Everything I Loved Doing in Lisbon and Think You Will Too

For first-time visitors, Lisbon is an easy place to travel. The neighborhoods are walkable, public transport is simple to use, and you don’t need a packed schedule to enjoy the city. When you’re planning the best things to do in Lisbon Portugal, it helps to know that you can see a lot without rushing from place to place.

Based on my three days in the city, I created my own list of things to do in Lisbon Portugal. Some things I did, some I skipped, and some I wish I had done differently. 

At the bottom of the list, I’ve included a Google Map with the locations all mapped out as well as some restaurant and hotel recommendations.

If Lisbon is part of your first trip to Portugal, this ultimate guide is meant to help it feel manageable and easy to plan from the start.

30 of The Best Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal

Below are the best things to do in Lisbon Portugal listed in no particular order. Each one includes context, history when it matters, and honest notes from my own trip.

Use it as a travel guide, a planning tool, or just a way to picture yourself there.

1. Tiles, So Many Tiles!

Location: All over the city, especially Alfama, churches, and older neighborhoods
Cost: Free

You can’t miss the tiles in Lisbon. They’re everywhere. On buildings, inside churches, lining staircases, and even tucked into unexpected corners as you wander.

The traditional Portuguese tiles, called azulejos, date back centuries and were originally used to help regulate temperature inside buildings while also telling stories through patterns and scenes.

Some tiles are simple blue-and-white designs, while others are incredibly detailed, showing religious scenes, historical moments, or everyday life.

2. Look Inside the Churches

Location: All over Lisbon
Cost: Mostly free, some small entry fees

Lisbon has more churches than you could ever realistically see in one trip. I popped in every time I passed by one and they are all uniquely beautiful. Here are two of my favorites.

• The Church of Saint Dominic, near Rossio Square, really stood out to me. A fire tore through it years ago, and instead of restoring it to perfection, much of the damage was left visible. The darkened stone, cracked walls, and worn surfaces were like nothing I had ever seen before.
• The Church of Our Lady of Grace (Igreja da Graça) sits up on a hill and rewards you twice. Inside, you’ll find beautiful tile panels that tell stories from Portugal’s past. Step outside and you’re right next to one of Lisbon’s best viewpoints.

Even if you’re not a religious person, the churches tell you a lot about Lisbon’s past. They survived fires, earthquakes, wars, and years of rebuilding. They are all worth a pop-in.

3. Take a Tour: Walking, Food, Art

Location: Throughout the city
Cost: Varies

I went on two walking tours while I was in Lisbon, one in the main city center and another in Alfama. They were an easy way to get oriented without having to plan every detail on my own. Walking with a guide also helped me understand what I was looking at instead of just walking past it.

Tours are especially great if you’re traveling solo. You get company without commitment, which is honestly ideal. You can chat with people if you want or just listen and enjoy the walk.

Lisbon has a wide range of tours depending on what you’re interested in. There are classic walking tours, history-focused tours, food tours, and even art tours that highlight street murals.

4. Get Lost in Alfama

Location: Alfama
Cost: Free

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and easily the hilliest and steepest part of the city. It’s one of the few areas that survived the 1755 earthquake, which is why the streets are such a maze of narrow lanes, staircases, and unexpected corners.

This part of the city has deep Moorish and Jewish roots and once included Lisbon’s Jewish quarter before major changes in the late 15th century reshaped the area.

Alfama is where I stayed during my three days in Lisbon and wandering the neighborhood without a plan quickly became part of my daily routine. You’ll pass tiled buildings, small neighborhood churches, laundry hanging from balconies, and locals chatting in doorways. It’s not fast or flat, but that’s exactly what makes Alfama feel like the real Lisbon.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Alfama, I stayed at the Hotel Convento do Salvador and absolutely loved it!

Ginjinha in a chocolate shot cup

5. Shots of Ginjinha

Location: Rossio and Alfama
Cost: About 2€

I could drink Ginjinha all day. It’s a sweet cherry liqueur that Lisbon is known for. You can walk up to tiny standing bars and order a quick shot, sometimes served in little chocolate cups that make it taste like a decadent chocolate covered cherry.

But the best Ginjinha is the kind you stumble on in Alfama, where grandmothers sell their own recipes from folding tables set up right on the street. You hand over a euro and they pour you a shot. It’s one of my favorite things about Lisbon.

Sunrise at Miradouro de Santa Luzia

6. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset

Location: Miradouros (viewpoints) all around Lisbon
Cost: Free

Watching sunrise or sunset in Lisbon is arguably one of the best things to do in Lisbon Portugal and something everyone should do. With all the hills in Lisbon, you’re rewarded with some pretty spectacular views.

As a solo traveler, I think of miradouros, as an easy win. You do not need a ticket, a tour, or a plan. You walk up, catch your breath, and there it is. Miradouros are low effort and high reward. They’re easy to find too – just type “miradouro” into your map.

7. São Jorge Castle

Location: Alfama
Cost: Around €15

São Jorge Castle watches over Lisbon from one of the city’s highest points. The site itself has been used for defense for centuries, dating back to Roman and Moorish times.

Surprisingly, the castle you see today is not original. Much of it was rebuilt during a major restoration project in the 1940s under Portugal’s Estado Novo regime. It wasn’t even rebuilt as an accurate replica.

Knowing that honestly turned me off so I decided to skip it and save my money. I still walked all around the outside, though, and I am glad I did. The surrounding paths are where I encountered one of the absolute best things I did in Lisbon which is next on my list.

Peacocks in Lisbon

8. Colorful Peacocks

Location: Castle area
Cost: Free if you’re outside the gates

Before I even knew Lisbon had peacocks, I heard them. The peacocks around the Sao Jorge Castle aren’t just random birds wandering through Lisbon. They’re descendants of the original flock kept by the royal family when the palace once sat on this hill. Now they stroll through the area like they own it.

They are loud, dramatic, and completely unbothered by people. The peacocks are considered a bit of a nuisance and will happily walk into shops and restaurants if no one stops them. It was so much fun to watch the older women in the neighborhood shoo them away.

Fado entrance door in Lisbon

9. Fado Show

Location: Alfama or Bairro Alto
Cost: Usually €35–60

Fado is traditional Portuguese music that dates back to the early 1800s. It grew out of Lisbon neighborhoods like Alfama, where sailors, workers, and families gathered in small taverns. The music is emotional and story-driven, usually centered on themes of longing, love, loss, and everyday life. Hearing it live is said to be unforgettable, with a powerful voice and Portuguese guitar filling a small, intimate room.

I did not make it to a Fado show, and I regret it. Shows started too late for me and they can last for a couple of hours. After long days of walking Lisbon’s hills, I was just tired. Still, it belongs on any list of the best things to do in Lisbon Portugal. Every local I spoke with said the same thing. Go to a Fado show. Next time, I will.

10. Fado Museum

Location: Alfama
Cost: Around €5–10

Before seeing a Fado performance, the Fado Museum is a great place to start. It explains what Fado is, where it came from, and how it became such an important part of Portuguese culture. The exhibits are clear and easy to follow, even if you know nothing about the music going in.

Old recordings, instruments, and stories about famous singers give you a little context to help make the music feel personal instead of abstract. It made me wish even more that I had stayed out late for a show.

Patterned sidewalk in Lisbon

11. Calcada Sidewalks

Location: Everywhere
Cost: Free, plus a workout

Lisbon’s sidewalks are beautifully detailed works of art! The famous black and white stone patterns are everywhere.

On my walking tour, the guide told us that the sidewalks started as a form of punishment. Prisoners were the ones who first cut and laid these stones by hand, and the style eventually spread across the city. Can you imagine!?

They’re stunning, but they can be slick, uneven, and tough on your feet. Wear real walking shoes, not cute sandals. Lisbon is a place where your feet will absolutely tell the story of your day.

Rossio Square in Lisbon

12. Rossio Square

Location: Baixa
Cost: Free

Rossio Square has been the heart of Lisbon for centuries, long before tourism and lists of the best things to do in Lisbon Portugal were a thing. This is where public celebrations, protests, and even executions all played out.

Now Rossio is one of the most photographed places in Lisbon. This is where you’ll find the iconic wave-pattern sidewalks and that beautiful central fountain.

Inside tip: Head up to the second floor of Rossio Train Station for a unique view of São Jorge Castle overlooking the city.

13. Ride a Funicular

Location: Various routes in Lisbon, including Gloria, Bica, and Lavra
Cost: Around €3

Lisbon’s funiculars have been running since the late 19th century, helping people navigate up and down the city’s steep hills. They look like something straight out of old postcards, with their wooden carriages and intricate iron details.

They are quite the tourist attraction now and you’ll often find long lines of people waiting to ride.

When I was there, all the funiculars were closed because of the tragic accident on the Gloria line the day before, so I wasn’t able to ride on one. 

Bordalo II Panda in Lisbon

14. Search for Street Art by Bordalo II

Location: Various spots in Lisbon
Cost: Free

Bordalo II is an artist who creates large-scale street art using recycled and salvaged materials. Think old metal scraps, plastic, wood, and broken objects most people would toss in the trash. He transforms them into oversized animal faces and sculptures that look like they are growing right out of the walls.

Lisbon is one of the best places to see his work. His famous panda is one of the most recognizable pieces, but there are other animals scattered throughout the city (even in Porto) if you keep your eyes open. It turns wandering Lisbon into a little scavenger hunt.

Pasteis de Belem and coffee

15. Try a Pastel da Nata

Location: Bakeries everywhere
Cost: About 1€–2€

These little custard pastries live up to the hype. Portuguese bakers have been making them since the 1800s. They’re creamy and warm, with a crisp flaky shell. I tried them in different neighborhoods and never had a bad one.

It became my afternoon snack more often than I planned. Biting into one fresh from the oven is unforgettable.  And don’t forget to sprinkle cinnamon on top – yummy!

16. 25 de Abril Bridge

Location: Spans the river
Cost: Free to view

This bridge looks similar to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and that’s not an accident. The same company helped design it. Seeing it from the waterfront gives you a wide, dramatic view across the river. Cars rumble across the top while trains run below.

It’s one of Lisbon’s big landmarks. If you love big city bridges, this one deserves a slow walk along the river to admire it. If you visit Belem while you’re in Lisbon, you’ll go right past the bridge.

17. Try Traditional Portuguese Food

Location: All over Lisbon
Cost: Varies

Lisbon is full of incredible traditional Portuguese dishes, and trying them is a must. Think bifanas (pork sandwiches), grilled sardines fresh from the grill, and bacalhau à Brás (shredded salted cod with potatoes and eggs). These are just a few of the classics you can find at local restaurants or small neighborhood eateries.

I’ve tagged some of my favorite spots in the Google Map below, so you can easily plan where to eat while visiting the city. If you want more ideas and details on each dish, check out my full What to Eat in Portugal post.

18. Go to McDonald’s (yes, really!)

Location: Rossio
Cost: Normal McDonald’s pricing

I know it sounds strange to include McDonald’s on a list of the best things to do in Lisbon Portugal but hear me out. Lisbon has a McDonald’s in Rossio Square that’s often called one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. It’s set inside a historic building with chandeliers, stained glass, and a surprisingly elegant interior.

And the food? Not quite like McDonalds in North America. McDonald’s in Portugal has menu items like soup, espresso, pastel de nata, and beer (yes, really!)

Stopping into McDonald’s while traveling isn’t about the food as much as it is about familiarity. I wrote about this more in my McDonald’s in Indonesia post, and the same idea applies here. Sometimes having something familiar helps take the edge off travel fatigue, especially when you’re on your own and just want an easy meal.

19. Take a Tuk Tuk Tour

Location: Throughout the city
Cost: 20–40€ and up

The hills in Lisbon are no joke, so a Tuk Tuk tour can save a lot of energy. Drivers know all the shortcuts, letting you see more in less time. I wish I had done a tuk tuk tour just for one day in Lisbon—it would have been perfect. The hills are steep, and walking anywhere quickly can be exhausting. 

20. Tile Museum

Location: East Lisbon
Cost: About 8€

I didn’t actually make it to the Tile Museum, but everyone says it’s worth it. The museum covers the history of the tiles you see everywhere in Lisbon. Some are hundreds of years old. You learn how they’re made, what the patterns mean, and how they shaped the city’s architecture.

If you like design or ceramics, this is your place. Even though I missed it, it’s high on my list for next time. I think it would have helped me put all the tiles I had been looking at around Lisbon into perspective a little bit more.

Tram 28 in Lisbon

21. Ride a Trolley

Location: All over the city
Cost: Around 3€ per ride

My very first experience in Lisbon, I was in O Carvoiero Restaurant, trying to figure out how to eat grilled sardines, all while watching a tram go by. I mean, does it get any more Lisbon than that?

Riding a tram—Lisbon’s classic trolleys—is a fun way to see the city. Some of the cars are original historic ones that have been running for decades, and they still have that old-school charm as they rattle up steep hills and squeeze through narrow streets.

They can get really crowded though, especially Tram 28, so try to go early if you want a seat.

22. Money Museum

Location: Baixa
Cost: Free

The Money Museum is more interesting than it sounds. It covers the history of money in Portugal, including old coins, bills, and even items used as currency hundreds of years ago. One unique thing you’ll see here is the giant replica of a gold bar visitors love taking photos with. They also show how currency production changed over the centuries.

It’s quiet and calm inside, which makes it a nice break from the busy streets. If you like learning how things work behind the scenes, this is a great stop.

23. Praça do Comércio

Location: Waterfront
Cost: Free

This big open square faces the river and once served as the main entrance to Lisbon. Ships would dock here, and goods from around the world arrived in this port. Today it’s wide, airy, and a great place for photos.

It’s also a natural starting point for exploring the Tagus River waterfront. You can walk in any direction and find cafés, restaurants, or simply a spot to sit and watch the water.

Rua Agusta Arch in Lisbon

24. Rua Augusta Arch

Location: Praca do Comercio
Cost: Around 3€ to go up to the top

This arch sits at the entrance of the Praca do Comercio square and marks the gateway into Lisbon’s main shopping street. The carvings on the exterior tell part of Lisbon’s history and celebrate the rebuilding efforts after the 1755 earthquake.

You can go up to the top for views of the city but honestly, there are so many free views all over Lisbon, it’s not really worth spending the money.

Most of the time this area is packed with tourists. I managed to grab this photo first thing in the morning on my way to spend a day in Belem.

25. Tagus River Waterfront

Location: Along the Tagus River
Cost: Free

The waterfront space is wide and peaceful, with people biking, jogging, or just strolling. The river moves slowly, and the light changes constantly throughout the day. It’s a great place to take a break.

You can sit on the stone steps near the water, watch boats pass, or find a café close by. It’s simple, quiet, and one of the easiest places to rest.

Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon

26. Santa Justa Lift

Location: Baixa to Bairro Alto
Cost: Around 6€

The Santa Justa Lift was designed by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel’s workshop in France, which explains why it resembles something out of Paris. It opened in 1902 as a way to help people move between the lower streets and the higher levels of the city.

You can ride it up or down or just admire it from below like I did. It’s one of the few outdoor vertical elevators in Europe still used as public transportation. If you love old engineering, this one’s worth a stop.

Lisbon Cathedral

27. Lisbon Cathedral

Location: Alfama
Cost: Free to enter main area

Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest church in the city, dating back to the 12th century. It’s a mix of architectural styles because it has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times, including after earthquakes.

If you have time, explore the cloisters and the small museum inside to see religious artifacts and historical items. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth a quick visit to experience a key part of Lisbon’s past.

National Pantheon in Lisbon

28. National Pantheon

Location: Alfama
Cost: About 10€

The National Pantheon sits on a hill in Alfama and is easy to spot thanks to the large white dome rising above the neighborhood. It took more than 250 years to complete, from 1682 to 1966, which is incredible when you stop and think about it.

Inside, the Pantheon is the final resting place of important Portuguese figures, including presidents, artists, and writers. The interior is grand but quiet, with marble floors, high ceilings, and soft light filtering in from above.

The best part though is the terrace around the dome where you’ll find amazing views over Alfama and the Tagus River. That being said, I’d again save the money. There are equally impressive views for free all over Lisbon.

29. Carmo Convent Ruins

Location: Chiado
Cost: Around 5€

The Carmo Convent Ruins are one of the most striking historical sites in Lisbon. Founded in 1389 as a Carmelite convent, the church was once one of the largest Gothic structures in the city. The 1755 earthquake destroyed its roof and much of the building, and it was never rebuilt, leaving the dramatic open arches reaching up to the sky.

Today, the ruins house a small archaeological museum with tombs, statues, and artifacts that tell the story of Lisbon before and after the earthquake.

Want to stay in an old convent turned hotel? Check out the Hotel do Salvador in Alfama. I stayed here during my visit and it was fabulous!

Me at the Explorers Monument in Belem

30. Big Three in Belém

Location: West Lisbon
Cost: Free to view monuments from the outside

Belém is where you go to see three of Lisbon’s biggest landmarks. Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, and Belem Tower all sit here. Belem is also where the original Pastéis de Belém bakery is.

You can easily spend a day walking around Belem. It’s flat so it’s a welcome change from the hills of Alfama.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal

I’ve added all of these stops to a Google Map to make planning easier. It includes not only the main sights, but also my recommended hotels in Lisbon and restaurants, so you can see how everything fits together.

Whether you’re mapping out your days ahead of time or just figuring things out as you go, having everything in one place makes getting around Lisbon much less stressful.

How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to see a list of the points of interest and to turn the layers on/off. Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.

To save this map, click on the little star next to the title of the map. That will add it to your Google account. Next, go to your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. The map title will now appear in your list.

Day Trip from Lisbon

If you have extra time while you’re in Lisbon, a day trip to Sintra is absolutely worth it. Just under an hour away, this fairytale town is full of palaces, gardens, and misty hills that make it feel completely different from the city.

My friend Natalie went there when she traveled to Portugal and shared her experience in her post – Visiting Portugal in Winter.

Closing Thoughts

You can follow this list or let it inspire your own version of exploring. What I loved most were the simple things. Watching the sky change at sunrise. Wandering through Alfama with no plan. Finding art on a random wall. Stopping for a pastry. Taking a break by the river. Talking with locals. These ordinary experiences made the city feel familiar quickly.

Whether you’re in Lisbon for a few days or a week, I hope this list helps you find your own moments in the city. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to give yourself space to wander.