If you're setting your sights on Lisbon, get ready to be whisked away on a journey filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and architectural wonders that tell a story at every turn. The city of seven hills has plenty to offer, from sun-kissed plazas to shadowy fado bars. Here are the 20 best things to do during your trip.
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1. Torre de Belém
Location: Av. Brasília
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to dodge the crowds and catch that golden light for your photos.
Standing tall as a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries, this iconic tower is more than just a pretty facade. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers breathtaking views and a rich history lesson.
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2. Jerónimos Monastery
Location: Praça do Império
Best time to visit: Weekdays right at opening time to enjoy some tranquility with your exploration.
A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, this monastery will leave you awe-struck with its ornate details and sprawling, serene cloisters. It's also the resting place of Vasco da Gama, adding a dash of historical star power.
3. LX Factory
Location: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103
Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons when the weekend market is in full swing.
Once industrial buildings, now a buzzing hub of creativity, restaurants, and quirky shops. LX Factory is Lisbon's answer to cool. Perfect for a casual stroll, some unique finds, and a taste of the local art scene.
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4. Alfama District
Location: Start at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for stunning city views.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon, leading into an early Fado dinner.
Get lost in Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, with its winding streets, colorful houses, and unexpected viewpoints. Alfama is a living museum where Fado music fills the air and tradition is proudly preserved.
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5. Praça do Comércio
Location: Av. Infante Dom Henrique
Best time to visit: Sunset, when the light reflects off the buildings and the river shines.
Lisbon's grand riverside square, bordered by yellow Pombaline architecture and buzzing with energy. It's like stepping into the heart of Lisbon life, with street artists, cafes, and the Tagus River lapping at its edge.
6. Time Out Market Lisboa
Location: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal
Best time to visit: Midweek lunchtimes for the best choice of seats and eats.
Foodie heaven! This market brings together some of Lisbon's best chefs and restaurants under one roof. Whether you're craving traditional Portuguese dishes or innovative cuisine, you'll find it here.
7. Castelo de S. Jorge
Location: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo
Best time to visit: Right at opening or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and catch the light just right.
Perched atop Lisbon's highest hill, this castle offers panoramic views that are simply unmatched. Rich in history and surrounded by well-preserved ramparts, it's a journey back in time.
8. Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT)
Location: Av. Brasília
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter, more personal experience.
Where the future meets tradition, the MAAT is a feast for the eyes and the mind. With its undulating design and waterfront setting, it's as much about the architecture as it is about the thought-provoking exhibits inside.
9. Estufa Fria
Location: Parque Eduardo VII
Best time to visit: Anytime
A lush, green oasis in the heart of the city. This greenhouse is home to a variety of plants from all over the world, creating a tranquil escape from the urban hustle.
10. Carmo Convent
Location: Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal
Best time to visit: Late afternoon when the setting sun casts magical shadows through the arches.
This hauntingly beautiful Gothic ruin stands as a poignant reminder of the 1755 earthquake. Now an archaeological museum, it offers a unique glimpse into Lisbon's past and present.
11. Oceanário de Lisboa
Location: Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal
Best time to visit: Midweek mornings when it's less crowded.
One of the world's largest aquariums, this is a must-visit for marine life lovers. It's not just about gazing at the aquatic wonders, but also understanding the fragile ecosystems they inhabit.
12. Tram 28
Start Point: Martim Moniz Square
Best time to ride: Early mornings or late evenings to beat the tourist rush.
Hop aboard the iconic Tram 28 for a journey through Lisbon's historic districts. It's not just a mode of transport, but a twisty, turny, sight-seeing adventure!
13. Costa da Caparica
Location: Costa da Caparica
Getting there: Jump on a ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas and then a 135 bus to Costa da Caparica. Or choose a more direct route with a bus from Praça de Espanha.
Best time to visit: Visit during the summer for sunbathing and surfing or late spring and early fall to skip the crowds.
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Lisbon, Costa da Caparica presents a sweeping tableau of golden sands and Atlantic waves. Spend the day lounging on the beach, surfing, or watching local kitesurfers. Don't miss the chance to stop for lunch at a beachside restaurant for fresh seafood.
14. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Location: R. Senhora do Monte 50
Best time to visit: Sunset. Prepare to be spellbound!
For panoramic city views that'll take your breath away, head here. This viewpoint is a bit of a local secret – quieter, higher, and more spectacular than most.
15. Lisbon Cathedral
Location: Largo da Sé
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a peaceful visit.
Lisbon's oldest church stands resilient, having withstood earthquakes and reconstruction. Its austere Romanesque facade and beautifully tiled cloister are highlights.
16. Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Location: Rua da Madre de Deus 4
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons to avoid school groups.
Paying tribute to Portugal's iconic blue tiles (azulejos), this museum showcases their evolution over centuries. Housed in a beautiful convent, it's a unique cultural experience.
17. Mercado da Ribeira
Location: Av. 24 de Julho
Best time to visit: Early morning when the market is buzzing with activity.
An historic food market, packed with local produce and traditional Portuguese delicacies. Wander, sample, and soak in the lively atmosphere!
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18. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Location: Av. de Berna 45A
Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons when entry is free.
A stunning art collection spanning ancient to modern times, nestled in a lush garden oasis. An unexpected and serene cultural experience.
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19. Elevador de Santa Justa
Location: R. do Ouro
Best time to ride: Either early morning or late evening when queues are shorter.
An architectural gem that's functional, too! This elevator takes you from Baixa to Carmo Square, offering an epic view along the way.
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20. Sintra
Location: Sintra is nestled in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, just a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio Station.
Best time to visit: Aim for a morning visit, especially during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) to avoid the crowds.
Picture lush green hills, misty forests, and castles that touch the sky. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site that packs a punch with its jaw-dropping landscapes and mesmerizing historical sites.
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