From iconic sights to fun attractions to interesting museums, the things to do in Lisbon are amazing.
Traveling to Lisbon is incredible as the city has so much to offer! The city has a rich history and is home to historic buildings, there are great viewpoints in the city, you can have amazing food in Lisbon, and there’s much more.
All these fun attractions and activities make Lisbon a very nice city to visit. But at the same time, it may be hard to decide what to do. To help you out, I made this Lisbon things to do guide with all highlights, the best attractions, and more!
Best Things To Do in Lisbon
Visit the Belém Tower
Belém Tower is a historic tower that dates back to the 16th century and it has served a variety of purposes in the past.
For example, it was used as a ceremonial gate to the city of Lisbon.
What’s great is that the tower features the Manueline architectural style. Also, it has some design elements from other types of architecture.
The building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lisbon.
It can be great to go for a walk in the city of Lisbon and to check out the tower, especially if you like to see architecture!
See the Castelo de S. Jorge
The Castelo de São Jorge, or the São Jorge Castle in English, is a historic castle and one of the best sights in Lisbon.
You can find this castle in the center of the city and throughout the years the castle played an important role in the history of the city of Lisbon.
For example, the castle was used by the Romans, the Moors, the Portuguese, and a variety of other people.
Furthermore, the castle has served a variety of purposes throughout the year. For example, it was a royal palace and it served as the national archive of the country of Portugal.
Nowadays, it is a museum that you can visit to see it from the inside and learn about history.
Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa
Hang Out at Praça do Comércio
You can also go to the Praça do Comércio when you are in Lisbon.
This is a large square that you can find in Lisbon’s center and it is one of the most famous places in the city.
The square feature a lot of historic things that are great to see.
For example, there is a very large and impressive statue at the square.
Also, there are beautiful buildings on all sides of the square.
So if you want to relax and see beautiful historic architecture, this is a great place to go!
Go to Miradouro de Santa Luzia for Views
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a beautiful place in Lisbon that you can go to if you like amazing views.
It is a viewpoint where you can see the Old Town of Lisbon from above.
Also, you can find a lot of beautiful historic design elements at this place.
What’s great about the Miradouro de Santa Luzia as well is that there are lots of colorful flowers everywhere.
So if you like viewpoints, architecture, and colorful flowers, this is a spot in the city to check out for sure.
Visit the Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent is a historic monastery and if you love history, seeing it is one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
This monastery dates back to the 14th century and it was a large lace for many centuries.
However, an earthquake in the year 1755 destroyed the monastery and ended it.
Nowadays, you can still see the ruins of the Carmo Convent.
These ruins are very interesting to see when you are visiting Old Town Lisbon.
So when you are going for a walk and when you like historic architecture, you should check out the Carmo Convent for sure.
See the Lisbon Cathedral
Another highlight in the city that you should not miss out on seeing when doing a trip to the city of Lisbon is the Lisbon Cathedral. Another name for this place is the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major.
This is a very large and beautiful with a rich history.
The church is the oldest church building in the city and it dates back to the year 1147. The building has a beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architectural style that can be great to check out when you are in the city.
Furthermore, the interior of the church is very beautiful as well. You can find very large and impressive columns inside that are great to see.
Also, what’s interesting to know about the church is that it withstood many earthquakes in the past.
See Nature at the Estufa Fria
Do you like nature? Then, this is one of the best activities in Lisbon for you. You can go to the Estufa Fria.
This is a botanical garden that you can find inside Eduardo VII Park.
Moreover, this botanical garden is inside several greenhouses.
For example, there is one greenhouse where you can see all kinds of beautiful plants that don’t need to grow in a hot climate.
Also, there is a greenhouse where you can see tropical plants. There you can see azalea plants and many other species of tropical plants from all over the world.
Furthermore, there are artificial lakes and beautiful sculptures at the botanical garden complex that can be great to see when you are in the city of Lisbon.
Go to the Top of the Vasco da Gama Tower
You can go to the Vasco da Gama Tower when you are in Lisbon.
This is a very large tower that has a height of about 475 feet or 144 meters.
It is the tallest structure in Lisbon and that makes it a great place to visit during your trip to the city.
What’s great is that you can go to the top of the landmark. From the top, you can enjoy a great panoramic view of Lisbon. Also, there is a very good restaurant inside the tower where you can enjoy delicious food and a drink with a great view of the city.
From here, you can get a great overview of the city, which is nice too.
Ride a Historic Tram
One of the most iconic things in the city of Lisbon is the yellow trams that you can find here.
These historic trams ride on several rides and the most iconic one is Tram 28.
When you are doing a trip to the city of Lisbon, you should definitely ride in one of these historic trams.
Also, the trams are very iconic and photogenic. If you want to take a photo in the city that shows you are in Lisbon, you should definitely take a photo of or with the tram.
Furthermore, you can include some of the historic architecture of the city in your pictures as well.
Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa
The Elevador de Santa Justa is one of the best tourist attractions in Lisbon.
This is an elevator that you can find in the historic city center of Lisbon.
The elevator connects the lower part of the city with the higher part of the city. So it makes your travels in the city more comfortable as well.
But, what makes the elevator great to ride in particular is that it is a very historic landmark in the city.
The elevator dates back to the year 1899 and it features a beautiful neo-gothic architectural style that is great to see.
Furthermore, the elevator is also great if you want to capture a beautiful and historic landmark in one of your photos of your trip to Lisbon.
Go to the LxFactory
LxFactory is a fun place that you can find in Lisbon.
This is a place that you can find at a complex that used to be important for the textile industry.
Nowadays, it is a very trendy spot that you should not miss out on when you are traveling to the city of Lisbon.
You can find a lot of very trendy restaurants at this place. At these restaurants, you can get the best food in the city and there are many different cuisines to choose from.
Also, what’s great is that there are many shops at LXFactory. So if you like shopping and having food, this is a great place for that!
What’s great too is that many events take place at this place. For example, you can often enjoy great live music at LxFactory.
Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa
Go to the Fado Museum
The Museu do Fado is a very interesting and interactive museum that you can go to when you are in Lisbon.
At this museum, you can learn about Fado, which is a certain type of Portuguese music.
The museum covers the cultural heritage of Fado and you can learn a lot of new things here.
For example, you can go here to learn about the history of Fado.
Also, you can attend great events at the Museu do Fado.
Address: Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisboa
Go to the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
The Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, or Palace of Ajuda in English, is a very beautiful historic building that you can find in the city of Lisbon.
This is a palace with a beautiful neoclassical architectural style that can be very interesting to see.
The palace was opened in the year 1795 and it was owned by the Portuguese Crown till the year 1910. Nowadays, the palace belongs to the government of Portugal.
You can go to the building and check out the beautiful exterior. This exterior feature a lot of very beautiful details.
Also, you can see the inside of the palace when you go here.
Inside, you can see beautiful rooms with original interiors and very old objects that are wonderful to see.
Also, you can see great works of art at this place, including all sorts of portraits.
Go to the Pavilion of Knowledge
The Pavilion of Knowledge is a very interesting museum in the city that you can visit when you are spending some time in Lisbon.
At this place, you can learn about science and technology, and you can learn about this through interesting and fun interactive exhibits.
There are several halls that focus on a variety of aspects of science.
Because of the interactivity of the exhibits, visiting this museum is especially one of the best things to do in Lisbon with kids.
But adults will definitely love to go here as well because of the fun exhibits.
Also, there are often interesting events at the museum through which you can learn about science as well.
For example, you could go here to attend a workshop.
Address: Largo José Mariano Gago 1, 1990-073 Lisboa
See Carriages at the National Coach Museum
The National Coach Museum is one of the most unique museums in Lisbon that you should definitely not miss out on when you are visiting Lisbon.
This museum houses one of the best collections in the world of historical carriages.
You can see all kinds of beautiful carriages here.
For example, there are carriages by royalty from the 16h century. Also, you can see a coach that was used by King Phillip III of Spain.
Besides that, there are very rare carriages with paintings on them that are very interesting to see.
The museum has a very spacious interior, which makes seeing the carriages a great experience.
The museum is one of the most-visited museums in the city of Lisbon.
Address: Av. da Índia 136, 1300-300 Lisboa
Have Food at the Mercado da Ribeira
Want to have delicious food when you are in Lisbon? Then, you should definitely consider going to the Mercado da Ribeira.
This is a food market that opened in the year 1892.
At this market, you can find many different restaurants and other eateries. Each restaurant serves different food and all kinds of specialties.
This means that when you go to the market, you can try out a lot of different cuisines in one space.
So if you want to try out new food or if you want to have dinner or lunch, the Mercado da Ribeira can be great to check out!
Address: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa
Go to Museu de Marinha
Want to learn about the Navy when you are in Lisbon? Then, you can go to the Museu de Marinha or the Navy Museum in English.
This is an interesting museum that is completely dedicated to the history of the Portuguese Navy.
You can find the museum inside a very old monastery next to another museum.
The museum’s collection includes all kinds of objects that relate to the navy of Portugal.
For example, you can see amazing historic paintings here.
Also, there are ship models and there are archaeological items that are very interesting to see.
Also, what’s interesting is that you can find a variety of historic vessels at the museum.
Besides that, you can find a lot of other objects that relate to the Navy, including maps and instruments.
Visit the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian
The Centro de Arte Moderna is a museum that is all about modern and contemporary art that was made in Portugal.
This museum houses the largest collection of this type of art in the country.
At the museum, you can attend very good temporary exhibitions of art that are very interesting to see.
Also, you can go here to attend performances of contemporary art. This is nice as well!
Visit the National Pantheon
The National Pantheon is a very beautiful building that you definitely have to check out when you are in Portugal.
The National Pantheon is a place that used to be a historic church. However, hundreds of years later a very large dome was constructed at this place.
The National Pantheon features a very beautiful architectural style. So if you like architecture, you should definitely go to this place.
Also, what’s nice is that there is a terrace in front of the building. From here, you can enjoy an amazing view of the city of Lisbon and places that surround the city.
So if you like views, this is a great place to go as well.
Explore the National Museum of Ancient Art
The National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon is a great museum. If you want to see beautiful Portuguese art, visiting this museum is one of the most fun Lisbon things to do for you.
You can find the museum in the center of Lisbon and at the museum there is a large collection of all kinds of different objects of art.
For example, you can find paintings here, sculptures, textiles, prints, and many other items.
Besides a collection of Portuguese art, you can also find a large collection of art here with art from other places in the world.
For example, there are objects from other countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
And there are many works on display here that were created by famous artists, such as Raphael.
What’s nice as well is that the museum showcases a large variety of types of art.
So if you want to see a very diverse collection, you have to check out this museum!
See Basílica da Estrela
The Basílica da Estrela, or the Estrela Basilica in English, is a basilica that can be found in Lisbon as the Praça da Estrela.
The basilica has a beautiful baroque and neoclassical architectural style that is very nice to see. Moreover, the construction of the church took place at the end of the 18th century.
The front of the church features a lot of beautiful design elements. Also, there is a dome that is very large and that is very beautiful to see.
You can also go inside of the church and see it from the inside. Inside, you can see beautiful sculptures and other interesting historic objects.
Also, it can be great to see the different materials that were used to create the church building.
Visit the National Museum of Natural History and Science
The National Museum of Natural History and Science is a very interesting museum that you can go to when you are doing a trip to Lisbon.
The museum is part of the University of Lisbon.
This museum focuses on natural history and wants to spread awareness of science.
At the museum, there is a very extensive collection of objects that spans a period of 250 years. You can find here objects related to geology, botany, and a variety of other disciplines.
Also, you can go to all kinds of different events at the museum. For example, there are exhibitions of art, workshops, courses, and a variety of other types of exhibitions.
Address: R. da Escola Politécnica 56, 1250-102 Lisboa
See Art at the Church of Sao Roque
It can be great to go to the Church of São Roque.
At this church, you can see very beautiful ceiling art.
This is art was created at the end of the 16th century when King Philip I of Portugal started the art project.
Besides that, the church looks very beautiful from the inside because there are a lot of historic details as well. And you can find lots of historic objects inside of the church that can be very interesting to check out as well.
Go to the Tropical Botanical Garden
If you’re not sure what to do in Lisbon and you like nature, I’d recommend checking out the Tropical Botanical Garden.
You can find this botanical garden very close to the iconic Belém Palace, which is the official residence of the president of Portugal.
At the botanical garden, you can see all kinds of species of plants. For example, there are tropical plants and many others.
The garden was created in the year 1906 and the species of plants that you can find here are very diverse.
Many of the plants that grow here also grow in the former colonies of Portugal.
For example, you can find a lot of plants here from places in Africa. Also, there are species of plants that grow in the Canary Islands.
Besides that, the garden has a collection of thousands of dried plants that is very interesting to see as well.
Visit the Jerónimos Monastery
You can go to the Jerónimos Monastery as well when you are visiting Lisbon.
This is a monastery that is one of the most-visited landmarks in the city of Lisbon.
The landmark is a former mastery of the Order of Saint Jerome.
What’s great about this building is that it is a very historic one that dates back to the 15th century. You can see the Portuguese Manueline architectural style here and it is a very beautiful example of that style.
Moreover, the monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also, what’s interesting is that the monastery played an important role in history and this makes it worth visiting as well.
Visit Museu do Oriente
The Museu do Oriente is another very interesting museum that you can check out when you are doing a trip to the city of Lisbon.
This museum focuses on the relationship between the country of Portugal and the countries in Asia.
At the museum, you can find great exhibitions through which you can learn about history and see great art.
For example, there are exhibits here through which you can learn about the presence of Portugal in the continent of Asia.
You can find a lot of historic items here, including documents.
Besides that, the collection of the museum also contains objects that do not relate to Portugal per se.
What’s interesting is that the museum has objects from many different places in Asia.
Go to Lisbon Zoo
The Lisbon Zoo is a very large zoo that you can find in Lisbon.
This is a zoo that was founded in the year 1884, which makes it very old and more interesting to go here.
At the zoo, there are about 2,000 different animals and there are hundreds of different species of animals.
For example, you can go here to see mammals, reptiles, birds, and many other species of animals. Furthermore, there are many rare and endangered species of animals at the zoo as well.
You can go for a walk at the zoo and have a very fun time seeing all the animals. This can be both a very interesting and a very relaxing experience.
See Art at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is also a very interesting museum and visiting it is a great thing to do in Lisbon.
This is a museum where you can see the private collection of Calouse Gulbenkian.
The collection includes a lot of different works from all over the world. For example, you can find here objects from China, Japan, Egypt, Europe, and many other places.
Moreover, the museum’s collection includes objects that were created by some of the most famous artists in the world, including Monet, Rubens, and Degas.
What’s interesting is that the museum’s collection is not only vast in terms of the places where the objects come from but also the museum’s collection is very large in terms of the period in time that it covers. For example, there are objects here from Ancient Egypt till the 20th century.
Address: Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa
Go to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for Great Views
The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a very beautiful small garden that can check out when you are in the city of Lisbon.
What’s great is that you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view from this garden. From here, you can see lots of historic buildings of the city from above, which can be very special.
Also, what’s nice about this place is that there is a fountain and that there are trees. This makes the place very tranquil and perfect if you want to have a relaxing time.
Go to the Jardim da Estrela
The Jardim da Estrela is a lovely park that you can visit every day of the year.
At the park, you can find exotic plants that are very beautiful to see. Also, there are lots of walking paths here that make the place perfect for a relaxing walk.
You can also find a pond here and there are some monuments.
All of these aspects make the park the best place to relax while you are in Lisbon.
Address: Praça da Estrela 12, 1200-694 Lisboa
Visit Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Another one of the best landmarks in Lisbon that you can check out is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
This is a monument that you can find on one side of the Tagus River.
It is a very large monument that is very impressive to see.
The monument depicts the Age of Discovery of Portugal that took place during the 15h and 15th centuries. This is the time during which explorers from Portugal went to India and other places in Asia.
The monument shows sculptures of many different historically important people of Portugal. For example, you can see a sculpture here of Afonso V of Portugal. Also, you can see Petro Álvares Cabral at this place.
Go to the Centro Cultural de Belém
Do you like both modern and contemporary art? Then, the Centro Cultural de Belém is a place that you can check out.
This is a complex of a variety of venues that is located in Bélem.
You can find various permanent exhibitions of art at this place. These permanent exhibitions showcase great examples of modern art, design, photography, and much more.
Also, what’s great is that you can find a performing arts venue at the center. At this place, you can enjoy a variety of shows. For example, you can go here to attend opera performances, theater shows, concerts, and much more.
Furthermore, there are often events at the center that you can attend.
Explore the Collection of the National Tile Museum
The National Tile Museum is one of the best places to visit in Lisbon.
At this museum, you can learn a lot about the iconic Portuguese tiles that you can find in many places in the city of Lisbon.
The collection of the museum is one of the largest collections of ceramics in the world.
What’s great is that many of the tiles that you can see here are very old. For example, there are tiles from the 15th century at this museum. Furthermore, the permanent collection includes more modern tiles from the 20th century as well.
Also, what’s great is that you can learn about tiles at this museum.
Furthermore, what’s great is that the museum is located in a historic building.
Address: R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa
Learn New Things at MAAT
Another one of the best things to do in Lisbon is to go to MAAT.
MAAT is the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology.
You can find a lot of beautiful contemporary art at the museum. For example, there are sculptures and many other types of art.
If you want to discover great new art, MAAT is a great place for that.
Furthermore, there are very interesting and interactive exhibits as well.
Also, what’s interesting is that you can find this museum inside a former power plant. This makes the place even more interesting to visit.
Another aspect of the museum that makes it worthwhile to visit is the rooftop of the museum. From the rooftop, you can get a great view of the city of Lisbon, which is great!
Learn New Things at the Oceanário de Lisboa
Oceanário de Lisboa is a large aquarium that is located in the Parque das Nações. It is one of Europe’s largest aquariums, which makes it a very special place to visit.
You can go here to learn about marine life, which is very interesting.
In total, the aquarium houses more than 15,000 different animals and there are close to 500 different species of animals.
For example, there are penguins, sharks, corals, marine plants, and many other species.
Furthermore, the exhibits of the aquarium are very beautiful. There are large window panes through which you can see the animals from very close, which is a lot of fun!
Relax at the Principe Real Garden
Here’s one of the best Lisbon activities if you want to relax. You can go to the Príncipe Real Garden.
This is a very beautiful garden in the city where you can see a lot of amazing nature.
It is a small garden with paths, benches, a statue, and more. All these features make it a great place to visit.
Visit the Museu da Carris
Museu da Carris is a museum that you can find in Alcântara in Lisbon.
The building in which you can find the museum is a historic building that dates back to the end of the 19th century.
At the Museu da Carri, you can learn about the public transportation in Lisbon. And there are all kinds of objects that relate to this.
For example, you can see historic trams at this museum.
Also, you can see funiculars, horse-drawn trams, and several other vehicles.
Furthermore, there are items related to these vehicles. For example, there are documents on display here and there is equipment that relates to the vehicles.
If you want to learn about any aspect of trams in the city, this is a great museum to check out for you!
Go to the Museu da Marioneta
The Museu da Marioneta is a lovely museum that you can find in Lisbon. The museum is located inside the Convent of Vernardas, which is a very historic building that dates back to the 17th century.
This museum is a very interesting and unique museum. This place completely focuses on the history of puppetry, which is very special.’
For example, you can learn about the history of puppetry at this place across the whole world.
Also, you can see all kinds of puppets at this place. In particular, the museum focuses on puppets that are from Portugal.
Moreover, what’s great is that the museum also focuses on the performing art of puppetry.
If you want to learn about a very unique topic, you should definitely consider going to this museum!
Address: Rua da Esperança 146, 1200-660 Lisboa
More Europe Articles
Lisbon Things To Do Tips
If there are several places in the city that you want to visit, I recommend looking for an audio tour that covers these places. Then, you can do a tour during which you come across these places while listing to expert commentary.
Also, if you think it’s hard to decide what to do in Lisbon because there are so many fun things, it may be a great idea to do a lot of activities during your trip. For this, you can buy the Lisboa Card. This is a card with which you can get free access to some of the best attractions and museums in the city. For example, you can access the Belém Tower for free with this card. Also, what’s great is that the card includes free public transportation.
As you see, there are many great things to do in Lisbon. I hope I helped you decide what you want to do when you visit the city!