The Best Things to Do in Lisbon in 2021

Lisbon is one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations right now. Located in the south of Portugal, Lisbon is full of culture and history, along with incredible natural beauty just a few minutes away. With plenty of attractions to explore, and a vibrant nightlife, Lisbon is a great choice for those seeking an unforgettable vacation.

Of course, if you’ve decided to visit Lisbon, your immediate question is: “what are the best things to do in Lisbon?” There’s lots to do and see, so we’ve compiled a list of the best experiences for visitors to enjoy during their trip.

Explore Beautiful Alfama

The oldest part of Lisbon, Alfama is an old quarter with plenty of narrow alleyways and steep hillsides. Located at the foot of Castelo de Sao Jorge, which dates back to 10th century, this area is one of the more traditional parts of the city. Here, visitors can find restaurants selling fresh fish, and cobblestone streets lined with small houses.

People that love to go on a walk or hike should definitely explore Alfama by foot. The winding and hilly cobblestone streets will give you lots of opportunities to explore the area and enjoy the spectacular views. Furthermore, if you’re interested in learning more about Portuguese culture and heritage, Alfama is definitely one place to explore.

Relax Alongside the Tagus River

The Tagus river runs straight through the heart of Portuguese capital, and provides some magnificent views, especially when the sun sets. Along the riverbanks, you can find outdoor activities like running, walking, and biking. Furthermore, especially during summertime, there are plenty of bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a nice chilled beer with some traditional Portuguese delicacies, like francesinha and pastel de bacalhau.

People who are either on their own or with friends should rent a bike for a few hours and ride slowly along the riverbanks. Some peaceful afternoons can be spent simply relaxing with friends or family. If you happen to get thirsty while on a ride, be sure to check out one of many riverside bars located along the banks of the Tagus river — it’s one of the most fun spots in Lisbon to get drinks and enjoy some traditional Portuguese food.

Spend a Day at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and it boasts centuries-old architecture and stunning grounds that visitors can explore. This 15th-century monastery has been standing in its current location since the Middle Ages and has been rebuilt numerous times by different kings throughout its history. Inside Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, visitors will find an impressive Baroque-style cloister as well as an interesting church and basilica dedicated to former Portuguese kings. Outside, visitors will find 12th-century stone carvings that give this monastery a unique look.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos allows visitors to take guided tours, which begin outside the main entrance of the monastery. During the tour, you’ll be able to explore all parts of the building and learn about its fascinating history through audio guides supplied by the museum staff. This makes Mosteiro dos Jeronimos one of the best outdoor attractions in Lisbon that every visitor should experience.

Enjoy Delicious Food at Mercado da Ribeira

Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market Lisbon) is one of the most interesting landmarks in Lisbon. This market was built in 1902 as part of Lisbon’s railway station and was an important hub of commerce for many years. It has since been renovated into an amazing food hall with dozens of eateries serving traditional Portuguese dishes. Here you’ll find seafood restaurants that specialize in bacalhau (cod fish), national favorites like pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tart) and freshly made juices.

In Mercado da Ribeira you shouldn’t miss out on some traditional Portuguese snacks such as Francesinha (a type of sandwich filled with various ingredients) or Pastel de Bacalhau (cod fish pie) — sure to tantalize your taste buds! There are also a number of international options at Mercado da Ribeira, including Mexican, Italian and Greek dishes. If you’re not sure what you want to eat, don’t worry; portions are small so it’s easy to sample everything!

Have Fun at Se de Lisboa

Se de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) is one of the main attractions in Lisbon and it dates back to 1150 AD! Inside lies a magnificent Gothic cathedral with a triangular-shaped cloister at its center. The most fascinating feature about this cathedral is its internal structure which is made up of three naves and nine chancels, each dedicated to different saints from different religions.

Visitors can take a guided tour around the interior of Se de Lisboa, which will include all sections from chapels to chapels, balconies and even bell towers — one of them being the oldest bell tower in the city! This fascinating landmark also hosts popular classical music concerts so make sure to check what’s coming up during your visit — it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Take a Stroll Through Jardim Botanico

Another landmark in Lisbon is Jardim Botanico (Lisbon Botanical Garden). Located near Estoril beach, this garden hosts over 2000 botanical species from around the world including rare cactuses from Mexico, giant palm trees from Brazil, and fragrant scented roses from France. Its huge 25-acre garden includes numerous ponds with frogs and lilies alongside Portuguese medicinal plants and wild flowers. Jardim Botanico also offers a large selection of plants at their on-site shop where visitors can buy souvenirs or fresh produce directly from the gardeners themselves!

To take a break from the hustle bustle of local city life, Jardim Botanico provides a great opportunity to retreat into nature and explore its breathtaking scenery, fragrant smells and soothing peacefulness. People who visit will be able t admire wildlife like birds humming around in ponds or even bats that come out during night time. So whether it’s for a short stroll or an entire afternoon at Jardim Botanico, it’s guaranteed to be a day of relaxation that won’t disappoint!

Experience Nightlife at Bairro Alto

The last experience on this list is Bairro Alto which is one of Lisbons most vibrant nightlife hotspots. Considered the heart of Lisbon’s nightlife, Bairro Alto offers plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs that stay busy until dawn! You can find designer cocktails or typical Portuguese wines that both tickle your taste buds, as well as a variety of music genres ranging from Funk to Soul & Eurodance depending on what your personal preference is!

Bairro Alto also has many other attractions such as viewing platforms in between its cobbled streets where visitors can admire beautiful views across Lisbon by day or even an unforgettable sky full of stars by night. It’s an experience you won’t forget soon! If visitors want to join a night out they can also book one of many tours such as a Lisbon Pub Crawl. During this unique pub crawl tour you’ll visit bars offering around 200 varieties drinks and listen live music. This tour comes highly recommended for those looking for an unforgettable night out in Portugal’s capital!

Overall, there are plenty of things to do in Lisbon ranging from sightseeing historical landmarks like Mosteiro dos Jeronimos or experiencing nature at Jardim Botanico – both on this list! Lisbon also has plenty of activities perfect for groups of travelers such as nightlife crawls and tradicional gastronomy tours you should check out during your visit! With so many things to do, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable vacation at this beautiful city in Portugal!