What to do on Sundays in Lisbon

What to do on Sundays in Lisbon

Sundays are a very important day of the week! In this article, I will be telling you what to do on Sundays in Lisbon, in case you’re in the city for some time and are wondering what locals usually do during the sundays.

Most people take their day off on Sundays. It’s an important day for the Portuguese, because they get to relax and spend time with their family after a long week of working. It’s a day of resting before heading into a new week, on Monday. If some people stay at home during the Sundays, other people still work, so there are plenty of businesses and places to go during the day! In this article, I will introduce you to some of Portuguese Sundays customs, and I will also suggest you a few things to do during the afternoon, if you want to roam around the city. Read on and find out what to do on Sundays in Lisbon!

Eat the traditional “assado” at lunch

Every Sunday, families gather, whenever it is possible, and eat the traditional “assado” for lunch.

This dish is very appreciated by the Portuguese. It’s usually prepared by the women of the family. Mothers, aunts, grandmothers have always prepared this dish for their family on Sundays. The secret for the dish to be savoury is its seasoning, but also the quality of the meat. Overall, I have to say it is a simple dish to make.

The “assado” is usually made with goat or veal meat, with some peeled potatoes that goes into the oven for about an hour. Then, a oven-baked rice is also served. Families get together, eat and talk for hours and spend the rest of the day together. It’s the perfect day for grandparents to get to see their grandchildren, to bound with the members of the family, talk about the week and give updates about each other’s lives.

If you want to know more about Portugues traditional dishes, you can read this article. You can also read this one, if you’re more into desserts. Then, if you want a local guide to show the best of Portuguese food, join our food tour. Learn more about it here!

Be with your family

One thing you definitely should be doing on Sunday is to be with your family! If you’re in the city without your family, make sure to give them a call and let them know you care for them.

You need to try to dedicate some time to your family, even if you have a busy life. Because no one gets time back. Time is precious. Build as many memories as possible with the people you care about. These moments are the things that will live on forever. These moments will be remembered.

Visit a museum

After eating a traditional “assado“, you can visit a museum while making digestion! It’s a great way to both intelectually grow and digesting your lunch!

In Lisbon, there are many museums I am sure you will enjoy. Here are a few suggestions: the Lisbon Story Centre, the National Museum Of Ancient Art, the Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Museum, the Coleção Berardo Museum, and the Fado Museum. These museums will allow you to learn a lot more about the city and the history of Portugal. You can check this article to find out more about each of these museums.

Walk around the city

The city of Lisbon is filled with surprises. Every detail, every street, every corner tells a little about its history. Walking around the city and appreciating all the tiniest details of it is an experience I recommend. Even the walls change frequently, with the many street artists that decorate the city during the year.

Have a walk in the lovely neighborhoods of Alfama and Graça. Watch how the locals live. A walk in Alfama will truly get you to know Lisbon history and its traditional lifestyle that lives on for decades.

While traveling the city, try to observe the details. Have a look at the Portuguese traditional calçada, which is the traditional cobblestones you will find all around the city. Some squares and avenues have the most beautiful patterns! For instance, have a look at the calçada of the Praça do Rossio. This pattern refers to the waves of the sea, since the Portuguese and their history are so closely connected to it.

Another thing I want you to have a look at is the famous traditional azulejos. You will find these colorful patterned ceramic tiles all around the city, both on the facades of the buildings and inside of them as well. If you’re curious about this art, I advise you to visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. You will learn a lot about this unique craft. The museum is open everyday but on Mondays, from 10 am to 6 pm.

I also recommend you to go see the Convento do Carmo. This convent dates back from the fourteenth century. Unfortunately it was pretty damaged by the 1755 earthquake Lisbon suffered, but it didn’t lose its beauty! The monks were not able to pay for its reconstruction. But the place is still stunning, especially on a sunny day!

Then, in just a five minutes walk, you will reach the Elevador de Santa Justa, which was designed by a student of the famous Gustave Eiffel. This elevator can sometimes be crowded, but the view from its top is so worth it!

Enjoy the river

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, join a boat cruise!

I recommend you the Hippotrip company. Their buses will guide you through the city, on earth and on the water. Their tour lasts about ninety minutes and are very fun. Both locals and visitors love these tours!

Indulge yourself

Above all, don’t forget to indulge yourself! Eat whatever you like. You’ve been working the whole week, so Sunday is definitely the day you can relax and let it go a little. Eat a few pastéis de nata, and if you feel like having an ice cream, I recommend you Nivà, located at Rua da Escola Politécnica, 41. Or go to the Mercado da Ribeira and let yourself be seduced by the many delicious pastries and sweets!

You now know what to do on Sundays in Lisbon! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it has inspired you and given you a few ideas! Feel free to share your own suggestions in the comments. I hope to see you soon in one of our tours!

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