Top Things To Do In Lisbon Portugal

Lisbon is a city of history, culture and beauty. Located on the west side of Portugal, it is the capital of the country and the largest city in Portugal, with more than 500,000 inhabitants. It’s known for its sunny days, its colorful buildings, its old-fashioned trams and its delicious seafood. Lisbon is a great destination to explore, with a mix of modernity and tradition.

History and Culture

Lisbon has a long and rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to pre-historic times. The city has been ruled by various civilizations over the centuries, including the Romans, Visigoths and Moors. Lisbon has seen many great events throughout its history, including the Great Earthquake of 1755 and the revolution of 1974. These events have left their mark on the culture of Lisbon, making it unique in many ways.

The city has an abundance of cultural attractions, including several museums and galleries. The National Tile Museum and the Gulbenkian Museum are two of the most popular destinations for cultural sights. There are also numerous churches and cathedrals in the city, many of which are well-preserved examples of Portuguese architecture. The city also has several live music venues, such as Coliseu de Lisboa, where you can catch a show from some of Portugal’s most popular artists.

Day Trips From Lisbon

Lisbon is well-connected to other parts of Portugal by train, making it easy to take day trips to explore the country’s other cities and attractions. You can take a day trip to Sintra, a small town just outside of Lisbon that is known for its fairytale-like palaces and gardens. The nearby town of Cascais is also popular for its beaches and waterfront views.

The Douro Valley is another great destination for a day trip from Lisbon. This region is known for its beautiful scenery, its wine production, and its historical villages. It’s also possible to take a day trip to Evora, a stunning medieval walled city in the Alentejo region.

Exploring Lisbon’s Beaches

For a beach getaway, Lisbon is an ideal destination. The city is located right on the Atlantic Ocean, making it easy to access some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. Praia da Comporta is one of the most popular beaches in the area, with long stretches of soft sand and clear blue waters. Carcavelos Beach is another great option, with plenty of amenities and activities nearby.

If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic and secluded, head to beaches like Praia do Guincho or Praia do Tamariz. These hidden gems are tucked away in small fishing villages and offer stunning views of the ocean.

Eat and Drink Around Lisbon

No trip to Lisbon would be complete without sampling some of the city’s delicious cuisine. From traditional Portuguese dishes to modern interpretations, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

A trip to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without trying some pastéis de nata, Portugal’s famous custard tarts. Be sure to stop at one of the many traditional bakeries around town for a delicious snack.

When it comes to drinks, head to one of Lisbon’s numerous wine bars or craft beer pubs. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the city’s unique craft cocktails or sample some of the locally produced spirits.

Take a City Tour

If you want to get a real feel for Lisbon, take a guided tour of the city. You can visit some of the city’s most iconic sights and learn about their history from knowledgeable guides. Private tours are also available if you’d prefer a more personalized experience.

One popular tour is the Lisbon Free Walking Tour, which takes visitors through some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods such as Alfama and Baixa. You’ll learn about the history and culture of Lisbon while seeing some of its most popular attractions.

Book a Food Tour

For foodies looking to sample some local delicacies, there’s no better way than taking a food tour in Lisbon. This type of tour will take you around some of the city’s most popular restaurants and bars, giving you an inside look at local cuisine. You’ll get to try some traditional dishes such as bacalhau (codfish) and caldo verde (green soup). The guides will also give you recommendations on where to find some of the best food in town.

Take a Day Trip To Sintra

Just outside of Lisbon lies Sintra, one of Portugal’s most charming towns. This small village is known for its colorful palaces and gardens as well as its historical monuments. You can visit some of Sintra’s most famous sights such as the Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira before heading back to Lisbon in the evening.

Visit The Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most famous sites and a must-visit for any visitor to the city. This 16th century monastery was built as a tribute to explorer Vasco da Gama and is considered to be one of Portugal’s greatest architectural achievements. The monastery is known for its intricate details and its stunning Manueline style architecture.

Take a Trip To Cascais

Cascais is another great destination for day trips from Lisbon. This small fishing town is located just outside of Lisbon and is known for its beautiful beaches and waterfront views. Visit Cascais Castle or take a dip in the ocean for an unforgettable experience in this charming little town.

Explore Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações is a large park located on the outskirts of Lisbon that was built as part of Expo ’98 in 1998. This modern park features attractions such as an oceanarium, a cable car ride, and several restaurants and shops. It’s a great place to relax on sunny days or take a stroll along the riverfront boardwalk.

Book a Tour Of The Douro Valley

For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, book a tour of the Douro Valley. This stunning region is known for its wine production, its historical villages, and its stunning views over the river Douro. You can choose from various tours that will take you around some of the region’s most beautiful sights, such as vineyards and wine cellars where you can sample some local wines.

Take a Cooking Class

If you want to learn more about Portuguese cuisine in a fun way, take a cooking class in Lisbon! These classes are available for all levels and will teach you how to make traditional dishes using authentic ingredients. You’ll get hands-on experience with recipes like caldeirada (fish stew) or arroz de pato (duck rice). Plus, you’ll get to bring home your own recipes so you can recreate these dishes at home!

Book an Example Tour on Viator

For an unforgettable experience in Lisbon, book an example tour on Viator! This tour will take you around some of the city’s most iconic sights such as Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery while giving you an inside look at Portugal’s rich culture and history. With knowledgeable guides providing commentary throughout your visit, this tour offers a unique insight into Portugal’s past while providing an immersive experience in one of Europe’s most intriguing cities. Book example tour on Viator here to explore all that Lisbon has to offer!

Book an Example Tour on GetYourGuide

For those looking for an unforgettable day trip from Lisbon, book an example tour on GetYourGuide! This tour will take you around some of Portugal’s top spots including Sintra, Cascais and Estoril while giving you an opportunity to explore beautiful beaches and historical sites throughout your journey. With knowledgeable guides providing commentary throughout your visit, this tour offers an exciting way to get off-the-beaten-path and discover hidden gems in Portugal’s countryside that you won’t find anywhere else! Book example tour on GetYourGuide here for an unforgettable adventure!