The Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal: Trams, Rooftop Bars, Fado & More

Looking for the best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal? From yellow trams and castle views to fado, seafood restaurants, rooftop mojitos and one particularly lovely sunset on the Tagus—here’s what I’d genuinely make time for, from someone who’s returned to Lisbon over and over since 2017.

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There’s something about Lisbon that always keeps me coming back.

I first visited in 2017, and whenever London starts getting a bit hectic, there’s just something about a weekend of sunshine, Portuguese wine and eating outdoors that’s endlessly tempting…

I’ve always thought of Lisbon as Paris’s laid-back cousin, with beautiful old buildings, great food and wine, but a much more relaxed feel. I can spend the morning looking around a castle and be just as happy stopping for a pork sandwich for lunch.

When I went back in October, I walked the waterfront towards the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, listened to fado over wine, ate an enormous seafood lunch at Ramiro and spent a night at Palácio das Especiarias in Chiado. Then I headed to Sintra and Cascais for a few more days.

On that note, if you’re making a trip soon, of course, see the main sights. But save room for the little bits too: getting a bifana from As Bifanas do Afonso, browsing the bookshops at LX Factory, having a mojito at TOPO and saving an evening for the river (and a glorious Lisbon sunset).

From famed sights to the local spots I’d happily go back to, here’s the best things to do in Lisbon.

Shall we?

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Quick Overview: The Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal

Short on time? No offence taken. Here’s my shortlist for a first Lisbon trip.

If you’re looking for…	I’d choose…
Best place to start	Praça do Comércio
Best classic Lisbon experience	Ride Tram 28E
Best neighbourhood for getting lost	Alfama
Best historical view	São Jorge Castle
Best free viewpoint	Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol
Best riverfront walk	Ribeira das Naus and the Alcântara waterfront
The one experience I would book	A sunset boat cruise on the Tagus
Best modern museum	MAAT
Best Lisbon seafood	Cervejaria Ramiro
Best quick Portuguese bite	As Bifanas do Afonso
Best Portuguese cultural evening	A fado show with wine
Best rooftop bar	TOPO Martim Moniz
Best wine bar	By The Wine
Best bookshop stop	Ler Devagar at LX Factory
Best vintage shopping	Malala Vintage and A Outra Face da Lua
Best coffee and brunch	The Folks
Best hotel I personally stayed in	Palácio das Especiarias
Best amount of time for a first visit	3 days in Lisbon
Best day trips	Sintra and Cascais

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A Little History of Lisbon Before You Go

Before you visit Lisbon, it’s always good to know a little history, and in this city, there’s plenty.

To start, traders arrived here long before Portugal existed as a country. The Romans later built a port town called Olisipo.

From the eighth century, Lisbon was under Muslim rule. Then, in 1147, Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, captured Lisbon with the help of crusaders. It became the country’s capital in the thirteenth century, and by the 1400s its harbour was at the centre of Portugal’s voyages.

Ships from Lisbon sailed to and from Africa, Asia and, later, Brazil, bringing spices and other goods into the city. It’s also worth noting a lot of wealth came into the city through colonisation and enslavement.

But the biggest physical change to Lisbon came on 1 November 1755, when an enormous earthquake, followed by fires and a tsunami, destroyed much of the city, including the royal palace beside what’s now Praça do Comércio. The centre was rebuilt with the straight, orderly streets you see around Baixa, while much of hilly Alfama kept its older layout.

Walk between the two and the difference is impossible to miss!

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27 Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal

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1. Start at Praça do Comércio

Start your first morning in Lisbon at Praça do Comércio, a huge yellow-arcaded square opening onto the gorgeous Tagus river.

The royal palace once stood here, until Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake. From there, they rebuilt the streets of Baixa, which begin just beyond the Arco da Rua Augusta. You can walk under the arch on your way into town!

Really lovely for a few photographs.

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2. Eat a Bifana at As Bifanas do Afonso

For a foodie stop in Lisbon, you have to try As Bifanas do Afonso. I had a bifana here on my last trip and thought about it for the rest of the day.

It’s seasoned pork in a traditional water bread roll with meat so juicy it practically melts in your mouth.

It’s a quick sandwich stop, and it’s cash only, but well worth it in my opinion!

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3. Wander Through Baixa, Rossio and Chiado

Next, head north along Rua Augusta through Baixa to Rossio Square, looking and gawking at black-and-white wave-patterned pavement, old shop signs and tiled façades along the way.

Then head up to Chiado. I love the mix of theatres, bookshops and Lisbon cafés around here. I’d also keep the Rua das Flores area in mind for later if you fancy wine at By The Wine.

For history, the roofless Convento do Carmo is only a short detour. And around Rossio, you’ll find A Ginjinha, a classic Lisbon stop for a little glass of sour-cherry liqueur.

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4. Ride Lisbon’s Famous Tram 28E

Lisbon’s yellow trams somehow squeeze through streets that look too narrow for a train carriage, and yes, they can be worth the trip.

The 28E route runs between Martim Moniz and Campo de Ourique, via Graça, Calçada de São Vicente, Alfama, Chiado and Estrela. I’d take a ride if the queue was reasonable.

However, if they’re super full (which is often the case), you can be equally happy simply watching them pass by and work their way around the city.

P.S. – You can pay with card onboard and check Carris for route changes on the day.

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5. Get Lost in Alfama’s Little Streets

Next, definitely give yourself a couple of hours in Alfama. It’s all steep steps, little tiled façades, laundry hanging between buildings and squares that you won’t find by following the city’s widest streets.

Look out for Lisbon Cathedral as you walk up, along with some of the most delicious and criminally underrated views of the city.

Just remember they’re residential streets, not a film set!

And be sure to stay in the area if you’re thinking of visiting São Jorge Castle or a fado show after, speaking of…

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6. Go Up to Castelo de São Jorge for the Views

If you want a proper look across Lisbon, I’d also consider going up to Castelo de São Jorge.

The site has Moorish fortifications, lots of royal history, and some pretty incredible views from the castle walls.

Allow time to explore the grounds and be sure to book a São Jorge Castle e-ticket with audio guide in advance.

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7. Find Your Favourite Alfama Viewpoint

Lisbon has plenty of miradouros (scenic viewpoints), but I’d begin with Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol while you’re already in Alfama.

At Santa Luzia, you’ll find tiled panels and a pretty terrace. And Portas do Sol opens out over the rooftops towards the river. Plus, they’re close enough to visit together without making another journey across town.

If you fancy a longer walk uphill, add Miradouro da Graça or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (but I wouldn’t try to squeeze in all four).

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8. Spend an Evening Near São Pedro de Alcântara

One evening near Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, I came across outdoor music and people dancing around Rua das Taipas and Calçada da Glória. Naturally, we stayed for a while (and joined in on the fun).

The terrace itself looks over the city towards the castle, and you’re super close to the bars around Bairro Alto.

Fair warning, I can’t promise you’ll find the same music on your visit, but I’d still stop here for the view.

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9. Walk Along the Tagus from the Main Square to Belém

For a short waterside walk, you can also follow Ribeira das Naus from Praça do Comércio towards Cais do Sodré. Once a working boatyard, it’s now a lovely place for a walk in Lisbon.

We really got our steps in with this one, walking west towards Ponte 25 de Abril (which looks remarkably like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge when you get close!).

We stopped for some drinks and views at Rui dos Pregos — Docas en route, which I highly recommend as a pit stop.

Fair warning: this walk will take a few hours if you’re going all the way from the central square to Belém (i.e. to the other side of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge), but in our experience it was absolutely worth it.

P.S. – If you don’t feel like walking all the way, you can also do a short riverside stretch on foot, then take a train, tram or taxi west to the bridge or MAAT.

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10. Watch the Sunset on a Tagus River Boat Tour

If there’s one thing I wouldn’t leave Lisbon without doing, it’s a sunset cruise.

I booked this two-hour Tagus boat cruise with history and wine, passing Ponte 25 de Abril and the Cristo Rei statue across the water, with commentary from the guide and a glass of wine and pastel de nata along the way.

From the boat, you can see the city rising behind the waterfront, with the bridge stretching across the river ahead. Then the sun starts to set. It’s a dream, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat when I’m in Lisbon next.

P.S. – The trip takes around two hours. Just make sure you choose the sunset option before you go and read my Lisbon boat tours guide if you want to compare other options.

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11. Visit MAAT for Art and Architecture Beside the River

MAAT — the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is Lisbon’s most treasured museum and one of my favourite Lisbon stops.

Alongside the building’s stunning curved architecture, enviable riverside location, rooftop views and restaurants, it also hosts fantastic exhibitions year-round (like the Valentino Garavani one when I went, fabulous). So be sure to see what’s on before your trip!

P.S. – You can also pair MAAT with Centro Cultural de Belém if you’re going for a longer museum afternoon.

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12. Eat a Warm Pastel de Nata at Pastéis de Belém

When you’re in Belém, it’s an unspoken must to stop at Pastéis de Belém for a warm custard tart (I’m a big fan of eating them straight away!).

The bakery has been here since 1837, with a steady queue, but the tarts are worth trying if you’re already in the neighbourhood.

If the queue’s too long, don’t worry. In truth, you can find good pastéis de nata in most places in the city, including Manteigaria just across the street.

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13. See Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Riverfront Monuments

In Belém, you’ll also find the cloisters of the Jerónimos Monastery, all covered in elaborate Manueline stonework, with ropes, plants and maritime motifs carved into the arches (together with Belém Tower, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Walk down towards the Tagus for Padrão dos Descobrimentos and Torre de Belém to indulge in more of Portugal’s seafaring history and the colonial history that came with it.

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14. Browse the Shops and Books at LX Factory

To get a dose of Lisbon cool, head to LX Factory inside a former factory complex in Alcântara filled with independent shops, bookshops, cafés and restaurants.

I could have spent ages in Ler Devagar, a bookshop with towering shelves and old industrial machinery (definitely have a look upstairs).

Not to mention plenty of bars and restaurants along the strip perfect for losing yourself for a few hours.

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15. Have a Proper Look Around Lisbon’s Vintage Shops

I always end up looking for vintage shops when I travel and Lisbon was no exception.

Tuck into Malala Vintage in Graça, A Outra Face da Lua in Baixa, or Humana Portugal for a rummage. Or, if you’re in town on a market day, visit Feira da Ladra at Campo de Santa Clara for books, antiques and all sorts of stalls.

P.S. – I’ve got loads more recommendations in my best vintage shops in Lisbon guide.

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16. Start Your Morning at The Folks

My coffee stop of choice on this trip was definitely The Folks. And for good reason, they’ve been rated one of the best coffee shops in the world!

If you want a really nice roast, brunch or somewhere to sit before starting another day of walking Lisbon’s hills, I highly recommend them (there’s several branches so check the locations to find one near your hotel).

P.S. – Read more in my best cafés in Lisbon guide.

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17. Eat Your Way Around Time Out Market Lisboa

When you’re out and about, Time Out Market Lisboa, inside the old Mercado da Ribeira, will definitely come in handy when everyone wants something different for lunch.

The octopus from Chef Marlene Vieira’s counter was my favourite thing I ate there, and I would go back for that alone. But you’ll find dozens of stalls, pop-ups and restaurants for truly anything you’re craving.

Although the food is good, expect to pay more than you would at a small neighbourhood restaurant.

For a more local market, have a pop into Mercado de Campo de Ourique near Jardim da Estrela—highly recommend!

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18. Make Time for a Seafood Feast at Cervejaria Ramiro

To this day, I’m still thinking about our glorious seafood lunch at Cervejaria Ramiro. We had garlic prawns, mussels and their signature buttery bread, which I can’t describe any other way than saying it felt like eating love.

It’s an old-school, lively seafood restaurant, and you’ll definitely need to book in advance!

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19. Have Wine and Petiscos at By The Wine

We also stopped at By The Wine on Rua das Flores for Portuguese wine and petiscos. The ceiling is covered in bottles, the staff are friendly and, of course, there’s lots of wine and tapas to tuck into for a night in Lisbon.

Order a few small plates with your wine and then head up towards Bairro Alto if you’re out for the evening. It also makes for a lovely stop after wandering around Chiado.

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20. Listen to Fado at an Intimate Live Show

I booked a fado performance with wine during my last trip, and it was easily one of my favourite evenings in Lisbon.

Fado developed in nineteenth-century Lisbon, particularly around neighbourhoods like Alfama, and UNESCO recognised it in 2011. Many of its songs deal with longing, love and loss.

Here’s the fado show I booked. Just be sure to check the venue and start time when you reserve as the programmes can change.

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21. Order a Mojito at TOPO Martim Moniz

For a cheeky drink on your Lisbon trip, go up to the sixth floor of Centro Comercial Martim Moniz and you’ll find the hidden TOPO, looking straight towards the castle.

I ordered a mojito, grabbed a spot with a view and had a brilliant time. The rooftop also puts on DJ nights, so check what’s onbefore you go.

P.S. – For more options for your trip, have a look at my best rooftop bars in Lisbon guide.

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22. Go Out in Bairro Alto (And Stop for Pizza…)

Bairro Alto is absolutely where I’d go for a lively night out in Lisbon. The small streets fill with people later in the evening like clockwork, with bars, music and plenty of places to stop for a drink.

I also went to M’arrecreo Pizzeria for Neapolitan pizza before, which made a very good pre-boogie dinner.

For something dressier, we also popped in SEEN Lisboa for a girl dinner on Avenida da Liberdade if you’re looking for something chic (note: pricier).

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23. See the Ruins of Convento do Carmo and the Santa Justa Lift

In Chiado, you can also visit the roofless Convento do Carmo, the Gothic church left partly in ruins after the 1755 earthquake (I’d have a look when you’re already exploring the shopping streets near the main square).

The Santa Justa Lift (Santa Justa Elevator) connects Baixa with the streets near Carmo. It’s a beautiful old iron structure, but it is ticketed and I wouldn’t spend ages in the queue just to ride it.

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24. Make Room for a Lisbon Museum Beyond the Obvious Sights

Panteão Nacional

Outside of the obvious MAAT you will be spoilt for art in Lisbon.

Personally, I’d look at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, for major collections and landscaped gardens. For Lisbon’s music and history, there’s Museu do Fado or the impressive dome of Panteão Nacional.

And out in Belém, for something quirkier, you’ll find the National Coach Museum‘s historic royal carriages.

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25. Slow Down at Jardim da Estrela or Estufa Fria

One of my favourite city hacks will always be spending time in nature where the locals do, and in Lisbon that’s Jardim da Estrela.

I spent some time sitting with a book, and after all the cobbles and hills, I was very happy to stay on a bench for a while.

It’s opposite Basílica da Estrela, so you can visit both if you’re around this end of the Tram 28E route and have a bite at the nearby Mercado de Campo de Ourique.

P.S. – If you’re looking for more greenery, you can also visit Estufa Fria, a greenhouse garden in Parque Eduardo VII.

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26. Take a Day Trip to the Palaces of Sintra

If you have time for a day out on your Lisbon trip, I’d definitely take a train to Sintra. It’s filled with a beautifully strange mix of colourful palaces and wooded hills alongside ordinary Portuguese town life.

Use my Sintra day-trip guide for the route. Or, if you’re still deciding, read my Sintra review to help you choose what’s best for your trip.

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27. Spend a Day by the Sea in Cascais

I also love Cascais, often referred to as the ‘Portuguese Hamptons’, with sandy beaches, old villas and seafood restaurants that make for a very good day by the sea.

If you’re keen to spend the day, use my Lisbon to Cascais by train day-trip itinerary or this Cascais guide if you’re choosing between day trips from the city.

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How Many Days Should You Spend in Lisbon?

Personally, I’d give Lisbon three days for a first trip. You can absolutely see a lot in a weekend, but I think it’s worth having an extra day for the cafés, markets and long lunches that make the city so enjoyable.

If you’ve only got one day, I’d stay around Baixa, Alfama and the castle rather than trying to get all the way out to Belém too. For a weekend, use my 2-day Lisbon itinerary.

With three days in Lisbon, I’d spend a day in the old centre, another around Belém and the river, then leave the third for brunch, shopping, a museum or a long seafood lunch at Ramiro.

If you’ve got four days and want to see more of Portugal, my 4-day Lisbon itinerary includes two days in Lisbon, a day trip to Sintra and a day by the sea in Cascais. And I’d add a fifth day if you want to enjoy both day trips without feeling too scheduled.

Whatever you do, wear comfortable shoes! Lisbon’s hills are not for the weak…

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Where I’d Personally Stay in Lisbon

For your first Lisbon trip, I’d definitely stay at Palácio das Especiarias.

It’s a historic boutique hotel in a building with roots going back to the sixteenth century, with gorgeous old-house character, a prime location and fabulous breakfast.

You’ll be well placed for most things on your Lisbon itinerary here, like an evening around Rua das Flores or a glass of Portuguese wine at By The Wine or a night in Bairro Alto. After a day of hills and sightseeing, being able to walk back to your hotel is a big plus…

P.S. — You can read my full Palácio das Especiarias review or see more choices in my best boutique hotels in Lisbon guide.

A Note on the Housing Crisis in Lisbon: One thing I’d really encourage when visiting Lisbon is choosing a hotel over a whole-home Airbnb. Lisbon has a serious housing crisis, and the growth of short-term holiday rentals has put even more pressure on housing for locals. It’s a small but meaningful way to be a more responsible visitor, especially if you choose an independent, locally run hotel!

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Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Lisbon

After visiting Lisbon on and off since 2017, you’d think I’d have finally worked my way through everything I wanted to do here. Not quite!

On my last trip, I discovered Mercado de Campo de Ourique, ended up dancing to an outdoor DJ near São Pedro de Alcântara, and came home with even more places I want to visit next time.

On that note, I hope you get to enjoy Lisbon’s famous sights, but also discover a few new corners of the city along the way. That’s half the fun of this city!

Have the most fabulous time in Lisbon.

Happy travels,

Candace x

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FAQ: Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal

What should you not miss in Lisbon?

For a first trip, I’d definitely make time for Alfama, São Jorge Castle, a few of Lisbon’s gorgeous viewpoints, some traditional Portuguese food and a sunset cruise along the Tagus. I’d also spend some time in Belém if you can, especially for the famous pastéis de nata!

What is Lisbon best known for?

Lisbon is famous for its yellow trams, colourful tiled buildings, hilly streets, gorgeous viewpoints, fado music and Portuguese food. It’s also one of Europe’s oldest capitals, with a long maritime history that’s still very visible around the city today.

How many days do you need to see Lisbon?

Personally, I’d recommend three days for your first visit. It’s enough to see the main sights while having plenty of time for good food, museums and wandering around the city. You can follow my 3-day Lisbon itinerary or my 2-day Lisbon itinerary if you’re only visiting for a weekend.

Where is the best place to stay in Lisbon for the first time?

I’d definitely choose Chiado. You’re close to plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops and the historic centre, with easy transport connections too.

I personally stayed at Palácio das Especiarias and absolutely loved it, especially the historic interiors and fabulous breakfast. You can read my full hotel review here.

Is Lisbon expensive to visit?

Lisbon can be surprisingly affordable depending on how you travel. You can grab a traditional bifana for a few euros, enjoy free viewpoints and parks, and spend hours wandering its neighbourhoods without spending much at all.

Of course, hotels, restaurants and popular attractions can add up quickly, especially if you’re planning a few nice dinners or boat trips.

Can you explore Lisbon without a car?

Absolutely! In fact, I wouldn’t recommend hiring one just to explore the city. Between the Metro, trams, buses, trains and taxis, you’ve got plenty of ways to get around.

Most central neighbourhoods are lovely to explore on foot too, although fair warning, Lisbon’s hills really are no joke.

Is Tram 28 in Lisbon worth taking?

Yes, as long as the queue isn’t ridiculously long. It’s a lovely way to see some of Lisbon’s historic streets and neighbourhoods, but it’s also incredibly popular with tourists.

If it’s packed, I’d simply enjoy watching the famous yellow trams pass by instead.

What are the best free things to do in Lisbon?

Some of my favourites are wandering around Alfama, enjoying the views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol, walking along the Tagus River and spending an afternoon reading or relaxing at Jardim da Estrela.

What are the best things to do in Lisbon with kids?

I’d look at Oceanário de Lisboa, Jardim da Estrela, the city’s historic trams and some of the riverfront attractions around Belém.

Just keep in mind that Lisbon has plenty of steep hills, steps and cobbled streets, so I’d plan your days carefully if you’re travelling with a pushchair.

Is Sintra or Cascais better for a day trip from Lisbon?

This is a hard one because I genuinely love both!

If you’re into fairy-tale palaces, historic buildings and gardens, I’d choose Sintra. If you’re craving a beach day, seafood lunch and a wander around a pretty seaside town, go for Cascais.

Or, if you’ve got the time, follow my 4-day Lisbon itinerary and visit both!

What are the best things to do in Lisbon at night?

I’d definitely recommend seeing a live fado performance with wine at least once, especially if it’s your first visit.

You can also have a rooftop cocktail at TOPO, enjoy Portuguese wine at By The Wine or head to Bairro Alto for a lively evening of bars and music.

What can you do in Lisbon when it rains?

I’d make it a museum day! MAAT, Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and Museu do Fado are all worth looking into.

You could also spend some time browsing the incredible Ler Devagar bookshop at LX Factory, followed by a long lunch or a few Portuguese pastries.

Is Lisbon safe for tourists?

Generally, yes. Lisbon is considered a relatively safe destination for tourists, although I’d still take the usual precautions, particularly around crowded trams, busy squares and nightlife areas.

Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid leaving valuables unattended and remember that Portugal’s emergency number is 112 (not 911).

What should I book in advance for Lisbon?

I’d start with your hotel, especially during busy travel periods, and experiences you really don’t want to miss, like a sunset cruise on the Tagus or seeing live fado.

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