Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is what we will discuss today because, over the years, this city has emerged as a tourist favourite.
While visiting Lisbon, people often find it intimidating to decide what to do here, so we have prepared an extensive list of things to do in Lisbon.
Well, for starters, you can spend a beautiful night with tasty coffee in swish coffee shops in the district of Bairro Alto. You can also take a deep dive into the medley of Fado joints there.
You can also visit the digital installation art in the Berardo Collection Museum in Lisbon or probably take a tour of the Lisbon Aquarium.
There are also infinite stretches of pristine beachfront thriving in the peninsulas around the Estuary of Tagus and the coast of the Atlantic.
The list can go on and on, so to help your confusion, we have compiled some of the best things you can do in Lisbon.
1. Must See Lisbon Attractions and All the Details About the Main Sights of Lisbon
1.1 Torre de Belém
Many landmarks are located worldwide, but few are as beautiful as Torre de Belém.
The great Torre de Belém Tower displays a fusion of veritable architectural styles from Mudejar to Moorish and Gothic to Romanesque.
The tower of Torre de Belém is standing over the mouth of the Tagus River.
Since its construction in the 16th century, it has become one of the most iconic and traditional features of Lisbon, Portugal and the Tagus River.
Torre de Belém is renowned for the light-sighted adventure such as the imprudent of Vasco da Gama would have seen when they pile up into the vast Atlantic ocean.
If you visit Lisbon, Portugal, include this place at the top of the list of visiting sites.
1.2 Take a Ride on the Portuguese Famous Tram 28
Tram is the most popular ride in Lisbon. Tram 28 is the legendary and renowned tram of Lisbon. Over the decades, the tram worked to the steep cobbled roads and into the old Alfama district.
If you ride on Tram 28, your journey will start under the spotted palm hills of Graca. Then, it moves towards the hair-pin alleys of Escolas Gerais.
Then, it will pull up to a halt underneath the unique domes of Estrela Basilica. It is the most loved public transport in Lisbon.
During the journey, you will come face to face with the iconic history of Portugal. When you look outside the window, you will pass by some exalted and lofty places and castles into the route.
1.3 Enjoy the Heartwarming View of Alfama District
Alfama is a very compact and dense district of Lisbon. This district is one of the old towns in the centre of Europe.
You can see the winding streets and alleys in the Alfama district. When you have walking tours, you can see some beautiful cathedrals. There are two types of Cathedrals in Lisbon to look out for: Lisbon Cathedral and tile-fronted chapels.
These chapels give away themselves on the corners. The Lisbon Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in the city.
The old city walls and some hidden squares with al fresco cafes are present here.
1.4 A Tour To Sintra
When visiting Lisbon, if you ask any locals for suggestions, the place that the majority will say first is Sintra.
The locals love Sintra, and if you visit Sintra, I am sure you will also fall in love with the place.
Sintra is not situated in Lisbon, so you must complete a half-hour journey by car to go there. And it has always been one of the major attractions for visitors.
Trips during the day time are a prevalent thing there. However, some people want to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for some days. Quinta da Regaleira is also a famous castle in the city to visit.
Sintra is located high up amid the magical Mountains of the moon. Some exciting places in Sintra are graceful and stylish baroque churches, glossy and colouring mansions, and the great grand places of previous Portuguese kings and their queens.
1.5 Take a Visit to The National Tile Museum Azulejos
If you ask any connoisseur or expert about the best place to go for tiles, they will say Portugal.
The place finds the necessary history of making tile and its associated technology. It was started back when the Moors first took it to Liberia.
The best part of the National Tile Museum exhibition is the blue-hued Azulejos. Portugal’s ceramic work of modern art keeps the country’s reputation for craftsmanship in ceramics.
From here, you can see the various designs, types, sizes, and qualities and learn about the growth of captivating patterns and designs that decorate their surface cobalt.
1.6 Vanquish the Parapet of St George Castle
One of Lisbon’s historic centre’s most attractive and visible landmarks is St George Castle or Castelo de São Jorge.
The vast and unyielding castle is standing upon the streets of the old Alfama district. This massive citadel was formed by the Romans about 2,000 years ago.
From that time, it was maintained and evolved by the different rulers of Lisbon. It starts from the Berbers to the Knights of Reconquista.
Currently, it is the most extensive enclosure and notched tower to praise. Besides this, it has an encircling dry moat and some other anti-siege features.
After crossing the large gate of Saint George’s Castle, you will see the royal Portuguese seal pointing to the monarchic strength of the nation.
1.7 Invent Exciting History of Jeronimos
By visiting the Jerónimos Monastery, you can see the ornate spires and grand carvings of the huge Jerónimos Monastery. This significant landmark is located near the banks of the Tagus River.
The Monastery was formed to symbolize Portugal’s most impressive and glorious age. It is known as “The Age of Exploration”.
The blend of architectural designs and arts is the Manueline style. The Manueline style is evidence of the cultures encountered while exploring the Portuguese capital city.
The fund or capital used to create the structure came from Portugal’s international trade in cloves, cumin, and exotic spices. Jerónimos Monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site city.
1.8 Visit The Underwater Oceanarium of Lisbon
Another fantastic thing to do in Lisbon is to visit the underwater Oceanarium. The place is situated in the blue water of the Tagus River. The large underwater Oceanarium was raised as a hulking aircraft carrier.
If you go inside the Oceanarium, the house’s architecture uncountably reveals the marine life millions visit yearly. There, you can see the colourful puffer fishes and the ravaged sharks.
The Oceanarium also shows a vast collection of sea anemones and corals.
1.9 Check Out the Glorious and Mysterious Work of the National Museum of Ancient Designs
The National Museum of Ancient Art is the nation’s most prestigious and famous national art gallery—almost all the canvases in this museum date from the 16th century to the 19th century.
As a visitor, you can enjoy numerous travelling exhibitions and the reflecting collection of Lisbon art galleries.
1.10 Enjoy the Taste of the East in Museu do Oriente
You are just required to put your feet in places such as Sri Lanka or Goa to feel how long and far Portugal’s large Renaissance Empire is expanded. The subject matter of Muesum do Oriente is the far-flung eastern corners.
It is homed into a previous colossal fish processing factory, and the place is currently enjoying the exhibition spaces or rooms. Their main goal is to show Asian culture. Here, you can see Chinese rituals and Marie’s time beyond the South China Sea.
1.11 Bounce Aboard the Funiculars
Lisbon was also formed with seven hills like Rome. But here, the city developers created a series of funicular railways. These funicular railways help in public transport and develop neighbourhoods over the city.
Riding the tracks like the old Ascensor do Lavra is a great joy. It was dated in the late 1800s. You can also find the Ascensor da Bica that winded up the tight-knit cobbled lanes away from the Largo do Calhariz.
Another exciting and unforgettable soaring is the Santa Justa Elevator. The Santa Justa Elevator, or Portuguese Elevator de Santa Justa, uplifts people from Baxia to Carmo, providing a beautiful view of Lisbon, Portugal.
1.12 Have Fun With Mercado da Riberia
You can see Lisbon’s two most popular sides of their food market. Firstly, there is a downstairs part that pulsates with sellers of local fruit and vegetables. The sellers proclaim the legumes and Mediterranean fruits each morning of the week.
If you want to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, then be sure to wake up in the early morning to buy the best things.
After the downstairs part, there is an upstairs part. The upstairs is fully loaded with many food stalls and cutting-edge eateries.
This is where you can taste the custard tarts, a delicate sip of Portuguese wines, and a francesinha sandwich. These are some of the best foods from the country’s northern side.
1.13 Visit Rossio Square
The sprinkled plane tree of Rossio Square is the place in Lisbon where the life of local people ticks every day.
The official title of Rossio Square is Pedro IV Square. It is the central spot of Pombaline Lower town. The place is expanded into a vast area between the rivers of Tagus and Baxia.
For a very long time, it has been one of Lisbon’s most famous places. In the Middle Ages, the local people used to play bullfighting on the cobbles.
It is a beautiful place to watch. You can rest your mind and body under the shady benches; the local people play dominos inside the park. You can also enjoy the Baroque fountains prattle underneath the sun.
1.14 Visit The Modern Berardo Collection Museum
Located in the modern part of Lisbon, Portugal, you can see world-class museums and exhibition spaces in the Modern Berardo Collection Museum. About 2.5 million people around the globe come to visit the place every year.
You can see some fantastic electronic artwork. The artworks range from abstract expressionistic to digital art installations and photography. Here, the custodian is devoted to maintaining the cutting-edge features of collections.
Due to the regular and continuous touring collections, you should expect French avant-garde pieces and European cubism.
1.15 Take a Tour at Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto Hotel is among the most visited hotels in Lisbon, Portugal. Here, you can enjoy delicious Portuguese food at a very affordable cost. The hotel offers quality rooms and a beautiful environment for visitors.
Lisbon is compact with al fresco cafes and international restaurants. The city of Barrio Alto is also regarded as one of the best nightlife spots.
Besides all these, you can enjoy the old Fado music holes if you like to spend a night full of artistic passion. There, you can see incredible new breweries and beatnik-style bars.
1.16 Take A Long Ride in the Waves of Caxias
Here in Lisbon, you can enjoy a pleasant boat ride in the waves of Cacias. It would be best if you took a wetsuit because, when the water of Tagus Estuary joins with the Atlantic Ocean, you feel a little cooler weather.
1.17 Discover The Inner Explorer at Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Padrão dos Descobrimentos has the historic sites of Portugal in it. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos symbolize the shore of Tagus Estuary with its grand architecture and beige stone.
You can reach the towering landmark by rambling through the waterside of Santa Maria de belém. When you get the spot, pick out iconic figures like Vasco Da Gama and the Navigator Prince Henry.
1.18 Get To Know About the History of the City at Lisboa Story Centre
After spending a few days in the lap of the beautiful district of old Alfama and Barrio Alto, you can explore some of the history of the sights. The go-to place to study history is the Lisboa Story Centre.
The Lisboa Story Centre provides free entry to all Lisbon city cardholders and helps them discover the Portuguese capital’s history.
1.19 Adore the Gardens At The Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira
The royal palace of the Marquises of Fronteira has the most beautiful garden. The place is located at the outer reaches of Lisbon at the north-western edge.
Instead of being a remote location, it is pretty uncomplicated to get to, and it provides a magical glimpse of the architecture that existed in Portugal in the 1600s and 1700s.
1.20 Vanish into The Natural Beauty of Troia
If you want to go to the most amazing beaches of the Toria Peninsula, then you have to pass, skip, bounce, and jump over the estuary of the Tagus and Sado rivers.
This is a journey of two long hours, but you will think the trip is worthwhile by reaching the place. After coming a mile down from the Atlantic Coast, the site has various top beachfronts in Lower Alentejo.
The sands of the beach will look glossy due to the sun’s rays, and unexpectedly, the seas are very calm in the western section of the nation. The amazing Parque Natural da Arrabida can be visible from the headlands on the opposite side.
1.21 Visit The Beach of Costa Da Caparica
Costa Da Caparica is a very famous summer resort in Lisbon. It takes about an hour to get beyond the Ponte de Abril over the Tagus River. This renowned summer resort is located on the northern fringes of the Setbul district.
It provides some of the best sandy spots near the capital city. Here, you can see some vacant stretches of acacia-backed dunes and grasses scrubbed by the surf.
1.22 Enjoy Tasty Seafood and Beautiful Sun in Cascais
After continuous struggles in the town of Lisbon, you can finally enjoy the naturalistic scenario of Cascais.
It is the old fishing hamlet that lies near the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated in the west of Lisbon. It looks like a new world to you.
The Cascais are transformed every passing year by an inundation of deluxe people searching for sun, sand, and sea.
Almost no fewer than three cliff-backed golden days with some outstanding seafood restaurants.
1.23 Negotiate at Feira da Ladra
Now, prepare for the memorable private tours at Feira da Ladra. Here, you will see the weekend market every midweek.
This is one of the oldest markets in Lisbon. It started very long ago in the 12th century when all the traders and remote talisman dealers came together on the sidewalks of Campo de Santa Clara.
If you want something worthwhile from the market, you must arrive early. Another exciting thing is that you can go there by Tram 28, making your journey more memorable.
The market is bustling for the whole day. Feira da Ladra is mainly famous for these two markets.
1.24 The Spectacle of Aqueduto das Aguas Livres
It is also one of the most beautiful landmarks of Lisbon. This astonishing view of archstones and Italianesque architecture was first formed in the 18th century.
It draws up as one of Lisbon’s perpetual summertime water shortages. It was created to fit smoothly into the Gothic revivalism of the city.
When visiting this place, make sure to point out the section of the aqueduct that rolls straight over the Amoreiras district rooftops. From there, it creates a beeline for the water museum, which records the growth of this triumph.
1.25 Visit and Find out about Basilica da Estrela
Wait to be amazed as you see Basilica da Estrela’s beautiful domes and spires. It is the iconic church of Lisbon.
Many tourists and visitors consider it the best church in Lisbon. The design of Baroque is seen from the outside, along with a duo of carved spires shrewd the Lisbon skyline.
On the other hand, the inside part of the church discloses the kaleidoscope of coloured stone inlays and the mausoleum of Queen Mary 1 of the country.
1.26 Enjoy The Traditional Portuguese Dishes
Visiting Lisbon, you can’t miss out on the chance to taste traditional Portuguese dishes like- Caldo Verde, Bacalhau or Portuguese code fish, Bolinhos de Bacalhau, Grilled Sardines, Petiscos, Bifanas (the national sandwich).
You don’t need to search a lot, for these tasty dishes are available in almost every local cafe.
Another tasty food of the country is pastry. Pastéis de belém is one of the famous places where you can find the most delicious pies. The cost of the pastries is very affordable.
1.27 Visit The Old Power Station
In the Belem district of Lisbon, you can find the old power station named Tejo Power Station. It was operated from 1908 to 1975. It is also known as Junqueria Power Station.
1.28 Visit São Vicente de Fora
It is a beautiful small city in the municipality of Lisbon. The population of the town is 4,267. The main sights include the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and the church of Santa Engracia.
1.29 Visit Popular Restaurant Mesa de Frades
Mesa de Frades is the popular Fado restaurant of Lisbon. It offers the best dishes in the nation. If you visit Portugal and forget to visit this Fado restaurant, you will regret being late.
2. Coming to the End
Lisbon contains much unknown Portuguese history—the historical tales of Roman imperialists, the unnaturalized Berber Pirates, from Moorish builders to Reconquista Knights.
Lisbon, Portugal, also has Bohemianism, the term that defines the practice of leading an unconventional life, along with the company of some minded people and with few permanent ties.
All in all, one can say that Lisbon is a place worth visiting. So, make your plans, and keep this article and all the things to do in Lisbon to get the best out of your trip.
Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by soubhik
