Hidden Gems in Lisbon: How To Get Off the Beaten Path

While you’ll find plenty of Portugal’s iconic azulejos (tiles) scattered across Lisbon’s facades, many of them are hidden inside churches, convents, or palaces on the city’s outskirts. For example, the Convento dos Cardaes is one of the few buildings to have survived the 1755 earthquake and still houses rare 17th-century tiles. Known for its nightlife scene, Bairro Alto is also home to a Baroque convent hiding in plain sight among the many pubs. Other alternative Lisbon attractions for tile hunting include the Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, the Convento da Graça, and the National Palace of Queluz.

In a city full of hills, there are endless places to take in the sights. Beyond the regular viewpoints Lisbon is so famous for, there are a number of unofficial spots that offer a glimpse of the city’s skyline. An elevator whisks you to a pillar of the 25th of April Bridge, a funicular (cable car carriage) takes you up to Jardim do Torel, and if you don’t mind a few steps, there’s always a tower to climb, from Basílica da Estrela to the National Pantheon.

Related: 11 of the Best Views in Lisbon and Where To Find Them

Lisbon’s kiosks have been around for centuries, but these Art-Nouveau-style huts have had a revamp over the last decade. Once used as newsstands, they’re now working cafés with terraces, serving anything from pastéis de nata to toasts, burgers, and seafood. You’ll find them in squares such as Carmo Square, inside green spaces such as Edward VII Park, and even by the riverside. You can easily spend a whole day hopping between different neighborhoods and their kiosks.

Lisbon’s east side has been up-and-coming for a while. Old warehouses have converted into a series of breweries, art galleries, and restaurants. Musa and Dois Corvos were among the first to open their tap rooms here, followed by spots including Fermentage and Pravda. The Underdogs Gallery, overseen by renowned Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto (aka Vhils) helped redefine the city’s street art scene, while Hub Criativo do Beato aims to be the city’s new tech hub.

Insider tip: Dining at Palácio do Grilo is perhaps one of the most unique experiences in Lisbon, combining modern Portuguese cuisine with an immersive live theatre set.

The iconic Tram 28 glides past the triangle, where Rua de São Bento, Rua do Poço dos Negros and Rua Poiais de São Bento meet. Yet, this is one of the most underrated places in Lisbon. Step into Companhia Portugueza do Chá to buy a collection of tea infusions, sip on freshly brewed coffee at Buna, or have a glass of natural wine at Holy Wine.

Then, wander through the ateliers such as Kintu Studio, showcasing modern artisans living in Lisbon. Many Black-owned businesses are also based here, including Sofia’s Place, which serves African specialties such as Angolan moamba (chicken stew).

Related: Restaurateur Ana Sofia Lopes’ Guide to Black-Owned Lisbon

For hidden places to visit in Lisbon, venture underground. Just below the Baixa District are a series of Roman galleries dating back to the first century AD. These open only twice a year (usually in April and September), but there are other underground spaces open all year round. Reservatório Da Mãe D'água Das Amoreiras, an 18th-century complex, has become the site for an immersive light show, and the Reservatório da Patriarcal, which is often the stage for concerts featuring fado music (soulful Portuguese tunes). Even metro stations act as an art gallery network with contemporary tile panels scattered throughout.

Street art in Lisbon comes in various forms, from tiled panels to graffiti and sculptures made of repurposed trash. Vhils and Bordalo II are some of the most popular Portuguese artists in the scene, but you’ll also find international names like Shepard Fairey and Pixel Pancho in the mix. Neighborhoods such as Graça, Marvila, and Alcântara are full of colorful murals, and while you can explore many of these spots on your own, joining one of Lisbon’s street art tours can give better insight into the pieces and the artists’ creative processes.

A short bus or cab ride from the city center takes you to Parque Florestal de Monsanto, the biggest park in town. Not many people come this far, making it one of the most non-touristy things to do in Lisbon. Once there, there’s plenty to keep you busy, from sports courts to hiking trails, picnic grounds, and viewpoints where you can spot the 25th of April Bridge. You can even pass through the park on a running tour around the city if you have the energy.

It takes a little less than half an hour to traverse the Tagus River by boat, and the scenic trip is a great way to travel off the beaten path in Lisbon. There are several towns you can head to, but Cacilhas is probably the easiest to reach. Departing from the Cais do Sodré station, you’ll end up on the other side in about 15 minutes. Once there, walk along the waterfront, stopping for seafood at Ponto Final or Atira-te ao Rio, or join a food and wine tour for a variety of dishes paired with Portuguese wine.