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Things to do in Lisbon

One of Europe’s oldest cities filled with beautiful tiles, historic buildings, and lively culture.

Our most recommended things to do in Lisbon

Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip

1. Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip

Escape Lisbon and go on a full-day, guided journey to some of Portugal’s most popular locations stopping at the iconic Pena Palace in Sintra, the awe-inspiring cliffs of Cabo da Roca, and the ritzy seaside town of Cascais. Choose between the shared tour or private tour options. Your journey from Lisbon starts at the famous city of Sintra, whose Romanticist architecture, historic estates and villas, and numerous royal palaces and castles have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the freedom of choice on whether you want an included entry ticket and tour of the colorful Pena Palace, or whether you prefer to gain some extra free time instead. Arriving early at Sintra means greater chances of avoiding long lines if you choose to go with your guide on a comprehensive tour through its lavish interiors and lush gardens. Marvel at the palace’s fairy-tale-like appearance, beautiful facade and extravagant interior. Next, head over to the center of Sintra and get 1.5-hour of free time to wander on your own. Get recommendations of the city’s must-see locations as well as the best restaurant options for delicious traditional Portuguese dining from your guide. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and take in the impressive views of the ocean crashing against the high rocky cliffs. If weather permitting, stop at Guincho beach, whose strong winds and high swells have made it a popular surfing destination. Lastly, arrive in Cascais, an elegant seaside resort town on the Portuguese Riviera. Stroll through the lovely city center and make sure to check out Cascais’ luxury marina, its charming fishing port, and a restored fort that houses many local craftsmen. After your free exploration time in Cascais, relax back on board your air-conditioned vehicle, and admire more breathtaking views of the Portuguese coast as you make your way back to Lisbon.

From Lisbon: Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, & Pena Palace Trip

2. From Lisbon: Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, & Pena Palace Trip

Discover Sintra’s beautiful architecture, admire the beauty of one of the highest hills of the region Walk the narrow streets of Sintra in your free time and visit with our fantastic tour guide Quinta da Regaleira. Arrive at the romantic Pena Palace in Sintra, which has a profusion of styles much in accordance with the exotic taste of Romanticism. Explore the ancient castle, which was one of the favorite residences of the royal family throughout the 19th century. Walk through the fairytale-style building and learn about its fascinating history. Take some free time to stroll through Sintra and purchase lunch if you're feeling hungry. Get recommendations on what to see and eat in the area. Afterward, begin a guided tour of the main landmarks of Sintra, and hear about local secrets and stories. Visit the picturesque village of Cascais, linked to the Portuguese royals who summered here. Stroll along beautiful beaches, mansions, museums and photogenic streets. Return to Lisbon at the end of the day.

Lisbon: Sunset Tour with Music and a Drink

3. Lisbon: Sunset Tour with Music and a Drink

Embark on a sunset experience along Lisbon's Tagus River. Spot iconic sights such as Christ the King and the 25th of April Bridge, as well as the elegant Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Enjoy a drink included in the price of the ticket and unwind with onboard music. Relax on the catamaran's 2 nets or dance on the onboard dance floor. Snap pictures of the unique architecture of the Electricity Museum and enjoy the colors of the sunset reflected on the water. At the end of the tour, return to Ribeira das Naus Quay.

Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass

4. Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass

Unlock the city of Lisbon with the flexible Lisbon Card. Enjoy unlimited travel on city transport, and free admission to 39 museums, historic buildings, and more. Benefit from discounts at a vast range of attractions, vouchers for different shops, and a handy guide that explains how to use the card. After exchanging your GetYourGuide voucher for the magnetic card, the Lisbon Card immediately provides 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour access to the public transport system. Eligible on the Carris metro, buses, trams, and cable railways, it also works on CP trains between Cais do Sodré and Cascais, and trains between Oriente, Rossio, and Sintra.   Skip the lines to enter Jerónimos Monastery, and climb the Belem Tower. Enjoy free access to the National Tile Museum, the National Coach Museum, and others. Admire stunning palaces, including the Mafra National Palace and the Ajuda National Palace. Ride the famous Santa Justa Lift, and much more—all with one card. The Libson Card provides free entry to the following attractions: • Jerónimos Monastery / Monasterio de los Jerónimos• Pilar7 Bridge Experience / Experiencia Pilar 7 • LISBOA Story Centre• National Tile Museum / Museo Nacional del Azulejo   • National Coach Museum / Museo Nacional de Carruajes  • National Ancient Art Museum / Museo Nacional de Arte Antigua• Sintra Mitos e Lendas• Santa Justa Elevator / Ascensor de Santa Justa• Mafra National Palace / Palacio Nacional de Mafra• CARRIS• METRO• CP-Comboios de Portugal• FERTAGUS• National Pantheon / Panteón Nacional• Ajuda National Palace / Palacio Nacional de Ajuda• Chiado Museum - National Museum of Contemporary Art / Museo del Chiado Museo Nacional de Arte Contemporânea• National Ethnology Museum / Museo Nacional de Etnología      • National Costume Museum / Museo Nacional del Traje     • National Museum of Theatre and Dance / Museo Nacional del Teatro y de Danza  • National Archaeology Museum / Museo Nacional de Arqueología• National Music Museum Music / Museo Nacional de la Música• Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves Museum-Residence / Casa-Museo Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves• Republican National Guard Museum / Museo de la Guardia Nacional Republicana• Ceramics Museum - Sacavém / Museo de la Cerámica - Sacavém• Air Museum / Museo del Aire• Batalha Monastery / Monasterio de Batalha • Alcobaça Monastery / Monasterio de Alcobaça• Tomar Convent of Christ / Convento de Cristo - Tomar• Museum of Neo Realism - Vila Franca de Xira / Museo del Neo Realismo - Vila Franca de Xira• Museum of the work Michel Giacometti / Museo del Trabajo Michel Giacometti• Casa da Cerca - Museum of Contemporary Art - Almada / Casa da Cerca - Museu de Arte Contemporanea - Almada• Chapel of the Holy Spirit of the Mareantes - Sesimbra / Capilla del Espíritu Santo de los Mareantes - Sesimbra• Museum of Setúbal - Municipal Gallery / Museo de Setúbal - Galería Municipal• Rua Augusta Arch / Arco da Rua Augusta• Greenhouse / Invernadero Frío• Maritime Museum of Sesimbra / Museo Marítimo de Sesimbra• Museum Tesouro Real• CIRES – Roaz Interpretive Center of the Sado Estuary / CIRES - Centro Interpretativo del Roaz del Estuario del Sado• Royal Treasure Museum / Museu do Tesouro Real  The Libson Card also provides discounts on the following attractions:• Dom Fernando II e Glória ship – 20% discount• Biester Palace (Sintra) – 10% discount• Video mapping (Immersivus Lisboa – O Cubo) – 15% discount• SEOTours – 15% discount• Setubal Alive – 10% discount

Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour

5. Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour

Discover one of Europe's most captivating and picturesque capitals on a guided walking tour. Built on a series of hills and offering panoramic views from countless spots, explore the city with a local guide who will make sure that you have an interesting and fun experience. Begin the tour in the 5-centuries-old Bairro Alto, where you’ll learn about the evolution of the city. After the earthquake of 1755 this space attracted families from the Baixa and Bairro districts, who began the process of renewal. Pass by the garden of São Pedro de Alcântara and enjoy views of Baixa and the south bank of the Tagus River. Visit the San Roque Church built by the Jesuits. Admire its austere façade, and the gilding, tiles, and paintings inside that make it a wonderful museum of Mannerist and Baroque styles. Head down the hill to the Carmo convent and church, fine examples of the city’s Gothic architecture. This is a site of historical importance as it was here that the Carnation Revolution began in 1974, putting an end to nearly 5 decades of dictatorship. A little further on, arrive at the Santa Justa elevator, an imposing monument built in the Gothic Revival style, that provides one of the best viewpoints in the city. See a number of attractions in Baixa, in the heart of the city. After a short break, take a ride on the tram, going up from the castle to the Portas do Sol. At the Portas do Sol, see the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, the National Pantheon, and the Alfama district that spans several narrow streets to the River Tagus. Explore Alfama, one of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon, known for its fado houses, and the popular festivals of saints, particularly St. Anthony. End the tour at Lisbon Cathedral, built in 1150, 3 years after the city was taken back from the Moors. Over time it has been subject to various architectural changes, becoming a mixture of different styles.

Sintra: Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket

6. Sintra: Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket

The palace is situated in the eastern part of the Park of Pena, which one has to pass through to reach the steep ramp built by the Baron of Eschwege that provides access to the castle-like building. The palace itself is composed of two wings: the former Manueline monastery of the Order of St. Jerome and the wing built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II. These wings are ringed by a third architectural structure that is a fantastical version of an imaginary castle, whose walls one can walk around and which comprises battlements, watchtowers, an entrance tunnel and even a drawbridge. In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired the former Hieronymite monastery of Our Lady of Pena, which was built by King Manuel I in 1511 on the top of the hill above Sintra and had been left unoccupied since 1834 when the religious orders were suppressed in Portugal. The monastery consisted of the cloister and its outbuildings, the chapel, the sacristy and the bell tower, which today form the northern section of the Palace of Pena, or the Old Palace as it is known. King Ferdinand began by making repairs to the former monastery, which, according to the historical sources of that time, was in very bad condition. He refurbished the whole of the upper floor, replacing the fourteen cells used by the monks with larger-sized rooms and covering them with the vaulted ceilings that can still be seen today. In roughly 1843, the king decided to enlarge the palace by building a new wing (the New Palace) with even larger rooms (the Great Hall is a good example of this), ending in a circular tower next to the new kitchens. The building work was directed by the Baron of Eschwege. The 1994 repair works restored the original colors of the Palace’s exterior: pink for the former monastery and ochre for the New Palace. In transforming a former monastery into a castle-like residence, King Ferdinand showed that he was heavily influenced by German romanticism, and that he probably found his inspiration in the Stolzenfels and Rheinstein castles on the banks of the Rhine, as well as Babelsberg Palace in Potsdam. These building works at the Palace of Pena ended in the mid-1860s, although further work was also undertaken at later dates for the decoration of the interiors. King Ferdinand also ordered the Park of Pena to be planted in the Palace’s surrounding areas in the style of the romantic gardens of that time, with winding paths, pavilions and stone benches placed at different points along its routes, as well as trees and other plants originating from the four corners of the earth. In this way, the king took advantage of the mild and damp climate of the Sintra hills to create an entirely new and exotic park with over five hundred different species of trees. The Palace of Pena was designated a National Monument in 1910 and forms part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which has been classified by UNESCO as World Heritage since 1995.

Lisbon: Jerónimos Monastery Entrance Ticket

7. Lisbon: Jerónimos Monastery Entrance Ticket

Get entrance tickets to Jerónimos monastery, a national monument classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and located near the city of Lisbon. Learn about how King Manuel I commissioned the monastery in 1496 to honor the Infante for his devotion to Our Lady and faith in St. Jerome. Once inside, marvel at the Manueline or Portuguese Late Gothic architecture. Discover how the monastery of St. Mary of Belém was donated to the monks of the Order of St. Jerome. For this reason, it is commonly known as the Jerónimos Monastery. In 1833, when the order was dissolved, the monastery was used as a school and orphanage until 1940. In the 19th century, the church became the monument for local heroes and poets such as Luís de Camões and Vasco da Gama. Come and discover what is not simply a notable work of architecture, but also an important part of Portuguese identity and culture.

Lisbon: Sunset Boat Cruise with Wine

8. Lisbon: Sunset Boat Cruise with Wine

Enjoy this boat tour on the Tagus River. Experience the sunset like never before on this fabulous Sunset Sailing Boat Tour. Take part in the best sightseeing of Lisbon while sailing on a modern and comfortable boat.  Starting at Padrão dos Descobrimentos, sail towards Cais das Colunas, Praça do Comércio until Alfama, passing under the bridge and near Cristo Rei. From the river, you will be able to see Lisbon from a new perspective and enjoy the fantastic view while sailing on the calm waters of Tagus River. Have the privilege of seeing monuments of Lisbon illuminated, such as the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the bridge over the Tagus. Take unique pictures to remember your journey.

Lisbon: Saint George's Castle Entry & Self-Guided Audio Tour

9. Lisbon: Saint George's Castle Entry & Self-Guided Audio Tour

Experience St.George Castle at your own pace with a skip-the-line e-ticket and a fascinating self-guided audio tour on your smartphone. Receive your instructions by email, download the app, the entrance tickets, and the audio tour on your phone, prior to your visit, and travel back in time to experience the glory of one of Lisbon’s main attractions, the magnificent St. George Castle. Put on your headphones and discover the breathtaking Arco do Castelo, the Castle’s entrance, and the Castle’s breathtaking monuments and treasures through the power of storytelling and learn historical information and uncommon stories and anecdotes for this spectacular attraction of Lisbon. Tour’s content is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tour can be used repeatedly and anytime, before or after your visit. This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into one of Lisbon’s main and most well-known attractions, the Castle of St. George and relate to your surroundings in an entirely original way.

From Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace Guided Tour

10. From Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira and Pena Palace Guided Tour

Benefit from a guided tour inside the Quinta Regaleira and Pena Palace. Fall in love with Sintra, a village full of magic and mystery, the lasting symbol of Portugal's Romantic period and also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to treat yourself and your loved ones to a private experience with your own guide and pickup from your own hotel. Alternatively, you can get picked up from a convenient location in the center of Lisbon. Accompanied by a tour guide, visit Quinta da Regaleira and enjoy its lush gardens, lakes, grottoes, and enigmatic constructions, including the world-famous Initiation Well. Uncover the mysteries of each place and learn about the orders of the Freemasons and the Knights Templar. During the lunch break in Sintra's old town, you will have free time to explore the historical and charming streets. You will also have time to taste the traditional pastry, travesseiro. After buying your entry ticket with your guide, step into a fairy tale when you enter the romantic Pena Palace and Park. Understand its unique architectural expression of Romanticism. Spot how it blends many styles, including Gothic, neo-Manueline, neo-Islamic, and neo-Renaissance. Stroll around the park with its astonishing variety of plants and trees. Marvel at the palace's amazing views of the castle and the Atlantic Ocean, a perfect way to end the day before returning to Lisbon.

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Frequently asked questions about Lisbon

What top attractions are a must-see in Lisbon?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Lisbon?

The best day trips and excursions from Lisbon are:

Sintra

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Lisbon

Jurga Rubinovaite is an avid traveler, photographer, and chief adventure planner behind the popular family travel blog Full Suitcase. On her blog, you can find more information and all the details for planning a trip to Lisbon.

What should I do on my first trip to Lisbon?

One of the nicest places to visit in Lisbon is the historic Alfama district, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, traditional architecture, and very cozy, local atmosphere. Here, you will also find some of the best viewpoints of Lisbon and lots of local restaurants where you can enjoy Fado performances in the evenings. Other must-sees include the area around Praça do Comércio, Elevador de Santa Justa, and the historic Belém district with the beautiful 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery.

What are some hidden gems to see in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a hilly city, with countless viewpoints offering amazing views. Some of the nicest lesser-known viewpoints include Miradouro São Pedro de Alcantara and Miradouro Santa Catarina. Another really nice local area is LX Factory, a former industrial complex that has become one of the coolest places in the city. Nowadays, it's a bustling place with cool street art, artsy shops, cozy cafes and restaurants.

How much time should I spend in Lisbon?

While you can see some of the main landmarks of Lisbon in a day, ideally, you plan at least 3 days in the city: one day for the city center, another day for the Belém area and to get a bit off the beaten path, and the third day for a visit to nearby Sintra, which is a must-see in Portugal.

What food is Lisbon known for?

No visit to Lisbon would be complete without tasting Pastel de Nata, a traditional Portuguese custard tart. One of the best places to try this delicacy is Fabrica de Pastéis de Belém that's been baking traditional cakes since 1837. They use a secret recipe that was originally created by the monks of the Jeornimos Monastery, just next door to the bakery.

What is the best way to get around Lisbon?

The best way to explore Lisbon is by a combination of walking, tram (be sure to ride the iconic tram 28), or taxi, which is surprisingly affordable and very convenient when you have to cover bigger distances in this hilly city.

What are the best months to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon can be visited the whole year round, but for the most pleasant weather and not too many crowds, visit in April-May or in September-October. Avoid the warmest summer months, when it’s often much too hot to truly enjoy everything that this beautiful city has to offer.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

One of the best places for food in Lisbon is the Time Out Market. It's a food hall with more than 20 restaurants, featuring various cuisines from all over the world, including the best traditional Portuguese dishes. In addition, there are also several bars, shops and a high-end music venue here. LX Factory is another great place for food, with lots of unique restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Lisbon?

One of the best neighborhoods to stay for sightseeing in Lisbon is the area around Rossio Square. It’s centrally located and you can easily walk to the most popular attractions and popular areas in the city center. There are lots of restaurants and nice hotels for various budgets here. In addition, this area has good public transport connections, making it really easy to explore Lisbon and its surroundings.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Lisbon?

If you are visiting Lisbon with kids, don't miss the Lisbon Oceanarium. This is one of the biggest aquariums in the world, with hundreds of different species of sea creatures. It's very impressive and fascinating for adults and children alike. Another nice thing to do is taking a sailing cruise on the Tagus River. It's a nice and relaxing way to see more of the city without having to walk much - perfect for families.

Other Sightseeing Options in Lisbon

Want to discover all there is to do in Lisbon? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Lisbon

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 89,800 reviews

Luis was provided a wealth of knowledge on this guided trip which would have been impossible to find anywhere else. He carried with him a notebook of fascinating historical pictures, paintings, and immigration data that he shared with us all along our 3 hour journey and diligently and comprehensively answered our hundreds of questions about every aspect of the slave trade in Portugal. We cannot imagine a better guide and we highly recommend this trip to anyone with an interest in this topic.

Max was super helpful, all his recommendations were great. Loved that he was so honest and had our best interest at heart. If we ever come back, will definitely ask for Max!

Absolute BEST tour! Ruth was great and gracious, and as a solo traveler I had an incredible time and made new friends. Highly recommend!

This was a great trip. Gil was very knowledgeable about history and the environment. Driver was skilled. Wonderful day!

Superb, best food and wine experience i ever had in a tour.