Top 10 things to do in Lisbon

On this blog, we have many different articles about Lisbon and its highlights, but one basic article was missing: one about the top 10 things to do in Lisbon!

In today’s article, I’ve gathered for you some of the best things you can do while in Lisbon. You will be provided many detailed tips what what to do in the city, what to eat, where to go, how to experience the Portuguese lifestyle! What I geniunely want to share with you in the article is all the many things only locals do, the hidden places only locals know about, I want to give the essential information that will enable you to experience Portuguese lifestyle and culture as much and as best as possible!

First of all, you need to know that you will need a good pair of shoes! Bring ones that you know you will be comfortable the whole day and won’t get blisters. You will walk a lot while visiting the city of Lisbon, so make sure you’re comfortable and always stay hydrated!

It is very important for you to pick the right area to stay in Lisbon as well. If you’re looking for an area that’s close to all the greatest landmarks or one that’s more traditional filled with locals, it all depends on your preferences. You need to look for practicality and atmospheres that will get you inspired. Another thing I recommend you to know is to check Lisbon maps beforehand so you get a little more familiar to them and to Lisbon public transports. If you want more tips and contents about Lisbon, reading some of our blog’s articles will certainly help you plan your stay in Lisbon and provide useful tips, so don’t hesitate to check our different Lisbon pages! But, for now, read on and find out our top 10 things to do in Lisbon!

Visit Belém and its stunning landmarks

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First on this top 10 things to do in Lisbon is to visit the area of Belém! Althoug it is a little away from the city centre of Lisbon, it is one of the neighborhoods you cannot miss! Even if you’re only staying a few days in the city.

One of Belém greatest attractions is the Torre de Belém, which is located very close to the Jerónimos Monastery that is another unmissable landmark of the city! The tower was classified as National Monument by the UNESCO in 1907, and in 1983 as World Heritage.

While walking the area of Belém, you will quickly realize that it has a strong connection with the Age of Discoveries, which was the golden period of Portuguese navigation, when ships sailed away from the country to colonize other lands around the world. The Torre de Belém is part of Portuguese history, since it is from this neighborhood that ships departed.

Visit the charming Alfama neighborhood

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Alfama is one of the most authentic neighborhoods of Lisbon. Its architecture is pretty unique, with its old colored buildings that give the area happy and peaceful features.

Walking in Alfama narrow alleys, you will feel like in a little village. You will get to witness conversation between neighbords, listen to the echo of Fado singers and see a new perspective on the Tejo river.

Get lost in Alfama and stumble upon its many hidden gems! It truly is a unique experience I’m sure you will thoroughly enjoy!

Go on a boat ride

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The banks of the Tejo river are one of the most relaxing places of the city of Lisbon. You will love feeling the sea breezes and enjoying the sun! These banks offer some of the greatest views! But if you want to have a unique moment and experience the city from different perspectives, go on a boat ride!

I recommend you the Hippotrip company. Their buses will guide you through the city, both on earth and water. Their tour lasts about ninety minutes and are very fun. Both locals and visitors love these tours! If you’re looking for another company, you can check the BYX offers. Their boat cruise lasts for two hours, and the drink is on them! This deal costs 69,90 euros for two persons. You will get to see the enlightened landmarks of Lisbon while the sun either rises or sets.

Try the Portuguese traditional dishes

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In my opinion, Portuguese cuisine is the best in the world! While in Lisbon, you definitely have to try some of the Portuguese traditional dishes and desserts as well! If you want to try vegan versions of some of these dishes, read this article and discover a few places that serve them!

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Trying Portuguese food is a must, you will not regret it and beg for more! Here are few restaurants suggestions, in case you don’t want to lose too much time looking for a place to eat while in the city.

If you want to discover Portuguese food in the company of a local guide that will tell you everything about the dishes and share with you the best one, join our food tour! It happens in one of the most lively areas of the city, don’t miss it!

Read a book from the Cabine de Leitura

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© Leonardo Negrão

When this mini library first opened to the public in April of 2015, the books were usually stolen. They were later found to be sold in the Feira da Ladra. Because of that, now there’s always a volunteer in the “Reading Cabine” to control who borrows a book. However, the volunteer’s working hours is a bit irregular, but you can check them on the project’s Facebook page.

The Cabine de Leitura is very small but you can still find good reads! The idea is to take a book but leave one. Then you can return it and borrow another one. It’s pretty simple and free! Definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Lisbon! Go grab a book and end to a park for an afternoon read!

Listen to Fado

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The Fado is the Portuguese traditional music genre. It is so distinctive of Portugal! Fado plays a major role in Portuguese culture, which is why it was classified as World Heritage by the UNESCO. If you wish to learn more about this unique music genre, you need to visit the Fado Museum that tell the story of Fado that is so traditionally Lisboeta!

There are many Fado houses in Lisbon, but you won’t find a true Fado experience in each of them! Some of them are “tourists traps”, where Fado performances happen but they are not as authentic as other places. You need to go to the most original and genuine ones. You will find them in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, and in Alfama and Mouraria as well. Fado houses are simple bars or restaurants where artists perform. The prices can vary and some can include the meal and performance.

Go to a market

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On the first weekend of each month, the Anjos70 Art & Fleamarket happens! Then, you also have the Lx Market at the Lx Factory, the Crafts & Design takes place in the Jardim da Estrela on the first weekend of each month, but January. And, the best for last, the Feira da Ladra happens on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Campo de Santa Clara. It’s the perfect market if you enjoy antique items and vintage treasures! You will certainly find original souvenirs to bring back from Lisbon!

Have a night out

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Lisbon nightlife is one-of-a-kind! Next on this top 10 things to do in Lisbon is to have a night out in Lisbon!

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The nights in Lisbon are so much fun and there is so much to do and to see! Plus, the Portuguese are the friendliest people you will ever meet, so I’m pretty sure you won’t have any trouble making new friends! Read my article about Lisbon at night to get inspired and get to know what to do at night depending on your interests!

Have a fino at the end of the day

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The Portuguese are very relaxed. Even though they have to face some crisis and personal issues, they always take the time to gather with their friends, enjoy a drink and value their free time. While in Lisbon, you should do the same!

At the end of the day, you will be exhausted of walking the whole day. Relax, go to a bar, a terrace and enjoy a fino, which simply is a “pint”. I suggest you to have a fino because that’s what most locals do and Portuguese beer is one of the best! But you can have any other kind of beverage. The essential point of this suggestion is for you to take the time to appreciate the time and the people you’re with. You will feel much happier and lighthearted! Here are a few sentences that will be useful for you to be able to have a talk with the locals!

Visit Sintra

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While in Lisbon, seize the opportunity to visit Sintra! This picturesque and magical city is located at only thirty kilometers from the city of Lisbon. Sintra’s landscapes, castles and palaces will enchant you! I’m almost certain you will fall in love with Sintra, it is so marvellous!

The best way to get there is to take the train from the Rossio station. The trains leave every thirty minutes for both directions. The trip lasts about forty minutes and only costs 2.25 euros! So, you definitely have no excuses!

In Sintra, you will find seven palaces: the Palácio da Pena, the Quinta da Regaleira, the Castelo dos Mouros, the Palácio de Monserrate, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the Palácio de Seteais and the Palácio de Queluz. If you only have one day to visit Sintra, focus on the Palácio da Pena and the Quinta da Regaleira, which are the most emblematic of the city! You will love it!

My top 10 things to do in Lisbon is over, but there are still so much for you to do, discover and explore! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my article and that it was useful and inspiring to you! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information about anything! See you soon in !

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