Lisbon has become an increasingly popular city to visit and for good reason. Great food, beautiful weather almost year-round, and the fact that Lisbon is one of the safest European cities to visit make Lisbon an alluring trip for any traveler. There are plenty of things to do in Lisbon, from admiring the city’s iconic architecture, exemplified by São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower, to exploring the vibrant cuisine in this special city.
We visited Lisbon in early September 2022, which was part of a larger itinerary to the Algarve Coast. There’s a lot to do in Lisbon, so I’ve whittled it down to my list of the top 10 Things To Do in Lisbon. This list is especially useful if you’re visiting for the first time like we were.
Lisbon Weather
Something unique about Lisbon is that it has great weather almost all year round. Seriously, Lisbon has almost 300 days of sunshine a year. Naturally, Lisbon is a popular getaway for neighboring European countries when they’re still harboring the cold in the spring. Due to its good weather, the recommended window to visit is quite large, ranging anytime between March to October. We visited in early September and the weather was perfect and there were no crowds! Visiting during the summer months will attract the largest crowds, so that is something to keep in mind when considering the best times to visit. Below are some temp highs and lows of the recommended months to visit Lisbon:
- March: High of 64ºF/18ºC and low of 50ºF/10ºC
- April: High of 68ºF/20ºC and low of 54ºF/12ºC
- May: High of 22ºF/22ºC and low of 57ºF/14ºC
- June: High of 77ºF/25ºC and low of 61ºF/16ºC
- July: High of 82ºF/28ºC and low of 64ºF/18ºC
- August: High of 82ºF/28ºC and low of 64ºF/18ºC
- September: High of 79ºF/26ºC and low of 63ºF/17ºC
- October: High of 73ºF/23ºC and low of 59ºF/15ºC
May is also a great month to visit Lisbon as the weather will start to become truly warm again and the Jacaranda trees begin to blossom around the city. As I mentioned, we visited in September and the weather was great. If there would be one month that I’d stay away from, it would be August as this is a huge travel month for practically any sunny destination in Europe. Hotel prices will be high and you’ll be battling crowds everywhere you go. If there was an 11th thing I could include in my 10 Things To Do in Lisbon list, it would be to absolutely not visit during August!
Transportation in Lisbon
Lisbon Metro
Surprsingly, we only used the Lisbon metro when traveling from the airport to the city center. The direct red metro line is a swift 30-minute journey and is only the cost of a single-fare metro ride. To enhance your experience in Lisbon, I recommend downloading CityMapper, a popular public transportation app providing real-time information on delays and various transit options. Although Google Maps is also handy, CityMapper stands out as the preferred choice among both travelers and locals. So, as you plan your itinerary and consider things to do in Lisbon, the Lisbon metro, along with CityMapper, can contribute to a seamless and enjoyable exploration of the city.
The Lisbon metro consists of 4 metro lines and 55 stations. It covers the eastern, northern, and southern areas of Lisbon. Western parts of the city such as Belem will not be covered by the metro, so you should plan to take either the tram (a fun, touristy activity if you’re up for it) or a car/taxi when visiting that part of the city. The metro is relatively safe and is open from 6:30 am to 1 am every day, though I wouldn’t recommend using public transportation past midnight, just for safety measures.
Lisbon is a very walkable city and as you will likely be spending most of your time in the city center, you may also find you won’t use the metro as much as you intended. I was traveling with a group of 4, and surprisingly, the split price of an Uber was often equivalent to that of a single-fare metro ride (€1.80). (This was in 2021, so prices are subjected to go up since then).
Ubers, Taxis, & Bolt in Lisbon
Before we visited Lisbon, I had read a few reviews saying that Ubers & Bolt were often unreliable in Lisbon. Drivers supposedly cancel often and it can be hard to find a driver that will take you from point A to point B. This was not the case at all during our stay. The only time an Uber canceled on us was when we were requesting an Uber later in the night from outside the city center.
While there are plenty of Uber drivers in Lisbon, I do recommend downloading Uber’s European competitor, Bolt, in case you have trouble finding an Uber. In times when Uber didn’t come through for us, we used Bolt, which proved to be a great backup just in case. Now that you know when to visit and how to get around, let’s go on to my Top 10 Things To Do in Lisbon list!
Top 10 Things To Do in Lisbon
#1 Jerónimos Monastery
I’m starting my Top 10 Things To Do in Lisbon list with Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural marvel that stands as a testament to Portugal’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Commissioned by King Manuel I in the early 16th century, the monastery was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India. The facade is adorned with elaborate sculptural elements, showcasing maritime motifs, exotic animals, and royal symbols. The highlight of the monastery is its stunning cloister, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, featuring delicate columns and stunning vaulted ceilings.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jerónimos Monastery has become a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries and is one of Lisbon’s main tourist attractions. Portugal’s Age of Discoveries (Era dos Descobrimentos) refers to the history of maritime exploration and colonization of parts of Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia, and the far east undertaken by Portugal during the 15th and 16th centuries. A visit to the monastery takes about 1-2 hours, and you can book tickets directly on their site for €12 per person.
#2 Eat Pasteis de Nata at Antiga Confeitaria de Belém
Rua de Belém nº 84 a 92, 1300 – 085 Lisboa Portugal
The handy thing about my top 10 things to do in Lisbon list is that the first 3 items are all within close distance of each other, so you can knock out 3 must-do activities easily within a morning. Next on my list, I recommend grabbing breakfast at Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, and in particular grabbing a pastéis de nata, the signature pastry of Lisbon.
Pastéis de nada are egg tarts, very sweet ones, flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. Egg tarts are not usually my thing, but I can attest to the deliciousness of these creamy pastries. So why visit Antiga Confeitaria de Belém in particular? They own the original recipe, which dates back to 1837, for this famous pastry.
In the early 19th century, near Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, a sugar cane refinery and trade hub thrived. Following the Liberal Revolution of 1820, all convents and monasteries in Portugal faced closure in 1834. The nuns from the monastery began selling sweet pastries, eventually named “Pastéis de Belém” (also known as pastéis de nata, which is Portuguese for cream pastries). The allure of the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower drew visitors, fostering a love for these pastries. Later, in 1837, the ultra-secret recipe was passed to Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. Today, an average of 20,000 tarts are produced daily, with production peaking during the summer at 40,000 tarts a day.
Obsessed with pastéis de nata? You can book a cooking class in Lisbon and learn how to make these delicious treats! See pastel de nata baking class here on Viator.
#3 Belem Tower
Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
Located on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal, the Belém Tower, or Torre de Belém, stands as another symbol of the nation’s Age of Discoveries. They built Belém Tower in the early 16th century, during the reign of King Manuel I as both a defensive structure and a ceremonial gateway to the city.
Designed in the Manueline style, the tower exhibits a unique blend of architectural elements, including maritime motifs, intricate stonework, and delicate sculptures. Its strategic position served as a crucial maritime defense system, protecting Lisbon from potential invaders.
Along with the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the outside of the tower for free, but if you want to go inside, you can purchase tickets for €8. Or, if you also plan to go to Jerónimos Monastery, you can get joint tickets for both the tower and the monastery for €19 (saving you €1 if you bought them separately). We didn’t visit the top of the tower, but there is supposedly a great view from the top, which is why many visitors opt for the joint tickets.
#4 Pink Street
Explore Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife with a visit to Pink Street, a touristy must-do on the list my 10 Things To Do in Lisbon list. Formerly a red-light district, this transformed hotspot has a lively atmosphere and distinctive pink pavement. By day, it offers a pedestrian-friendly experience with shops and cafes, and by night, it becomes the heart of Lisbon’s nightlife.
If you’re into pub crawls, we did this Lisbon Pub Crawl on Viator, which led us to a bar on Pink Street during our night out. I had done little research on Pink Street before visiting Lisbon, so I had no idea Pink Street was a common spot for going out when visiting Lisbon. It was to my shock when I realized we were walking towards a vibrant pink pavement as we approached the next bar! While it was interesting to see Pink Street at night, I recommend visiting Pink Street in the morning to catch its vibrant colors in the sunlight.
#5 Enjoy a Dinner at Ponto Final
R. do Ginjal 72, 2800-285 Almada, Portugal
We found this stunning restaurant on TikTok, and boy was I thankful for the timeliness of the algorithm. Ponto Final serves up authentic Portuguese dishes on the waterfront of the Tagus River. I recommend this restaurant as a cap to your trip to Lisbon, as it ended our trip on a good note with a beautiful view and good food. We reserved a table around sunset, which made the view extra special during our dinner. To do this, you’ll want to reserve your table at least a month in advance as bookings tend to get snatched up quickly, especially during the summer. To snag a reservation, you have to email them at [email protected]
Ponto Final’s signature dish is Ponto Final’s signature dish is monkfish rice, Arroz Tamboril. It’s a tomato fish stew that, despite eating this in the heat of the summer, is worth ordering if you find yourself dining here. Of course, I don’t have a photo of it, but my friends ordered it and we all got a taste around the table. This hearty, rustic stew derives its flavor from rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, herbs, monkfish, and sometimes saffron, which contributes to the dish’s aromatic and earthy notes.
#6 Check Out the Best Viewpoints Around Lisbon
There are many spots scattered throughout Lisbon to get a stunning view of the city, but the best is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, located in the historic district of Alfama. They are a short distance from each other, enough that you could walk, but the trick is finding a good enough photo spot so that you don’t have any people in your shot. The views are worth the crowd though, as you get a perfect view of the vibrant red rooftops of Lisbon.
#7 Explore São Jorge Castle
São Jorge Castle is #7 on my top 10 things to do in Lisbon list. Initially called the Castle of Alcáçova, it was used as a fortress to defend Lisbon from invading forces. In 1147 it became a royal palace and residence of the Portuguese monarchy.
Perched atop one of the city’s highest hills, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River, providing a captivating backdrop to its rich history. The castle is a testament to Portugal’s medieval past, featuring well-preserved walls, towers, and archaeological sites. Visitors to São Jorge Castle can immerse themselves in its medieval surroundings, wandering through courtyards, gardens, and archaeological exhibitions.
You can book tickets here São Jorge Castle.
#8 Time Out Market
Of all the things to do in Lisbon, exploring the Time Out Market is one of the main culinary highlights. Housed in the historic Mercado da Ribeira, this vibrant gastronomic hub redefines the market experience. Visitors can indulge in a diverse array of gourmet delights, from authentic Portuguese dishes to international cuisines. I enjoyed Time Out Market as I felt I was seeing Lisbon’s rich culinary scene all under one roof. It’s also a lively gathering spot — a perfect spot to have lunch and explore the many dishes that exist within this Portuguese capital.
I’ll admit, the market is a little overwhelming at first. Stalls upon stalls of renowned chefs, local eateries, and artisans are all under one roof, making it hard to decide where to eat. Additionally, it’s busy, so if you’re with a group, it’s best to decide what you want to get and then have each of you split off to wait in your respective lines. If you’re curious as to what stalls are a must-visit, check out this blog by Will Fly For Food, which lists the 6 must-visit stalls when dining at Time Out Market.
#8 Souvenir Shopping – Azulejos
This would not be a proper list of things to do in Lisbon if I didn’t include at least one souvenir for you to remember your trip by. There are a few key souvenirs you must buy when you visit Lisbon, among them being azulejos, or painted tiles. Traditionally, each tile is hand-painted individually, making this a unique souvenir to bring home. Some people have used their tiles as coasters, trivets, spoon rests, or just wall decor to spice up their homes.
Many souvenir shops will have items with the distinct azulejos pattern on them, but if you want to go to a specialty artisan shop to get the real deal, Olà Daniela made a great post about where to buy azulejos in Portugal. If you want to learn more about this traditional craft, Lisbon is also home to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, or National Tile Museum, for €8 per person. Tickets can be booked here. If you’re looking for something even more immersive, there are even tile painting workshops in Lisbon.
#10 Day Trip to Sintra
Funny that the 10th thing I’m recommending on my top things to do in Lisbon list is a day trip out of Lisbon, but truthfully, Lisbon is small. If you have time, or find that you’ve seen all that you’ve wanted to see, you should check out booking a day trip to Sintra.
Sintra, Portugal, is a town nestled amid the lush hills of the Serra de Sintra. Renowned for its fairy-tale landscapes, Sintra is peppered with enchanting palaces, historic castles, and vibrant gardens. The iconic Pena Palace, a colorful and eclectic masterpiece, graces the hilltop and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Quinta da Regaleira, with its mystical gardens and intricate architecture, adds to Sintra’s allure. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (I guess Portugal is full of them!), Sintra is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders.
Sintra is only about a 36 minute drive or a 45 minute train from Lisbon, making it an extremely easy day trip to tack on to your Lisbon itinerary. You can check out how to get to Sintra from Lisbon in this blog by Lisbon Guru.
