23 Fantastic Things to see in Lisbon

The one good thing about being a crazy American with a wicked awful case of FOMO is that when I travel to a city, I typically see all of the top attractions, or die trying; which was absolutely the case when I when on a Portugal city break and visited all the top things to see in Lisbon, the sunshine capital of Europe.

Because let’s be honest:

Vacation isn’t about relaxation or even fun. Pssh, what were you thinking? It’s really about running yourself into the ground and seeing all the Lisbon top attractions possible so that you can make all your friends jealous because you literally experienced all the best things to do in Lisbon.

So what if you develop a hernia in the process?

You won the mythical vacation battle where you illogically compete with unknown humans to see as many Lisbon points of interest as quickly as possible.

Sounds fun right? I bet you’re dying to travel with me now!

I’m totally joking BTW. Truthfully, I am an awkward human who feels like she needs to see everything humanly possible on vacation, otherwise, my trip feels like a total waste.

But, on the plus side:

I know that this type of thinking is insane and makes absolutely no sense.

However:

This type of irrational thinking makes me uniquely qualified to show you all of the top things to see in Lisbon. So if you’re wondering what to do in Lisbon, then this is the post for you.

Not only will I show you some of the best things to see in Lisbon, but you’ll also learn about some fantastic Lisbon day trips and even become familiar with some, hopefully, unusual things to do in Lisbon too as you read this Lisbon city guide.

So buckle up because my level of crazy is always a bumpy ride 

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1. Time Out Market

Okay, so you may not know this but culinarily speaking, Lisbon, Portugal is kind of a big deal (If you’ve seen Top Chef then think like Richard Blais status).

Now:

I tend to gush over the pastries since I don’t eat fish or meat, cough, Pasteles de Nata. But, if sweets are not your thing (insert my shock and awe here), there are still plenty of foods that will tickle your gastronomic fancy as you figure out what to eat in Lisbon.

From Cozido a Portuguesa (Portuguese stew) to Caldo Verde (a traditional kale, potato, and onion soup with garlic and olive oil), there really is something for every type of foodie planning a Lisbon itinerary.

So if you’re wondering where to eat in Lisbon and are looking for a place where you can try an ton of different Portuguese cuisine, then look no further then Time Out market (Mercado da Ribeira).

A total tourist hotspot but I still love it anyway.

Plus it’s on the way to Belem and is surrounded by some great street art. Therefore, you have way more than one reason to go here.

As you enter the market:

You’ll find vendors selling fresh meats, fish, and produce, as well as a variety of prepared foods that make you feel like you’re on a mini food tour of sorts.

Just be forewarned:

While this market is huge and has a ton of cafeteria style seating, it does get insanely crowded (and I was there in low season). Therefore, try and visit either super early, super late, or during the week.

***Looking for the best place to stay in Lisbon? Then check out Hotel Lisboa Plaza, the Sky Lofts, Hotel Convento do Salvador, and York House Hotel. ***

2. Stroll through Alfama Neighborhood (one of my fave things to see in Lisbon)

Okay, so when I asked for a list of “things to do in Lisbon” (sorry, I’m really not that original) the one thing that EVERYONE kept raving about was all the fun things to do in the Alfama district.

And I wasn’t super excited because of it.

I mean, who really wants to be told that one of the top things to do in Lisbon is walk through the city? Talk about a downer.

But once I arrived in Alfama, this historic Lisbon district totally blew me away.

Between the architecture, the intricate tile work along all of the buildings, and the historic trams whizzing through the streets, you feel as though you are going back to a time when slap bracelets and Lisa Frank trapper keepers were all the rage.

So take a hot minute, out of your Lisbon 3 day itinerary, to stroll along these cobbled streets and marvel at the fact that all of Lisbon has been totally gentrified (yet).

A true feast for the senses, Alfama is an epic addition to any and all Lisbon itineraries.

***Alfama has a ton of pickpockets so keep an eye on your valuables while taking 12,000 pictures.”**

3. Street Art at LX Factory

Like all major concrete jungle’s, the graffiti in Lisbon has been reinvented into “street art”, a worldwide craze that has turned something grimy into something trendy.

That’s why:

When I planned my trip to Lisbon, I knew I had to strap on some orthopedic, velcro sneakers so that I could trek across the city and search for the best Lisbon street art.

And I some of Lisbon’s most dynamic street art pieces at LX Factory!

Not only does this renovated industrial complex house some of Lisbon’s most eclectic shops and restaurants, but LX Factory is also home to some awe-inspiring pieces of street art.

So take a stroll through the complex and check out some of the wickedly awesome works of art from artists like Bordalo II, Miguel RAM, Mario Belem, MaisMenos, and more.

Some pieces are even fashioned out of discarded objects in an attempt to redefine the human definition of waste and to promote more sustainable living.

There are even several “streetments” in the area that display public quotes like, “Until debt tear us apart”; quotes that force you to reevaluate conventional societal values and norms.

***If you love street art and want to see more of Lisbon’s street art scene, then consider taking a fantastic Lisbon street art tour.***

4. Ride the Gloria Funicular

So believe it or not:

Lisbon has a ton of funiculars that escort you up and down the steepest hills in the city. These bad boys of public transportation also let you off at some of the best miradouros and orbelvederes in the city.

Honestly:

Don’t ask me for a technical definition because I have no idea. All I know is that it operates on a track and basically goes straight up and down.

And there are three different funiculars in Lisbon: Gloria, Bica, and Lavra.

The Elevador de Gloria (Gloria Funicular), is located on the west side of the Avenida da Liberdade, in Restauradores square, literally right around the corner from the tourist office in Palácio Foz.

First opened in 1885:

This national monument connects downtown Lisbon with Barrio Alto (once at the top head across the road to Rua de S. Pedro de Alcântara, and check out the Solar de Lisboa  Port Wine Institute, where a vast range of port-wines may be tasted and purchased),

Sure, the ride was a bit touristy, expensive, and overcrowded, but once you’re at the top, you can walk over to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and enjoy the view amidst a sea of charming fountains and majestic Greek busts.

Plus:

5. Fado

Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to go out one night and experience the soulful beauty of Fado, a Portuguese singing style that is emotional and broody by nature, kind of like some of the hormonal teenagers that you may know.

These emotions are only intensified by the wailing of mandolins and guitars in the background.

However:

While Fado is typically melancholy by nature, this song style can occasionally be upbeat too. So sing it with me, “if you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!”

Swiftly moving on though because I sound like a dying cow when I sing. 

For a more authentic Fado experience, check out local clubs like A Nini, Adega Machado, Bela, Casa de Linhares, Club de Fado, and many more.

Just be aware that:

Many of these venues are cozy (real estate code for small) but popular, so book ahead if you want to snag a coveted seat.

6. Praça do Comércio (Commercial Square)

This stunning square is the largest of all of Lisbon’s plazas and is located virtually adjacent to the Tagus river (Trust me, I didn’t get lost so it is impossible to miss).

Originally built in 1755, after most of the city was devoured by a rogue earthquake,  this prominent commercial center was the place where traders went to sell their foreign wares and where financiers went to find funds for perilous expeditions into the great unknown.

Traditional yellow buildings line this enormous square, where a magnificent statue of King José I proudly stands in the center, making this plaza one of many must-see Lisbon attraction.

One of the most beautiful areas in the city:

This square also stands as an enduring testament to the historic power and influence that Portugal had over the rest of the world.

***This square is also an important transport hub where trams headed West, towards Belem, depart from the Northern side of the square. There is also a ferry terminal on the Southern side of the square that houses boats that cross the River Tagus.***

7. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Feel like you haven’t quite gotten your art fix yet? I get it. A tile is a great form of art but sometimes you miss that feeling you get when see a painting.

Somehow:

Paintings have an emotional form of self-expression that is devoid from many other forms of art.

So if you’re an art obsessed weirdo like me, I mean enthusiast, then make sure you stop by this vibrant, yellow, 17th-century palace, that has been expertly converted into the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga.

During your visit:

Try and see some of the most pivotal pieces in the collection, like Nuno Gonçalves’ Panels of São Vicente, Dürer’s St Jerome and Lucas Cranach’s Salomé, and more.

Also take a peek at the Monstrance of Belém, which was an actual souvenir from Vasco da Gama’s second voyage, like the only famous Portuguese person that I actually know.

Oh, look?

I’m fresh out of art history-themed adjectives,  so no more highlights here. Just go, visit the museum, and be happy.

***Consider purchasing a Lisbon Card for 24, 48, or 72 hours to help you save money while traveling through Lisbon.***

8. Day Trip to Sintra

Want to fall into a real-life fairytale, minus the prince charming?

Then take a day trip to Sintra, a town full of rolling hills, dense forests, and exotic palaces that emerge from fog enshrouded mountaintops.

And while many people visit Sintra in a day:

I suggest staying here for a few days if time isn’t an issue since you definitely won’t run out of things to see and do.

But the two palaces you absolutely must visit are:

***One of the best day trips from Lisbon is to book a fun and easy day tour where you visit Cascais, Sintra, and Cabo da Roca.***

9.Belem Tower

Built in 1515 and protruding out into the Tejo River:

Belem Tower was a fortress designed to protect Lisbon’s harbors from assortment pirates and heathens that were hell-bent on the destruction of Lisbon.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Belem Tower is overrun with tourists, especially during the weekend. Therefore, unless you love feeling claustrophobic and like a tightly packed sardine in a can, I suggest you skip visiting the inside of this famous Lisbon attraction.

Trust me:

Nobody wants to get stuck on a narrow, circular staircase with a bunch of other tourists. Definitely not the way I want to spend my vacation.

***Try an exciting tour of Lisbon and learn about the history and culture of this magical city.***

10. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

An Instagram lovers paradise since this idyllic monastery is full of cloisters, cloisters, and more cloisters.

But all social media mania aside:

This building is a true architectural darling of Lisbon. Commissioned in 1498 to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, you’ll be amazed when you step inside and see the true majesty of the religious building before you.

And while the church is lovely:

My favorite part of the monastery were the cloisters which had scalloped arches, turrets, and columns that all surrounded an interior courtyard garden; a garden that whimsically encrusted the building in a series of gnarled leaves and vines.

A lovely place to relax and marvel at the stone gargoyles that watch over the building.

***No need to purchase a ticket to the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia since it was kind of lame.***

11. Antiga Confeitaria de Belém

FOOD, glorious food (as I twirl around in a circle because I love dessert THAT much).

And I’m even happier because this place serves the best Pasteles de Nata in all of Lisbon.

Actually, I take that back.

See, this iconic, Lisbon patisserie has been around since 1837. And part of the reason why they have been around so long is that they have their own, super-secret egg tart recipe. A recipe so distinct that they have actually named their pastries pastéis de Belém and not pasteles de Nata.

The two pastries are basically the same since both desserts are made with a crispy crust, filled with custard cream, baked to perfection, and lightly dusted with cinnamon.

So grab a pastry, relax in the back, and admire the old-world, Lisbon nostalgia created by the azulejos in each of the back rooms.

12. Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Another one of the top things to see in Belem:

The limestone Padrão dos Descobrimentos statue stands at 56 meters tall and was first Inaugurated in 1960.

Overlooking the Tejo (Tagus) River:

This structure commemorates the explorers who transformed Portugal into a global superpower; a country that discovered most of the world as we know it today.

Resembling the bow of a ship as it cruises through the water:

The figures of Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, Diogo Cão, Fernão de Magalhães (Ferdinand Magellan), etc. all stand in this ship, navigating their way back to Portugal.

After admiring this structure:

Take the elevator (no one is taking the stairs because it’s over 200 steps and ain’t nobody got time for cardiac arrest) to the miraduoro atop the statue and enjoy some truly fantastic views of the river below; views that are much nicer and a whole lot less crowded than the ones at Belem Tower (#justsayin’).

13. Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Umm…who doesn’t love a museum in a former 16th-century convent?

Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch but this building does have a charming exterior that is literally dripping with fuschia flowers,

But the true beauty of Museu Nacional do Azulejo  lies in the assortment of exhibits that explain and display the enchanting artistry of azulejo (aka hand-painted tiles).

Heck

This museum has a 35-meter long panel, of hand-painted tiles, that depicts Lisbon before a rogue earthquake came along and basically destroyed the entire city.

What, that isn’t epic enough for you?

How about a vaulted, Manueline cloister that is adorned in vibrant, blue-and-white azulejos? Pretty cool right? Clearly, Lisbon has a thing for cloisters.

Added Bonus?

This museum even has a full-scale baroque style chapel that is dripping with gold and that is adorned in a dazzling assortment of tile mosaics.

So no matter who you are or what you like, I can almost guarantee you that something in this museum will astound you.

***This museum is super easy to get to. Just take bus 718, 742, 794, or 759 and you’ll get dropped off right in front of the museum.*** 

14. Have Chocolate Cake at O Melhor Bolo de Chocolate do Mundo

Before we proceed:

Let’s take a moment of silence to pay homage to the awesomeness that is this dessert.

And…we’re back!

Now, when you think of the best chocolate cake in the world, perhaps you think of Paris, London, or New York City? Makes sense right?

Well, what if I told you that the best chocolate cake in the world happens to come from a tiny shop in Lisbon called O Melhor Bolo de Chocolate do Mundo?

Yeah, this tantalizing nugget of information surprised me too.

This tiny shop is tucked away in the Campo d’Ourique neighborhood of Lisbon and is pretty unassuming from the exterior. No fancy decor. Just eight seats and walls chocker bock full of newspaper clippings that declare how awesome this cake really is.

Oh and there’s no menu either.

This place makes one thing really well and that’s why the chocolate cake is the only thing on the menu, and maybe coffee if you’re lucky.

But the most surprising part?

This cake is actually flourless and made with layers of chocolate meringue, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ganache.

A pure chocolate utopia for any foodie visiting Lisbon.

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15. Day Trip to Cascais

18. Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira

Talk about an amazing sight to behold. 

Truly one of the most unique and exquisite examples of baroque architecture in Lisbon, this 17th-century hunting pavilion is well worth a visit if you’re looking for something different to do.

Located in the Benfica neighborhood:

Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira is a stunning combination of Renaissance architecture and mesmerizing Portuguese blue-and-white tiles.

Because clearly, the Portuguese have a bit of a tile obsession.

But in addition to the fabulous tile work, there’s an ornate entrance fountain that would make Pavarotti himself swoon. Add in some Persian rugs, 18th-century globes, and 17th-century antiques and you have a palace that will be any history lovers dream. 

21. Parque Eduardo VII

Named after King Edward VII of England, after he visited Lisbon in 1903:

This park has distinctive British roots that are reflected in the pristine, well-manicured gardens that abound here. And while the park itself is lovely, you’re really here for the sweeping views.

Just look down Avenida de Liberdade and be sure to pick your jaw up off the floor.

You’ll see the majestic Tejo River in the distance and maybe even feel another sense of deja vu. Yeah, that happens a lot in Lisbon.

But that’s normal since this sprawling avenue was modeled after none other than the Champs Elysees and has since become one of the wealthiest streets in all of Lisbon.

22. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

To enjoy this stunning lookout point:

Hop on the Ascensor da Gloria and ride from Praça dos Restauradores to Barrio Alto since the walk uphill is ridiculously brutal. I honestly want to cough up a lung at the thought of it.

Once at the top:

Enjoy the fantastic views amidst a sea of charming fountains and majestic Greek busts. This viewpoint is also a great spot to sit back, relax, sip some drinks, and get lost in the live music.

***Once at the top head across the road to Rua de S. Pedro de Alcântara, and check out the Solar de Lisboa  Port Wine Institute, where a vast range of port-wines may be tasted and purchase***.

23. Castelo de São Jorge

Found towering over Lisbon in the delightful Alfama district:

Castelo de São Jorge is a historic, 11th-century castle that provides visitors with fantastic views of Lisbon’s iconic red rooftops, amidst a sea of shaded courtyards that are a perfect place to relax after an arduous hike up to the castle.

During your visit:

Explore the Tower of Ulysses to snag some great photo ops. Also, check out some of the historic galleries that display various relics from the castle’s past.

Truth be told though:

I was a bit disappointed with my visit. Sure, the views from Lisbon’s tallest hill were amazing, but there are other places where you can get awesome views for free.

Somehow:

The history and ruins of this charming castle were lacking. But I’m still mentioning it since most people consider this one of the top things to do in Lisbon (To visit, take bus 37 from Praça da Figueira or hop on tram 28).

***Three guided tours daily are included with admission and are offered daily at 10:30 am, 1 pm,  and 4 pm.***

You made it to the end of this War and Peace size post about all the fun and exciting things to do in Lisbon! How does it feel? Did you know that Lisbon was this awesome?

Well, if you didn’t then you do now after reading about these 23 amazing things to do in Lisbon. And with this list, you can now plan the perfect Lisbon itinerary and experience some of the more unusual things to do in Lisbon. You’ll even be able to find, and devour, some of the best food in Lisbon too!

So if you’re ready to start planning a trip to Lisbon, then pin this now and read it again later!