Things to do in 

Lisbon

Wander the hilly, historic heart of Lisbon, and you'll uncover a city alive with traditional Fado music echoing from rustic taverns, age-old bakeries wafting the scents of delectable pastries, and striking trams rumbling along labyrinthine lanes. There are myriad things to do in Lisbon, from strolling idyllic neighbourhoods flushed with Azulejo tiles to embracing the city’s stirring seasonal festivities. Prepare for a twist at every turn as you delve into hidden gems, like tranquil gardens nestled amidst bustling markets. Amidst Lisbon’s captivating contrasts, you'll find a rich tapestry of experiences waiting just for you.

Explore Lisbon off the beaten path

Slip away from the usual stops and lean into alternative things to do that reveal quieter corners, slower rhythms, and small surprises you can tuck into your day.

Cultural experiences: Drop into Tasca do Jaime da Graça on a weekend afternoon for fado vadio shoulder to shoulder with regulars, then drift to Casa Independente in Intendente for intimate evening sets. If you’re still curious, Arroz Estúdios in Beato pulls a late crowd for experimental music, art films, and riverside air.

Small museums and galleries: Step inside the Museu da Marioneta in Santos to see hand-carved puppets parading through old convent rooms. Climb into the cool stone of the Reservatório da Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras and listen to your footsteps echo. Head east to Underdogs Gallery in Marvila for bold street‑art shows and affordable prints to take home.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Aim for Miradouro do Monte Agudo in late afternoon; the skyline opens up without the usual miradouro crowd. For golden hour, carry a coffee to Jardim do Torel and watch the light slide down the hills.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Go early on Tuesday or Saturday to Feira da Ladra and sift through tiles, vinyl, and odd finds. Pop into Conserveira de Lisboa on Rua dos Bacalhoeiros for beautifully wrapped tins you can actually cook with back home. For a piece of the city’s pattern, choose a single tile at Cortiço & Netos and wrap it snug in your daypack.

Popular neighbourhoods

Unveil Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown area, a well-organized grid of pedestrianized streets flanked by elegant neoclassical buildings and inviting sidewalk cafés.

Experience Alfama, the city's oldest district, with its labyrinthine alleys, flanked by colourful, tile-clad houses and punctuated with miradouros offering spectacular city views.

Step inside the riverside district of Belém, home to the historic Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, a tribute to Portugal’s seafaring past.

Explore Chiado and its elegant streets lined with fashion boutiques, old-style cafés, and great restaurants — a vibrant testament to Lisbon's infectious cultural life.

Oh, the nighttime charm of Bairro Alto! This lively district thrills with its narrow, mosaic-paved streets, vibrant restaurants and buzzing bars.

Things to do in Lisbon by season

Spring: Mild sunshine, fewer queues, and jacaranda blooms set the scene to ride historic trams, climb miradouros, and taste pastéis fresh from the oven. Day-trip to Sintra or stroll riverside paths, an easygoing rhythm seniors and families appreciate.

Summer: Long, golden evenings call for grilled sardines, fado after dark, and breezy ferries across the Tagus. Hit nearby beaches at Cascais or Carcavelos, then return to hilltop viewpoints for sunset that couples and luxury travellers savour.

Fall: Sea temperatures stay warm while crowds thin, ideal to explore neighbourhood markets, sip vinho verde, and wander Alfama’s lanes. Harvest season brings wine tastings and slower dinners that suit culture seekers and food-loving families.

Winter: Christmas in Lisbon means light displays along Avenida da Liberdade, nativity scenes in churches, and cosy taverns on cooler nights. Take advantage of quieter museums and tram rides with space to sit, then watch New Year fireworks over the river.

June belongs to Festas de Lisboa, when Santo António celebrations fill Alfama with music, marches, and street grills. Through the year, Chinese New Year parades, the Lisbon Marathon, and weekly food markets keep neighbourhoods lively without needing a ticket in hand.