Before you jet off to the land of port wine and Fado music, read up on where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.
In February, I ventured to Lisbon for a wonderful three-night solo visit. Armed with budget accommodation and a RyanAir flight (a Valentine’s Day gift from my lovely partner), I was excited to finally see what Lisbon was all about.
This sunny capital city is called home by half a million people and boasts colorful buildings, unique landmarks, and lots of amazing eats. Not to mention, it hosts some of Portugal’s most famous attractions.
During my visit, the weather was pleasant and warm (even in winter), it was solo female traveler-friendly, and Lisbon’s attractions fit my budget perfectly. Not to mention, it was hard not to fall in love with the delicious food, colorful buildings, and golden sunsets. Lisbon truly is a dreamy city.
So, whether you’re planning a one-day visit or a days-long trip, I’m here to share what to do in Lisbon to ensure you have an exciting adventure.
Read more: All You Need to Know About Solo Travel in Lisbon, Portugal
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How much time is needed to visit Lisbon?
In my opinion, the ideal amount of time to see Lisbon is 3-4 days. I spent three days in Lisbon and felt I could’ve used another day! But I did cover a lot of ground.
However, a weekend or two days in Lisbon is also enough to get a good idea of what this incredible destination offers. But two days is too short if you want to make a day trip out to Sintra as well.
Read More: A Perfect Lisbon Itinerary: How to See Lisbon in 3 Days
Where to Stay in Lisbon
When visiting Lisbon, it’s best to stay in one of the city’s central districts: Baixa/Rossio, Alfama, or Bairro Alto.
Baixa / Rossio is the very center of the city and conveniently in the middle of many of Lisbon’s top attractions. Additionally, the Rossio metro and train station offers an easy route between the airport to downtown and Lisbon to Sintra.
Baixa hotel recommendation: Browns Central Hotel (stylish, great location) or Yes! Lisbon Hostel (rated best hostel in the world twice)
Alfama is Lisbon’s old quarter nested immediately to the east of downtown. It’s famous for Fado music, charming narrow streets, and pretty lookout points. Much of the neighborhood is at a steep incline which means lots of walking up hills.
Alfama hotel recommendation: Memmo Alfama Design Hotel (boutique, excellent city views)
Bairro Alto / Chiado is Lisbon’s higher-end district with excellent eateries and is close to the city’s best shopping. It’s located immediately north of downtown.
Bairro Alto hotel recommendation: The Lumiares Hotel & Spa (luxury, modern)
Read More: 12 Best Cheap Lisbon Hotels + Hostels
30 Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal
This ultimate list of the Lisbon’s top attractions may seem like a lot, but thankfully the city is very walkable, which means creating your own Lisbon walking tour is very feasible.
1. Visit the iconic Praça do Comércio + Arco da Rua Augusta
The Praça do Comércio is a large public square on the ocean that features a famous statue of King José I of Portugal. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic white Arco da Rua Augusta arches surrounded by yellow wings.
For a small fee, you can climb into the arches for a view of the central city streets. You don’t need much time here, but I recommend taking a moment to sit and enjoy the ocean views.
2. Ride up the urban Elevador de Santa Justa
The Santa Justa Elevator is an urban elevator connecting Baixa with the upper Bairro Alto district. It features a filigree design made from cast iron that is truly beautiful to see.
You can ride the elevator to the top for a small fee and take in sweeping views of Lisbon. If you want to skip the long line and paying for the round trip elevator ticket, you can walk up to the viewing platform and pay a couple of Euros for the top observation deck alone.
3. Marvel at the still-standing arches of the Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent is a gothic church that was hit by an earthquake and suffered severe damage in 1755. However, the stone walls and rooftop arches were left intact, and today has been turned into a beautiful archaeological museum.
You must first walk through the eye-catching roofless courtyard to reach the museum’s interior. Inside, you can marvel at various displays that showcase mummies, old libraries, ancient engraved tombs, and more.
4. Stop in to the Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral is unique because it features different architectural styles. Originally built back in the mid-1100s, it’s been hit by numerous earthquakes over the centuries and has required many restorations and repairs, resulting in its unique look.
But remarkably, the church continues to stand, and visitors can enter the ground level for free or pay to climb up into the church to see various exhibits and look out at the mid-level viewing deck.
5. Wander the narrow streets of Alfama
I recommend taking the time to explore the narrow streets of Alfama while on that side of the city. Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods and is known for its tightly packed homes and beautiful lookout points.
6. Hit up all of Libson’s scenic lookout points
Lisbon is said to have been built upon seven hills, of which overlook the sparkling ocean and colorful streets of the sprawling city. So many hills mean numerous lookout points where visitors and locals can sit and take it all in.
While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to visit all of Lisbon’s lookout points, or Miradouros, here are some of the best that you should consider visiting.
- Miradouro Portas do Sol: Classic Lisbon view of Alfama and Church of São Vicente de Fora on the hill.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia: A romantic, garden-filled terrace with a charming pergola and great views of Alfama and Lisbon.
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: One of the highest (and furthest) points, but it provides a clear view of nearly the entire city.
7. Stroll through Lisbon’s city squares Praça Dom Pedro IV + Praça da Figueira
Praça Dom Pedro IV is a pretty square in the center of Baixa known for its wavy pattern laid in brick, a towering column memorial, and historic fountain. From the square, you have a pretty cool view of the Carmo Convent and Bairro Alto neighborhood above you.
Praça da Figueira is another square located one block over outside the Rossio Metro. This square is home to Confeitaria Nacional, a beautiful pastry shop that I recommend stopping by for some local sweets.
8. Climb up to the ancient ruins of Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge, or the Sao Jorge Castle, is a historic landmark with origins that date back to the 8th century BC! Various groups have occupied the castle grounds over the years, including the Romans, Moors, and eventually the Portuguese.
Today, this Moorish castle offers a unique glimpse into the past and features ruins you can climb, an exhibit of artifacts, an archaeological dig, and some pretty fantastic city views. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
9. Take a picture on the famous Pink Street under rainbow umbrellas
Officially named Rua Nova do Carvalho, Lisbon’s pink street has become a popular Portugal Instagram spot. The narrow alleyway is painted pink, as hinted at by the name, and surrounded by some of the city’s top clubs.
A pretty yellow bridge cuts diagonally across the street, creating a unique and eye-catching backdrop. And covering one end of the road are floating rainbow umbrellas. Unfortunately, many of the umbrellas were down when I visited, and the surrounding buildings were covered in scaffolding, but it was still a pretty sight to see.
10. Treat yourself to culinary delights at Time Out Market Lisbon
The Time Out Market Lisbon is a modern space that houses various eateries. From traditional Portuguese to Asian dishes and all the sweets you can imagine, there’s something for everyone at this market.
I grabbed some Portuguese tapas, wine from the Miguel Castro e Silva stand, and a donut for dessert from Crush Donuts. It was all delicious! It’s also housed in the same building as a traditional Portuguese market, which I recommend strolling through if it’s still open when you arrive.
11. Ride or chase Lisbon’s iconic Tram 28 + funiculars
Riding Tram 28 has become an iconic thing to do in Lisbon for many reasons. First, the historical and classic yellow tram has become an iconic symbol of Lisbon and Lisbon photography. Second, it travels between Lisbon’s top attractions, climbing up and over the city’s cobblestone hills.
The tram’s route can be easily found on Google Maps, and to pay for the ride, you pay in cash to the driver or show your 24-hour public transport pass. Some of its stops include Martim Moniz, Portas do Sol, the Lisbon Cathedral, Baixia, etc.
12. Shop or stroll along Lisbon’s notable streets
There are a few classic streets in Lisbon lined with popular shops, souvenir stalls, pastel de nata bakeries, cafes, and more. You don’t have to try hard to stumble upon them, but I thought I’d call them out because they’re a classic thing to see in Lisbon.
- Rua Augusta spans from the Arco de Rua Augusta to the Rossio Metro, cutting pretty through the length of Baixia.
- Rua do Carmo is a short stretch of pedestrian street behind the Santa Justa Elevador and is not far from the Carmo Convent.
- Avenida da Liberdade is where you can find posh shopping, and it’s even known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in Europe.
13. Visit the famous Igreja de Santa Engrácia aka National Pantheon
The National Pantheon as a church dates back to 1682 but only became the national pantheon in the 20th century. The exterior is built in baroque style and features a dome, while the interior has been designed to resemble Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica.
Today, the church holds tombs of many famous historical figures and boasts a beautiful terrace with a fantastic view of Alfama and the ocean.
14. Climb the medieval Torre de Belém
The Torre de Belém, or Belém Tower is a medieval tower that sits right off the edge of the ocean shore. It’s been classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, and dates back to the 16th century and has become an iconic landmark for Lisbon.
Visitors can go inside and marvel at the incredible architecture up close while soaking up ocean and city views from the top. The tower doesn’t open until 10:00am and requires an advance ticket purchase.
15. Tour the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery + Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
The Jerónimos Monastery is a gorgeous landmark that was a former monastery for the Order of Saint Jerome. Its design is a prime example of the Portuguese late gothic. Visitors need about two hours to see the grounds, which feature gardens, a courtyard of cloisters, tombs of historical figures, and an ornate church interior.
Housed on the same grounds as the monastery is the National Archaeological Museum. You must pay an additional entrance fee, but the museum is worth it for history buffs. Ancient artifacts from all over the world are on display inside.
16. See the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos stands on the edge of the coast, a short walk from the Belem Tower. This massive carved monument was built to commemorate Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Portuguese Empire.
Visitors can pay to go inside and look at the small exhibit and climb to the top for an elevated view. It’s far from the downtown streets of Lisbon but is close to the famous Jerónimos Monastery.
17. Witness the Christ the King statue
This iconic landmark is a Catholic shrine inspired by Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer. It can be found in Lisbon’s Almada district, which is a bit of a hike from downtown across the famous 25 de Abril bridge where the Tagus River meets the ocean.
Visitors can take the elevator inside the monument to the top, where a viewing platform is reached via a set of stairs. This statue measures an impressive 82 meters or nearly 270 feet tall.
18. Learn about electricity at the Museum of Art Architecture and Technology
The MAAT or the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is probably one of the most famous museums in Lisbon, outside of the National Archaeology Museum.
The exhibits are housed in a stunning modern building that’s become a popular landmark in and of itself. The displays are dedicated to sharing the history of electricity and technology, specifically as it revolves around the old Tejo Power Station.
19. Make time for more of Lisbon’s Museums
If you’re a history buff, then you might be interested in taking more time touring Lisbon’s other best museums – and there are many! Some of the most popular include the Museum of the Orient or the National Azulejo Museum (National Tile Museum). But these are just the tip of the iceberg.
Time Out has a great article sharing even more options.
20. Get inspired at Village Underground
Village Underground Lisboa is a unique cultural spot for creatives to work and meet and features art and recording studios, a restaurant, and various events. The grounds feature repurposed buses and shipping containers painted in vibrant graffiti.
21. Sip cocktails on a cool rooftop bar with a view
Just as lookout points are a thing, so are incredible rooftop bars in Lisbon. Capitalizing on the rolling hills and beautiful views, many bars sit atop hotels or are lucky enough to boast their own private terrace. What better way to marvel at Lisbon than with a delicious cocktail in hand?
22. Catch a traditional Fado music show
Traditional Fado music originates in Lisbon and, more specifically, the Alfama district. It can be described as mournful tunes that often relate to the dangers of the sea, a nod to Portugal’s maritime history.
One of the best ways to hear Fado music is at a club that serves dinner and a performance. The Clube de Fado is a popular place to catch a Fado show in Lisbon.
23. Eat brunch
I’m a total brunchaholic, so you can imagine I was pretty stoked to find out that Lisbon has many incredible brunch spots. And better yet, they are pretty reasonably priced. Some of the most popular Lisbon brunch spots include Nicolau Lisbon and Zenith Brunch and Cocktail bar.
24. Take a tour of Lisbon’s many beautiful churches like Igreja São Roque
Lisbon has a vast Catholic tradition, which means there are numerous churches to see and tour. One of the most beautiful is often considered the Igreja de São Roque. While it may not look very impressive from the outside, one step in reveals an ornate altar and incredible art.
25. Hunt for Lisbon’s larger than life street art
The street art in Lisbon is truly a sight to see. With various massive works of art scattered around the city, it provides a fun scavenger hunt of sorts during your explorations. Many guides online tell you exactly where to find these works of art, or you can leave it up to chance and be pleasantly surprised when you see them.
26. Snap one for the gram at the Ler Devagar bookstore
The Ler Devagar Bookstore has become a popular spot for photographers thanks to its towering floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and colorful interior. There is also a cafe inside where you can grab a coffee and take in the sights of the surrounding books.
27. See some fishies at the Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is an aquarium that sits on the seaside near the Moscavide neighborhood. It’s a great activity to do with kids and is where you can see various habitats and sealife like penguins, stingrays, etc.
28. Indulge in Lisbon’s exciting nightlife
Lisbon has a very lively nightlife that’s often regarded as one of the best in Europe. There are so many different clubs, bars, and discos that cater to all tastes and all travelers. So if you like to party, this is the thing to do in Lisbon for you.
29. Eat your fill at the Pastéis de Belém bakery
Pastéis de Belém is the birthplace of the pastel de Belem or the famous Portuguese custard tart. The cafe’s interior is super old-school, and they serve up many different types of baked goods and hot drinks.
And while there are many different bakeries serving up delicious pastel de natas, this particular bakery is up there as one of the best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal simply due to its history and legacy.
30. Take an exciting day trip to Sintra
Sintra is by far one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. While there are many incredible things to see in Sintra, it’s only feasible to see 2-3 places in a single day trip, maybe four if you have a private tour and do the sights quickly.
On my day trip to Sintra, I saw the Park and National Palace of Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira. The Monserrate Palace was also on my bucket list, but I just ran out of time.
Read more: How to Visit Sintra From Lisbon: One Day in Sintra, Portugal
What to Eat in Lisbon
Trying the local delicacies is one of my favorite ways to get to know a new place! Here is a snapshot of some of the best foods to try in Lisbon.
- Pastel de Nata – creamy, egg tarts
- Bifana sandwiches – marinated sliced pork on a white bun
- Bacalhau + Pastéis de Bacalhau – salted cod fish and cod fish fritters
- Sardines – canned sardines are a popular Lisbon souvenir
- Ginjinha – sour cherry liqueur from chocolate cups
- Cozido à portuguesa – hearty meat stew
Best Restaurants in Lisbon
There are so many good eats in Lisbon it’s impossible to share them all! But these restaurants are often considered Lisbon staples.
- Martinho da Arcada is considered Lisbon’s oldest restaurant
- Alma serves traditional Portuguese dishes meets fine-dining and has 2 Michelin stars
- Prado is a trendy and upscale restaurant serving wine with modern fare
- Panda Catina serves up delicious Chinese ramen
- A Taberna da Rua das Flores is a favorite with locals
- Ramiro is a family-owned restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere often touted as the best seafood restaurant in Lisbon.
- Ponto Final is far from the city center but sits along the ocean and was featured on Somebody Feed Phil
- As Bifanso do Afonso is a charming little stand that sells some of the best Bifanas in the city. It’s cheap and popular!
Best Cafes in Lisbon
I love a good cafe. And if I had more time to savor the trendy and cool cafe scene in Lisbon, I would’ve been a very happy gal indeed.
In any case, three days was enough to check out a few of Lisbon’s best cafes and rack up many more on my bucket list. Some of them are:
Lisbon Travel Tips
Here are some random but helpful travel tips for Lisbon.
- If you’re a student, don’t forget your student ID for discounted entry into popular attractions!
- Consider buying the Sintra Green Card or Lisbon City Card for unlimited public transportation and entrance discounts.
- Pick up a 24-hour public transportation pass at the city metro stations for unlimited rides in a day.
- Most of the city’s museums and famous landmarks are closed on Mondays.
- Watch out for pickpockets. They’re common on public transportation.
- Lisbon is very safe for solo female travelers, I would know – I went there solo 😉
- The city is very budget and credit card friendly.
Thans for this great list! I visited Lisbon for the first time 2 months ago and it became my favorite European capital city! I also tried the Pastéis de Nata at Pastéis de Belem and it was just amazing. Definitely the best Pastéis de Nata I ever ate!!