15 Best Things to do near Lisbon Airport

15 Best Things to do near Lisbon Airportc

*Originally updated by Natalie on May 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R on August 2023

Lisbon’s airport is not as far outside of the city centre as other European destinations. It’s relatively convenient in terms of distance and transport options, and it’s in a neighbourhood that is actually packed with things to do and see. 

If you’ve got some time to kill on a layover, or before a flight, here are 15 great things to consider doing near Lisbon’s International Airport. 

Transport in Lisbon: What You Need to Know

1. Picnic in José Gomes Ferreira Park near Lisbon Airport

A park that looks like something out of a fairy novel, the public are welcome to enjoy Jose Gomes Ferreira Park 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Bring along your favorite snacks and enjoy a picnic under the trees, or simply bring a book and laze on the soft grass for a few hours. Bliss in airport county!

Top 5 Gardens and Parks to Visit in Lisbon

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Open 24 Hours

ADDRESS: Av. Alm. Gago Coutinho 129A, 1700-111 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Encarnação

2. Visit the Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais near Lisbon Airport

This is a half park half animal farm, and the best place to visit with small children near Lisbon’s airport. There are cows, chickens, horses, peacocks — you name it. The enclosure is a mass of land featuring beautiful picnic spots, shady trees and a number of vegetable gardens and swimming ponds. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 9am to 5:30pm

ADDRESS: R. Cidade de Lobito, 1800-088 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Olivias

3. Head to the Oceanário de Lisboa near Lisbon Airport

One of the latest additions to the Lisbon tourism scene, the aquarium is one of the most impressive in all of Europe. Bring your little ones here to marvel at the vast habitats of sea life, including penguins, sharks and more tropical fish than one can count. 

A Day at the Lisbon Aquarium: All You Need to Know

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 7pm

ADDRESS: Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Cabo Ruvio

4. Stroll the Water Garden near Lisbon Airport

Right next to the aquarium is another outdoor attraction for Lisbon folk. This is called the Garden of Water, or Lisbon’s Water Gardens, and it’s absuially just an expansive outside area featuring all kinds of water-based features. Think waterfalls, rivers and estuaries. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Open 24 hours

ADDRESS: Passeio Ulisses, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Cabo Ruvio

5. Kick Back in the Marina Parque das Nações near Lisbon Airport

Lisbon’s marina is a short distance from the airport, and a great spot to take a load off, enjoy the natural surroundings and watch the various ships come in. In the summer you’ll be able to rent bicycles and roller skates, and meander down the promenade with the water on your hip — stunning!

6. Explore the Museum of Lisbon near Lisbon Airport

Also known as the Palace Pimenta, this museum is dedicated to the history of Lisbon dating back to prehistoric times and riding all the way through to the early 20th century. 

Top 4 Free Museums in Lisbon

It’s a wonderful place to learn more about this fantastic city and what it took for it to reach the eventual glory days. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 10am to 6pm

ADDRESS: Campo Grande 245, 1700-091 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Cidade Universitária

7. Walk the Entire Boardwalk at Parque Tejo near Lisbon Airport

Less of a park and more of an ocean-side dreamscape, Parque Tejo is a glorious outdoor space right on the edge of the ocean. It sports a lengthy boardwalk that extends out into the sea, spanning right beneath the glorious Vasco da Gama bridge. A memorable way to kill an hour or two in the area. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Open 24 hours 

ADDRESS: Passeio do Tejo, Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Moscavide

8. Try Your Luck at Casino Lisboa near Lisbon Airport

Interestingly, the Lisbon Casino is not a 24 hour establishment, and you’ll need to be aware of the opening hours if you’re set on visiting. 

That aside, this is a fantastic establishment with slots, tables, great restaurants and even live entertainment. Staff are friendly, ambiance is alive and fun, and the bar areas are well stocked and ready to keep you fueled up. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 3pm to 3am

ADDRESS: Alameda dos Oceanos 45, 1990-204 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Moscavide

9. Say a Little Prayer at Igreja de Cristo-Rei da Portela near Lisbon Airport

Visit this Catholic Church for a peaceful escape from the loud Lisbon streets. The Portela neighborhood is a place where you can really melt into the everyday life of local Lisbonites, and get a feel for what a laid back existence truly means in this part of the world. 

The church itself is exquisite and full of positive energy; even if you’re not super religious, this is worth a moment of contemplation. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 9am to 8:30pm

ADDRESS: Igreja, Av. dos Descobrimentos 4, 2685-194 Portela, Portugal

Metro STATION: Moscavide

10. Shop in the Centro Comercial da Portela near Lisbon Airport

The nearest shopping mall to Lisbon’s airport, and a great place for last minute goods to stuff into your already popping suitcases. 

Clothes Shopping in Lisbon

This mall is known for being a place where you can find anything — Indian spices, electronics, footwear, toys, clothing, hairdressers etc. It’s a small scale center which means that nothing is oversized or ostentations; simply small businesses (mostly local) doing big things. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 11pm

ADDRESS: Centro commercial, Rotunda Nuno Rodrigues dos Santos 2 Loja 50+1 andar, 2685-223 Portela, Portugal

Metro STATION: Moscavide

11. Visit the tower that became a lighthouse Belém Tower 

One of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks is Belém Tower, which dates back to the 1500s. This stronghold, which was originally built to protect the city before becoming a lighthouse and customs building, proudly guards the Tagus River.

Belém Tower shows an array of architectural styles, including Mudejar, Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque, as a representation of Lisbon’s rich history. You can sample some traditional Portuguese pastries at Pastéis de Belém, one of the city’s most famous bakeries, which is close to the tower.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY to Sunday — 09:30am to 06: 30pm

ADDRESS:Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Cais Do Sodré

12. If you have a sweet tooth try the Pastéis de Belém

If you have a sweet tooth and you’d like to find the best around Lisbon airport then we strongly recommend Pastéis de Belém. Pastéis de nata, a Portuguese custard tart made with egg and cinnamon, is one of the sweetest and most popular cuisines in Lisbon.

This treat, as well as a variety of other tarts and bread, can be bought at Pastéis de Belém, but you can also get pastéis de nata in just about every café in the city.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 8am to 10pm

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

Metro STATION: Mosteiro Jerónimos

13. Go and get a view of a railway on a steep passage

You can’t be around Lisbon airport and not visit this cable railway also known as a funicular. The Ascensor da Bica, which dates to the late 19th century, provides a glimpse of Lisbon’s unique personality and charm.

If you don’t have time to wait in a queue to board, your best option is to stroll down the tracks in the direction of the Bairro Alto neighbourhood and see what it’s all about.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 7am to 9pm

ADDRESS:  Rua de S. Paulo 234, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Cais do Sodré

14. Get into a creaking tram and visit nearby areas

When passing by palaces, cathedrals, and alleyways, this old, creaking tram known as Tram 28  is an excellent place to people-watch and take pictures.

Even if the lines are too long, which they very certainly will be, you may still observe the tram as it goes through the city’s winding, crowded streets. It is such a beautiful sight that it is featured in almost all travel guides.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 08:30am to 11pm

ADDRESS:  Praça Martim Moniz 39, 1150-052 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: “Martim Moniz

15. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral near the Lisbon Airport

One of the oldest still-standing buildings in the city is the Lisbon Cathedral, often referred to as the Sé, which was built in 1147 AD. Although the interior aisle and sanctuary are its main attractions, the outside is likewise wonderfully unique.

It resembles a fortress more than a church because of its two clock towers and robust Gothic façade. Lisbon’s cathedral is one of the more understated ones in all of Europe. It has survived numerous earthquakes in its 800+ year history and is still stunning.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 09:30am to 6pm

ADDRESS: Largo da Sé 1, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Santa Apolónia