Wondering what to do in Lisbon? Start with the big three: climb to São Jorge Castle for the view, get lost in Alfama, and head to Belém for the monuments and the original pastéis de nata. Below is our list of the things worth your time in Lisbon, with practical details and honest advice on what deserves the queue and what does not.
Climb to São Jorge Castle
The Castelo de São Jorge sits on the highest hill in the old town. You come as much for the ramparts as for the 360-degree view over the red rooftops and the Tagus. It opens at 9am and costs around 15€. Come early: the morning light is better and the crowds are thinner.
Get Lost in Alfama
Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, the one that survived the 1755 earthquake. Narrow lanes, tiled façades, washing hanging between windows, and fado drifting out of small restaurants at night. Do not plan a route here. Wander, and let the streets pull you along.
Ride Tram 28
The yellow tram 28 rattles through Graça, Alfama, Baixa and Chiado. Yes, it is touristy, but the ride is still one of the best ways to feel the city. Board at the Martim Moniz terminus to get a seat, and keep an eye on your bag at busy times.
Spend a Morning in Belém
West of the centre, Belém holds three of Lisbon’s landmarks: the Jerónimos Monastery (a Manueline masterpiece, closed Mondays, around 12€), the Belém Tower on the waterfront, and the Pastéis de Belém bakery, home of the original custard tart. Book the monument tickets online to skip the line.
Chase the Best Viewpoints
Lisbon is a city of miradouros. Our favourites are Senhora do Monte (the highest), Graça (best at sunset), Santa Luzia and São Pedro de Alcântara. They are free, and often as rewarding as the paid sights. Bring a bottle of wine to Graça in the evening and you will understand why locals do the same.
Eat at the Time Out Market
The Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) gathers stalls from some of the city’s best chefs under one roof. It is the easy way to taste several Portuguese dishes in one sitting. Avoid the 1pm and 8pm rush if you want a table.
Wander Baixa and Chiado
From the riverside Praça do Comércio, walk up Rua Augusta through the grid of the Baixa, then climb into the Chiado for its historic cafés, bookshops and the statue of the poet Fernando Pessoa outside A Brasileira.
Hear Live Fado
Fado is Lisbon’s soul in music. Skip the tourist dinner shows and look for a small fado house in Alfama or Mouraria, where the singing feels real and the room goes quiet when it starts.
Take a Day Trip to Sintra
If you have a spare day, Sintra is 40 minutes away by train from Rossio station, a little over 2€ each way. Up in the hills you will find the colourful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and old estates in the forest. Go early, it is the most visited spot in the region.
Want to see the highlights without the logistics? We run private guided tours of Lisbon at your own pace. Contact us to plan your day with a local.
FAQ
What is the number one thing to do in Lisbon?
Climbing to São Jorge Castle for the panoramic view over the city and the Tagus is the classic first stop, ideally in the morning when it is quieter.
What can you do in Lisbon for free?
Wandering Alfama, enjoying the miradouros, seeing Praça do Comércio and the Baixa, and exploring the street art around the city all cost nothing.
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Three full days cover the old town, the centre and Belém. Add a fourth day for a trip to Sintra.
What should you not miss in Lisbon?
The castle, Alfama, tram 28, Belém with its monastery and custard tarts, the viewpoints and live fado are the essentials for a first visit.