Things to do in Lisbon in April

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If you are in Lisbon in April and you’re wondering what to do, here’s a list of some ideas you can start with. April is a very interesting month to visit Lisbon. One of our most important holidays takes place in April. Are you ready to plan your trip? Here are some ideas of things to do in Lisbon in April.

Best things to do in Lisbon in April

Celebrate Freedom! – The 25th of April

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The 25th of April is the day the word “Freedom” found its true meaning. On the 25th of April of the year 1974, early in the morning, Armed Forces soldiers took hold of the radio station. They explained the population they wanted Portugal to be a democracy again, a free country with its elections. They played on air songs dictatorship censored.

During that day, the population joined the soldiers and a real revolution started. At a certain moment, a florist started distributing carnations to the people. Soldiers put it on the barrel of their guns, and the civilians on their chest. That is why the 25th of April is also called the “Revolução dos Cravos” (Carnations Revolution, in English). It was a peaceful revolution where carnations took the place of bullets. It became the symbol of the revolution for Portugal.

The colonial war was over, the civilians got their social and legal rights. Dictatorship fell and a new beginning for Portugal started.

I guess you can see how much this day means to Portuguese people. A huge parade takes place, every year on the 25th of April, since that historic day. It starts at the Praça Marquês de Pombal and ends at the Praça dos Restauradores. You will be amazed by the incredible energy and by the mixing of generations paying tribute to Portugal.

Nowadays, we celebrate this national holiday with music. And by sharing carnations on the streets of Lisbon. All you have to do is grab a carnation and join us!

Enjoy free entrance! – Dia Internacional dos Monumentos e Sítios

 

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The 18th of April, it is the World Monuments Day. Why is it on the list of things to do in Lisbon in April? During the day, many initiatives take place such as visits and free entrance to monuments. That is why you should seize this unique opportunity. All through that week, events are organized related to this year’s theme.

And the good news is that we will get to visit the Monument of Discoveries together. The monument symbolizes the Portuguese overseas expansion, its glorious past and the cultural figures from the Age of Discoveries.

By joining our Belém Tour you will explore, discover and learn all about the Age of Discoveries. Let’s set sail together!

Visit one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal – St. Jerónimos Monastery

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Another thing to do in Lisbon in April is something you might have heard of is the Jerónimos Monastery. It is definitely a must-see place.

It was built by the King D. Manuel I, with the gold collected from the Discoveries. It is an amazing monument. Constructed in a unique architectural style only found in Portugal, the Manueline style. The monastery was given to the monks of the Order of Saint Jerome, from whom it got its name.

In the church of Saint Mary, you will find the tomb of Vasco Da Gama. He was the most famous Portuguese sailor who discovered the sea route from Lisbon to India.

The Jerónimos Monastery illustrates the power and knowledge of Portuguese. The remains of important Portuguese figures have been transported to the monastery. You can also find the remains of Luís de Camões, the poet who immortalized the Age of Discoveries in its poem Os Lusíadas.

It’s one of my favorite parts of our Belém tour, which you can learn all about it here.

Visit an interesting exhibition

From March, 23rd to April, 19th, a digital exhibition called Notáveis Mulheres de Portugal happens at the Panteão Nacional in Lisbon.

The exhibition is dedicated to the Portuguese women who marked the world, for them to be recognized for their careers and profissional, cultural and humanitarian achievements. The Panteão Nacional was chosen as the location for this exhibition, because it is built on the location where a church was built in 1568 by decision of Maria of Portugal, Duchess of Viseu, who was the daughter of the King D. Manuel I.

You can visit it everyday of the week, but on Mondays, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Go to a concert

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are coming to Portugal during the month of April. The Australian band, known for the authenticity and the emotional atmosphere of their live performances, will be performing at Altice Arena on April, 19th. The iconic band will be in Lisbon to present their seventeenth album, Ghosteen, which was released on October last year. The prices for the concert start at thirty euros.

Another internationally band is performing at Altice Arena: Bon Iver! This folk band, founded and led by Justin Vernon, will be performing on April, 15th. Aaron Dessner’s Big 37d03d Machine band will be doing the first part of the concert.

Have a vegan meal

Vegan food is the best! A plant-based and cruelty-free lifestyle is what you need to go for this year! Lisbon has some of the greatest vegan restaurants I’ve ever tried, so while in Lisbon, if you’re not already vegan, go for at least one vegan meal!

Go to the Ao 26, located in Chiado, the food is so delicious. Everyday the chef recommends different dishes, but you can still choose from the menu. Try their hamburguers, they are out of this world! Then, even if you don’t have enough space in your stomach for dessert, go for the oreo cheesecake… Just the thought of it makes my mouth water!

They also have vegan versions of Portuguese traditional dishes, like the tofu à lagareiro!

If you feel like having a vegan ice cream, read this article! Sometimes finding vegan ice cream in a city we don’t know can be a real challenge, but we got you covered!

Lisbon in April

As one uses to say in Portugal, “em Abril águas mil“, which means that even though it is already spring, you need to be aware that a little rain can come up anytime!

The temperatures are pleasant, around 21 degrees celsius most of the time. So, the month of April is pretty sunny! But at night, the temperatures can go down to 11 degrees, so it is advised for you to take a few warmer clothes, like a light jacket or a scarf, also because Lisbon is very windy!

Here you have it for our sneak peek of things to do in Lisbon in April because there are plenty more. Lisbon is an energetic city, dynamic. The atmosphere is always great. And the month of April is perfect for you to visit Lisbon since you will be celebrating with the Portuguese their most important date. Embrace new experiences. Embrace discoveries. Embrace your freedom. Set sail with us on a new adventure! Contact us for further information, we will make sure you spend the best time of your life in Lisbon! See you soon!

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