How To Beat the Crowds in Lisbon
Portugal’s capital is in high demand and, as such, it can be hard to get a glimpse of it without the crowds. Whether you’re squeezing through the narrow streets of Alfama, sandwiched inside a tram, or queuing up to see the landmarks in Belém, it can feel like there's no escaping the masses.
However, if you time your walks for early mornings, look for the hidden gems in quiet neighborhoods, or book yourself in for a tile-painting workshop (among other under-the-radar activities), you can definitely see a different side to the Portuguese capital. Below are a few tips on how to avoid the crowds in Lisbon and make the most of your trip.
1. Avoid Alfama in the middle of the day
Wander through Alfama before sunrise or after sunset for quieter streets.
As the city’s oldest district, Alfama is a crowd magnet. Visitors come here to capture historic sites such as Lisbon’s Cathedral and take in the views from picturesque lookouts including the tile-covered verandas of Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Given that, if there’s just one Lisbon early-morning tour you should take, it’s here. Come before 9am and enjoy meandering through the maze of streets with only a few people in sight. Or head out just before dinner, when people settle down for the fado shows.
2. Find alternative tram routes
Skip Lisbon’s popular tram lines or ride after hours.
Avoiding tourist crowds in Lisbon often means staying clear of the tram, especially the 28. Instead, you can pay a little more and enjoy a ride on the red tourist tram or follow the tracks on foot from Chiado all the way to Graça.
Alternatively, you can pick other tram lines such as the 12, 18, 24, or 25. Remember, these are part of the city’s public transport system, so be polite and stick to the queue. If the crowds bother you, try hopping in later in the evening after rush hour.
3. Cross the river for the views
Ferry over to the other side of the city for the best panorama of Lisbon.
Lisbon viewpoints let you take in the city from different angles, but these popular sightseeing spots can often be crowded, especially at sunset. Try looking for lesser-known lookouts such as Jardim do Torel, or skip them altogether and head toward the river instead.
You can take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, capturing the views along the way. Or even better, book a private boat tour with friends and enjoy the show with a drink in hand.
Related: 11 of the Best Views in Lisbon and Where To Find Them
4. Plan monument visits in advance
Leave Lisbon’s highlights for the weekdays if you want to skip the largest crowds.
If there are specific monuments you’d like to tick off, it’s best to see them during the week. Weekends can be pretty busy in Lisbon, as locals often take this opportunity for sightseeing too.
Landmarks such as the Jerónimos Monastery are among the first to fill up, so try getting there before noon or later in the day. Booking a guided tour also gives you a better chance of getting past the crowds. And if public transport is busy, there’s always the hop-on hop-off bus or a tuk-tuk ride.
5. Escape to the city’s parks and gardens
Find a quiet corner in Lisbon’s urban green spaces.
When you’re tired of sightseeing, you can always retreat to nature. Lisbon’s parks and gardens are scattered across the city. Some are close enough to the center, while others require a bit more of a trip.
A quick metro ride takes you to the Gulbenkian Gardens, home to two art museums, a lake, and a handful of cafés. Or you can venture toward the botanical gardens of Ajuda or the forested trails within Parque Florestal de Monsanto.
6. Get a personalized souvenir
Workshops and photo shoots are the perfect local experiences in Lisbon to avoid the crowds.
If you love the look of Lisbon’s tiles, you can create your own in a private art class. Or maybe you’d prefer to sketch a live model while sipping a glass of Portuguese wine? The choice is yours and the crowds are fewer. These kinds of activities only take a few hours, and you’ll leave with a special souvenir made with your own hands.
Alternatively, for another special Lisbon memento, book a photo shoot alone, with friends, or with your soulmate near Lisbon’s crowd-free attractions.
7. Make room for dining
Book a spot in advance or opt for takeout from a Lisbon eatery.
While it’s good to be spontaneous during your trip to Lisbon, when it comes to food, you’ll want to plan ahead. Popular restaurants can be busy from lunch to dinner, so book a table in advance if you can.
Alternatively, make the most of Lisbon’s takeaway spots or food courts, such as Time Out Market, which features stalls by renowned local chefs (although this is not such a hidden gem these days). And if you want an overview of Portuguese cuisine, joining a food tour or a cooking class could be worth considering too.
Related: Food in Lisbon: 9 Quintessentially Portuguese Dishes and Where To Eat Them
8. Explore beyond Lisbon’s downtown
Find quiet neighborhoods in Lisbon, such as Campo de Ourique and Marvila.
While it’s tempting to stick around the city center, especially when you’re looking at where to stay in Lisbon, that’s where most crowds gather. If you want to find the hidden gems in Lisbon, you’ll have to travel farther out.
Head west to Campo de Ourique, a quiet residential district where you’ll find a cozy food market and a cemetery with prime views of the Tagus River. Or make your way east toward Marvila, where warehouses have been converted into breweries, art galleries, and restaurants. This is also a favorite spot to discover street art in Lisbon.
Related: 10 of the Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon and How To Visit
9. Time your visit well
Pick your holidays wisely to experience Lisbon offseason travel.
The best time to visit Lisbon to avoid the crowds is in early spring or winter. Summer can be quite busy, especially in June when the city throws a big outdoor shindig in celebration of one of its patron saints, Santo António.
Surprisingly, August can be quieter, as that’s when most locals go away for holidays. However, that also means that some restaurants may be closed. Coming in winter may mean fewer days outside, but luckily there are plenty of indoor activities that you can enjoy on a rainy day in Lisbon.
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