15 of the Top Things To Do in Lisbon
Editor’s note: The Belém Tower is currently closed for renovations.
With its heady mix of pastel-colored architecture, cobbled streets, and Atlantic Ocean vistas, Lisbon is a city that is guaranteed to charm. With so much on offer, you’ll want to feel confident that the Lisbon tourist spots you’ve chosen to tick off are the very best of the bunch if you only have limited time in Portugal’s capital.
Enter: Our picks for 15 of the best things to do in Lisbon that will show you exactly why the city has enjoyed such a surge in popularity in recent years. But don’t just take our word for it—take the word of Viator travelers.
1. Wander the historic streets of Alfama
What?: Boasting the title of the city’s oldest district, Alfama is a stellar place to start Lisbon sightseeing. It’s best to wander past brightly colored buildings and terracotta-tinged roofs on a walking tour, so you can stop to snap pictures and learn more about the history-rich neighborhood from a guide.
When?: The weather in Lisbon is ideal for outdoor exploring in May when temperatures average 17°C (63°F).
What one reviewer said: “Sara is the best. Our kids also enjoyed the tour and got to know so much of Portugal's history. She brings a lot of energy to the walking tour, gives recommendations, and helps out with any questions that you may have.” Mahesh, January 2025
2. Catch a fado show
What?: Ask anyone what Portugal’s most famous cultural expression is and they’re likely to answer fado. This moving and melancholy musical performance combines classical guitar with resonant vocals and is best witnessed in a candle-lit Portuguese taverna over a traditional dinner.
When?: Watching fado is typically an evening activity, so save your show for the night—it’s the perfect way to end a busy day of sightseeing.
What one reviewer said: “Dinner and the restaurant were lovely. The fado singers were so soulful and wonderful! We had a fabulous time, quite a unique experience!” Donald, November 2024
3. Take a tuk-tuk tour
What?: Lisbon’s nickname is the City of Seven Hills; even when attractions might look close together on a map, you’re likely to break a sweat getting between them on foot. A tuk-tuk tour is an excellent way to zip between sights without spending hours slogging up hills.
When?: Book a tuk-tuk tour when you first arrive, as your guide can give you plenty of tips and tricks to enhance your time in Portugal’s capital. Plus, it’ll help you get your bearings.
What one reviewer said: “Love it and loved our guide Paulo; he was amazing. We highly recommend this tour. The little tuk-tuks are small and get in and out easily to spots ... that buses cannot get into.” Penny, March 2025
4. Feast on Portuguese favorites on a food tour
What?: Lisbon locals love their food, and with so many great places to dine, it’s easy to see why. Be sure to add a food and wine tour to your Lisbon itinerary, to feast on flaming chorizo, Portuguese cheese, juicy bifana sandwiches, and—of course—custard tarts.
When?: You’ll enjoy ample tastings on this food tour, so time it for lunch or dinner to save money on your afternoon or evening meal.
What one reviewer said: “Alexandra was an amazing guide—fun, outgoing, and always making sure we were enjoying ourselves. She kept track of everything, made sure we were well taken care of, and gave us great recommendations for places to eat and drink in Lisbon.” Peter, March 2025
5. Visit viewpoints on an electric bike tour
What?: With hills come views and Lisbon delivers lookout points by the bucketful. One of the best is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and electric bike tours make reaching the highest points in the capital a breeze, thanks to motors that let you save your energy for sightseeing.
When?: Even though Lisbon benefits from a cool Atlantic breeze, it’s still best to head out in the morning to avoid cycling in the midday sun.
What one reviewer said: “Great tour with an excellent bike guide, Peter. The bikes were in perfect condition and easy to handle on the cobblestones, even in the rain.” Beth, March 2025
6. Explore the historical highlights of Belém
What?: The attraction-packed neighborhood of Belém is just a short train ride from Lisbon and home to some of the capital’s biggest historical hits. Exploring the 16th-century Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) and Jerónimos Monastery (both UNESCO–listed) on a walking tour is a fabulous way to spend the afternoon.
When?: Thanks to its perch on the water, Belém looks particularly pretty at sunset. Climb to the top of Belém Tower for the best views.
What one reviewer said: “Great tour. The tour guide, Andriy, was fabulous. He is very knowledgeable. The whole thing was very informative and educational! Highly recommend it!” Ada, February 2025
7. See the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra
What?: The landscapes of Sintra are straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Turreted castles and candy-colored palaces sit among forested mountains that harbor grottoes and cobbled streets—it’s easy to see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering the highlights on a day trip is one of the best Lisbon activities.
When?: Sintra’s popularity continues to rise, so visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall for fewer crowds.
What one reviewer said: “Sintra is exceptional and was made even better by our guide, Alvaro! Alvaro is very knowledgeable about Sintra and all the sites we visited. Quinta da Regaleira is beautiful but Alvaro made it exceptional. Pena Palace is a must-do and views from Cabo da Roca are just stunning.” Jayesh, March 2025
8. Take a boat on the Tagus River
What?: As Lisbon’s main artery, the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) offers stunning views of the cityscape—and is the best place to escape the crowds that can clog the city’s narrow streets. Sipping wine as the sun goes down is sure to be the highlight of any vacation, so it’s no surprise that a sunset sailing cruise often tops lists of the best Lisbon activities.
When?: Boat tours are available day or night, so choose one that works best with your sightseeing schedule. Sunset cruises typically depart late afternoon to allow plenty of time on the water as the sun comes down.
What one reviewer said: “We had such a great time, we did it twice! My husband and I did it together and then the second time we booked a cruise when our daughter joined us. The captain and crew are very knowledgeable and fun. They always kept our wine glasses full!” Michelle, February 2025
9. Stroll around Commerce Square
What?: Flanked by several Lisbon landmarks, Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) is the ideal place to kick off any Lisbon sightseeing itinerary. Thanks to its yolk-yellow buildings and status as one of the country’s prettiest squares, it's the starting point for many a walking tour, too.
When?: Commerce Square is an all-hours destination, but it looks particularly impressive at night when it's illuminated.
What one reviewer said: “Katrina gave a great overview of the city. Although we had been in Lisbon before, we saw parts we had not walked before. I highly recommend this walking tour.” Lauri, February 2025
10. Dance the night away on a pub crawl
What?: The neighborhood of Bairro Alto is renowned for its nightlife and draws revelers from across the capital. Visit the famous Pink Street (Calle Rosa de Lisboa) on a bar crawl for the inside scoop on where to party Portugal-style.
When?: Lisbon locals tend to dine and drink a little later, so you'll find venues at their most atmospheric from 10pm.
What one reviewer said: "I had so much fun! Everything was very well organized and we went to great clubs with very good music. As a solo female traveler, I did not feel unsafe at all. I very much recommend it to anyone!" Linde, September 2024
11. Discover secret beaches in Arrabida National Park
What?: Just over an hour outside Lisbon, Arrábida Natural Park (Parque Natural da Arrábida) is a hidden gem and natural wonderland. Here, golden beaches are lapped by turquoise water and hiking trails are shaded by fragrant pine trees. A guided excursion here is the perfect way to reconnect with nature after time in Lisbon's bustle.
When?: The park is at its finest just after the winter rains, so visit during the shoulder season months of May and June for weather that's ideal for outdoor exploring.
What one reviewer said: “Great way to get out of Lisbon for a day into the countryside. The tour driver was fantastic and interesting. Saw beautiful scenery and tasted great wine. What else do you need?” Pat, March 2025
12. Go wine tasting in the Setúbal countryside
What?: Also conveniently located just an hour from Lisbon, the verdant Setubal District is renowned for its vineyards, castle-studded landscapes, and fine wine. A wine-tasting tour that lets you sit back and soak up the lush countryside is a great way to wind down after city sightseeing.
When?: Setubal looks lushest straight after the rainy spring months of March through May, so visit then to see it glow green.
What one reviewer said: “Unbelievable day for my 30th birthday! The best day I’ve ever had. Rodrigo was fantastic and made my birthday. His knowledge is second to none and a very funny guy, a credit to the company. We will book again. A massive thank you!” Laura, February 2025
12. Head north for sacred sites and record-breaking waves
What?: While Lisbon has enough sights to keep you occupied for days, plenty of fascinating attractions lie beyond the city limits. One of the most popular day trips from Lisbon combines the sacred Catholic pilgrimage site of Fátima with the fishing village of Nazaré, which holds the record for the world’s biggest waves.
When?: Nazaré’s shore puts on its most spectacular show from November through February when waves reach record-breaking heights and surfers flock here from all corners of the globe.
What one reviewer said: “We had a great trip. The guides were both very informative and pleasant to speak with. We had plenty of time at each stop to see the sights, take pictures, and eat.” James, March 2025
14. Make Lisbon's most famous sweet treats
What?: No self-respecting Lisbon travel guide would be complete without mentioning pastel de nata, a sweet treat that's a staple of Portugal's diet. Try your hand at making your own during a cooking class in a working bakery for the most authentic experience.
When?: This cooking class typically runs three times a day in the morning, mid-afternoon, and early evening.
What one reviewer said: “Amazing cooking class experience! This is a must since it’s in an operating bakery. The instructor was extremely patient and friendly!” Eddie, February 2025
15. Escape to the Algarve
What?: Lisbon might be most famous for its culture and history, but the Algarve is where Portugal’s coastal landscapes really shine. Plus, it’s easy to reach from the capital even if you only have a day, so opt for a private tour that lets you admire the golden beaches and shortbread-colored cliffs at your own pace.
When?: The Algarve sees crowds swell during the European summer holidays in July and August, so visit outside of these times for pleasant weather without peak accommodation prices.
What one reviewer said: “Our tour guide was Filipe ... He explained everything very well and took care of all of our needs. We learned a lot about Portugal from him. The town of Algarve was very beautiful and it was fun going to those caves on the boat ride.” Manju, October 2024
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