Places To Visit In Lisbon For Free

Lisbon is a beautiful port city and capital of Portugal located on the Atlantic coast. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and its history dates back to the Neolithic period. Today, Lisbon is a vibrant metropolis with a rich culture and amazing architecture. It is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, boasting a wide selection of museums, galleries, parks and monuments. If you are looking to explore Lisbon on a budget, you’re in luck; there are plenty of free activities and attractions to enjoy in this beautiful city. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to visit in Lisbon for free.

A Brief History of Lisbon

Lisbon has a long and storied history. It was first settled in the Neolithic period, around the 5th century BC. Lisbon was conquered by the Romans in 205 BC and named Felicitas Julia; it was later renamed by Julius Caesar in 45 BC. Throughout the centuries, it was ruled by Visigoths, Moors, and Spaniards before becoming a part of Portugal in 1147. In 1755, a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city, and it was later rebuilt in its current Baroque style.

Today, Lisbon is a bustling metropolis with over 500,000 inhabitants. It is home to a vibrant culture and many popular attractions, including its iconic Belém Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and St. George’s Castle. It is also renowned for its excellent cuisine, with traditional dishes like bacalhau (salt cod), caldo verde (green stew) and pastel de nata (custard tarts).

What To Do For Free in Lisbon

Lisbon is full of exciting things to do for free. From exploring historical monuments to enjoying its vibrant nightlife, here are some of the best places to visit in Lisbon for free:

1. Explore Alfama Neighborhood

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and it’s the perfect place to explore on foot. It is filled with winding streets and alleys, picturesque plazas and stunning views of the Tagus River. Here you can find some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, like the Se Cathedral, São Jorge Castle and the National Pantheon. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops and street performers.

2. Visit Belem Tower

Belem Tower is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 16th century, it was once part of a larger fortification system that protected the city from seaborne attacks. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning views of the river Tagus and the surrounding area. The tower is free to visit (but there is a fee for climbing to the top), and there are several nearby gardens and monuments that you can explore for free as well.

3. Enjoy the River Promenade

The river promenade is one of the best places for a leisurely stroll in Lisbon. It stretches from Cais do Sodré to Parque das Nações, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline along the way. Here you can find several landmarks and attractions, including Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), Museu Marítimo (Maritime Museum) and Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Knowledge Pavilion). You can also find plenty of cafés and restaurants along the promenade.

4. Visit St George’s Castle

St George’s Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on one of Lisbon’s seven hills. Built in 1147, it is one of the city’s oldest monuments and offers stunning views of the city from its walls. The castle is free to visit and open from 10am – 6pm (closed on Mondays). Inside, you can explore its old stone walls, ramparts, towers and secret passageways.

5. People-Watch at Praca do Comercio

Praca do Comercio (Commerce Square) is one of Lisbon’s most iconic plazas. Located between Rossio Square and the Tagus River, it has been a popular gathering place since the Middle Ages. Today, it is one of the city’s busiest squares and an excellent place to people-watch. Here you can find an array of cafés and restaurants as well as a number of monuments, including an equestrian statue of King Jose I and a bronze fountain dating back to 1775.

6. Enjoy a Picnic at Jardim do Torel

Jardim do Torel is one of Lisbon’s most beautiful parks. Located near São Bento Palace, it is spread out over three terraces with stunning views of the city from its highest point. Here you can find plenty of benches and lawns where you can enjoy picnics or just relax in the sun. The park also features an array of sculptures and monuments dating back to 1845.

7. Explore Parque Eduardo VII

Parque Eduardo VII is Lisbon’s largest public park, located on top of a hill just south of the city center. Named after King Edward VII of England, it features beautiful gardens, fountains and monuments as well as breathtaking views of the city below. There are several cafés and restaurants located within the park as well as a children’s playground and basketball court.

8. Go Shopping at Feira da Ladra

Feira da Ladra (Thieves’ Market) is one of Lisbon’s oldest markets, dating back to the 12th century. Located in Alfama neighborhood, it is open every Tuesday from early morning until late afternoon and is a great place to find antiques, vintage items, handicrafts and other unique items at bargain prices.

Popular Tours in Lisbon

In addition to exploring all that Lisbon has to offer for free, there are also some popular tours that can help you further explore this beautiful city:

1. Full-Day Tour Of Sintra And Cascais

This full-day tour will take you to some of Portugal’s most beautiful towns – Sintra and Cascais – located just outside of Lisbon. You’ll visit the Sintra National Palace with its ornate Rococo-style rooms and breathtaking gardens; explore Cascais’ picturesque fishing village; take a scenic drive along Estoril Coast; visit Cabo da Roca – Europe’s westernmost point; and much more! You can book this tour with Viator for an unforgettable experience.

2. Fatima And Obidos Day Tour From Lisbon

This day tour from Lisbon will take you to two of Portugal’s most sacred sites – Fatima and Obidos – located about 100 miles north of Lisbon. You’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima – a major pilgrimage site – as well as Obidos Castle – a 12th century medieval fortress surrounded by ancient walls – both offering breathtaking views of Portugal’s countryside! You can book this tour with Viator for an unforgettable experience.

3. Small-Group Tour Of Fado Music In Alfama Neighborhood

This small-group tour will take you on an exploration of Fado music – Portugal’s most iconic musical genre – in Alfama neighborhood – Lisbon’s oldest quarter – offering you an insight into this musical tradition from local guides! You’ll visit some of Alfama’s most iconic spots such as São Jorge Castle and National Pantheon as well as enjoying some traditional Portuguese snacks along the way! You can book this tour with GetYourGuide for an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

Lisbon is a beautiful and vibrant city with plenty of things to do for free. From exploring its historical monuments to enjoying its nightlife, there are plenty of places to see in Lisbon without spending any money. If you’re looking for something more exciting, there are also plenty of popular tours available for an unforgettable experience!