35 Things To Do In Lisbon: Must See Sights And Hidden Treasures

I am often asked about the best things to do in Lisbon. To answer that question, I’ve drawn on my experiences of countless visits to the city over the years, to collate the best of Lisbon’s must see sights and hidden gems.

I get cross whenever I see a list of Lisbon attractions that features a day trip to Sintra. Yes, Sintra is one of the many day trips you can do while using Lisbon as a base but it is a totally different town. Same goes for Cascais.

Because of this pet peeve, and the abundance of things to do in Lisbon itself, I promise you that my list of Lisbon activities and attractions does not take you outside the city.

In no particular order I’ve included a selection of well-known highlights and some of my favourite under-the-radar places to visit in Lisbon, a great destination all year round.

If you’d like a ready-made day by day Lisbon itinerary that organises many of these sights into a logical plan, as well as a day trip to Sintra, take a look at this Lisbon & Sintra itinerary.

Tip: If you’re planning to do any shopping whilst in Portugal and you’re a non-EU resident, don’t forget you can claim tax back on a whole range of goods. For more details, check out my Tax free shopping in Portugal for Non-EU Residents post.

1. Get to know the city through its flavours on a Lisbon food tour

One of the best ways to understand why the Portuguese are so passionate about their cuisine is by taking a food tour with a local expert. Not only will you get to sample some of Portugal’s best snacks and dishes, you’ll also get an insight into the culture and a mini walking tour of a local neighbourhood.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day I spent with Célia Pedrosa on this Culinary Backstreets tour. I got to sample typical and refined food and drinks in local shops, traditional eateries, Mercado da Ribeira and trendy upscale venues.

Tip: You can use my code – FOX5 – to get a 5% discount on any Culinary Backstreets food tour in Portugal. Just apply it at the checkout stage.

Or use my article about Portuguese food to eat your way around Lisbon on your own.

You could try taking things one step further and try this Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class. Learn all about delicious Portuguese gastronomy and end up with a traditional 3-course meal!

2. Delve into the colorful world of street art

Wander down hidden alleyways and narrow streets under the guidance of an expert who will explain the meaning behind the artworks and different techniques used by the artists. You can take some great photos and the tour can be customised if you have a particular niche you’d like to explore.

3. Learn how Lisbon’s electricity supply was generated at MAAT

Mike absolutely loves the former electricity power station in Belém because of the industrial features. We first visited this homage to electricity before it became incorporated into the new Museum of Art, Architecture and Technoloy with its flagship curved building.

The massive machinery is still in situ, albeit all cleaned up, and there are models and information panels to help you appreciate how tough it must have been to work there.

Hours for visiting the power station (aka Central) are 10am to 7 pm but it’s closed on Tuesdays. Admission (which covers both buildings) is €11. There’s free entrance on the first Sunday morning of every month.

Both buildings now hold art exhibitions although most are in the new space. You can walk onto the roof of this futuristic shiny building for fabulous views of the river.

Tip: Did you know that a Lisbon Card gives you free admission to many top attractions and unlimited free access to public transport? You’ll need to do the math to work out if it will actually benefit you but if you plan on seeing a lot of normally paid activities in a short space of time, it might save you money.

Entrance to MAAT is free with a Lisbon Card.

Tip: If you’re short on time and/or money, I would just pay to enter the former power station building rather than the full combined ticket.

Visit the MAAT website for details of what’s on.

See other Belem activities in this post

4. Sample Portuguese food from top chefs at Mercado da Ribeira

Another reason to visit Cais do Sodré is Mercado da Ribeira. One hall of the bustling market has been transformed by Time Out into a trendy food hall which enables you to sample some of Lisbon’s finest food and drink in one place.

The other hall continues to function as a colourful fresh produce market full of the flavours, sounds and smells of a traditional venue.

Tip: The food hall is very popular with locals and visitors so expect queues at peak meal times or try to avoid them.

The Time Out Market is open every day from 10 am to midnight.

Tip: If this sounds too touristy for your tastes, try Mercado de Campo de Ourique instead (#33)

5. Learn how to make a Pastel de Nata

Have you heard of the delicious custard tarts that the Portuguese love so much? A Pastel de Nata, also known as Pastel de Belém as this is where the original recipe came from, is a crisp, buttery pastry case containing creamy custard. Best served while still warm with a sprinkling of cinnamon and a meia de leite (coffee with milk), these are decidedly moreish.

If you want to enjoy these treats back home, learn the secrets on a fun 2 hour workshop.

Or pick up one of these books about Portuguese food for a recipe.

If you’ve tried Pastel de Nata and many of the other delicious goodies, such as Ovos Moles de Aveiro, and wondered how they get their pastry so yummy, then this small group Portuguese Pastry Workshop maybe just what you need.

6. Take a boat trip on the Tagus River

Lisbon is famed for being a city of seven hills, which can get a bit tiring if you’re exploring on foot. If the weather’s nice, a Lisbon boat trip gives your feet a rest while you enjoy the architecture and learn about Lisbon’s stories from a different perspective.

Why not try a leisurely sunset cruise along the Tagus River.

7. Get great views from São Vicente de Fora Monastery rooftop

Relatively few tourists go to São Vicente de Fora Museum, which is a bonus in my book. This hidden gem contains a fascinating collection of azulejo panels depicting the fables of Fontaine, regal tombs and some incredible inlaid marble.

Opening times are daily from 10am-6pm, last admission 5pm. Entry costs €8 or €6  for Lisbon Card holders. You can take a guided tour for an aditional €2.

Best of all is the spectacular view from the roof. Read more about it in this post.

8. Marvel at marble in Lisbon’s National Pantheon

You can see the domed roof of the National Pantheon from São Vicente da Fora and the views from here are also remarkable.

Inside, you’ll find a beautiful marble mausoleum containing the tombs of some of Portugal’s most beloved heros and heroines including the Queen of Fado, Amália, and explorer Vasco da Gama. More information about the Panteo Nacional here.

Opening times are 10am-5pm every day except Monday and Bank Holidays (10am-6pm from April to September). Admission usually costs 8 euros but is free on Sundays and with a Lisbon Card.

Enjoy the Pantheon with a visit to Lisbon Cathedral with this special combined ticket.

9. Take a stroll along the Tagus River

The Tagus River (Tejo in Portuguese) is the life force of the city and it’s now possible to enjoy a riverside stroll from the former royal square, Praça do Comércio, to the up and coming Cais do Sodré.

Sit on the steps or grass at Ribeira das Naus or enjoy a cocktail from the kiosk or café while you watch boats of all sizes make their way down and across the mighty waterway.

10. Take great photos from Graça viewpoint

This viewing terrace is slightly off the beaten track and therefore not as busy as some of the others in Lisbon. It’s worth the effort and there are a couple of cute bars here too.

You can get there by tram or take an electric bike tour of Lisbon’s 7 hills. Even I managed to get up the hills with the added boost of the electric bike!

11. Indulge your inner child at Lisbon Doll Hospital

One of Lisbon’s quirkier attractions is the delightful doll hospital and museum. Much loved dolls and toys are treated and restored with due care and there’s a fascinating collection that includes papier-maché dolls from the 1930s.

Hospital de Bonecas, Praça da Figueira 7, Lisbon.

Open Monday to Saturday 10.30am-12.30pm and 15.30pm-17.00pm. Closed Sundays.

12. Browse the wares at Feira da Ladra flea market

If you happen to be in the Graça district on Tuesday or Saturday, you’ll find the streets behind São Vicente da Fora church and the National Pantheon filled with makeshift stalls. You’ll find anything and everything on sale here including souvenirs and bizarre obsolete household items.

Tip: Keep a close eye on your own belongings while you browse. It’s also popular with pickpockets.

13. Conquer St George’s Castle

Lisbon’s 11th century Moorish Castle offers spectacular views of the city and the chance to roam the battlements and peer down canon barrels that have been through the wars. I have never managed to see the camera obscura but you can try to time your visit to see the city through this inverted lens. Otherwise, just enjoy the grounds and small museum in the company of peacocks.

Tip: It’s better to go in the morning to avoid crowds. Open daily (except Christmas and New Year) from 9 am to 6 pm, or 9 pm from April to October.

Admission is €15 but free with a Lisbon card.

Get an in-depth understanding of the significance of the castle on this Castle of St. George small group tour which also includes the Cathedral and Roman theatre.

14. Feel like royalty at Ajuda National Palace

While the castle is interesting, it is empty of furnishings. If you want to see a royal palace in all its glory, head to the Neoclassical Ajuda National Palace. Construction began in the late 18th century and the palace was developed in fits and starts into the 19th century but was never actually completed.

Nevertheless, the Portuguese royal family occupied this palace at various points in time and their personality is evident in the richly furnished rooms, decorated with family portraits.

You can now visit the Royal Treasure Museum and see the precious crown jewels now on display.

Open Thursday to Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed Wednesdays and major public holidays.

15. Get your fill of tiles at Palacio das Fronteiras

This beautiful palace involves a trek out of the city centre (it’s easiest to take a cab or Uber) and only offers guided tours in the mornings, making it tricky to work into an itinerary. It took me 10 years to get there but it was well worth it.

While waiting for the guided tour of the interior of the palace, we had time to roam the gardens and discover a surprising variety of painted azulejos in different parts of the gardens.

The palace itself is fascinating and beautiful (no photos allowed inside) and the guide did a great job of explaining its evolution and stories. Cost for the guided tour of the palace and admission to the gardens is €15 while just the garden is €7.

The interior is only visitable in the morning, with a guided tour at the following times: June-September: Monday-Saturday 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 and 12:00 | October-May: Monday-Saturday 11:00 and 12:00.

The gardens are open from 10:30 am in summer and 9:30 in winter and generally also open in the afternoons, except Saturday, closing for lunch between 1 and 2 pm. Address: Largo São Domingos de Benfica 1, Lisbon

16. Discover the architectural wonders of Casa do Alentejo

This 17th century palace is one of my favourite Lisbon buildings although you can easily walk straight past it if you’re not aware of it.

The Neo-Islamic courtyard is an oasis of calm after running the gauntlet of the pushy waiters on Rua Portas de Santo Antão. Once a popular casino, for decades, the building (no. 58) has been used as a cultural centre for people from the Alentejo region of Portugal.

On this first floor, you’ll also find a small museum collection of artifacts and documents and a typical Alentejano tavern. Upstairs, there’s a ballroom that’s seen better days but in the right light, still echoes grandeur as well as a range of rooms with wonderful decoration.

The Casa is open 9.30am-11pm, the tavern 12pm-10.30pm and the restaraunt 12pm-15.00pm and 19.00 – 23.00pm.

Tip: Try the tomato soup in the tavern

17. Admire Rossio square and station

If you want to make your eyes go funny, stand in Rossio square and gaze at the wavy black and white patterns in the cobblestones.

At each end of the square, there’s an ornamental fountain and at the southern end, you’ll find a beautiful building with two horseshoe shaped doorways. This is Rossio train station, which is the one you’re likely to need if taking the train to Sintra for the day.

18. Pose with a poet at Café A Brasileira

The bronze statue outside the historical Art Deco Café A Brasileira is Fernando Pessoa, beloved Portuguese poet and former Brasileira patron(see his works, including the thought-provoking Book of Disquiet, on Amazon).

Sit next to Pessoa for a photo opportunity or linger over a coffee and watch the world go by in Largo do Chiado. You’ll often see street artists and musicians performing in this square.

This is also the starting point for my audio guided walking tour of Chiado and Principe Real neighbourhoods.

19. See the beauty of Portuguese Gothic architecture at Jerónimos Monastery

King Manuel I reigned back in the 16th century when wealth was pouring into Portugal from exotic lands during the Age of Discovery. To reflect the success of the times, he ordered various new constructions and embellishments to existing monuments in a very Portuguese version of the then current Gothic architectural style by adding nautical motifs. This became known as Manueline architecture.

A great place to examine this beautifully frilly stonework is the iconic Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district.

You can visit on your own (buy a skip the line ticket) but if you want to get a deeper understanding of this important period in Portuguese history, consider a private guided walking tour of Belém.

20. Shop in a palace for Portuguese products

I’ve always loved the Neo-Islamic exterior of the palace that is now home to Embaixada shopping centre in Principe Real.

It’s just as impressive inside, with a grand staircase lined with paintings of semi-clad ladies and a beautiful interior courtyard around which several boutique and concept stores offer quality clothing, accessories and souvenirs.

If you’re a non-EU resident you can claim the tax spent on shopping back. To find out how to do this, check out my Tax free shopping in Portugal for Non-EU Residents post.

The Mall is open every day from 12-8pm (7pm on Sundays).

21. Test your Maths and Physics at the National Science Museum

Just down the road from Embaixada and next door to the Botanical Gardens is the National Science Museum (Rua da Escola Politécnica, 56). To be honest, I was somewhat underwhelmed at the dinosaur exhibits in the first few rooms but things started looking up as soon as we entered the lecture theatres and Chemistry laboratory that were part of the University of Lisbon in the early 20th century.

As well as antique equipment and bottles of potions and chemicals, there are interactive physics displays on the upper floor and artistic exhibitions.

Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays. Free admission on Sundays 10 am-1 pm. Tickets €6. Purchasing a Lisbon Card gives you 10% off admission costs.

22. Enjoy a beer with a view at São Pedro de Alcântara

As with many of Lisbon’s miradouros (viewpoints), there is a kiosk here so you can grab a drink with which to enjoy Lisbon views across the Baixa district to the castle on the opposite hillside.

Tip: It’s a gentle climb from Chiado but if you’re coming from Restauradores square at the base of Avenida da Liberdade, you’ll save time and avoid a very steep hill by taking the antique Glória elevator.

This Lisbon Essential: History, Stories and Lifestyle tour will bring you here from the Bairro Alto and go on to explore highlights such as São Roque Church and Largo do Carmo (see #21 and #22).

23. See mummified children in Convento do Carmo

Lisbon’s Archaeological Museum is contained within what remains of the Convento do Carmo. Like much of Lisbon, the original building was seriously damaged in the 1755 earthquake and its cloister roof was never replaced, lending it an eerie, skeletal air. As well as desiccated minors, there are other interesting finds on show.

Tip: Save yourself the queue and fare for the Santa Justa Elevator by walking down the right hand side of the Carmo church to the upper platform for great views of Lisbon.

Tip: Allow time for a drink at one of the cafés in the gorgeous Largo do Carmo square.

Opening times are Monday-Saturday. October-April 10am-6pm and May-September 10am-7pm. Closed on Sundays and some bank holidays. Holders of a Lisbon Card have 20% off admission price.

24. Get your fill of gold and cherubs and tiles at Igreja de São Roque

Built in the 16th century as one of the first Jesuit churches, São Roque church survived the earthquake, enabling you to experience the outright ostentation of its Baroque and Mannerist decor.

Even if cherubs and over the top gold leaf are not your thing, the trompe l’oiel ceiling, original tiles and intricate marble inlays are worth a look.

25. Find your favourite collectable at Pavilhão Chinês

One of the best bars in Lisbon is also the quirkiest. Every surface is crammed with collections; over four thousand pieces in total. Choose from an extensive collection of cocktails and exotic teas while you take in your surroundings.

The menu, full of risqué drawings of 1930s party scenes, is a collector’s item in its own right. Rua Dom Pedro V, 89. Open daily from 6 pm to 2 am (from 9 pm on Sundays).

Tip: Go early evening while it’s fairly quiet so that you can study the collections without the crowds.

26. Dodge the flying bicycle at Ler Devagar bookstore

One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores was once a printing factory and you can still see the machinery in the centre of this intriguing space.

Most noticeable though are the suspended artworks including a much-photographed flying bicycle. Take your time to choose your tome – there’s a café at the back of the store.

This is part of the funky LX Factory, a creative urban space with great street art and lots of restaurants and interesting shops.

The bookstore is open Sunday to Wednesday 10am-10pm and Thursday to Saturday 10am-12pm.

27. Put on a show at the Puppet Museum

I went to the Museu da Marioneta to humour Mike and his fascination for puppets and loved it. The collection includes a variety of puppets from South East Asia and some wondrous African and Asian masks.

Learn about puppetry in Portugal from glove and strings to animated films and see the grotesque costumes used by the São Lourenço Theatre Company back in the 1970s.

You can even step into the Punch and Judy booth and put on your own show.

Tip: Keep an eye open for the occassional top notch exhibition (such as Tim Burton’s The Animation Puppets).

Opening times are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Lisbon Card holders benefit from a 20% discount.

See more about Lisbon museums in this post

28. Try cherry liqueur at Ginjinha Rubi

Lisboetas love their cherry brandy and so do I, especially as a winter warmer.

Order your ginjinha ‘com’ (with) or ‘sem’ (without) a sour cherry in your shot glass and enjoy this tasty digestive from one of the long-standing establishments near Rossio square.

Ginjinha Rubi (Rua Barros Queirós, 27) has the added bonus of beautiful painted tiles of cherry picking and ginjinha drinking.

See this article to find out about other Portuguese drinks worth trying

29. Watch art come to life at Immersivus Gallery

Inside the atmospheric building of Lisbon’s Reservatório Mãe d’Água water museum, Immersivus Gallery Lisbon is an art exhibition space that turns traditional visual art into a spectacular and immersive cultural experience.

Wonder at some of the greatest artists in history through state-of-the-art projections. Check below for current exhibitions.

30. Hang out with locals at Jardim da Estrela

I love this 19th century park with its palm trees, beautifully ornate bandstand and small lake. Locals make good use of these gardens so you’ll see families and people of all ages taking a stroll, having a picnic, using the outdoor exercise facilities or playground or simply resting on the benches. There’s a café by the lake, too.

Tip: Tram #28 stops outside and you can pay to climb to the roof of the basilica opposite for great views.

31. Pretend you’re a princess (or a prince) at the National Coach Museum

You’ll find pretty much any style of coach and carriage imaginable at Lisbon’s Museu Nacional dos Coches. Some are smart and functional, while others, such as the pope’s golden carriage are total ostentation.

The collection is now split over two sites – the purpose built museum near the railway line and the beautifully decorated former royal stables.

Opening times for the new building are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (closed Mondays and Bank Holidays) and for the older museum (Royal Picadeiro) Wednesday-Monday 10am-6pm (closed Tuesdays and Bank Holidays.)

You can get your ticket here in advance or combine this museum with a fast track ticket for Jerónimos Monastery.

With a Lisbon Card you have free admission to this museum and many others.

More details and photos of the coaches in this post.

32. Go underwater at Lisbon Oceanarium

The largest indoor aquarium in Europe is indeed impressive, with or without kids. The sharks, sun fish, adorable sea otters, flimsy sea dragon and colourful sea anemones are but a few of the attractions.

The Oceanarium is open every day 9am-6pm. A visit can be expensive but you can claim 15% off with a Lisbon Card.

Tip: Save yourself considerable queuing time with a pre-paid ticket for the Lisbon Oceanarium

33. Go gourmet at Mercado de Campo de Ourique

The middle class residential neighbourhood of Campo de Ourique is less touristy than the more downtown areas in Lisbon. Thanks to that, the renovated local market and its delicious food stalls cater for refined local tastes and are happy to help foreign visitors understand the options available.

The gourmet kiosks are scattered among the fresh produce stalls while the dining area is at the back of the market. Some kiosks have counter seating and there is often live music on weekend evenings.

Open from 12 pm to 10.30 pm (1 am on Friday and Saturday) and gets busy after 7 pm.

34. Play with a miniature 1755 Lisbon

Visit Palácio Pimenta and learn about the city that existed before the 1755 earthquake. There’s a fantastic 10m long miniature city you can explore via an interactive console that gives you an indication of the lives lived before that tragic event.

One of the 5 locations that make up the Museu de Lisboa, this palace has loads of interesting artefacts imaginatively exhibited, as well as lovely grounds.

Open 10 – 6pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays and bank holidays.

35. Visit the risqué Pensão Amor

Because of its location sailors would once upon a time pop into this brothel in the former red light district of Rua Nova do Carvalho. These days are long gone but what remains is this splendid 18th century building full of frescoes, mirrors and other reminders of a by-gone age. Now it’s one of the most popular bars in Lisbon. 

It was closed due to the pandemic for two years but now it’s reopened and not to be missed.

Open every day. 7pm to 3am Sundays to Wednesdays and 7pm to 4am Thursdays to Saturdays. 

Have I covered all of the places to go in Lisbon? Of course not.

There are far too many to include in a single article so you might want to get a copy of a Lisbon guidebook or delve deeper into my Lisbon archives.

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