18 fun things to do in downtown Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal is a beautiful city that is full of beautiful architecture, has a rich history and some great food.

As part of our year of travel where we’re figuring out where to live full-time, I recently spent two weeks in Lisbon and had the pleasure of exploring the city’s downtown area. I spent several days admiring the beautiful buildings, learning about the city’s fascinating history, and seeking out the best viewpoints of the city.

Downtown Lisbon, also known as Baixa, is the heart of the city and the perfect place to start your exploration. The area is home to many iconic landmarks, including Rossio Square, Lisbon Cathedral, and the famous Elevador da Bica.

One of my favourite experiences in downtown Lisbon was strolling through the charming neighbourhoods of Chiado and Bairro Alto. These areas are filled with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and squares. I spent many afternoons sipping coffee and people-watching from one of the many cafes in the area which is one of my favourite things to do on European city breaks.

Below, I’m sharing some of the best things to see and do in downtown Lisbon, including the city’s must-see landmarks.

Wondering why you should visit Lisbon? These fun things to do in downtown Lisbon might help answer that question.

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 Omio.

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.

Top things to see in downtown Lisbon

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, exploring the city’s downtown area (or Lisbon city center) is a must. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions to add to your itinerary.

For more things to do in Lisbon and nearby, check out this guide for your first time in Lisbon.

Map of things to do in downtown Lisbon

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 and take you to the best places in Lisbon.

• 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

Praça Luís de Camões

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.

I highly recommend popping into Livraria Sá da Costa which is a bookstore full to the brim with second-hand books, old photos, old tiles and more. It’s not exactly typically Portuguese or anything, but we had a great time walking through here and seeing what we could find.

Another worthwhile stop here is A Brasileira, a cafe with both outdoor seating and a beautiful art deco interior. If you need a coffee, this is a great place to grab one while watching the buskers in the square and doing some people-watching.

There’s also O Trevo which has soared in popularity since featuring in Anthony Bourdain’s show on Lisbon. Here you can try a bifana (pork sandwich) and wash it down with a beer. The service isn’t particularly great, but the sandwich is a must-try for cheap, authentic local eats.

Largo do Carmo

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.

There are a few kiosks in the square where you can get a drink, or watch the changing of the guards.

You can also go inside the ruins of Carmo Convent though it’s also impressive viewed from the outside.

Check out Lisbon’s Miradouros (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 miradouoros 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.

Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Sé de Lisboa, is one of the top attractions in downtown Lisbon, and for good reason.

This magnificent cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has undergone several renovations over the years, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque.

The cathedral is in the centre of Lisbon’s historic district and is one of the oldest and most significant religious buildings in the city. It managed to survive the devastating earthquake of 1755, which destroyed much of Lisbon and today you can view its stunning façade and beautiful stained-glass windows

The interior of the cathedral has high vaulted ceilings, ornate altars, and numerous chapels. The treasury is also worth a visit and it’s home to religious artefacts, including silverware and relics.

At the back of the cathedral is a small garden and archaeological museum which is a nice peaceful place in the centre of Lisbon.

• Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 930 am – 7 pm, Wednesday & Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, closed on Sundays
• Tickets: €5, Buy in advance here

Rossio Square Lisbon

Rossio Square, also known as Pedro IV Square, is another of the top downtown Lisbon attractions.

The historic square is surrounded by 18th-century buildings and features an exquisite fountain at its centre.

The square has always been a focal point for travellers entering or departing the city and the same can be said today too.

At Rossio Square, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, including the beautiful art-deco Cafe Nicola there’s also Rossio train station which has a beautiful entranceway with Portuguese tiles, small statues and interestingly shaped doorways. This is where I caught the train from Lisbon to Sintra.

Praca dos Restauradores

At the southern end of Avenida da Liberdade is Praca dos Restauradores, which pays tribute to the Restoration of Portugal’s independence from Spain in the 17th century. The square has a 30-metre-tall white obelisk monument, commemorating this significant event in Portugal’s history.

Praca dos Restauradores is a bustling square with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the pavement, often featuring live entertainment in the evenings.

Praça do Comércio

One of the most famous squares in Lisbon 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.

This impressive square has played a vital role in Portugal’s political, social, and economic life since the 18th century. It was once the largest public square in Europe and served as the arrival point for Kings and Heads of State when visiting Portugal in the past.

Over time, it has witnessed Lisbon’s evolution, including the transition from monarchy to republic, and has been a witness to countless historical events.

The square is bordered by magnificent buildings with stunning facades and is super close to the waterfront which makes for a nice place to relax.

Arco da Rua Augusta

From Praça do Comércio as you head to stroll down Rua Augusta, you’ll immediately notice the mosaic pattern in the pavements as well as the hue arch which perfectly frames the statue at the centre of the square.

Built-in 1875 to commemorate Lisbon’s reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake, fires, and tsunami, this arch stands as a symbol of resilience, strength, and renewal for the city.

With a Neo-Classical design and six statues representing Glory, Valour, Learning, Generosity, Concord, and Justice, the arch rises 45 meters tall.

If you like, you can head to the top of the arch where you’ll get some super impressive views of Lisbon.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €3.50, buy in advance here

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.

Santa Justa Elevador

The Elevador de Santa Justa is a striking lift that was built in the early 1900s to connect the Baixa district Lisbon 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 for the Santa Justa elevator: €2, in person

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.

Praca da Figueira

At Praca da Figueira, one of the oldest and most significant squares in the city centre, you’ll come across a range of buildings including hotels, shops and cafes.

On the last weekend of the month, you can get wander the market that takes place at the centre of the square.

There’s also Confeitaria Nacional, one of the city’s oldest pastry shops with an impressive interior. This shop opened in 1829 and is well worth visiting to buy some local sweet treats.

Elevador da Bica

During your visit to downtown Lisbon, or Lisbon city centre, riding the Elevador da Bica or walking up alongside it is an absolute must. This iconic tram has been operating for centuries and gives you the chance to save your legs from one of Lisbon’s (many) hilly streets and ride a tram up to the top.

Alternatively, walking up alongside the Elevador da Bica is a fantastic way to explore the city on foot and take in the charming neighbourhood that surrounds it. The winding cobbled streets are lined with colourful buildings, small shops, and cafes, offering a glimpse into the daily life of locals in the area.

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.

Even if you only have 1 day in Lisbon, be sure to eat at least one Pastel de Nata!

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.

Pink and Blue streets

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.

Wander through Alfama Lisbon

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.

Check out Castelo de São 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. It’s a lovely place for sunset in Lisbon..

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

Where to stay in downtown Lisbon

If you’re visiting for a long weekend, as part of a European city break, 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.

Final thoughts on what to see in downtown Lisbon

Downtown Lisbon is one of the top places to visit during a trip to Lisbon. You’ll be able to explore the city’s history, culture and stunning architecture.

From the impressive Rossio Square to the iconic Elevador da Bica and the charming neighbourhoods of Chiado, bookstores, art galleries, cafes, and bars, you’re sure to enjoy wandering around this pretty city.

FAQs about what to see in downtown Lisbon

Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Hannah