Top 7 activities to enjoy in Lisbon

In recent years, Lisbon has become one of Europe’s leading tourist hotspots.

Characterized by its charming cobblestone streets, soft hues, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and iconic white-domed churches, the city has attracted a wave of new residents, all enchanted by its allure and pleasant climate. Here’s our guide to the top experiences in Portugal's vibrant capital.

1. Explore Belém and its UNESCO heritage monastery

A highlight of Lisbon is undoubtedly Belém's stunning Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Be sure to capture the breathtaking honey-stone Manueline cloisters within this UNESCO-listed monastery from 1495. Nearby, the Torre de Belém, another UNESCO site, stands as a chess-piece-like fortress, a testament to the opulence of the Age of Discovery, offering remarkable views of the Tagus River for those willing to climb. After your explorations, unwind with cocktails and enjoy the pomegranate-hued sunsets by the river.

Tip for planning: Visit Mosteiro dos Jerónimos early or later in the day to dodge the crowds.

2. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas from Lisbon's miradouros

According to legend, much like Rome, Lisbon is built on seven hills. As one of Europe’s oldest capitals, second only to Athens, the city has expanded since its establishment around 2,700 years ago and now encompasses many more than seven hills, providing ample viewpoints. Known as miradouros in Portuguese, these locations throughout the historic center offer spectacular views of this pastel-hued cityscape and the grand Tagus River to the south.

Popular local miradouros include São Pedro de Alcântara, a quaint garden nestled in the trendy Príncipe Real district where you can enjoy the scenery with a glass of rosé, and on the opposite side of town, Miradouro da Graça, offering views of the nearby Castelo de São Jorge, the remnants of an 11th-century Moorish palace.

For stunning panoramic views akin to those at the Elevador Santa Justa—a 20th-century public lift connecting the central Baixa area with the hilltop Bairro Alto, or 'high neighborhood'—visit TOPO, a rooftop bar located atop a shopping center near the rapidly evolving Martim Moniz Square.

Planning tip: The optimal time to visit is during sunset, when Lisbon’s signature golden light bathes the city.

Discover Miradouro da Graça easily with GetYourGuide. Reserve your tour today.

3. Explore the city’s top art museums

Experience Portugal’s former global significance at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, the nation’s equivalent of the Louvre. It houses an array of Portuguese and European masterpieces, alongside artifacts from once-colonized regions extending from West Africa to India and Japan. Set in a 17th-century palace in the Lapa district, the museum also features a beautifully landscaped garden with stunning views of the Tagus.

On the other side of the city, Museu Calouste Gulbenkian presents a fascinating journey through the history of art, spanning from ancient Egypt to modern times. Collected by Turkish-born British financier Calouste Gulbenkian, this diverse collection is renowned as one of the finest private art collections globally.

Enhance your visit to Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga by booking through GetYourGuide.

4. Be sure to witness a live fado performance

The Portuguese term saudade, which can be interpreted as longing, nostalgia, or a wistful yearning, is often regarded as a key aspect of the Portuguese national identity. This sentiment is central to the country’s national music, fado, which carries an air of melancholy even in its livelier moments, often expressing a heartfelt cri de coeur accompanied by poignant classical guitar. Believed to have originated in Lisbon among sailors and dock workers in the early 19th century, this soulful musical form is so integral to Portuguese culture that when its most renowned singer, Amália Rodrigues, passed away in 1999, the government observed three days of official mourning.

To visit Lisbon and miss a live fado show would be a great loss. Fortunately, numerous restaurants offering live fado performances can be found in the city, especially in the famous Alfama district, where the genre first flourished. One standout venue is Mesa de Frades, an intimate space celebrated for its exceptional artists, even attracting fans like Madonna during her time in Lisbon. The Alfama also hosts the Museu do Fado, a small museum dedicated to fado, featuring a variety of artifacts from the genre's early recordings to its distinctive pear-shaped guitars.

5. Savor fresh seafood delights

Just half an hour from the Atlantic, Lisbon is a haven for seafood enthusiasts. You can enjoy exceptional seafood at any budget—ranging from modest food stalls to upscale dining. A classic choice since the 1950s, Cervejaria Ramiro serves a vibrant crowd with dishes like lobster, shellfish, giant tiger shrimp, and prawns, often with a line forming even before it opens. In the Chiado neighborhood, Água Pela Barba provides a smaller yet equally delectable seafood menu in a cozy atmosphere.

Planning tip: If you’re in the mood for something extraordinary, Restaurante 100 Maneiras is among Lisbon’s finest culinary experiences. Be sure to make a reservation.

6. Take a ride on the historic tram 28E

Few images capture Lisbon's essence like its charming vintage electric trams. These delightful yellow-and-white elétricos have been rolling through the city since 1901 (previously pulled by horses). Among the five lines, none is more sought after than tram 28E, which weaves through the city center from Campo de Ourique to Martim Moniz, passing by many of Lisbon's major attractions, breathtaking viewpoints, and iconic neighborhoods along the way.

Planning tip: Other historic tram routes provide a similarly enjoyable experience. However, these quaint carriages can be a bit cramped and don’t cover much of the city, so if you’re seeking a more efficient way to navigate Lisbon, the metro or bus systems might be better options.

7. Bike ride to the coast

While Lisbon may not be a traditional beach town, its relaxed atmosphere and palm trees scattered throughout the pastel-hued city evoke a coastal charm. In fact, it’s just a short car, train, or ferry trip to numerous real beaches. To enjoy a full day, rent a bike in the western neighborhood of Belém. From there, take a ferry to Trafaria on the southern side of the Tagus River, a serene fishing village that feels a world apart from vibrant Lisbon. Follow the bike path westward, leading you to the Caparica Coast, a stunning 24 km (14 miles) of golden sandy beaches. Just a heads up: the North Atlantic waters tend to be quite chilly throughout the year.