The best things to do and see in Lisbon

The Portuguese capital is a city that invites discovery, and any good travel guide for Lisbon will give you a very wide range of options that will allow you to define how many days to spend in Lisbon according to what you want to see and do in the city.

Bairrist and with several emblematic places, both in terms of built and cultural and natural heritage, this city will invite you to surrender to the universe of travel and become intoxicated with the local traditions. Below we leave some suggestions, so you can create your own itinerary through Lisbon, knowing what you can find in this wonderful European capital and how to enjoy the best of the City of the Seven Hills during your stay.

Strolling through the typical neighborhoods of Lisbon

The city’s neighborhoods are on the list of the best things to do in Lisbon, or were it not for the fact that neighborhoodism is one of the cultural traits that most highlights the local traditionality. Strolling through the streets to see the architecture, heritage and life of the city is one of the best ways to “live Lisbon” to the fullest. So when making your itinerary on what to see in Lisbon, be sure to consider neighborhoods like:

• Alfama neighborhood and São Jorge Castle: old and traditional, this Lisbon neighborhood is the home of fado – the Portuguese song that was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Fado houses, viewpoints, and neighborhood bars can be found among the labyrinthine and picturesque streets.
• Chiado and Rossio: this is the heart of the city, where you can enjoy the metropolis’ liveliest atmosphere and typical commerce. Many prominent monuments are also in these neighborhoods, including the Santa Justa Elevator (created by Eiffel) and the D. Maria II Theater. It is also a great place to try Lisbon’s food in magnificent restaurants of traditional Portuguese food.
• Saldanha District: with spaces of architectural and natural interest, this district is also a place of confluence of artistic expressions, and you can take the opportunity to attend the concerts and artistic expressions that take shape in the Gulbenkian Gardens.
• Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto: traditionality and bohemian life is the invitation that these Lisbon neighborhoods offer. This is the spot for many music artists, and is also a region acclaimed for its nightlife, its events, and its bars and nightclubs.
• Santos, Rato and Príncipe RealWhen visiting Lisbon, you will have to go through these neighborhoods that, besides having many of the city’s renowned monuments and museums, also offer beautiful architecture, with many old palaces, and the possibility to enjoy nature in the city, in spaces such as the Botanical Garden.
• Belém: unmissable monuments, beautiful streets, and, of course, the unmissable pastries at the secular Casa dos Pastéis de Belém: this is a Lisbon neighborhood that needs to be on any itinerary.

See the city from the viewpoints of Lisbon

Some of the most beautiful views of Lisbon can be enjoyed, free of charge and at any time, from its miradouros. Although the options are vast and a route through the viewpoints is a must, we will leave, as a suggestion, some of the most emblematic ones.

The Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge is the main belvedere in Lisbon, and it is an important historical site whose wide views allow you to contemplate the city, the Arrábida Mountains, the South bank coastline, and even the fields of Ribatejo. Besides this, the magnificent São Pedro de Alcântara Belvedere invites you to take the opportunity to see its bust deck, while still viewing the landscape from the upper level, dating from the 19th century.

Other viewpoints not to be missed and that are often included in spaces with other places of interest, including churches, are the Portas do Sol viewpoint, the Santa Luzia viewpoint, the Nossa Senhora do Monte view point (with its beautiful tiles), or the Graça viewpoint.

Take advantage of the city’s natural spaces

There are several natural spaces in Lisbon that are worth a visit. In many of them, in addition to a walk, you can enjoy sports or have a picnic, taking advantage of the generally mild climate of the city.

The largest green jumping-off point in the city is the Monsanto Forest Park, where the pedestrian and bicycle trails stand out. Still, spaces like the Torele Gardenand the Gulbenkian Gardens are other natural spaces that you can enjoy for free.

Also be sure to enjoy the Ajuda Botanical Garden, a centuries-old garden of great natural beauty, with 3.5 hectares filled with varied flora, lakes, fountains, and sculptures.

Schedules and prices

The Ajuda Botanical Garden is a paid entrance. In the case of the Botanical Garden, you can visit from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 5 pm, and at the weekend between 10 am and 8 pm. The cost per person is 5€, with discounts for families. On Sunday, between 10 am and 1 pm, admission is free.

Live the nightlife in Lisbon

Lisbon’s night is a must-see for those who love to get to know the fun side of the city and, for that, head to Cais do Sodré or the Bairro Alto in the evening hours is a must, to know the dynamics of bars and discos that give life to the metropolis until sunrise, with parties and afters amazing.

You will find options for all ages and all tastes, from traditional fado houses to bars where rock and jazz do the honors. Moreover, you will find in the city’s nightlife streets the ideal place to taste the best of Lisbon’s wine and cocktails.

Making children dream in Lisbon

Other fun experiences to live in Lisbon are those that suit the whole family, but that promise, mainly, to make the little ones dream. There are several possible suggestions, but we highlight the following:

Pavilion of Knowledge

Located in Parque das Nações, the Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva invites the family to enjoy didactic activities, in an interactive way, while they get in touch with the universe of technology and science.

Schedules and prices

Open between 10am and 6pm on weekdays and between 10am and 7pm on weekends, this space can be visited free of charge by children up to the age of 2. Prices vary according to age, with children between 3 and 11 years old and seniors (+65 years old) paying 8 euros, youth between 12 and 17 years old paying 9 euros, and adults paying 11 euros per ticket. There are family tickets, with cheaper prices.

Lisbon Oceanarium

The Oceanário is a Lisbon aquarium that promises to please children and adults alike, being both a place of great beauty and high educational value. Here you will find several marine species in a magical environment.

Schedules and prices

The Lisbon Oceanarium is open between 10 am and 8 pm, and is free for children up to the age of 2. Ticket prices vary, being €15 for children under 12, €22 for people between 12 and 64, and €17 for seniors.

Lisbon Zoo

The Zoo allows the family to experience a real city jungle, among thousands of animal species. There are moments of interaction with some of the species, which elevate this experience even more.

Schedules and prices

The Lisbon Zoo is open to visitors from 10 am to 8 pm, with ticket offices closing at 6:45 pm.

As for prices, the Zoo is free for children up to the age of 2, while it costs €16.5 for children between the ages of 3 and 12, €26.5 for adults up to the age of 64, and €19 for seniors (aged 65+). For groups with 15 or more people, the ticket price is 22€ per person.

Getting to know the outskirts of the city

Lisbon would be enough to fill the days of any visitor. Still, in its surroundings, there are beaches, villages and natural spaces that are completely unmissable and that, without a doubt, would deserve to be part of a one-day getaway.

The town of Sintra is a good example. Considered a romantic destination, it encompasses wonderful natural vistas and a rich heritage. Likewise, crossing the river, it is worth visiting the Caparica beaches, taking advantage of them for a day at the beach and to taste the delicacies of the fresh gastronomy with sea flavors. Finally, near Setubal, Serra da Arrábida is also a point of undeniable touristic value, having some spots that promise the best photos for your Instagram.

Taste the flavors of Lisbon

Lisbon’s gastronomy cannot be forgotten during a visit to the city, and there are dishes where all the Lusitanian intensity is masterfully expressed. Some examples of typical dishes not to be missed are:

• Caldo Verde: a traditional soup, made with lathed Portuguese cabbage and prepared with mashed potatoes, served with chouriço sausage. Enveloping and warm, this is a perfect dish on winter days or during popular festivals.
• Codfish dishes: the thousand and one codfish recipes are known throughout the country and celebrated in Lisbon. We highlight the Bacalhau à Brás, the Caldeirada de Bacalhau, or the famous Pastéis de Bacalhau.
• Cozido à Portuguesa: you can try this gastronomic classic in Lisbon. Here, cooked vegetables and meats are celebrated in a full-bodied, generous, traditional meal.
• Arroz doce: a dessert based on rice and milk, served with cinnamon and bringing the best of the city’s gastronomic traditionalism.
• Pastéis de Belém: the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém is a centuries-old house where this secret recipe for pastries is made. Although similar to pastéis de nata, these have a unique flavor and texture that you will not be able to taste anywhere else in the world.