15 Unmissable Things to Do in Lisbon! (Ultimate Guide + Hotels

If you are visiting Portugal, Lisbon should be definitely on the top of your list. It’s the heart of Portugal and in this guide I’ll show you everything you need know before traveling to Lisbon. Also we’ll cover 15 unmissable things to do in Lisbon as a first-timer.

Portugal has a very good public transport and you can easily travel around by train, by car or by tours. Lisbon is very walkable and you don’t need a car in the city, but I highly recommend to get the Lisboa Card as a first-timer to save money.

Our Favorite Hotels in Lisbon:

Hotel Mundial: Mid-Range in City Center Memmo Alfama: Mid-Range in City Center Pestana Rua Augusta: Luxury by the River

Check the availability and book here.

For more Hotels, check our Hotel Guide for Lisbon.

Note: This is a long guide with many details, if you’re short in time, choose your favorite section below and jump into it.

Tips for your First-time Visit to Lisbon

You can save a lot in Lisbon if you get a Lisboa Card. You’ll get free access to many attractions in Lisbon, including the Jerónimos Monastery, the Santa Justa Lift, and the Belém Tower. Also you’ll get unlimited rides on public transport (including the famous Tram 28).

Pro tip: You can get your Lisboa Card even before you travel. Also you can choose for 24 hours, 48 or 72 hours. You can book your card here.

How to get around in Lisbon

Most of the main attractions are close enough to walk, but when your legs need a break because of the hills, Lisbon has a great public transportation.

Another fun way of going around is with the tuk tuks, but handle upfront.

Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? YESSS!

I can give you a long list of why you should visit Lisbon, but here are the things that we fell in love and we still go back there each year for it:

Lisbon has a deep culture and a rich history and I was positively surprised as we visited Lisbon for the first time. Ok .. You should know that the architecture is not like in Florence or Rome, but what I love about Portugal is it’s simplicity.

On the other hand landmarks like the Tower of Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the iconic Alfama district, will definitely capture your heart, specially as a photographer and traveler. Also don’t forget the view of the famous Tanus river, which is a photographer’s dream.

Lisbon also offers fantastic Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and delectable pastries like pastéis de nata. And it’s totally normal if you eat 3 per day. It’s a kind of city that comes alive specially if you love the Fado music.

Is Lisbon Safe?

We really feel safe in Lisbon and is one those rare European cities that you can easily take your professional camera with you, without being worried about it.

To know where to stay, also read our Guide for the best areas to stay and which areas to avoid to stay safe.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

We’ve been to Lisbon in all 4 seasons and I can say there is no bad season there. Yes, January and February might be a bit cold, but the rest of the year is enjoyable. The Weather is always pleasant in Lisbon.

In January & February, you definitely need a jacket specially if you’re visiting Sintra.

Is Lisbon Expensive?

Lisbon is a city full of warm welcoming people that you’ll never feel lonely. We always feel at home in Lisbon and yes Lisbon is more expensive than the other parts of Portugal, but still it’s much cheaper than other cities in Italy or Spain.

You can easily find affordable hotels in Lisbon with reasonable prices and we also love to stay in luxury hotels there off-season for less than $200 /night. Here are our favorite hotels in Lisbon from affordable to luxury:

15 Best Things to do in Lisbon

So all in all, Lisbon is a blend of beautiful scenery, rich history, amazing food, and friendly locals that will make your trip unforgettable! Let’s dive in to your itinerary and all the beautiful places to visit.

1. A Walk Through Alfama District, Lisbon

My journey began in Alfama which is the oldest district in Lisbon. This vibrant neighborhood feels like stepping back in time. It’s narrow streets with cozy restaurants and orange trees above the tables, is just a dream.

The pastel-colored houses (mostly in soft yellows and blues) and the vintage trams passing by give this neighborhood a magical, warm vibe. It’s the kind of place where we always slow down, and just enjoy every corner. I could spend hours here without any plan — just walking, getting lost, and finding hidden gems.

Pro tip: If it’s your first time in Lisbon, I highly recommend joining a walking tour of Alfama. You’ll hear all the little stories behind those old walls and discover places you might easily miss on your own. Here’s the tour I booked and loved.

Best Look-out in Alfama

Don’t forget the Miradouro de Santa Luzia lookout, the views of the Tagus River is just breathtaking. Not to mention that I took many pictures and videos there during the day and at night as well.

You can always find musicians playing live there, which makes it even more romantic. It’s a photographer’s dream, with beautiful overlooks that give you the perfect snapshot of Lisbon.

2. Visit Belém Tower

How to Get from Lisbon to Belém

Getting from Lisbon to Belém is super easy! Just hop on the tram or train from the city center. I usually take Tram 15E, which leaves from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio and drops you off right near Belém Tower.

If you prefer something a little faster, you can take the Cascais Line train from Cais do Sodré Station, and it only takes about 10 minutes to get there. Belém is just a few stops away, and the ride along the river is beautiful.

Visiting Belém

This beautiful Tower will take you to another time. The view of the river is even making it more unreal.The iconic Belém Tower, is UNESCO World Heritage and an architectural marvel which is a symbol of Portugal’s maritime history.

Pro Tip: I do suggest to go there early, as it’s always very busy and get tickets during high-season. You can get the tickets on their official website. Here is the link.

They open at 9:30 a.m., and I arrived just after 10:00 a.m. — but even in January, I still had to wait about 30 minutes to get in. So yes, it’s one of those spots that gets busy early! But honestly, I didn’t even mind waiting. I spent the time taking photos of the boats gliding along the Tagus River.

I learned that Belém Tower played a crucial role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, serving both as a fortress and a lighthouse. Standing there, it’s hard not to feel a bit of that history. The visit itself is pretty quick — about 30 to 45 minutes — but it’s absolutely worth it.

3. Explore Jerónimos Monastery

Just a short walk from Belém Tower is the impressive Jerónimos Monastery (10-15 minutes). It’s absolutely my favorite part of Lisbon and the best time to visit is definitely at the sunset. Calculate around an hour for your visit.

If you want to feel like stepping into a historical film, you shall definitely visit this Monastery. Its stunning Manueline architecture will leave you in awe. As I entered, I was captivated by the white ceilings and it’s details, especially in the cloisters.

It’s also the final resting place of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, making it all the more significant. The monastery is an excellent example of Portugal’s rich maritime heritage, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site as well.

Tips: I do recommend to get the tickets online as well, as we had to wait 40 minutes in the queue. Second time I went there, I’ve learned my lesson. Get your tickets from their official website. Here is the link.

4. Ride Tram 28

The best way to see the beautiful streets in Lisbon is to take the Tram 28. This vintage tram is just so cute and travels through the city’s prettiest neighborhoods, including Graça and Baixa.

You can take amazing pictures while the Tram is passing by beautiful squares, churches, and typical Lisbon architecture. It’s not just a means of transportation; it’s a charming way to experience the city’s vibe. So I do recommend it.

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Where to Take Tram 28 in Lisbon

Starting Point

• Martim Moniz: This is the main starting point for Tram 28. You can find the tram stop near the Martim Moniz square.

Key Stops Along the Route

• Graça: A popular stop near the Miradouro da Graça viewpoint.
• Alfama: The tram passes through the historic Alfama district, known for its narrow streets and Fado music.
• Baixa: A central area with shopping and dining options.
• Estrela: Close to the beautiful Estrela Basilica.

Watch our full Guide to Sintra on Youtube

Final Destination

• Campo de Ourique: The tram line ends here, providing access to local markets and shops.

Make sure to check the tram schedule and enjoy your ride through Lisbon!

5. Experience Fado at a Local Tavern

This is an unforgettable experience in Lisbon and I do recommend to book a table if you’re visiting Lisbon in Summer. In Alfama, we enjoyed a night filled with Fado music, Portugal’s soulful genre.

There are several restaurants in that area that are offering live Music, but do check the reviews, as some of them are just offering Music and the food might not be delicate. Here are my favorite top 3 Restaurants in Alfama with Fado Music:

• 1. Parreirinha de Alfama
• 2. A Baiuca
• 3. Clube de Fado

6. Don’t forget to walk up the hills to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte Look- out

For some of the most breathtaking views in Lisbon, I headed to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. After a short hike, I reached the viewpoint just before sunset. The sight of the city awash in golden light was a moment etched in my memory. With Lisbon’s seven hills, finding a high point like this is well worth the effort.

7. Climb the Steps of the São Jorge Castle

Another fantastic Look-out point in Lisbon is São Jorge Castle. The climb is worthwhile; You can take a tuk tuk or the tram.

Once you reach the ramparts, the panoramic views of the city are absolutely rewarding. I could see the terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River stretching out before me, offering fantastic photography opportunities.

In fact, around 1 million visitors per year get to enjoy this historic site. You’ll love the Peacocks walking in the yard, and if you’re lucky, they will give you a beautiful tail presentation.

8. Sample Pastéis de Belém

I must warn you that you might eat more than 3-4 of those Pasteis de Natas per day. But No worries, we all did. No visit to Lisbon is complete without tasting Pastéis de Belém. This is accroding to the locals, different than Pasteis de Nata. It’s the most famous bakery in Belém.

The flaky pastry with the custard filling make it one of Portugal’s most iconic desserts. Did you know that this little pastry has its roots in a secret recipe dating back to the 1830s? Each bite is a delightful taste of history, that you don’t want to miss it.

9. Roam Around Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Exactly in front of the Monastry, you can find one of the most iconic Monumnets in Belem. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or the Monument to the Discoveries, is a significant landmark located in Lisbon, Portugal.

It celebrates the Age of Discoveries and pays homage to the explorers who played a crucial role in maritime exploration.

The monument is shaped like a ship’s prow and features statues of notable figures from the Age of Discoveries and it’s situated along the Tagus River in the Belém district, it offers stunning views of the river and nearby attractions. It commemorates the Portuguese explorers who contributed to the Age of Exploration, including Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator.

10.Take a walk around Praça do Comércio

Visiting Praça do Comércio, one of Lisbon’s most iconic squares, is a must and I’m sure, when you walk through the most famous street in Lisbon (Rua Augusta), you’ll reach this stunning square at the end of the street, where you’ll see the beautiful beach of Tagus River.

Located by the Tagus River, this grand plaza is framed by stunning neoclassical architecture, including the impressive Arco da Rua Augusta, which serves as a gateway to the bustling streets of the Baixa district.

As you stroll through the square, you can admire the picturesque views of the river and the surrounding hills, while enjoying the lively ambiance created by street performers and local vendors.

11. Visiting Cristo Rei Monument

Christ the King, or Cristo Rei, is a monumental statue of Jesus Christ located in Almada, Portugal, which is just a 30 minutes ride from Lisbon. we took a taxi, as taxis are cheap in Portugal.

we paid 14 $ from Rua Augusta. Overlooking the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River, this iconic landmark offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Cristo Rei.

Getting There

Reaching Cristo Rei is relatively straightforward. You have several ways to go there. You can either take a short ferry ride from Lisbon Ferry station to Almada, followed by a bus or a taxi ride to the base of the statue.

The ferry ride itself offers stunning views of the Lisbon skyline and the 25 de Abril Bridge, making the journey an integral part of the experience. We took a taxi directly from Lisbon, Rua Augusta, as we had to come back for another tour, but if you have more time, I do recommend to go there with Ferry.

Exploring the Area

This area is adorable and surrounded by beautiful gardens and pathways that provide excellent vantage points for photography. There are also several viewpoints where you can admire the panoramic views of Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean, so don’t forget to take your camera.

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The Statue

Cristo Rei stands at an impressive height of 110 meters, including its pedestal, making it one of the tallest statues of Jesus in the world. The statue was inaugurated in 1959 and was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Visitors can ascend to the viewing platform at the base of the statue for an even more spectacular view.

Pro Tip: From Porto, it’s best done as part of a Lisbon to Porto day tour. Sintra’s highlights include Palácio da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and Moorish Castle.

Visiting Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
• Weather Considerations: Check the weather forecast, as fog can obscure the views, especially in the winter months.

12.Visit the Square of Liberdade in Lisbon

The Square of Liberdade, known as Praça da Liberdade in Portuguese, is one of the most significant public squares in Lisbon, Portugal. I had the feeling I am at Champs-Élysées.

It is named after the Liberal Revolution of 1820, the square has been a site for various demonstrations and celebrations throughout the years. It symbolizes the fight for democracy and civil rights.

The main street that leads to the square is also called Liberdade and it’s known for its luxury boutiques and hotels. So for all the shopping queens, I do recommend to take a walk there and enjoy the shopping atmosphere. I’m sure you’ll find one or another thing.

13.Discover the MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology

If you have an appreciation for contemporary art, the MAAT is a must-visit. I loved this museum which sits along the river and constantly showcases intriguing exhibitions. First time I went to Lisbon, I didn’t have enough time, but this time I made it and it’s definitely a must-visit. I spent hours there, admiring unique installations and the creative energy that fills the space.

14. Wandering Through the Oceanarium

Another attraction in Lisbon is the Oceanarium, especially if you’re going with kids. This is a mesmerizing destination where you can explore more about the marine life. There’s a wide variety of species, from vibrant coral reefs to majestic sharks. I do recommend to purchase tickets online to avoid long lines.

15. Visit Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral, known as Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Portuguese capital. But not everyone knows about it. I’ve heard many times that people went to Alfama but didn’t visit this beautiful cathedral. So make sure, you’ll put that on your list. It gives you the feeling, you’re walking in a movie. It’s the oldest church in the city and a significant example of Romanesque architecture, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of Lisbon.

Visiting the Cathedral

Visitors can explore the cathedral’s interior, including the cloister and various chapels, as well as attend mass or other religious services. The cathedral is located in the heart of the Alfama district, making it easily accessible for those wandering through the charming streets of Lisbon.

I found Lisbon lively, with friendly people and amazing culture. The food and specially the fresh fish dishes are unforgettable. Whether you are wandering through Alfama, savoring pastéis de nata, or soaking in the lovely views, every moment spent in Lisbon offers joy and discovery.

I can’t wait to revisit and explore even more of what this vibrant city has to offer! Happy travels, and be sure to add these best things to do in Lisbon to your itinerary!

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