There are so many totally gorgeous and some of the best things to do in Lisbon perched all across the city. Plus, with it being one of the fastest-growing and most beautiful cities in Europe, it’s well worth taking a trip to this totally stunning Portuguese gem (that I properly love).
With an incredible history, vibrant neighbourhoods and enough lip-licking grub to discover. Honestly, it’s a city that really draws you in when visiting Portugal and, kinda long for once you’re back home. We’ve been quite a few times and totally loved it.
Now, if it’s your first time in the city, you’ll probably have started prepping as soon as the flight confirmation drops into your mailbox.
That being said, if you’re anything like me, you’ll also be scurrying around at the last minute after forgetting all the key places you wanted to see.
If you’ve never visited Lisbon, or Portugal for that matter, you’re in for a treat. It’s a totally stunning country and I really hope you love it.
Take a look at some of the very best things to do and see on your first visit to Lisbon.
1.) Torre de Belem and Monument to the Discoveries
Almost fairytale-like to explore, Torre de Belem has a much more hard-edged history than most of us realise. This alone makes it one of the best things to do in Lisbon; if you want to know more about its age of discovery.
Perched on its own within the Tejo riverfront, it was built to protect the port and was the point where lots of explorers started their journey to the new world.
Nowadays, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth an exploration of its own; thankfully minus those 16th Century battles for the harbour!
To make things easier (and save money), get this Lisbon Card that will get you free admission to Lisbon’s museums, historic buildings and sights that you can’t miss. Plus, it gives unlimited free public transport (which is great in a hilly city like Lisbon).
Also, when visiting, make sure to plan your trip early (and if you’re not keen on crowds, maybe avoid weekends). It’s a very popular site with fewer people visiting first thing in the morning.
Finally, if you follow the coastline up to Vasco da Gama Bridge, you’ll come across the pretty impressive Gare Do Oriente that’s one of the new architectural masterpieces in Lisbon.
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
2.) Santa Justa Elevator
This is one of my favourite places to see in Lisbon (shhh, don’t tell the others).
Although not as iconic as, say, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it really is integral to the identity of Lisbon and a truly beautiful lift. There are not many times when I imagined I’d call a lift beautiful – but this is one!
Nestled in the Baixa neighbourhood of Lisbon, Santa Justa gets busy very quickly and often lines start to appear later in the morning/afternoon. visit early and watch the city come alive!
For a really fun way to see the best places in Lisbon, make sure to book this incredible Tuk-Tuk tour around the city. They’ll pick you up from your hotel and up to six people can hop inside your private Tuk-Tuk.
It’s a great way to see all the main sights of Lisbon, without any aching feet! Just be sure to book the Lisbon Tuk-Tuk Tour before arriving, tickets sell out as it’s one of the best things to do in Lisbon, especially on a sunny day.
Read more: Best viewpoints in Lisbon
3.) Experience a Candlelight Concert
One thing not to miss in Lisbon is a Candlelight Concert that takes place right in the heart of the city. These 60-minute concerts are absolutely beautiful to experience within the stables of the Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel.
You’ll get to experience Candlelight shows, like ‘Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons’ which plays some of the band’s iconic hits. Honestly, seeing Clocks played by a string quartet, by candlelight, is just beautiful.
Just be sure to book these tickets before arriving in Lisbon. This way, you can choose the category of seats you prefer, before they sell out. It really is one of the best things to do in Lisbon, especially if you’re looking for evening plans in the city.
4.) Explore Alfama neighbourhood
Lisbon is a city that’s made up of many exciting districts, which is perfect for us travellers to go and explore but not so ideal when you’re visiting for a short period when there are so many to choose from.
One place you have to visit is the Alfama Neighbourhood, it’s technically one of the oldest parts of the city even though it was originally outside the city walls some 700 years ago.
Pack a comfy pair of shoes and get exploring the neighbourhood’s winding and hilly streets. You’ll have earned your lunch (or dinner) after walking this neighbourhood.
Read more: Best restaurants (with views) in Lisbon
5.) Ride Tram 28
This is one of the most famous trams in the world and easily up there as one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
You see, Tram 28 is to Lisbon what red telephone boxes are to London, it’s a tram that you’ll almost certainly see but should also ride.
The route of Tram 28 takes you through some of the oldest parts of the city. Embrace its rickety tracks (bumps and all) and enjoy these historic trams first thing in the morning or late afternoon.
After all, very few of us like getting on a hot, crowded, un-airconditioned tram.
Read more: Best restaurants with views in Lisbon
6.) Explore Sintra
You’ve probably seen how much I love Sintra; but just in case you haven’t, let me tell you again! This place is gorgeous.
Around 30 minutes from the city itself, it’s an incredible area to see the historic palaces and castles that sit elegantly on the hills.
It’s easily reached by hiring a car, catching the train or even booking this amazing Sintra tour from Lisbon. It’s a great way to explore Sintra, without any of the hassles of trying to drive or renting a car.
Just be sure to book these Sintra Palace entry tickets if you’re not booking an organised tour. This way, you won’t be stuck in the really long queues for tickets.
It’s a must-see out of all the best things to do in Lisbon and within easy reach of the city centre itself.
Read more: Best things to know about visiting Sintra
7.) Start your evening with a Ginjinha
This traditional drink is a firm favourite in Lisbon and one you should definitely try (for completeness’ sake, of course).
Made from sour cherry, you’ll see it served all across the city. It’s a little tart and might be strong; but well worth trying.
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
8.) Visit the Monastery of St Jerome (Jerónimos Monastery)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled within the historic district of Belém, where you literally can’t miss it!
After booking these entry tickets, head inside to explore some of the awe-inspiring architecture and stunning history of this gorgeous place.
Again, as I’ve said before, arrive early and try to avoid weekends for fewer crowds and make sure to get these tickets before arriving.
You’ll save lots of time and won’t have to queue in the searing heat to get to the ticket office.
Though it’s sometimes closed on a Monday so remember this.
Book: Tickets to enter Jerónimos Monastery
9.) Head across to Cascais
Cascais was once the holidaying spot of the rich and famous. Imagine it like Portugal’s version of Monte Carlo.
Cascais is about 30 minutes by train (or you can drive over) from the city itself and is a great place to chill out and relax in the town or on the sandy beaches.
Don’t forget to visit the Boca do Inferno, a great vantage point to see the cliffs and formations that make this region so rugged and beautiful.
Read more: Spending a day in Cascais
10.) See the sunset at Miradouro da Graça
One great thing about Lisbon is that its hilly nature gives way to lots of little Miradouro (terraces) that have sprung up all across the city.
Head across to Miradouro da Graça for some lovely views across Lisbon and even Lisbon Castle itself.
It’s a gorgeous place to sit back, relax and enjoy a well-earned rest. Well, all whilst planning the other spots and best things to do in Lisbon during the rest of your day.
11.) Eat A Pastel de Nata
Don’t leave Lisbon without trying these! It’s almost criminal to have visited and not gorged on at least one of the delicious sweet tarts.
Head over to Pastéis de Belém for some of the best (and iconic) in town.
With such a high footfall you’re almost guaranteed a completely fresh (and still slightly warm) Pastel de Nata from Pastéis de Belém.
Afterwards, you can book this beautiful sunset cruise on a vintage sailing boat, taking in all the coastal spots around Lisbon. You’ll get plenty of snacks and delicious Portuguese wines, too.
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
12.) Visit Castelo de São Jorge
Perched on top of the highest hill in Alfama, Castelo de São Jorge has had a diverse past, being home to the Romans, the Visigoths and even the very first king.
It’s a great place to wander and see one of the oldest parts of the city, again, just make sure to pack some comfy shoes!
13.) Explore the plazas and squares of the city
There are lots of little squares and plazas for you to explore in Lisbon and they’re usually filled with independent bars and cafes that line their edges.
Honestly, just take a stroll around the neighbourhood and give yourself at least one afternoon to stroll around.
It’s beautiful!
Do as locals do and head across in the early evening for a little tipple before heading out for food.
Lisbon is a very sociable city and it’s well worth just taking some time to enjoy the city’s rhythm.
It really is one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
