23 Best Things to Do in Lisbon: The Ultimate Bucket List

Lisbon captivates visitors with its historic charm, breathtaking viewpoints, delicious food, and a relaxed atmosphere along the Tagus River. The Portuguese capital offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and modern lifestyle. This bucket list highlights the most beautiful sights and experiences you definitely shouldn’t miss.

1. Visit Castelo de São Jorge

Castelo de São Jorge is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks. Perched high above the Old Town, this medieval castle offers a spectacular view over the city’s red rooftops all the way to the Tagus River. The atmosphere is especially unique in the morning or just before sunset.

meet lots of peacocks inside the castle hihi

2. Ride the famous Tram 28

The historic yellow tram is a must-do on any visit to Lisbon. Tram 28 travels through many of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods, such as Alfama, Graça, and Baixa, connecting numerous sights along the way.
Tip: Ride as early in the morning or as late in the evening as possible, as the tram gets very crowded otherwise.

3. Discover Lisbon’s Most Beautiful Neighborhoods

Lisbon is made up of many unique neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Stroll through the winding alleys of Alfama, soak up the lively atmosphere in Baixa, explore the boutiques and cafés in Chiado, experience the nightlife in Bairro Alto, and visit the creative LX Factory district with its small shops, restaurants, and impressive street art.

4. Enjoy the most beautiful viewpoints

Lisbon is known for its numerous miradouros, which offer spectacular views over the city’s rooftops and the Tagus River. The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia are particularly popular. You can find even more inspiration in the article about the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon.

Enjoy the views over Lisbon (this one is from São Jorge castle)

5. Visit Lisbon Cathedral

The Sé de Lisboa is the city’s oldest church and impresses with its Romanesque architecture. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Alfama.

6. Visit the Museu de Santo António

Right next to the cathedral is the birthplace of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon. This small museum tells his story and is particularly fascinating for culture enthusiasts.

7. Discover the Convento do Carmo

The ruins of the former convent are among the city’s most impressive sites. The roof was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and never rebuilt —today, this creates a very special atmosphere.

8. Take a photo of the Elevador da Bica

This small funicular is one of Lisbon’s most popular photo spots. The steep street overlooking the Tagus River is a quintessential part of the cityscape.

9. Stroll through Praça do Comércio

This large square right on the waterfront is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Here, you can enjoy the city’s maritime charm.

10. Walk through the Arco da Rua Augusta

The imposing triumphal arch connects Praça do Comércio with the shopping street Rua Augusta. If you’d like, you can also visit the observation deck.

11. Visit Pink Street

The former nightlife district is now one of Lisbon’s most famous photo spots. The street really comes to life in the evening.

12. Try Portuguese Specialties

A visit to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without sampling Portuguese cuisine. Some of the classics include:

Bacalhau (stockfish)
Pastéis de Nata
Bifana
Sardines
Prego
Arroz de Marisco
Ginjinha
Queijo da Serra

The best place to sample many of these specialties is at the Time Out Market, where numerous restaurants and local chefs offer their dishes.

13. Visit the Time Out Market

The Mercado da Ribeira is the city’s most famous food market. Here you’ll find both traditional Portuguese cuisine and modern interpretations of regional dishes.

14. Visit the Torre de Belém

The Torre de Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once part of the defensive fortifications along the Tagus River. Today, it is one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions.

15. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The impressive Jerónimos Monastery is considered a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

16. Explore the MAAT

The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology impresses not only with its fascinating exhibitions but also with its extraordinary architecture right on the waterfront.

17. Take a stroll along the Tagus Promenade

A stroll along the Tagus River promenade is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Lisbon. Enjoy the view of the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Cristo Rei statue, and the impressive Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries). Along the way, you can also grab a piña colada served in a fresh pineapple — the perfect companion for a relaxing stroll by the water.

Next to the Monument to the Discoveries you’ll find some cute little stands with jewellery, food and drinks.

18. Explore the LX Factory

This former factory complex has transformed into a creative neighborhood. Small boutiques, bookstores, cafés, restaurants, and impressive street art make the LX Factory a true hidden gem.

19. Shop at A Vida Portuguesa

If you’re looking for a special souvenir, you’ll find it here. The store sells exclusively high-quality Portuguese products—from ceramics and soaps to traditional foods.

20. Experience a fado show

The melancholic fado is as much a part of Portuguese culture as almost anything else. Especially in Alfama, you can experience traditional live music in small restaurants.

21. Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa

This modern aquarium is one of the largest in Europe and is especially well-suited for families or as an outing on a rainy day.

22. Enjoy the sunset over the Tagus River

Whether at Praça do Comércio, one of the miradouros, or along the promenade — a sunset over the Tagus River is one of the most beautiful moments of any trip to Lisbon.

23. Take a day trip

There’s plenty to discover outside the city as well. Particularly popular destinations include:

Sintra, with its fairytale palaces
Fátima, one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites
The beaches of the Algarve
Dolphin watching on the Atlantic Ocean
Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe
Cascais, a charming coastal town

Lisbon uniquely combines history, culture, cuisine, and a relaxed way of life. From impressive viewpoints and historic buildings to delicious specialties and exciting day trips, there are countless ways to discover the Portuguese capital. It’s best to plan for several days—because Lisbon has so much to offer that you’re guaranteed not to be able to experience it all in a single visit.