Best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal (2027 guide)

When visiting sunny Portugal, most travellers kick off their trip in the country’s vibrant capital of Lisbon before zipping off to other popular spots like Porto, the Algarve or Duoro Valley.

Not only is there lots to explore in the city itself, but it’s also a great base for day trips to nearby coastal towns like Obidos and Cascais, or heading up to Sintra to see the incredible pastel palaces.

From colourful street art to riding on the famous trams, here are the best things to do when visiting Lisbon and some of my tried-and-tested tips for planning your itinerary.

Visit the best lookouts in Lisbon

With a topography that stretches from the Tagus River and up into the hills, there’s no shortage of fabulous vantage points. As a bonus, they’re a great way to get a lay of the land before heading out on foot.

A few standout spots worth making a beeline for include:

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Heading up to this sun-soaked terrace is one of the best things to do in Lisbon, as it offers gorgeous panoramic views of the whitewashed, terracotta-topped houses tucked into the hillside below.

The copulas of majestic cathedrals jut out above them, stretching out to the clear blue waterfront making for a postcard-perfect scene.

 

Elevador de Santa Justa

Black, wrought-iron railings frame this lift, which has been shuttling passengers in the Baixa district since the 19th century. Its neo-gothic design is striking, and while it could be considered a piece of art it actually serves as a form of public transport so people don’t have to slog up a steep hill.

Enjoy the ride up as you rise above the city, then take in the view from the observation platform at the top for unbeatable views which makes this one of the top attractions in Lisbon.

Globe Guide note: Elevador de Santa Justa and other historic lifts in Lisbon are currently closed for inspection following a tragic tram crash on Elevador da Glória in 2025. However, the top viewing platform and walkway are open, and you can walk to the top area for free by walking behind the Carmo Convent via Largo do Carmo, or by using nearby alternative walking paths and commercial escalators.

Bica Funicular

The Bica Funicular is one of Lisbon’s most iconic photo spots, with its traditional yellow tram climbing a steep, narrow street lined with colourful buildings. Officially called the Ascensor da Bica, it connects the Cais do Sodré area with Bairro Alto and makes for a quintessential Lisbon street scene.

Buy a 24-hour public transportation pass here or from a machine inside any metro station. It gets you unlimited rides on the metro, bus and trams (including famous #28), as well as entrance to the Elevadors.

Castelo de São Jorge

Perched on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, Castelo de São Jorge is a historic castle with some of the best panoramic views in the city. Explore the medieval walls, towers and courtyards, then take in sweeping views over Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops and Alfama below.

The site dates back centuries and has played an important role in Lisbon’s history, making it worth a visit for both the scenery and the chance to learn more about the city’s past.

Globe Guide tip: Pre-purchase a skip-the-line ticket as it can get busy, and wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven in places and the walk uphill can be steep.

Visit Belem

The Belem district is a bit of a ways out from the city centre (7 minutes on the fast train, or half an hour by bus, taxi or on Tram 15E) but the trip is well worth it.

The district’s top spots are all situated along the pretty waterfront, framing monuments likeTorre de Belem and the sandstone Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of Discoveries).

Built to honour the ships that departed Lisbon’s shores to explore and trade with the far east, it features more than thirty models of historically significant figures.

The blindingly-white sculpture is actually a tower, and visitors can head to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding Belem district. Be sure to look down to see how the patterned pavement depicts a map of the world.

Globe Guide tip: Head here on a Monday when the tower is closed, if you want a photograph without any tourists on the bridge. Book your ticket for other day if you actually want to see inside!

Sample the best pastel de nata

One of my favourite things to do in Lisbon? Indulging daily in pastel de nata.

The addictive pastries are the most famous Portuguese desserts, which I’d describe as a creme brûlée nestled in a buttery tart shell. They’re light, flaky, and absolutely heavenly when baked to golden perfection. You can also sign up for a cooking class to learn how to make the sweet treats on your own.

Grab some for breakfast at Pastelaria Santo Antonio which is just outside the castle’s front gates, or brave the crowds at iconic Pasteis de Belem in the Belem district which has been whipping up the mouthwatering treats since 1837. 

Explore the artsy areas

Street art, art districts, art galleries…Lisbon doesn’t mess around when it comes to art.

Some of the best places to see in Lisbon are found near the castle in the Alfama district, where bright murals adorn stone walls lining the area’s steep staircases.

 

 

One of my favourite things to do in Lisbon is wandering around LX Factory, a former industrial area that’s transformed into a creative community for artists.

The hip spot is tucked under the so-called Big Bridge, and boasts bars, restaurants, independent boutiques and street art galore, making this one of the cool places in Lisbon to hang out.

 

Just down the road is Village Underground, where creative-types work out of refurbished storage containers that are stacked on top of each other. The result makes for quite the photo-op, and the venue is frequently used to host outdoor events.

Browse Lisbon’s best bookstore

LX Factory is also home to what’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores: Ler Devagar. Its name translates to “read slowly”, which you’ll want to do to soak up every minute possible in this pretty space which was converted from a printing warehouse.

The decor is perfection, there are plenty of books to choose from in multiple languages, and the store is also a popular event venue thanks to its two bars.

Take a ride on the tram in Lisbon

Those who normally eschew public transportation will want to rethink their ways here.

Going for a spin in one of the iconic canary-yellow trams is one of Lisbon’s top tourist attractions, a pastime so popular that queues to get on the famed #28 line that winds through the historic centre can stretch for an hour (you can book a guided tour here).

If you’re not in the mood for a long wait to get on #28, grab the #15 and head to Belem. On the way back, you can hop off at the Calvario stop to see LX Factory and Village Underground before returning to the city centre. 

Listen to fado music

The haunting notes of fado singers float out of dark restaurants and into the quiet streets come nightfall, as diners tuck into their meals soothed by the soulful sounds. Fado music is traditionally performed by either a solo artist or group of young men, accompanied by a duo of acoustic guitars.

It won’t be hard to find a performance: most establishments host fado performances several nights a week, advertised at the entrance to their restaurants. The historic Alfama district also has several intimate fado houses, which are the perfect spot to grab a nightcap.

 

Go shopping in Lisbon

Along with being home to some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions like the towering Arco da Rua Augusta and Comercio Square, the Baixa, Chiado and Rossio areas are also shopping meccas.

One of Lisbon’s most impressive squares, Praça do Comércio sits right along the Tagus River and is surrounded by grand yellow buildings with arcades.

Walk through the square toward Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, and you’ll reach the magnificent Rua Augusta Arch which commemorates Lisbon’s reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake. You can climb to the top for panoramic views over the square, the river and the city’s rooftops.

Grand avenues feature patterned pavement, leading to swanky stores such as Armani and Burberry along Avenida da Liberdade.

You’ll also find European staples like Zara, H&M and Mango mixed in with independent boutiques and souvenir shops on Rua Nova do Almada.

 

Sip port or vinho verde

No visit to Portugal is complete without enjoying some port, which is produced in the Douro Valley in the northern part of the country. Sipping the sweet dessert wine is a great way to finish a meal, and can be ordered at every restaurant.

There are also some fun walking tours like this one that combine sightseeing with plenty of wine and port tasting, as well as organized excursions to vineyards outside the city.

Another traditional Portuguese drink is vinho verde. While it translates to “green wine” it actually refers to “young” wine, and is usually consumed soon after being bottled.

Vinho verde is like a hybrid between wine and champagne, as it comes in red, white and rose varieties but has a bit of a bubble to it.

Lisbon tours

Book one of these fun tours around Lisbon, such as a boat ride down the Tagus River, a walking tour or sunset cruise:

There are also fantastic day trips from Lisbon, and my favourites are seeing the impressive (and colourful!) palaces and castles in Sintra, and wandering around cute, coastal Cascais.

Where to stay in Lisbon 

If you like memorable and unique lodging, look no further than Castle Inn Lisbon Apartments–I loved staying here!

Located just steps away from Castelo de São Jorge, the 19th century building is in the heart of the historic centre and has been beautifully converted into bright, modern apartments complete with kitchenettes, air conditioning and wi-fi.

The large windows and balconies overlook the narrow, cobblestone streets below, and once the tourists leave for the day it will be just you and the locals. Suites fit anywhere from two to eight people, plus you’ll get to say you stayed in a castle! 

Hotel Da Baixa: A great choice if you want to stay right in the heart of Lisbon, within walking distance of major sights, shops, restaurants and cafés. The stylish boutique hotel combines contemporary design with Portuguese touches, while its central location in Baixa makes it easy to explore the city on foot.

Villa Baixa – Lisbon Luxury Apartments: A great option for families, groups or longer-term stays, Villa Baixa offers the space and flexibility of an apartment with the convenience of a central location. The bright and modern suites are within walking distance of major attractions, restaurants, shops and public transit at a good price point.

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• The alluring Algarve: Best things to do in Lagos, Portugal
• Sintra day trip: A guide to Portugal’s pastel palaces

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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