Fun Things To Do In Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city with a rich past and a bustling present. Located on the banks of the Tagus river, Lisbon is a beautiful and historic city that is full of things to explore and enjoy. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of fun things to do in Lisbon that will make your visit truly memorable.

History of Lisbon

Lisbon has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was a major centre of the Celts and the Romans. It was conquered by the Moors in the 8th century and became a major trading port for gold, spices and slaves. The city was conquered by the Portuguese in 1147 and it quickly became Portugal’s capital. Throughout the centuries, Lisbon has been home to many great artists and thinkers, including the poet Camoes, novelist Camilo Castelo Branco, and painter Vieira Portuense. Today, it is a thriving city with a population of around 550,000 people.

Famous Sights

Lisbon is home to some of Europe’s most iconic sights. From its ancient castles and churches to its modern architecture, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Here are some of the top sights to see in Lisbon:

Castelo de Sao Jorge

The Castelo de Sao Jorge is a stunning castle located in the heart of Lisbon. Built in the 11th century, it was once a royal palace but is now home to a history museum. This castle offers amazing views of the city, and visitors can explore its various courtyards, towers and ramparts.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is a breathtaking 16th century monastery located in the Belem district of Lisbon. It is one of Portugal’s most iconic buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore its breathtaking cloisters and chapels or take a tour of its famous library.

25 de Abril Bridge

The 25 de Abril Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge that stretches across the Tagus river and connects Lisbon with neighbouring Almada. It was built in 1966 and is one of Europe’s longest bridges at over 2.3 kilometres long. Visitors can take a scenic drive across the bridge or take a boat tour underneath it to get some amazing views.

Alfama District

The Alfama district is Lisbon’s oldest quarter and is home to a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and plazas. It is one of the best places in the city to explore its history and culture, as it still retains its traditional charm despite its growth in recent years. Visitors can explore its colourful streets, shop for souvenirs or enjoy some of its delicious seafood restaurants.

Sao Roque Church

The Sao Roque Church is one of Lisbon’s most beautiful churches. Built in the 17th century, it has an ornate Baroque interior with stunning marble sculptures and richly decorated chapels. Visitors can marvel at its intricate architecture or visit its museum to learn more about its history.

Fun Activities

From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, there are plenty of fun activities to do in Lisbon that will make your visit truly memorable. Here are some of the best things to do in Lisbon:

Tram Rides

Lisbon is famous for its iconic yellow trams, which have been running through the streets since 1873. Take a scenic ride on one of these trams through the narrow streets of the Alfama district or enjoy some incredible views from one of its hillsides. This is one of the best ways to get around the city as you can explore its sights without having to worry about traffic.

Food Tours

Lisbon is known for its delicious food and there are plenty of food tours that will take you on a culinary journey through this vibrant city. Enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau and pasteis de nata while exploring some of Lisbon’s most iconic sites. You’ll get to try some local specialties while learning all about the city’s history and culture.

Wine Tasting

Lisbon is home to some incredible wineries where visitors can sample some of Portugal’s best wines. Take a guided tour of one of these wineries and learn all about how wine is made while tasting some delicious varieties. Many wineries also offer gourmet food pairings so you can get the full experience.

Surfing

For an adventure like no other, head to one of Lisbon’s beaches for some surfing lessons. From beginners to experienced surfers, there are lessons for every level so you can learn how to catch waves in no time. After you’re done with your lesson, take a break on one of the beach’s many restaurants for some delicious seafood dishes.

Rooftop Bars

Lisbon is home to some incredible rooftop bars where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city while sipping on some delicious cocktails. From trendy bars with live DJs to classic lounges with panoramic views, there is something for every taste in Lisbon’s rooftop bars.

Popular Tours

In addition to all these fun activities, there are also plenty of popular tours that visitors can take in Lisbon to explore its rich history and culture even further. Here are two popular tours you can take in Lisbon:

Lisbon Historic Tour

Explore all of Lisbon’s top sights on this comprehensive tour that takes visitors on a journey through the city’s history. This tour takes visitors through some of Lisbon’s most iconic sites including Castelo de Sao Jorge and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, as well as the Alfama district and Sao Roque Church. You’ll also get to explore some hidden gems like Campo de Ourique and enjoy stunning views from Parque Eduardo VII or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This tour ends with a visit to Belem where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese pastries such as Pasteis de Belem or Travesseiros de Sintra while admiring some incredible views of the Tagus river. Book a Lisbon Historic Tour here.

Lisbon Food Tour

Experience Lisbon’s unique culinary culture on this food tour that takes visitors on a journey through some of the city’s best eateries. This tour starts with traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau and pastel de nata before heading off to explore some hidden gems like Casa da Comida or restaurante Prego no Prato where you can sample some delicious seafood dishes. You’ll also get to wander through one of Lisbon’s most iconic markets such as Mercado da Ribeira or Mercado da Baixa while learning all about local ingredients and recipes from your guide. Then finish up with some delicious gelato or artisanal chocolates at one of Lisbon’s many dessert shops before heading back to your hotel. Book a Lisbon Food Tour here.

There’s something for everyone in Lisbon no matter what your interests are. From its vibrant nightlife to its stunning architecture, there are plenty of fun things to do in this beautiful city that will make your visit truly memorable. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied during your stay in Lisbon. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to this amazing city today!