Lisbon has always felt like a home away from home for us. We love everything from the sun drenched red tiled roofs, to the lilac petals that fall all over the city every spring from the Jacaranda trees. This city has an incredibly energy and you will never find a shortage of things to do. It’s the perfect place to just wander around, indulge in far too many pastries, and soak up a charming blend of the old and new. Here’s our advice on the best things to do in Lisbon so that you love it just as much as we do.
1. Wander Around Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, and it’s every bit as magical as you’d imagine. Picture narrow, cobbled streets winding past pastel houses, laundry strung between windows, and the sound of Fado music drifting out of tiny bars. We spent hours just exploring, getting lost (in the best way), and stumbling across hidden courtyards and viewpoints.
2. Visit LX Factory
Tucked under the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, LX Factory is an industrial space turned creative hub. Think trendy shops, quirky art galleries, and some of the coolest cafes in town. We loved browsing through Ler Devagar, a massive bookshop with a suspended bicycle art installation, and grabbing a bite at one of the street food stalls.
3. Have a Coffee at Esplanada de Graça
When you’re ready to take a break, head to Esplanada de Graça for coffee with a view. Perched at one of Lisbon’s famous miradouros, this café offers sweeping panoramas of the city’s terracotta rooftops and glittering river. It’s the perfect spot to recharge, sip on an espresso, and capture the sunlit skyline in a photo or two.
4. Spend the Evening in Bairro Alto
Lisbon knows how to party, and Bairro Alto is the beating heart of its nightlife. During the day, it’s relatively quiet, but as the sun sets, the streets come alive with music, laughter, and a mix of locals and tourists spilling out of bars. We grabbed a drink (or two) at one of the tiny taverns and danced into the early hours.
5. Take a Day Trip to Sintra
If you do one day trip from Lisbon, let it be Sintra. This magical town is just a short train ride away and is home to fairytale palaces, lush gardens, and romantic Renaissance architecture. We went back several times to explore everything, but if you’re short on time we really recommend this Lisbon day trip that will take you to the heart of Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta de Regaleira, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. If you choose to do this independently you will have an incredible time, but it would be hard to fit more than two of these stops into one day without having to really rush so this is a great option for those with only a day or two to spare.
6. Have Lunch at Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a must for food lovers. This vibrant culinary haven is packed with some of Lisbon’s best eats, making it the perfect spot to sample a little of everything. We particularly loved the crispy croquettes and bacalhau (salt cod) dishes. With so many options, it’s impossible to leave here hungry.
7. Ride Tram 28
No trip to Lisbon would be complete without a ride on the iconic Tram 28. This charming yellow tram trundles through some of the city’s most scenic neighbourhoods, from Graça to Estrela. We hopped on early to avoid the crowds and snagged a window seat, which was ideal for snapping photos of Lisbon’s colourful facades and lively streets.
8. Try a Pastel de Nata
Of course, you can’t visit Portugal without trying a pastel de nata. These legendary custard tarts are a treat for the senses—flaky, creamy, and perfectly sweet. While you’ll find them nearly everywhere, we can’t recommend Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata enough – they’re the best of the best.
9. Have Dinner at Ponto Final
For a dinner to remember, take a short ferry ride across the river to Ponto Final in Almada. This restaurant feels like a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Its waterfront terrace offers breathtaking views of Lisbon’s skyline, especially at sunset. We savoured fresh fish paired with a crisp vinho verde, creating one of the most magical meals of our trip.
10. Go Shopping at Cerâmicas de Linha
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, head to Cerâmicas de Linha. This shop specialises in traditional Portuguese ceramics with a modern twist. From colourful plates to intricate tiles, everything here is beautifully handcrafted and reasonably priced. We loved this shop so much that the first time we returned to Lisbon, we left with an entire bag full of ceramics.