Lisbon is one of the most popular cities and multifunctional ports in Europe and in the whole world. With hundreds of articles about great Lisbon, it can be challenging to draft an itinerary for the most spectacular things to do in Lisbon. I’ve been in Lisbon numerous times, and for the best experience, I highly advise exploring the city on foot, the walking routes take you through most spectacular historic sites, magnificent viewing spots and most delicious food corners.
These are some of the best tips for creating a more meaningful travel experience in Lisbon.
Spectacular things to do in Lisbon.
Lisbon, the sunny capital of Portugal, is located on seven hills by the Atlantic Ocean. Sever million people visit Lisbon each year, making it incredibly crowded in the summer months, especially around the historical landmarks and vibrant street art. Here’s a guide to 10 spectacular things to do in Lisbon that you had no idea existed and will make your trip truly unforgettable!
But first, let’s get some real travel advice for Lisbon!
Portugal on arrival - useful information
- Find tourist information at the airport and ask for city maps and useful tips: underground map and city brochure with sightseeing spots are FREE.
- Show your address and ask for the quickest way to reach your accommodation by public transport. Lisbon has a very advanced public transportation system. It’s quicker to travel by bus or the underground than by taxi. They’ll also tell you how to travel from the airport to the city centre and back, which will be useful for a return journey.
- You can easily explore the whole city by: trams, buses, underground. One of the most popular things to do in Lisbon is exploring the city by bike!
Get a Lisboa CARD.
Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass is the best option if you are stopping there for a few days.
- Most importantly, it is a card used in public transport – and it covers city buses, trams, underground and many more!
- Secondly, there are several attractions with free admission with the CARD; they will all be listed while purchasing the card. The rest of the city’s attractions would offer a discounted entry fee with the Lisboa Card.
- Lisboa CARD is available for purchase in Plaza de Comercio.
Here is my recommended itinerary for the most spectacular things to do in Lisbon:
- Explore the Baixa district – the most elegant, central neighborhood in Lisbon.
- The main street leads to the Arco da Rua Augusta, and Plaza de Comercio is just on the other side.
- Take the iconic Tram 28 from Plaza de Comercio; it will take you straight to historic São Jorge Castle, for the best panoramic city view in Lisbon.
- Explore the Alfama quarter and taste the Portuguese cuisine.
- Recommended tour for the day:
True 4Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour: Discover Lisbon with a Local!
Baixa district - the walking routes of Lisbon.
The Baixa district is one of the best options to stay in Lisbon. It’s a downtown area with Plaza de Commerciale and the glamurous Arc of Victory monument. Both sites are probably one of the most famous spots Lisbon city.
To get there, take a walk along tourist R. Augusta Street leading to the Triumphal Arch (visible in the photo) and Plaza Commerciale with King Jose I Monument. Near the Triumphal Arch with there’s a beautiful viewing platform.
No 1 city tour: Lisbon City Center Tour – The Unmissable Lisbon.
On R. Augusta Street, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, historic cafes, and souvenir shops. Although they are tempting visually, this wouldn’t be the best place to have your lunch. It is a lovely part of Lisbon, but still a bit overpriced, and real flavours to be found just next door.
In Plaza Commerciale, there is also a tram line – for the famous tiny tram no 28, taking you along the most spectacular streets of Lisbon. Some of the streets are so tiny that you can touch the surrounding buildings’ walls from the tram window.
Alfama quarter - How to get to Castle of Sao Jorge?
Taking one of the most popular walking routes to the Alfama district is one of the finest things to do in Lisbon.
The Alfama is the oldest and most historic part of Lisbon, spreading on the slope between the São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River.
If you don’t feel like walking the distance, the greatest adventure would be taking the famous TRAM 28 from Plaza Commerciale to the Castle of São Jorge, located on the hills of Lisbon, with a stunning panoramic city view from the top!
Don’t miss the stunning views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where you can enjoy the sunset over the Tagus River.
The iconic tram 28 in Lisbon.
TRAM 28 IS A MUST IN LISBON. The tram is fun but can be extremely crowded; however, this is a lifetime experience. It has been operating since 1873 and runs through the most popular tourist districts of Lisbon: Alfama, Baixa, Estrela and Graca.
This vintage yellow tram takes you on a journey through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. The ride is unforgettable – it clinks and clatters up steep hills and around narrow corners!
Tickets are available for purchase from the driver, and it’s €3.20 for a single trip. For more convenient traveling, it is better to obtain a Lisboa Travel Card (prepaid card). The view from the castle hill is magnificent and spreads across the rooftops of Lisbon city.
The best places to eat in Lisbon.
Almafa quarter is the place for the real origin of Portuguese food. There are plenty of tiny bars and cafes with the best tapas in the town. The places may look basic, but trust me, it is the most delicious, freshly cooked food available in the city.
Things to try in Lisbon:
- bacalhau (codfish) – considered as Portugal’s national dish.
- Padrón peppers (Pimientos de Padrón) (small sweet green peppers)
- sardines,
- pastel de nata – famous Portuguese tart.
Head to the Mercado da Ribeira for a taste of various dishes from local vendors or dine at a traditional restaurant to savor the full Portuguese experience.
REMEMBER: tapas and a shot of porto or local spirits will keep you going for the whole afternoon! 😉
No 1 tour: Winner 2025 Undiscovered Lisbon Food & Wine Tour by Eating Europe.
Portugal's famous pastry!
Tasting Portuguese cuisine is probably the longest and most delicious trip you’ll take in Portugal. 🙂
Pastel de Nata is the most famous pastry in Portugal. Portuguese tart – something exceptional, known all over the world! Did you know the famous Portuguese tart bakery in Lisbon ships every day hundreds of tart packages across the whole globe? Imagine how tasty they are!
TRAVEL TIP: The best place to try freshly baked Pastel de Nata is from the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
Get the best panoramic view of Lisbon from the São Jorge Castle.
For breathtaking panoramic views of the city, make your way to the historic São Jorge Castle. This fortress dates back to the 11th century, the Moorish period.
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Visit Sardines shop!
As you may know, sardines are one of the oldest traditional foods and over the years have become a Portuguese icon. You may want to try them grilled, fried, or canned, but not everyone will be a fan. Cooked sardines are to eat whole, along with the small bones. They are quite stron in flavour and very fishy.
There are many iconic Sardine Shops in the Baixa district – even if you are not a fan of this fish, it is worth visiting the shop with hundreds of different canned sardines. It may look like one of the tourist shops but actually nowadays sardines are of excellent quality and worth paying 10 euros for a small box.
What’s even more funny, you’ll get a sardine passport, available in several languages in most sardine shops. They will usually have a sardine tasting, so you can get an idea of the flavour before opening one of the cans.
Interact with Lisbon people.
Portuguese people are a very welcoming nation; they are incredibly kind, not because you are a tourist or a customer, but it is just the way they are. I have been traveling a number of times to different parts of Portugal, and the north side of the country would have the nicest residents on the old continent.
No matter if you are dining in a posh restaurant or a tiny bar, the way they serve each client is the same. I highly recommend places with a little deli, they usually offer freshly baked local specialities.
Convento do Carmo.
One of the best things to do in Lisbon is visiting the amazing Carmo Ruins and Archaeological Museum. From the Castle of São Jorge on the hills of Lisbon, walk to Convento do Carmo. It is well visible from the Castle Sao George hill, and this is how I noticed the ruins and it got my immediate attention.
This building was known as one of the most magnificent Gothic temples in Lisbon until the earthquake in 18th century, when the building suffered serious damage of its components. Now it’s possible to admire its basic structures from 14-15th century. But still, the church ruins are highly impressive, it’s obvious this had to be a unique tenple construction.
São Cristóvão e São Lourenço district.
Between one of the major streets in Lisbon – R. da Madalena and Saint George Castle Hill – there’s one of the most famous districts São Cristóvão e São Lourenço. It’s a lovely touristic are with lots of shops and delicious restaurants.
Igreja de São Domingos - Rossio Square in Lisbon.
Rossio Square in Lisbon is one of the biggest squares in the city, with fountains, the Column of Pedro IV and lots of lovely cafes. It is also a very convenient place for public transport: trams, buses, and metro stations.
There’s one place you can’t skip, whether you are Catholic or not – the Igreja de Sao Domingos, looking pretty ordinary from the outside. But the inside of the church is a master piece. I can understand why it usually hosts royal weddings. Beautiful, unique, and breathtaking architecture.
Tram 28 takes you 3 minutes from where the Church is located.
The best area to stay in Lisbon.
You don’t need to stay in the busiest and most expensive city center, since Lisbon has a well-developed public transport network, including an extensive metro system, a comprehensive network of buses and trams.
Here are my recommendations on the best area to stay in Lisbon:
ALFAMA DISTRICT – one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, is famed for its labyrinthine streets, traditional Fado music, and stunning views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Staying here places you right in the middle of Lisbon’s cultural heartbeat, but the accommodation prices are mid-range.
Absolute top stay: Varandas de Lisboa – Tejo River Apartments & Rooms – great value for money.
For a budget stay This Is Lisbon Hostel is an absolute top pick!
CHIADO DISTRICT – located near the Baixa district- is a very good choice, as the accommodation prices are more affordable.
Augusta Boutique House is an amazing place.
Top pick for a budget stay would be: The Central House Lisbon Baixa.
The best tours from Lisbon.
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