Top 10 Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal

I’ll be honest—I was kinda taken with Lisbon. I’d heard mixed reviews about it in comparison to its larger metropolitan neighbors. And, of course, lots of people tack it onto a trip to Spain as a side note. But I really enjoyed it. There are so many interesting things to do in Lisbon, I could’ve spent an entire week there without ever getting bored. Hell, I could’ve road-tripped Portugal and been downright giddy. If you have the privilege of visiting this vibrant little city, check out my guide to the top 10 things to do there.

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Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Make the Hike Up To Castelo de São Jorge

This one’s kind of a given when visiting Lisbon. You can’t go anywhere in Lisbon without seeing São Jorge Castle perched on the city’s highest hilltop. And, yes, even though it’s a total tourist trap, it’s a tourist trap totally worth visiting. You’ll catch some of the best views of the city from the castle’s main terrace.

This image shows the iconic Castelo de São Jorge, a historic castle perched on a hilltop overlooking Lisbon, Portugal. The castle's stone walls and towers are surrounded by lush greenery, with the vibrant red-tiled roofs of the city's buildings in the foreground under a dramatic, cloudy sky. — Photo Credit: François Philipp, Flickr.

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This image captures a scenic view of Lisbon, Portugal, with its iconic red-tiled rooftops densely packed across the city. In the background, the red 25 de Abril Bridge spans the Tagus River under a clear blue sky, adding to the city’s picturesque coastal charm.

This image showcases the ruins within the grounds of Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, Portugal. Stone walls with arched doorways and scattered columns are shaded by tall trees, creating a serene and historic atmosphere under a bright blue sky. The play of light and shadows adds to the rustic charm of the ancient structure.

Much of the current castle only dates back to the 1930s, but the history of the fortress goes all the way back to the 12th century when the Moors recaptured Lisbon. It’s a fun castle to explore with lots of climbing around, so wear good walking shoes. And, for some reason unbeknownst to me, they have peacocks everywhere. Ones that don’t mind getting up in your personal space. But they’re harmless.

This image depicts a charming narrow alleyway in Lisbon, Portugal, lined with old buildings and cobblestone streets. Vibrant pink bougainvillea drapes over the buildings, adding a splash of color to the sunlit scene. The textured walls and iron lanterns enhance the quaint and picturesque ambiance of this quiet street.

This image shows a vibrant blue building in Lisbon, Portugal, with decorative arched doorways and iron balconies. A black sign reads “Gosta do Castelo” with a red arrow pointing towards the entrance, while a nearby signpost with inspirational words like “Live,” “Dream,” “Laugh,” and “Love” adds a whimsical touch. The scene is complemented by chalkboards displaying menu items, adding a quaint, inviting feel to the setting.

My main recommendation here is to make the hike up the hill. It’s steep, and not at all glamorous in the Portuguese heat, but the back streets and winding alleyways are just incredible. One thousand percent Insta-worthy. Which is partly why it’s on my list of top things to do in Lisbon. If you go first thing in the morning, you can beat some of the heat and get great shots of the sun filtering through the streets.

Have Lunch at Miradouro de Santa Luzia

This image shows the quaint Church of Santa Luzia in Lisbon, Portugal, characterized by its white facade, red door, and ornate rooftop cross. The exterior is adorned with traditional blue azulejo tiles depicting historic scenes, while lush bougainvillea flowers cascade down one side, adding vibrant color. People stroll along the cobblestone paths and garden area, enjoying the serene and picturesque setting under a clear blue sky. — Photo Credit: Vitor Oliveira, Flickr.

After you’ve spent the morning hiking up to the castle and exploring, stop off at Miradouro de Santa Luzia garden terrace to have lunch. For those who are curious, “Miradouro” means “viewpoint” in Portuguese. Aside from the castle terrace, Santa Luzia is amongst the most well-known spots for great city views.

This spot is nestled right in the heart of Alfama district, Lisbon’s historic district, and overlooks the Tagus River. There’s a small church there, Santa Luzia (duh), decorated with the famed Portuguese tiles. And the area is chock full of cafes and restaurants and street vendors, if you fancy a wander. It’s a little crowded, but still warrants being on the “Things To Do in Lisbon” list.

Hop the Elevador da Glória & Admire Some Street Art in Lisbon

This image captures a steep, graffiti-covered street in Lisbon, Portugal, with colorful murals and tags lining the walls. The cobblestone pathway is marked by bright, multicolored bollards, and tram tracks run along the side, adding to the urban and artistic vibe of the area. The street slopes down towards the city, framed by lush trees and traditional buildings in the distance.

This is something we just “happened upon” in Lisbon that I wish I’d known about in advance. But I definitely recommend it for anyone visiting. After trekking the city’s punishing hills all day in the heat, an area suddenly opened up in front of us with tons and tons of street art. And a funicular. This is the Elevador da Glória in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Now, you’ll see Portuguese street art all over Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira, but it is super concentrated here.

This image shows a vibrant mural painted on the side of a building in Lisbon, Portugal, featuring large, colorful fish in a stylized, underwater theme. The artwork covers a terracotta-colored wall, blending with the green and blue hues of the mural, creating a lively, artistic scene. The narrow, cobblestone street and lush greenery nearby add to the charming urban atmosphere of this creative corner of the city.

The funicular goes back and forth, up and down a steep ascent connecting the Bairro Alto district to the lower-elevated Baixa neighborhood. There’s a lot to see – for example, the graffitied tram at the corners of Rua San Pedro de Alcántara and Rua das Taipas (at the top) and Avenue da Liberdade across the street from the Hard Rock Cafe (at the bottom).

This image shows a narrow, graffiti-covered staircase in Lisbon, Portugal, descending between old buildings with shuttered windows. The walls are filled with colorful street art, including bold purple and green tags that add an edgy, urban feel to the scene. The steps are shaded by trees, creating a gritty yet artistic alleyway characteristic of Lisbon's vibrant street culture.

Now, the street art lines the funicular alleyway all the way down, but it also branches off onto a side street called Largo da Oliveirinha. It’s ever-changing, too, so whatever I’ve recently photographed has likely been updated already. This was a great stroll with no shortage of artwork to look at, making it one of my favorite things to do in Lisbon.

Get Debaucherous On Pink Street

This image captures the vibrant Pink Street in Lisbon, Portugal, known for its lively atmosphere and colorful surroundings. The street is lined with historic buildings featuring wrought-iron balconies, with the striking pink pavement creating a playful contrast against the classic architecture. Overhead, strings of decorations and laundry add to the charming, bohemian vibe of this popular nightlife spot.

Rua Nova do Carvalho, also known as Rua Cor de Rosa (“Pink Street“) was given its nickname because, well… the whole street is painted pink. The neighborhood there, Cais do Sodré, is Lisbon’s former Red Light District and has been given a major makeover in recent years. Now, it’s one of the hottest places to stay if you like a solid nightlife scene.

It’s pretty centrally located, close to the Mercado da Ribeira and Rua Augusta’s Arch on Praça do Comércio just off the water. If you’re looking for a big night out, this is definitely the place to be, and one of the big things to do in Lisbon.

Have Your Sins Forgiven at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

This image showcases the intricate stonework of the cloisters at Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal. The detailed arches and ornate carvings feature Gothic and Manueline architectural elements, highlighted by the warm sunlight against a clear blue sky. The elaborate design reflects the monastery’s historic grandeur and artistic craftsmanship.

You’ve been out all night on Pink Street, so it’s only appropriate that you have all your sins forgiven at the Monastery of St. Jerome. Might I also suggest some coffee and pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém beforehand? Yes, it’s a two-fer. And I’ll explain.

Portugal has a seemingly endless number of monasteries, but none more famous than Lisbon’s Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s incredible. It’s located in the Belém neighborhood, which is a little bit of an offshoot from the rest of downtown Lisbon.

You’ll want to arrange some sort of transportation there and back. (Uber is pretty clutch in Lisbon.) But, before you tour the monastery, stop by Pastéis de Belém.

This image captures a serene courtyard within a monastery in Lisbon, Portugal, featuring Gothic arches and a central orange tree in a tiled planter. The lush greenery contrasts beautifully with the historic stone architecture and patterned azulejo tiles along the walls. Bright flowers add a touch of color, enhancing the peaceful, reflective atmosphere of this tranquil space.

Pastéis de Belém is just across the street, and is home to Portugal’s most famous pastry, the pastéis de nata. It’s basically a small pastry filled with egg custard, typically served in pairs. Sprinkle cinnamon or powdered sugar (or both!) on top and enjoy. The bakers at Pastéis de Belém have been making them the same way the monks from Jerónimos did in the 1830s!

This image features a hand holding a pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese custard tart dusted with powdered sugar, set against a blurred outdoor background of cobblestones and trees. The crispy, golden pastry with its creamy center highlights the delicious texture and iconic look of this beloved Lisbon treat. The dappled sunlight adds a warm, inviting feel to the scene.

If you plan on experiencing all the joy that is pasteis de nata, I suggest getting to the cafe first thing in the morning. The line starts to wrap around the block. Same for the monastery. The beauty of the two is that the bakery opens an hour or two before the monastery.

So, get your coffee and pastry fix and then go appreciate some architectural beauty. (A helpful hint, too, that you can get your order to-go and sit in the park across the street if it’s super crowded already. Much shorter wait than for eating in.)

Jardim Botânico da Ajuda for One of the Most Relaxing Things to Do in Lisbon

This image showcases a beautiful stone fountain in a park in Lisbon, Portugal, adorned with intricate sculptures of mythical creatures, serpents, and birds. The water features add a tranquil element, surrounded by lush greenery and neatly trimmed hedges under a clear blue sky. The classical design and ornate details reflect the historic elegance of the city’s public gardens.

This image captures an elegant, weathered stone staircase in a lush garden setting, with a curved balustrade covered in patches of lichen and moss. Vibrant bougainvillea and other flowering plants bloom alongside the steps, adding a burst of color to the scene. The surrounding trees and dense foliage create a serene, timeless atmosphere reminiscent of a historic European park.

In addition to monasteries, Lisbon also has a ton of gardens, and, of course, they’re all beautiful. But I particularly enjoyed Jardim Botânico da Ajuda. Probably because it was a smaller one, sort of buried in Belém. It was also the very first botanical garden in Lisbon, dating all the way back to the 1760s. It’s a short walk from the Jeronimos Monastery and only a small entry fee. We basically had the place to ourselves.

Inspire Yourself at Lx Factory & Village Underground

This image showcases two large, cylindrical water tanks beneath a bridge in Lisbon, Portugal, with one tank featuring colorful street art that reads "LX" against a backdrop of painted clouds. The tanks are positioned under the towering structure of the 25 de Abril Bridge, with its red metal supports and concrete pillars contrasting against the bright blue sky. The combination of industrial elements and urban art highlights Lisbon’s blend of modernity and creativity.

This image shows the interior of a quirky, vintage-style café or restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal. The space is filled with mismatched colorful chairs, retro decorations, and various antique items hanging on the walls, including a large sign reading “Bacalhau.” The eclectic decor, featuring old paintings, clocks, and industrial light fixtures, creates a nostalgic and unique ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era.

That’s right! It’s another combo, and two more awesome things to do in Lisbon. Also out in Belém. And right next to one another. The Lx Factory is a former textile-turned-food-processing-warehouse under the Ponte 25 that’s been transformed into a killer arts district. (Because of course it’s an arts district under a bridge, right? Aren’t they all?) Artsy craft shops, restaurants, small businesses, you name it… it’s all there.

This image showcases a creative urban space constructed from stacked shipping containers, one of which is painted with bold, colorful street art. A blue sculpture of a sitting figure is perched atop one of the containers, adding an artistic touch to the unconventional structure. A vintage double-decker bus is integrated into the setting, enhancing the eclectic, industrial vibe of this vibrant and repurposed area.

And—while it looks like the Village Underground is attached to the Lx Factory—it’s not. You have to enter it from the main road running along the river, the Avenue da Índia. All the way around the block from the Lx Factory entrance. Another arts community, the Village Underground is a conglomeration of painted shipping containers and buses, all stacked on top of one another. Poetry and street art adorn the fence. A great spot for a walk-through and some fun eye-candy.

Devour Amazing Food at Time Out Market in Lisbon, Portugal

This image captures the bustling interior of the Time Out Market in Lisbon, Portugal, filled with people enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The large, iconic black and white Time Out Market sign hangs prominently from the ceiling of the spacious, industrial-style market hall, surrounded by food stalls from renowned chefs. The lively crowd and stylish lighting fixtures highlight the market's dynamic blend of gourmet food and social space.

And I mean devour. I wouldn’t claim to be much of a foodie, but the Time Out Market may have also been one of my all-time favorite things to do in Lisbon. Simply amazing.

So, what is a Time Out Market? For those of you that don’t know (and I didn’t), it’s basically a food marketplace funded by Time Out Magazine. There are only a few of these marketplaces throughout the world, and Lisbon is home to one of them. It takes the best of the best of everything in the city, and houses them all in one big warehouse—the best steak, the best sushi, the best beers, food vendors, etc. Literally the top chefs in Lisbon, including Michelin-starred chefs, serving food at small booths. A delectable experience for ridiculously inexpensive costs.

The Time Out Market is in Cais do Sodré, so eat here before heading out to Pink Street for the evening. It’s right around the corner. Or, stop off on the way back from Belém and grab a bite. Just don’t pass up the opportunity!

Need More Things to Do? Catch a Sunset at Hotel Mundial’s Rooftop Bar

This image captures a panoramic view of Lisbon, Portugal, at sunset, with the city’s red-roofed buildings bathed in the soft, warm glow of the fading light. The scene includes a spacious square with a prominent statue in the center, framed by historic architecture and distant hills. The sky transitions from a deep blue to a golden hue, adding a serene and picturesque ambiance to the cityscape.

Funny story here. We were staying at the Hotel Mundial and didn’t realize until partway through our visit that its rooftop bar is known for being one of the better rooftop bars in the city. The hotel itself is just mid-range, but the rooftop is excellent. It’s located pretty much right in the middle of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and the water, so you can see everything. A note that they don’t serve meals there, only snacks. Just another reason to hit up Time Out.

Piece Together History at the National Tile Museum

This image captures the opulent interior of a Baroque church in Lisbon, Portugal, adorned with gilded altars, ornate carvings, and richly painted ceilings. The walls are lined with framed religious artwork and detailed azulejo tiles, adding to the grandeur of the space. The ceiling's intricate paintings and gold accents reflect the church's historical and artistic significance, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and religious iconography. — Photo Credit: Julien Chatelain, Wikimedia Commons.

I have to disclose up front that I did not go to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, or the National Tile Museum, myself. However, anyone and everyone we spoke to said it was one of the best museums they’d ever been to. So, I’m adding it to the list of things to do in Lisbon… for you. And, if I ever go back, I’ll definitely be doing this.

I know, I know—a tile museum? But you have to understand the significance and history of tile in Portugal. They’re everywhere, all over the country, they decorate everything in the cities, and they tell all the stories of Portugal’s long history. They’re a huge part of the Portuguese culture. And I hear the museum displays some of the most intricate tile work you’ve ever seen.

More Things To Do In Lisbon?

If you’re looking for an authentic city getaway with some real flavor, Lisbon is the place to be. This little city is packed to the brim with history, art, food, and wine. And it’s a really inexpensive country to travel in.

No way should Lisbon be just a side note to a Spain vacation; it’s a whole experience unto itself.

Want to add your top sights in Lisbon? Drop them in the comments section or shoot me an email via my Contact page.

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