Lisbon is a city with a strong cultural identity and rich historical background. Known for its architectural landmarks, traditional cuisine, and unique neighborhoods, it offers many experiences for visitors. From UNESCO-listed sites and museums to local markets and public spaces, the city provides opportunities to explore its heritage and daily life. This guide outlines best things to do in Lisbon, including cultural attractions, local food, shopping areas, and notable places across the city.

What to Do in Lisbon?

Visit Cultural & Historic Places

1. Castelo de São Jorge

Type: Historic Castle
Location: Alfama
This medieval fortress sits on one of Lisbon’s highest hills and dates back to the Moorish period. It later became a royal palace after the Christian reconquest in 1147.
Why visit: For panoramic city views, archaeological ruins, and historical context of Lisbon’s early development.

2. Torre de Belém

Type: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location: Belém
Built in the early 1500s, this tower served as part of Lisbon’s river defense system during the Age of Discoveries.
Why visit: A key symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage, featuring Manueline-style architecture and historical exhibitions.

3. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Type: Monastery, UNESCO Site
Location: Belém
Commissioned to honor Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, the monastery is one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture.
Why visit: To explore one of Portugal’s most significant religious and architectural sites.

4. Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

Type: Roman Catholic Cathedral
Location: Alfama
Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived earthquakes and various renovations. It blends Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Why visit: It is the oldest church in Lisbon and an important symbol of the city’s Christian heritage.

5. Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço)

Type: Public Square
Location: Baixa
Once the location of the Royal Palace, this large square faces the Tagus River and serves as a historic and commercial hub.
Why visit: For its grand architecture, open space, and central location in Lisbon’s downtown.

6. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Type: Art Museum
Location: Avenidas Novas
This museum houses an exceptional private collection of ancient and modern art, including works from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Why visit: One of Europe’s most respected museums for art lovers and cultural travelers.

7. National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

Type: Decorative Arts Museum
Location: Xabregas
The museum traces the history of Portuguese ceramic tiles from the 15th century to the present day.
Why visit: A unique collection showcasing the artistry and cultural significance of azulejos.

8. Museu Arqueológico do Carmo

Type: Archaeological Museum
Location: Chiado
Housed in the ruins of a Gothic convent destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, this museum presents objects from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
Why visit: A rare opportunity to walk through open-roofed ruins and explore Lisbon’s deep archaeological roots.

9. Museu Nacional dos Coches

Type: Carriage Museum
Location: Belém
This museum displays one of the largest and most valuable collections of royal carriages in the world.
Why visit: To learn about Portuguese royal ceremonies and transportation from past centuries.

Explore Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon

Where to stay in Lisbon depends on your preferences. Each neighborhood offers a unique experience. This table compares five popular areas by their highlights and atmosphere.

Taste Local Food

Lisbon’s food reflects its history and location by the sea. From seafood places to small local restaurants, there are many ways to try traditional Portuguese dishes. Here are three popular spots to explore local flavors.

Cervejaria Ramiro

Type: Seafood restaurant
Location: Intendente
One of Lisbon’s most famous seafood spots, known for serving high-quality shellfish in a casual setting.
What to try: Garlic clams (ameijoas à Bulhão Pato), grilled tiger prawns, and prego (steak sandwich) as a classic dessert-course tradition.
Why visit: Great place to experience Portuguese seafood culture with fast service and consistent quality.

Zé da Mouraria

Type: Traditional Portuguese tavern
Location: Mouraria / Alfama border
A popular local eatery serving generous portions of hearty dishes, with a rotating daily menu and a loyal local crowd.
What to try: Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with potato and egg), grilled pork, and octopus rice.
Why visit: One of the best places to taste authentic home-style food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Alfama Cellar

Type: Neighborhood restaurant
Location: Alfama
A small, cozy restaurant offering local recipes in a traditional setting, often with a fado soundtrack in the background.
What to try: Polvo à Lagareiro (roasted octopus), sardines, and local wine.
Why visit: A charming spot to enjoy regional dishes in Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood.

Go Shopping

Lisbon offers a mix of traditional markets, designer streets, and modern malls. Here are some of the city’s main shopping destinations:

Avenida da Liberdade

Type: Luxury shopping avenue
Location: City center
Highlight: High-end international brands and elegant atmosphere in a central location.

LxFactory

Type: Creative shopping district
Location: Alcântara
Highlight: Independent shops, bookstores, design studios, and cafes in a former industrial complex.

Chiado

Type: Historic shopping area
Location: Between Baixa and Bairro Alto
Highlight: A blend of traditional stores, international fashion, and Lisbon’s literary heritage.

Centro Vasco da Gama

Type: Shopping mall
Location: Parque das Nações
Highlight: Modern shopping in a riverside setting with restaurants and a cinema.

Centro Colombo

Type: Mega shopping center
Location: Near Benfica
Highlight: Over 300 shops, food courts, and entertainment options under one roof.

Visit Parks and Attractions

Lisbon has a variety of green spaces and public attractions that offer both nature and leisure. These two parks are among the most popular:

Parque Eduardo VII

Type: Urban park
Location: North end of Avenida da Liberdade
Highlight: Formal gardens, panoramic views, and space for relaxing near the city center.

Monsanto Forest Park

Type: Urban forest
Location: Western Lisbon
Highlight: The city’s largest green area, ideal for hiking, biking, and nature escapes.

Experience Lisbon's Nightlife

Lisbon's nightlife is diverse, ranging from traditional fado to late-night bars and riverside clubs. These are some of the city’s most well-known spots:

Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho)

Type: Nightlife hotspot
Location: Cais do Sodré
Highlight: Bars and clubs in a colorful, pedestrian street popular for casual night outs.

Bairro Alto at Night

Type: Social nightlife district
Location: Bairro Alto
Highlight: Many small bars, live music, and people gathering outside every night.

Travel Tips for Lisbon

How Many Days Do You Need in Lisbon?

For most visitors, 3 full days is a good amount of time to explore Lisbon’s main sights at a comfortable pace. This allows you to visit key cultural and historical landmarks, explore a few neighborhoods, enjoy local food, and take some time to relax in parks or by the river. If you plan to take a day trip to places like Sintra or Cascais, consider adding 1–2 extra days to your stay.

Tips for Getting Around Lisbon

Lisbon has a good public transport system and a compact layout, but the hills and narrow streets can make getting around a bit challenging. Here are the main ways to move through the city efficiently:

• Tram 28: Passes through historic areas like Alfama and Bairro Alto.

• Metro: Fast and simple, with 4 lines and access to the airport.

• Buses and trams: Run by Carris, useful for reaching Belém and the riverfront.

• Viva Viagem card: Rechargeable card (€0.50) for all public transport.

• Taxis and apps: Bolt and Uber are affordable and widely available.

• Funiculars and lifts: Santa Justa, Glória, and Bica help with steep areas.

Lisbon Tourism: Key Statistics

Lisbon is one of the most visited cities in Portugal. Tourism has grown steadily in recent years, supported by strong international demand and improved air connections.

• 6.4 million international tourists visited the Lisbon region in 2023. This group made up 71% of all visitors and contributed to a tourism revenue of around €17.4 billion. [1]

• Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado) served 33.65 million passengers in 2023, making it the busiest airport in Portugal and one of the most active in southern Europe. [2]

Stay Connected with a Global eSIM

If you're planning a trip to Lisbon and need reliable internet access, a Travel eSIM like Roamless offers a simple and cost-effective solution. It helps you avoid expensive roaming charges and the need to purchase a local SIM card.

• Multi-Country Support: Explore Lisbon and continue your journey across Europe without changing SIM cards.

• Device Compatibility: Supports a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to keep all your devices connected.

• Instant Activation: Set up your eSIM before departure and get online as soon as you arrive in Lisbon.

• Flexible Data Options: Choose a plan that suits the length and style of your trip.

• No Physical SIM Needed: Everything is managed digitally no SIM swapping required.

To learn more about how eSIMs work in Lisbon, check out our pages on eSIM Lisbon, eSIM Portugal, best eSIM for Portugal and roaming charges in Portugal. These include practical tips to help you choose the right plan for your trip.

Lisbon provides travelers with plenty of ways to experience its history, culture, and daily life. With historic places, welcoming neighborhoods, local food, and plenty of shopping and nightlife options, there’s always something to do. Plan your visit around these suggestions to get the most out of your time in Lisbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon safe to visit at night?

Yes, Lisbon is considered one of the safer capitals in Europe. Visitors should remain aware and guard against pickpockets in crowded areas like trams or landmarks, but nighttime tourism is generally safe.

Do locals speak English in Lisbon?

Most people working in tourism, hotels, restaurants, and public transport speak English. Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases is appreciated, but English is generally sufficient for daily travel needs.

What local dishes should I try in Lisbon?

Lisbon is famous for seafood and cod (bacalhau) dishes. Popular choices include Bacalhau à Brás (cod with potatoes and eggs), grilled sardines, pastel de nata (custard tart), and grilled seafood dishes.

For more details on when to visit Portugal, you can also check out our article on the best time to visit Portugal.

Sources:

[1] Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE). (2024). Tourism Statistics 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?PUBLICACOESmodo=2&PUBLICACOESpub_boui=675610021

[2] ANA Aeroportos de Portugal. (2025). Lisbon Airport Passenger Traffic 2023. Retrieved from https://www.lisbon-airport.com/en/lis/home