Lisbon: The Best Things to Do

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is known for its dynamic lifestyle that appeals to all your senses. You’ll never run out of things to do here, whether you’re a night owl, an art lover or a true gourmet. So, follow me on my top things to do in and around the city.

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Lisbon in a few words

The dynamic capital and its European charm attract millions of tourists every year, and it’s not hard to see why once you’ve visited. History, architecture, beaches, the coastal city and its surroundings will enchant you. Colorful, lively and with plenty to do and/or see, here are my favorites if you’re on a budget!

1. Explore Alfama and walk along the Tagus river

This is Lisbon’s historic district, but also a tourist area. Souvenir stores, cafés, São Jorge Castle and the famous streetcar 28 are what you can expect if you visit the district. Nevertheless, it’s an interesting district, with its pretty cobbled streets and authentic fado music (Portugal’s symbolic, popular and melancholy song).

To escape the crowds of tourists, I recommend continuing your visit with a stroll along the Tagus river, where you can relax and admire the view.

Pro tip: get lost in the little streets around the Alfama to discover hidden gems and enjoy a little shade.

2. Take photos of the famous Tram 28

To be honest, you don’t need to look for the famous yellow tram, as you’ll see it practically everywhere you go. Just follow the tracks and you’ll come across the tram on the nearest street corner.

The tram, originally used to replace horse-drawn carriages in the early 20th century, is now a symbol of the capital that I find truly lovely. In fact, I took so many photos that sorting them out was a real ordeal… !

If you’d like more information on the itinerary or need a map, click here!

Pro tip: although it’s popular and a must for some, I’d avoid taking the tram and prefer walking instead, as you may have to queue for a long time before you can get on. Or try to take it very early, especially in high season!

3. Book surfing lessons

Why surf? Firstly, because the Lisbon region is very popular with surfers thanks to its many good spots, but also because everyone, whatever their level, can try this sport (each season corresponds to a different level).

As a lover of the ocean, of course I had to give it a try! With so many surf schools to choose from, the hardest part was picking the one that would suit me best! So, after asking around and reading a thousand reviews, I decided to choose Surf Lisbon – House & School for 3 full days of surfing!

If you just want to try it for a day or half-day, don’t worry as most schools offer this option too!

The surfing was great fun, the instructors were awesome and it was a good way to meet people and make friends, especially when you’re traveling solo like me! Plus, it’s pretty affordable in Portugal!

4. Visit Caxias

How to get there: from Cais do Sodré station, take the train towards Cascais and stop at Caxias (around 15mn).

Enjoy the beautiful train ride along the coast and admire the ocean views before arriving in Caxias. This small, easy-to-explore town is ideal for a lazy afternoon by the water, sunbathing and relaxing.

Caxias is an authentic, peaceful and very charming town. It’s a place where you’ll feel like time has momentarily stopped, and where you can recharge your batteries without the hustle and bustle of the capital.

5. Party the night away in Pink Street

Address: R. Nova do Carvalho, 1200-019 Lisboa

You can’t go to Lisbon without having fun, can you? If you’re looking for a place to dance the night away while enjoying the local ambiance, you’ll find it at Pink Street!

6. Admire the architecture of Santa Justa Lift at night

Address: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa

Located in the center of Lisbon, this elevator connects the Baixa city center with Largo do Carmo. Why see it at night? Because it’s clearly different during the day, with the many tourists lining up to take the elevator and admire the view from the top. At night, the contrast is quite surprising, as there are literally no people around, creating a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, quite the opposite of the crowded, bustling city by day.

Pro tip: if you want to enjoy the view from the top for free during the day, take the street behind the elevator, follow R. do Carmo, turn right on R. Garrett, right again on Calçada do Sacramento and finally, right on Tv. Dom Pedro de Menezes.

7. Take a day trip to Ericeira

How to get there: from Campo Grande in Lisbon, look for bus 2740, 2801 or 2803 to Ericeira (Terminal Rodoviário), a one-way ticket will cost you $5 for a journey lasting 1 to 1.5 hours.

Want to surf a little more or discover a unique, relaxed atmosphere? Welcome to Ericeira (you can read my article on the subject by clicking on the link)!
This fishing village is now very popular with surfers and locals who want to escape the bustling city for a weekend or vacation.

Stroll through the town, surf, taste the local specialties, relax on one of its many beaches and explore its pretty streets!

Pro tip: check the bus timetable (directly on the Carris website here) before you leave, as buses are limited, and plan your excursion accordingly.

8. Discover Parque das Nações neighborhood

Once an industrial zone, the area was transformed into a modern, trendy neighborhood after Expo 98. The pier, the architecture and the various sculptures, as well as the friendly restaurants, make this the ideal place for a romantic night by the water.

It’s one of my favorite places to relax away from the sometimes noisy city center. Plus, if you want to discover Lisbon from a different angle, why not hop on the cable car and enjoy the panorama?

9. See one of Lisbon’s symbols: the Belém Tower

Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa

Overlooking the Tagus River, the Belém Tower, although very touristy, is in fact one of my must-sees in Lisbon, as it is a historic site, originally built to protect the city. I particularly liked the architecture of the monument, but also the fact that the place is located right next to a large park with plenty of benches to rest, enjoy the sun and/or take a nice walk.

10. Taste the famous Pastéis de Nata

There are many popular dishes in Portugal, but one you absolutely must try is called Pastéis de Nata. Quite simply, these are the delicious custard tarts that can be found just about everywhere in Portugal. If you don’t mind queuing a bit (or arriving early), here’s THE address you should go to, oh and by the way, it’s located on the way to the Tower of Belém, so why not start your day by having breakfast here?!!!
> Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa

11. Cross Ponte 25 de Abril

No, we’re not in San Francisco, but in Lisbon, Portugal, and while you might think these two bridges look the same, they’re actually very different. Named after the 1974 revolution, this suspension bridge is a unique experience, offering breathtaking views over the city.

You’ll often take this route if you decide to go surfing, but also if you visit Almeda, Setúbal or the surrounding area. You can also see it from afar along the Tagus river from Belém!

12. Take in the views from the Observation Deck Park Eduardo VII

Address: Alameda Cardeal Cerejeira, 1070-051 Lisboa

Stroll through this gigantic park, visit the gardens and enjoy the panoramic view over the city. This local spot is never crowded, so you can enjoy a well-earned rest, relax and have a drink in one of the nearby kiosks.
It’s also a great place to watch the sunset, making it an unmissable in Lisbon!

13. Wander around LX Factory

Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa

Formerly an industrial zone, LX Factory is now home to trendy restaurants, bars, craft stores, artists and pretty boutiques. Whether you’re interested in shopping, workshops, concerts…, you should include it in your list of things to do during your stay in Lisbon.

Personally, I love the way the area has been transformed into a unique, original and charming neighborhood!

14. Admire the sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Address: Largo Monte, 1170-107 Lisboa

I have to say that it’s pretty easy to see a beautiful sunset in Lisbon as there are many Miradouro (or viewpoints) like this in Lisbon. But, if I had to choose one, it would be the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte as it’s less popular than the others and therefore less crowded. It’s also higher up, so you can get a great view of the castle to your left!

Pro tip: come here at least 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy the view, and bring some snacks/drinks to celebrate the end of the day in style!

How many days in Lisbon?

I’d say 3 days is more than enough to see the main sights and try your hand at surfing.
If you intend to take surfing lessons or practice other water sports, you should spend at least a week to have time to explore the city and have fun!

Where to eat?

Lisbon is, in fact, something of a paradise for a true gourmet, so it’s pretty hard to choose between all the places where I’ve had a really good meal. Therefore, I’m going to give you two of my top addresses:

Pastéis de Belem

Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa

Start the day on the right foot with their delicious pastries, and don’t forget to try the famous Pastéis de Nata, if you haven’t already.

Pro tip: come when they open if you don’t want to queue, or if you’d rather have your breakfast seated.

Honest Greens

Address: Alameda dos Oceanos 21101F, 1990-225 Lisboa

With three of these restaurants in the city, it was hard not to come back every day! It’s the ideal place for vegetarians. The menu is varied, the water is free, the staff are great, everything is delicious and the price is more than affordable! What’s more, you’ll be so full by the end of your meal that you might just want to take a digestive stroll!

Where to sleep

If you’re planning to take surfing lessons, here’s a great place to do it:

• Surf Lisbon – House & School
  
  Address: R. Direita de Caxias 38, 2760-042 Oeiras, Portugal
  
  Located in Caxias, in a quiet town close to the train station (5mn), this house is the ideal place to meet other travelers and surfers. The whole place and the staff will make you feel like part of the family and afterwards you won’t want to leave, you’ll see. The house is comfortable as are the rooms, there’s a garden to relax in and breakfast every morning to socialize with your new friends!

• Lisbon Top Hostel
  
  Address: Av. António Augusto de Aguiar 30 Ap.1D, 1050-016 Lisboa
  
  Ideal for budget travelers! Simple rooms and bathrooms not too far from the center! Good value for money.

How to get around Lisbon

My favorite way to explore a city is and always will be on foot, and Lisbon is no different. The proximity of the various attractions makes it relatively easy to visit the city by walking.
And if you’re feeling tired, public transport (metro, bus, streetcar…) in Lisbon is easy to use and quite safe. All you need is your “Navegante” transport card and you’re on your way!

Pro tip: get yourself a Navegante travel card (50 cents) that you can top up as you go, especially if you’re planning to stay for more than two days or if you want to use public transport from time to time, as this will cost you less than buying a ticket every time.

In a nutshell

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most popular cities and it’s no wonder, as its dynamic yet relaxed and creative lifestyle is sure to win you over. So pack your surfboard, prepare your taste buds for some culinary delights and enjoy your vacation in this exciting capital.

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