old Town

Lisbon’s old town is a maze of winding cobbled streets and colorful buildings that hark back to a different era. Stroll through Baixa, the city’s downtown area, and admire the 19th-century architecture, check out the oldest bookshop in the world – Bertrand’s, and explore the many hidden gems of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. Don’t miss out on the views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a terrace located in the Alfama district, with sweeping views of the Tagus river and the city’s skyline.

Visit the Castles and Palaces

Lisbon is full of magnificent and historic castles and palaces that are worth a visit. Start off with a visit to the Castelo de São Jorge, or St. George’s Castle, a Moorish-style fortification that was built in the 11th century, and explore its ruins and gardens. Then, head to the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, a fairy-tale palace that dates back to the 15th century, where you can explore its grand rooms and stunning gardens. Other castles and palaces worth visiting include the Palácio da Pena, the Palácio de Queluz, and the Convento de Cristo.

Experience Lisbon’s Nightlife

Lisbon is known for its vibrant nightlife, and there’s no better way to experience the city after dark than by joining a pub crawl. Visit some of Lisbon’s best bars and clubs and party the night away. For a more low-key night out, head to one of Lisbon’s famous jazz clubs and listen to some local musicians. Or, if you’d rather be outdoors, check out one of the many street parties and festivals that take place in the city’s quaint squares and parks.

Taste the Local Cuisine

Taste the best of Portuguese cuisine with a food tour of Lisbon. Sample some of the city’s best dishes, from the traditional bacalhau to the flaky pastel de nata, as well as some of its more unusual dishes, such as the famous “fado” stew. Or, if you’d rather take a culinary journey, head to one of the city’s many traditional restaurants, where you can sample some of the country’s best wines and cheeses.

Visit the Museums and Galleries

Lisbon is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the country. Start off with a visit to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, or the National Museum of Ancient Art, where you can explore the country’s rich heritage. Then, head to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, where you can see some of the world’s finest artwork, from Picasso to Monet. Other top museums and galleries include the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Museu do Oriente, and the Museu da Electricidade.

Shop in Lisbon’s Markets

Lisbon is home to some of the best markets in the country, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Start off with a visit to the Mercado da Ribeira, a colorful market that sells everything from seafood to souvenirs. Then, head to the Feira da Ladra, or the Thieves’ Market, a flea market located in the Alfama district, where you can find second-hand clothes and antiques. Other top markets include the Mercado de Santa Clara, the Mercado da Baixa, and the Mercado da Praça da Figueira.

Explore Lisbon’s Beaches

Lisbon has some of the best beaches in the country, and they’re just a short drive away. Head to Cascais and Estoril, two of the most popular towns in the region, and explore the stunning beaches. Or, if you’d rather be more active, try surfing or windsurfing in Costa da Caparica, a great spot for beginners and pros alike. Other top beaches include Praia da Conceição, Praia da Carcavelos, and Praia da Bafureira.

Take a Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, and it’s easy to see why. This charming town is home to some of the most stunning castles and palaces in the country, such as the Palácio Nacional de Sintra and the Castelo dos Mouros. Or, take a hike up to the Pena Palace and enjoy the breathtaking views of the town below. Other top attractions include the Quinta da Regaleira, the Palace of Monserrate, and the Quinta da Penha Verde.

Go on a Boat Cruise

Take a cruise on the Tagus river and explore Lisbon’s waterfront. From luxury dinner cruises to sightseeing tours, there’s something for everyone. Or, take a trip to one of the nearby islands, such as the Ilha da Berlenga, the Ilha dos Pessegueiros, or the Ilha de Cresmina.

Visit the Monasteries and Churches

Lisbon is home to some of the best monasteries and churches in the country. Start off with a visit to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a magnificent monastery that dates back to the 16th century. Then, head to the Igreja de São Roque, a stunning baroque church with an impressive façade. Other top churches and monasteries include the Igreja de Santa Engrácia and the Igreja de São Vicente de Fora.

Take a Wine Tasting Tour

Lisbon is known for its excellent wines, and there’s no better way to experience them than with a wine tasting tour. Sample some of the best wines from the region, from the famous port wines to the lesser-known vinho verde. Or, if you’d rather stay local, take a trip to one of the many vineyards in the region, such as the Quinta da Boa Vista and the Quinta do Casal Branco.

Go on a Hiking Adventure

Head to the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park and explore its majestic forests and stunning coastline. This park is full of trails, and there’s something for everyone, from easy hikes to more challenging treks. Or, take a walk in the Tapada Nacional de Mafra and explore its natural beauty.

Visit the Zoo

Take a trip to the Lisbon Zoo and explore its many different species. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, from tigers and lions to monkeys, camels, and elephants. Or, if you’d rather be outdoors, head to the Parque das Nações, where you can explore its gardens, lakes, and nature trails.

Watch a Fado Performance

Fado is an important part of Portuguese culture, and there’s no better way to experience it than by attending a live performance. Head to one of Lisbon’s many fado clubs and listen to the haunting music of the city’s most talented singers. Or, if you’d rather be more interactive, try a workshop and learn the basics of the genre.

Take a Food Tour of Lisbon

Take a food tour of Lisbon and explore the city’s culinary scene. Sample the best of Portuguese cuisine, from the traditional bacalhau to the flaky pastel de nata. Or, if you’d rather take a culinary journey, head to one of the city’s many traditional restaurants, where you can sample some of the country’s best wines and cheeses.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Take a trip to the Jardim Botânico, or Botanical Garden, and explore its lush gardens and greenhouses. This garden is home to over 3,000 species of plants and trees, including some rare and endangered species. Or, if you’d rather be outdoors, take a walk in the Parque Eduardo VII and admire the city’s skyline.

Explore the Monuments and Statues

Lisbon is full of monuments and statues that are worth a visit. Start off with a visit to the Monument to the Discoveries, a grand monument dedicated to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Then, head to the Praça do Comércio, a square where you can admire some of the city’s grandest monuments, such as the Praça do Comércio Arch and the Triumphal Arch. Other top monuments and statues include the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to João de Deus, and the Monument to Prince Henry the Navigator.

Attend a Festival

Lisbon is home to some of the best festivals in the country. From the renowned Lisbon International Music Festival to the vibrant Lisbon Carnival, there’s something for everyone. Or, if you’d rather be more low-key, take a trip to one of the city’s many street parties and festivals that take place in the city’s quaint squares and parks.

Take a Cooking Class

Learn how to cook some of Portugal’s most famous dishes with a cooking class. Start with a traditional Portuguese meal such as the bacalhau, or salted codfish, or try your hand at making the famous pastel de nata, or custard tart. Or, if you’d rather be more adventurous, take a class in regional cooking, such as the cuisine of the northern region of Minho or the traditional dishes of the Alentejo.

Conclusion

Lisbon is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and amazing food. With so much to do and see in this city, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip. To make your trip planning easier, we’ve put together an extensive list of the top 100 things to do in Lisbon. From exploring the city’s historic castles and palaces to tasting the best of Portuguese cuisine,