Lisbon is a great destination for a long weekend escape, or as part of a longer Portugal itinerary. It’s a multicultural, passionate, multifaceted city, and it will conquer you with its mix of modern and old-fashioned. Lisbon is one of my favorite cities in Europe!
This ultimate list of Lisbon things to do has been updated countless times. Each time I return from one of my numerous visits to the city, there is something new to be added – and I love this about Lisbon! It seems to be a city much more dynamic than other capital cities such as Rome or Paris.
Buckle up because this is going to be a long list! I hope you’re spending at least a week in Lisbon to get it all done. But even if you only have one day in Lisbon or 3 days, you’ll be able to see the highlights.
Check Out the Best Miradouros in Lisbon (Viewpoints)
One of the top things to do in Lisbon is to admire the view from one of many Lisbon miradouros. Over the last few years, I managed to visit most viewpoints in Lisbon.
My favorite ones are the Miradouro de Santa Luzia (pictured here above) and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, located in the historic district of Alfama. Miradouro de Santa Luzia, adorned with vibrant azulejo tiles, offers a breathtaking view of the Tagus River and the striking red rooftops of Alfama.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol, just a short walk away, also offers a stunning, picture-perfect view.
Be warned – these viewpoints are crowded! For a chance to enjoy them without the crowds, arrive early in the morning.
Other miradouros that are worth seeing are:
- At night, from sunset on, the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcantara [get here with the Gloria funicular] gets pretty busy with students who meet here for a beer and a great sunset view.
- Miradouro do Graça [get here by tram 28], from which you have an incredible view over the city and the Sao Jorge castle. Here you can also find an open-air cafe to relax with a view.
- Off the beaten path Lisbon tip. For a less known, but equally beautiful spot, head to the Miradouro do Monte Agudo [closest underground stop: Graça]. From here you can enjoy view of the entire city.
Wander Around the Alfama District
Alfama, the oldest and most enchanting district in Lisbon, Portugal, is a maze of narrow, winding cobblestone streets, steep staircases, and historic landmarks. Alfama is one of those places where all you need to do is wander around, at your own pace.
I personally love wandering around the hilly streets of Alfama in the early morning hours and soaking in its whitewashed houses adorned with colorful tiles, blooming flower boxes, and laundry hanging from the balconies. (Yes, I’m a romantic at heart).
In the Alfama you can breathe Lisboa’s past: the neighborhood survived the 1775 earthquake and is the oldest area of the city, so put away that map and walk through the alleyways and the narrow streets.
However, when you’re done with that, there are a few things to do in Alfama that should be part of your central Lisbon sightseeing plan.
▶️The Castelo de São Jorge, but this one deserves its own section so we’ll talk about it later.
▶️ Visit the Lisbon Cathedral [Largo da Sé], also called the Sé, one of the main churches in the city. It’s also the oldest church in Lisbon, with construction dating back to the 12th century. Visiting the cathedral is one of the best free things to do in Lisbon, but if you want to visit the cloisters, there is an admission fee of €2.50.
Lisbon Cathedral Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM (Nov-May) and from 9.30 AM to 7 PM (June-Oct).
▶️ The Fado Museum [Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1] is also interesting if you want to learn more about this traditional type of music. However, if you are not familiar with it, I personally recommend listening to Fado rather than learning about it in a museum, but to each their own!
Museu do Fado Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. (Last admission at 5.30 PM).
Museu do Fado Entrance Fee: €5.
Visit Saint George’s Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge)
The Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) is definitely worth a visit.
This hilltop castle has been around since Roman times and has seen many battles and changes throughout Portuguese history. Going to Saint George’s Castle is not only about seeing the cool castle itself but also about learning about Lisbon’s history. As you explore the castle, you’ll be walking where people like the Moors, Visigoths, and knights walked long ago.
The castle stands on top of the tallest hill in the city, and the views over the Baixa district and the Tegus River are magnificent from here. The eleven castle towers, the lookouts, and the gardens transport you back in time, and even the kids love visiting the castle.
➤ St. George’s Castle is probably the most famous attraction in Lisbon, and the lines can be very long, especially in the summer and high season. Consider buying a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
Sao Jorge Castle Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 6 PM(Nov-Feb) and from 9 AM to 9 PM (Mar-Oct).
Sao Jorge Castle Entrance Fee: €10. Free for children under 12.
Visit the Belém Tower + Historical Neighborhood of Belém
Belém is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Lisbon. Although not particularly central, it’s easily accessible by taking tram number 15 in the Cais do Sodré station in the city center.
In Belem, there are a few landmarks including the Jerónimos Monastery (more about that later) and the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) that are truly must sees in Lisbon.
If you’d rather visit the area with a guide, check out the Belem Walking Tour. On this 3 hour tour, you’ll visit the Jeronimos Monastery, see the other landmarks like the Belem Tower, and even get to savor a pastel de nata.
▶️ The Belém Tower is one of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon, and a fortified tower that was first built to defend the city. Go up the tower and enjoy the stunning views over the Tagus River, the April 25 bridge, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
The entrance fee is 6 euros, but it’s free with the Lisbon Card. I recommend buying your entrance ticket in advance so you can avoid the sometimes long queue!
Belém Tower Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6.30 PM (May-Sep) and 10 AM to 5.30 PM (Oct-April).
▶️ A brief stroll (less than a kilometer) from Torre de Belém brings you to Padrao dos Descobrimentos, also referred to as the Monument to the Discoveries.
Situated on the northern bank of the Tagus River, this impressive monument honors the 15th and 16th-century explorers who helped establish Portugal as a leading seafaring nation.
Rising 52 meters tall, the monument features a viewing platform where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the estuary.
Padrao dos Descobrimentos Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 7 PM in the summer; and Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM in the winter. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Padrao dos Descobrimentos Entrance Fee: €10. €5 for people aged 13-25.
▶️ Time for a sweet break! Among other things to do in Belem is the Pasteis de Belem bakery [Rua de Belém 84-92], where 20,000 pastéis de nata (or custard tarts), are made everyday! The pastries are served hot, just out of the oven and they are. the. most. delicious. thing. Eveeeer.
Don’t get too scared by the long line, it goes fast. You won’t wait more than 5-10 minutes to get your hands on that deliciousness. It’s a must do in Lisbon!
Jeronimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery [Praça do Império 1400-206] is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s a beautiful work of architecture. I’m not too much into churches and monasteries, but visiting this particular landmark is one of my favorite things to do in Lisbon!
This remarkable monument was commissioned by King Manuel I to celebrate Portugal’s successes during the Age of Exploration and to honor the renowned explorer Vasco da Gama, who spent here his last night before starting his trip to Asia and who is actually buried within the monastery’s walls!
When you visit the monastery, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its stunning cloisters. Here, you’ll find an array of beautiful, detailed columns that are adorned with carvings that depict Portugal’s seafaring legacy and the discoveries made during their voyages.
You can visit the main chapel for free, but if you want to visit the monastery there’s an entrance fee of 10 euros, unless you have the Lisbon Card, in which case it’s free.