What to do on your first time in Lisbon – 21 best things to do

Do you know one of the best things about being back in Europe (for now anyway)? It’s how easy it is to travel from country to country and feel like you’re somewhere completely different.

After our three months living in Scotland and 2 months in Northern Norway before that, we were desperate to get some sunshine and warmth into our lives.

With that in mind, we booked the next month of our year of travel to Portugal which was to be my first time in the country and obviously my first time in Lisbon too!

I’d seen so many people visit Lisbon over the last couple of years and I was desperate to visit. We were treated to some amazing weather (which our hosts said was better than usual), delicious food and beautiful sights from a beautiful city.

If you’re planning your first time in Lisbon and wondering what to do there or perhaps looking for some tips for the first time in Lisbon Portugal, you’ll hopefully find what you’re looking for below.

If you only have 2 days in Lisbon, check out this two day Lisbon itinerary!

How to get to Lisbon

When it comes to how to get to Lisbon, I spent a lot of time researching how to get from London to Lisbon via train as I’m keen to reduce my air miles and emissions. I found that though it is possible, it will take about 3 days which didn’t make sense for us on this trip.

Most visitors to Lisbon will end up flying to Lisbon International Airport like us. I’ve included some more details about how to get to Lisbon below.

Flights to Lisbon

If you’re planning to fly to Lisbon, chances are you’ll land at Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto de Lisboa).

For flights within Europe, TAP Portugal is Portugal’s main airline, and I found them to be great. Although I initially looked into Ryanair or EasyJet, TAP ended up being cheaper once I added baggage fees, and they also offered more reasonable flight times (no 5 am departures!).

If you’re travelling from further afield, it might be worth considering creative options when searching for flights.

For example, booking a flight to a major European airport like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or London and then looking for budget airline flights (such as Ryanair) to Lisbon from there could potentially save you some money.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Trains to Lisbon

If you’re coming from Spain, or other cities in Portugal like Porto to Lisbon or Faro to Lisbon you may arrive by train. When we left Lisbon we caught the train to Faro and it was easy, inexpensive and ran on time so I highly recommend it.

You can book your train tickets in Portugal online through Comboios de Portugal.

Buses to Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re looking to travel on a budget, buses are usually the cheapest option.

Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

How to get to Lisbon from the airport and how to get around Lisbon

If you’re looking to get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre, there are a few options to consider. These options are the same as for getting around Lisbon during your trip to the city too.

Metro from Lisbon airport to downtown Lisbon

The metro is a convenient and affordable option. You can take it directly from the airport to the city centre, and while you may need to change lines depending on your destination, the system is easy to navigate.

Bus from Lisbon airport to Lisbon city centre

Buses are also available from the airport, and they are priced the same as the metro. However, be aware that some buses have a luggage limit, so if you’re carrying larger bags, you’ll need to find another mode of transport.

Top tip: Purchase a VivaViagem card for just €0.50, and top it up during your stay in Lisbon. This card can be used on all forms of transportation in Lisbon and the surrounding areas, including trains to Cascais and Sintra, as well as the ferry to Almada across the Tagus River from Lisbon. It’s the easiest way to get around and saves you the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.

Taxi to downtown Lisbon from the airport

If you’re looking for a direct route to your accommodation, taking a taxi is a good option. The taxi rank is located right outside the airport exit, but be prepared for a queue, as there are only four taxi bays. However, the queue moves quickly, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. Alternatively, you can use Uber to get around the city.

Private transfer from the airport to Lisbon downtown

Alternatively, you can arrange for a private transfer from Lisbon airport to downtown Lisbon. With this option, someone will be there to greet you at arrivals (which is always nice), and will then drive you to your accommodation or wherever it is you’ve decided to go first.

This is a great option if you’re pushed for time, travelling with kids and don’t want to deal with taxis or public transport or want something a bit more luxurious.

Book your private transfer here.

Other ways of getting around Lisbon

TukTuks

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Lisbon, consider taking a ride in a tuk-tuk. These colourful vehicles can be seen cruising around the city, typically decorated with vibrant patterns and designs.

However, they are usually more expensive than other forms of public transport and are better suited for larger groups who can fill the entire tuk-tuk car.

Lisbon Trams

One of Lisbon’s most famous attractions is its iconic tram system, with Tram #28 being a popular choice for tourists as it passes by many of the city’s major sites.

However, it’s not all about Tram 28. There are numerous tram lines through the city that connect you to various other parts and other tram lines are just as fun to ride without being quite so busy.

Bike share and electric scooters in Lisbon

Lisbon has several companies offering bike sharing and scooter rentals including Bolt. There are a few rules and regulations about where you can and can’t ride or park them (including not leaving them in a lot of downtown Lisbon), but they’re a good way to get between Belem and central Lisbon and to ride up and down the picturesque waterfront in Belem too.

Pick a company, get their app and you’re ready to ride.

Tips for visiting Lisbon

• Visas: Citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, and Australia do not need visas if they’re staying for under 90 days in Portugal. Starting 2024, you may need to apply for an ETIAS visa online before your travel. Check your nationality’s entry requirements before your visit. Portugal is part of the Schengen zone so make sure you have not spent over 90 days out of 180 in Schengen countries before your trip and that you won’t exceed this while in Portugal.
• Language: Portuguese is the most widely spoken language in Lisbon, but English is also common, and we were able to get by without knowing much Portuguese.
• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro for all transactions as it is part of the EU.
• Safety: Lisbon is a safe city, but pickpocketing is common, especially on public transportation and popular attractions.
• Cash: It is advisable to bring cash as many places do not accept card payments. Alternatively, a card like Wise that allows cheap withdrawals from ATMs can be used.
• Footwear: Lisbon is hilly, so bring good walking shoes with a good grip as the pavements’ cobblestones can be slippery.

21 ideas for what to do during your first trip to Lisbon

What to do in Lisbon map

Spend a day in Belem

Belem is one of the top places to visit in Lisbon.

It’s a beautiful neighbourhood a bit outside of downtown Lisbon that’s home to many historical sights and impressive architecture.

It’s well known for being the location of the Belem Tower, the Jeróonimos Monastery and plenty of other museums. It’s also got a beautiful waterfront, nice parks and some great restaurants too.

I would recommend spending one of your days in Lisbon in Belem, or at least a full afternoon/evening.

LX Factory

LX Factory is worth visiting for a mix of cool bookstores, restaurants, and shops with local produce, art and more. I liked this area of Belem and it felt like a mix between Granville Island in Vancouver and the Distillery District in Toronto.

Belem Tower

As one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belem Tower is an absolute must-see for everyone visiting Lisbon for the first time and it’s Lisbon’s architecture like this that many people visit the city for.

Built as a fortification against threats and attacks, this tower replaced a ship that was parked in the middle of the Tagus River with a more permanent structure.

While you can get tickets to go inside the Belem Tower it’s not something we ended up doing. It’s very busy during the day and we’d heard that you basically just queue the whole way around it.

You can see the tower pretty well from the outside and if you want to see the front of it, I recommend booking a sailing tour on the Tagus River (this is the one we did) which gives you great views of this and Padrão dos Descobrimentos from the water and seemed way more worthwhile.

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5.30 pm (closed Mondays)
• Tickets: Buy online tickets here

MAAT Museum

If you’re interested in contemporary art and design, the MAAT Museum is one of the top Lisbon attractions.

The MAAT has a unique and innovative design, with an undulating rooftop terrace that provides stunning views of the river and surrounding area.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of exhibitions and installations from Portugal and elsewhere making it a great place to spend a few hours.

• Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €9 per adult.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos (The Monument of Discoveries)

This monument is a testament to Portugal’s proud history of exploration and discovery during the Age of Discovery. Though clearly, this comes with some sad but important history too.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos showcases 33 prominent figures from the period, including Henry the Navigator standing front and centre.

You can get a ticket to enter the statue where you’ll ride an elevator to the top for amazing views of Belem, the river and Lisbon itself.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €10, buy online here

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning example of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and an impressive feat of architecture.

This monastery was commissioned in 1496 during Portugal’s Age of Discovery and took over 100 years to build! The monastery survived the infamous 1755 earthquake which saw much of the city left in ruins and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
• Tickets: €10, buy online here

Eat many Pasteis de Nata

Pasteis de Nata (pastel de nata if you’re just talking about one), are the delicious tarts you’ll see in pretty much every cafe and bakery across Portugal.

Pasteis de Nata are made from a crispy, flaky pastry shell filled with creamy egg custard and they’re best eaten slightly warm still with a dusting of cinnamon and icing sugar on top.

During your trip to Lisbon, you should basically make it your mission to eat as many as possible.

Many cafes and shops will claim to have the best ones and out of the many, many I tried during my two weeks in Lisbon, I decided that those from Pasteis de Belem, followed by Manteigaria are the best.

Visit the Time Out Market

Time Out Market in Lisbon is a top place to visit in Lisbon if you’re keen to try some different food during your trip to Lisbon.

This historic market, Mercado da Ribeira, across from Cais do Sodré train station, was transformed into a food hall by Time Out Group in 2014.

There are over 40 different stalls serving different types of food including Portuguese cuisine and international ones with Portuguese twists. You’ll find savoury dishes, meats, vegetarian, Asian food, deserts and more.

Lunchtime is often a more enjoyable, less busy experience than dinner time and the stalls are open for lunch so I’d recommend visiting then.

There’s also a market part where you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses and meat and fish if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen and want to cook something tasty yourself.

Take a walking tour of Lisbon

Before we moved to Canada, when we used to do Europe city trips every month or so, we didn’t really do many walking tours.

During this trip to Lisbon, we did a couple of walking tours and I think I’m a bit of a convert, it was good to learn a bit more about the city we were visiting and its history.

If anyone would like to quiz me about the Lisbon earthquake and Marquês de Pombal I feel well-equipped to answer!

The two walking tours we took were both free. One 3-hour walking tour through Chillout Lisbon where you just tip at the end of the tour as your payment and another where we downloaded a free Rick Steves audio guide as my friend did in Rome and it guides you through the city

The two tours were great since they focused on slightly different things. The first was more about the locals and the second more about the historic sights that many people (myself included) want to see on their first time in Lisbon.

There are also numerous tours in Lisbon that focus on particular parts of the city if you want to get to know about it in more detail, or include food and drink too.

• Best of Lisbon guided walking tour: 5/5 stars (2000+ reviews!)
• Best of Lisbon Walking Tour: Rossio, Chiado & Alfama: 4.7/5 star reviews
• Lisbon food & wine walking tour: 4.8/5 star reviews

Ride the Santa Justa lift

The Elevador de Santa Justa is a striking lift that was built in the early 1900s to connect the neighbourhoods of Baixa and Bairro Alto (low-down and high-town).

Although it still serves as a connection between the two neighbourhoods, it has also become one of the most photographed attractions in Lisbon and one of the best things to do in Lisbon, drawing long lines at all hours of the day.

There is a way to avoid the queues though and still get amazing views that you get from the top of the elevator.

Head to Largo di Carmo, and look for a small street to the right that goes alongside the church.

Follow this street and you’ll come out to a viewpoint of the famous Santa Justa Lift! From here, you can walk out onto the viewpoint and enjoy the same views for nothing.

• Opening hours: Daily, 7 am – 10:45 pm
• Tickets: €2, in person

Check out the Miradouros around Lisbon (Lisbon viewpoints)

As a city of 7 hills, Lisbon has loads of incredible viewpoints where you can see the city below you, across from you and out over the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean.

These viewpoints are known as miraduoros and there are so many of them.

Some, however, have become more popular with others and are regarded to have the best views. These include:

• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
• Miradouro de Graça
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro Jardim do Torel
• and Miradouro de Santo Estêvão

There are plenty more you can find across the city, just by typing in ‘miradouro’ into Google Maps.

You should bear in mind that these do get super busy at sunset and so they’re not always a nice peaceful place to enjoy the views over Lisbon. In addition, many of them nowadays have some sort of restaurant, cafe or kiosk at the top where you can buy drinks and/or snacks.

There are also loads of great rooftop bars in Lisbon including Park (which we felt was a bit snooty and full of people just trying to get their latest Instagram photo but it’s quite cool since you go up through a car park which makes it feel secret), and Lumi Rooftop.

Eat delicious Portuguese food

During your first time in Lisbon, make sure to indulge in the local cuisine!

Portugal is famous for its seafood, and Lisbon’s seafood offerings don’t disappoint.

From tinned seafood including sardines, tuna and mackerel, to cod which comes in multiple forms, including cod cakes, salted cod, and grilled cod, there’s plenty to choose from.

Fresh, grilled sardines are another seafood speciality, and you’ll find them on almost every restaurant menu in Lisbon. The Feast of St. Anthony is a massive sardine festival that takes place annually in Lisbon.

However, sardines are best in July and August when they can be caught fresh, there’s a ban on fishing sardines at certain times of the year to help maintain their numbers in the wild so over winter you’ll likely just be eating those that have already been frozen from previous years.

Grilled octopus is another must eat dish during your trip to Lisbon and you can get it in salad too if you’re not quite up for it.

If you’re not a seafood lover, Lisbon also offers a variety of meat options. Fire-grilled chorizo and meat sandwiches like prego (beef) and bifana (pork) are popular choices.

Of course, there’s also the Pastéis de Nata mentioned above and, when it comes to drinks be sure to try Vinho Verde (green wine that’s like a less acidic white wine), and Ginjinha a type of cherry liqueur that you can find through Lisbon. My favourite was Ginjinha do Carmo where you can get it in a chocolate cup!

Or take a Lisbon food tour

If figuring out where and what to eat is too much of a chore (I don’t blame you there are so many restaurants and places to eat in Lisbon), then you can book a food tour where a guide will take you to places across the city to try different types of food, while imparting their knowledge about the dishes and the city.

Food tours are always a fun way to learn more about the place you’re visiting if you’re like me and like exploring through your stomach!

Some of the best Lisbon food tours include:

• Lisbon food tour with 17 tastings: 5/5 star reviews
• Small group food & wine tour in Lisbon 4.5/5 star reviews

Wander through the pretty streets of Alfama

Wandering through the pretty, winding and narrow streets of Alfama was one of my favourite things to do in Lisbon when I visited Lisbon for the first time.

This historic neighbourhood is one of the oldest in the city and is a joy to explore with its maze of narrow cobbled streets, colourful houses adorned with laundry lines, and traditional Fado music streaming out of doorways.

Be sure to take your time and soak in the atmosphere of this charming neighbourhood, enjoying the little street-side stores, the smell of citrus fruits and the colourful buildings.

Take a break at one of the many cafes or restaurants, sample some of the local delicacies, and watch the locals go about their day.

Castelo de Sao Jorge

St. George’s Castle is one of the best things to do in Lisbon and one of the top Lisbon attractions.

The castle sits on the tallest hill overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Lisbon and it’s a great spot to visit at sunset.

The original castle dates back to the 6th century and has undergone many changes and renovations due to earthquakes and other natural disasters over the years. The castle that you see today is a 20th-century restoration of the original.

Castelo de Sao Jorge is a great place to learn about the history of Lisbon and Portugal, and there’s a small museum on the castle grounds to visit too.

One thing to bear in mind is that the castle does get very busy and so you should purchase tickets in advance.

• Opening hours: Daily, 9 am – 9 pm
• Tickets: €15, buy online here

Pink Street and Blue Street

Lisbon is famous for its vibrant streets, and two of the most popular streets to explore are Pink Street and Blue Street.

Pink Street, in particular, has become an Instagram sensation and a popular destination for tourists; partly because it’s pink and partly because it has umbrellas hanging above you as you walk.

Pink Street is lined with cafes and bars and is a popular spot for a night out in the city.

If you want to take pictures without any crowds, visit Pink Street early in the morning (when the clean-up from the night before is still going strong).

Blue Street, while less popular than Pink Street, is home to many great Lisbon restaurants and the blue colour is said to be a nod to the city’s naval history. It’s not quite an attraction like Pink Street, but chances are you’ll walk down it while enjoying your trip to Lisbon since it’s nearby some of the top attractions.

Visit some of Lisbon’s famous squares

Lisbon is home to many beautiful and historic squares that are must-visit destinations for anyone exploring the city.

One of the most famous of these is Praça do Comércio, also known as Commerce Square. Situated on the banks of the Tagus River, it is surrounded by elegant yellow buildings and a triumphal arch as well as a large statue of the King and Marquis of Pombal. It’s a great place to admire the view and take a leisurely stroll.

Rossio Square, also known as Pedro IV Square, is located in the heart of the city and is another popular destination. Surrounded by 18th-century buildings, it has a beautiful fountain at its centre. There’s also Praça da Figueira, or Fig Tree Square, nearby where you can find souvenirs or fresh produce at the outdoor market. It’s also home to the historic Confeitaria Nacional, one of the oldest pastry shops in Lisbon.

Largo do Carmo is a small but charming square located in the Chiado neighbourhood. It’s known for the ruins of the Carmo Convent, which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Today, the ruins are a popular spot for photos and serve as a reminder of the earthquake’s impact on the city.

Another square worth visiting is Praça Luís de Camões, located in the trendy Chiado district. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, outdoor cafes, and street performers. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a great place to take in the local culture and soak up the atmosphere.

Whether you’re interested in history, or architecture, or just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, these squares offer something for everyone and are not to be missed on a trip to Lisbon.

Ride Tram 28 Lisbon

Tram 28 is undoubtedly the most popular tram line in Lisbon, passing through all the popular neighbourhoods and major attractions, including super cute tiled houses.

However, if you’re not a fan of trams, you can always follow the same route on foot and explore the beautiful neighbourhoods of Alfama, Baixa, Graca, and Estrela.

It’s important to remember that these trams are actually used by locals for day-to-day public transport.

The popularity of Tram 28 has caused major headaches for locals who rely on this tram to get around. It’s not uncommon to see a queue of tourists stretching several hundred meters long at the start of the tram line, making it nearly impossible for locals to make use of them.

To help this situation, it’s best to avoid travelling during rush hour when locals are trying to get to and from work.

I got lucky one morning when I rode Tram 28 as a packed tram had just left and I noticed another one immediately behind it. I jumped on the second tram and it was practically empty which meant I could enjoy my ride looking out the windows on both sides, without feeling squashed.

Visit Casais

Cascais is about a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon and is well worth visiting during your trip to the city.

A popular beach town, Cascais is relaxing, and has many beautiful beaches to explore and a gorgeous coastline.

A trip to Cascais is a great day trip from Lisbon and there are many things to do in Cascais including viewing Boca do Inferno, wandering the Oold town, relaxing on the beach, and visiting some of the museums.

Take a day trip to Sintra

Another great day trip from Lisbon (and a popular one at that), is visiting Sintra National Park in Portugal.

About 45 minutes away from Lisbon by train, Sintra is home to beautiful and historical buildings, hikes and is close to the amazing Atlantic coastline and the ‘most westerly point in Europe’!

Sintra National Park has become famous for the beautiful Pena Palace, a huge yellow and red palace located on the top of a forested hillside, but there are many other things to see in Sintra.

We took a day trip to Sintra and hired e-bikes so we could whiz around Sintra, its attractions and out to the coast. It was a great way to explore without knackering ourselves out by walking or having to queue and wait for the buses.

Check out my other top tips for visiting Sintra for an enjoyable visit!

Learn how to surf near Lisbon

One of the things I was keen to do during our trip to Lisbon was to try surfing. I’ve tried it several times before but never really managed to stand up.

We headed to Carcavelos beach which is a beautiful long, sandy beach and took a 2-hour surf lesson where I actually managed to stand up several times thanks to our instructor.

It was a great way to spend a morning with a wetsuit and surfboard hire included and getting that rush of standing up on the board was worth all the times I felt like I was in a washing machine in the waves!

Where to stay in Lisbon

There are a lot of choices when it comes to Lisbon hotels but they can get expensive if you’re staying for longer than a few nights, or in peak tourist season (summer).

Since we stayed in Lisbon for two weeks, we ended up staying outside of Lisbon in Oeiras (about 20 minutes by train). This worked well for us as we could work during the day and the Lisbon Airbnb had lots of outdoor space. We actually really enjoyed being a bit further out of the city and right by the beach.

However, if you’re visiting for a long weekend, it’s best to stay in the city centre. so you’re not far from the top things to see and do in Lisbon. I’ve picked out places I would stay if I was going back to Lisbon for a long weekend trip.

• Home Lisbon Hostel: Stay at Home Lisbon Hostel and enjoy the perfect location in Lisbon’s historic centre, comfortable rooms with balconies, and the incredibly famous Mamma’s Dinners, which are the best meals you will have in Lisbon for the price. With friendly staff and plenty of activities, you’ll feel at home and want to come back time and time again.
• Lux Lisboa Park: Lux Lisboa Park is a 4-star hotel just a 10-minute walk from the iconic Marques de Pombal Square. With an outdoor heated pool, and hot tub as well as an on-site bar, meeting facilities, and terrace you’re perfectly placed for a relaxing stay in Lisbon.
• Lisboa Carmo Hotel: Stay in luxury rooms with classic and contemporary décor at Lisboa Carmo Hotel, located in central Lisbon just minutes from the popular Bairro Alto district with Tagus River views, contemporary-style dining, and a variety of beverages and wines at the bar.
• Look Living, Lisbon Design Apartments: Look Living, Lisbon Design Apartments offers stylish accommodations with fully equipped kitchenettes. Explore popular attractions like Commerce Square and Rossio, with on-site bicycle and car rental services available.

What to pack for Lisbon

When it comes to what to pack for Lisbon, this list has the essentials you should remember.

Accessories:

• Sunglasses: Goodr are my go-toalfam
• Crossbody bag or backpack for carrying essentials during the day. I love my Patagonia hip bag, or this Lululemon one.

Final thoughts on things to do in Lisbon – the first time in Lisbon

I loved my first time in Lisbon and had such a great time exploring the city. From wandering through the old town to exploring Belem and taking a sailing tour on the Tagus River it was fun to explore something so different in terms of architecture and history to what I’m used to.

I also loved working my way through the best Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon and trying Portuguese food as well as our day trips from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais.

Above you found some tips for visiting Lisbon Portugal as well as the top things to do in Lisbon that should help you plan your trip.

FAQs about visiting Lisbon for the first time

Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by Hannah