What To Do In Lisbon: 15 Amazing Ways To Explore The Portuguese Capital

Lisbon, Portugal’s soulful capital, is a city that gently lingers in the memory of every traveler. It's where cobbled streets meet cutting-edge design, and centuries-old traditions blend with a buzzing creative energy. From miradouros (viewpoints) to streetcars, and soulful Fado music to contemporary art museums, this is a city of contrasts and charm.

Here’s your essential guide to the 15 best things to do in Lisbon, complete with local tips, real talk, and practical details to help you explore it like a pro.

1. Get Lost in the Charm of Alfama

📍Location: Alfama District, Lisbon
🕒 Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for golden-hour views

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, tiled façades, and the unmistakable sound of Fado drifting from tavernas. Wandering here is like stepping into a living museum.

Yes, it’s touristy in parts, and some places are overpriced. But sit at a quiet café with a glass of vinho verde and let the atmosphere sink in. Don’t miss the Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Largo Santa Luzia, 1100-487) — the sunset views over the rooftops and the Tagus River are unforgettable.

2. Experience Bairro Alto’s Nightlife

📍Location: Bairro Alto, Lisbon
🕒 Best time: After 9 PM on weekdays for a relaxed vibe

Looking for Lisbon after dark? Bairro Alto is your go-to for a buzzing nightlife scene. Bars spill into the streets, live music fills the air, and strangers become friends over caipirinhas and sangria.

Weekends can get loud and crowded. If you're into mellow vibes, visit midweek.

3. Take in the Views from São Jorge Castle

📍Location: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129
🕒 Hours: Daily 9 AM – 9 PM (summer), until 6 PM (winter)
🎟️ Ticket: €10 per adult

Perched on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, São Jorge Castle offers sweeping views across the city and the Tagus River. Explore the ramparts and learn about Lisbon’s ancient history.

Arrive early to beat the crowds and capture great photos.

4. Visit MAAT — Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology

📍Location: Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisbon
🕒 Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM, closed Tuesdays
🎟️ Ticket: €9, free on the first Sunday of the month

MAAT is bold and modern, a riverfront museum that’s part installation, part sculpture. Even if you don’t go inside, the building itself is worth seeing.

If you're into experimental or digital art, MAAT hits the mark.

5. Admire Tiles at the National Azulejo Museum

📍Location: R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisbon
🕒 Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM, closed Mondays
🎟️ Ticket: €5

Portugal’s tile heritage comes to life in this museum, set in a 16th-century convent. It’s a quiet, beautiful place to understand Lisbon’s obsession with blue and white ceramics.

A panoramic tile mural of Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake.

6. Discover Fado at the Fado Museum

📍Location: Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisbon
🕒 Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM, closed Mondays
🎟️ Ticket: €5

The Fado Museum offers a solid introduction to the soulful sound that defines Lisbon. Learn about iconic singers and the roots of saudade — that untranslatable feeling of longing.

Hear Fado live in a small taverna for a deeper emotional experience.

7. Ride the Famous Tram 28

📍Route: Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique
🕒 Hours: 6 AM – 10:30 PM (varies by season)
🎟️ Ticket: €3 single ride or included with the Lisboa Card

A nostalgic journey through Lisbon’s most photogenic districts. Tram 28 rattles past key sights including Graça, Alfama, and Estrela.

Ride before 8 AM to avoid crowds. It gets packed fast.

8. Explore Belém: Tower & Jerónimos Monastery

📍Tower Location: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 / Monastery Location: Praça do Império, 1400-206
🕒 Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (winter), 6:30 PM (summer), closed Mondays
🎟️ Ticket: €10 each, combo tickets available

Belém is the historic gateway to Lisbon's Age of Exploration. While the Tower of Belém is visually striking but small, the Jerónimos Monastery is vast and awe-inspiring.

9. Take the Santa Justa Elevator

📍Location: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisbon
🕒 Hours: 7:30 AM – 11 PM (summer), until 9 PM (winter)
🎟️ Ticket: €5.30 round trip, included with Lisboa Card

An iconic iron lift from 1902 connecting Baixa with Bairro Alto. At the top, enjoy views of the Carmo Convent and the city skyline.

Access the viewing platform via the convent walkway for free.

10. Try the Famous Pastéis de Belém

📍Location: R. de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisbon
🕒 Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM daily
🎟️ Price: Around €1.40 each

These custard tarts are the real deal — light, crisp, creamy, and historic. The original recipe dates back to 1837.

Try Manteigaria for equally good pastéis without the long lines.

11. Eat at the Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira)

📍Location: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisbon
🕒 Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10 AM – 12 AM, Thursday to Saturday until 2 AM

Home to some of Portugal’s top chefs, this upscale food hall offers everything from gourmet burgers to modern takes on traditional dishes.

For cheaper eats, explore the streets around Cais do Sodré.

12. Dine in a Traditional Taverna

📍Where: Alfama, Campo de Ourique, Graça, or Mouraria

Skip the tourist menus. Local tascas serve hearty Portuguese classics like bacalhau, piri-piri chicken, and caldo verde.

Clue you’ve found the right place: hand-written menu, tiled walls, and locals eating late.

13. Discover the Creative Scene at LX Factory

📍Location: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisbon
🕒 Hours: Shops 11 AM – 9 PM, restaurants open later

Once a 19th-century textile plant, LX Factory is now a vibrant creative district full of design shops, book cafés, rooftop bars, and pop-up events.

Ler Devagar, a massive bookstore inside an old press room.

14. Relax by the Tagus at Doca de Alcântara

📍Location: Doca de Alcântara Norte, near 25 de Abril Bridge
🕒 Best time: Sunset

Watch the sailboats glide by and enjoy a relaxed drink by the river at one of the marina-side bars.

Less touristy than other waterfront spots, this is where Lisbon slows down.

15. Recharge at Jardim da Estrela

📍Location: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisbon
🕒 Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset

This charming public park is ideal for a picnic or a peaceful break. Surrounded by sculptures, a pond, and shaded benches, it’s a neighborhood favorite.

Grab a coffee from the kiosk and take a breather under the trees.

Final Thoughts

Lisbon blends the old with the new in the most captivating way. From ancient alleyways to bold architectural landmarks, street food to fine dining, it’s a city that satisfies every travel appetite.

Looking for a place to stay?
Find the perfect Lisbon accommodation with Karta and start planning your next adventure.

FAQ

1. Is Lisbon a safe city to visit?

Yes, Lisbon is considered one of the safest cities in Europe. Like in any popular tourist destination, it's wise to stay alert in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings. But overall, the city has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

2. When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded than in the summer. You’ll be able to enjoy major attractions without long lines and explore comfortably on foot.

3. How many days do I need to explore Lisbon?

To cover the essentials, plan on spending at least three days in Lisbon. But if you want to dive deeper into the city’s neighborhoods, enjoy live Fado music, and visit museums at a relaxed pace, a full week allows for a richer, more immersive experience.

4. What local dishes should I try in Lisbon?

Start with bacalhau (salt cod), which comes in many versions — from bacalhau à Brás to pastéis de bacalhau (fried cod cakes). And don’t miss the legendary pastel de nata, a creamy custard tart found all over Lisbon. The Pastéis de Belém are the most famous, but you'll find excellent versions in bakeries throughout the city.

5. What are the best transportation options in Lisbon?

Lisbon’s public transport is reliable and easy to use. You can get around via metro, buses, and the city’s iconic yellow trams — including Tram 28, which is a favorite among tourists for its scenic route through historic neighborhoods. Consider getting a Lisboa Card, which includes unlimited public transport and discounts on many attractions.