Top 10 Things To Do In Lisbon, Portugal

Thinking about travelling to Portugal in the near future? Don’t miss out on the plenty of thrilling experiences and mesmerising sights Lisbon has to offer. In this piece, I jot down the most riveting activities to indulge in while you’re in Lisbon. Wondering “What is Lisbon best known for?” Well, brace yourself for a lengthy list of surprises Lisbon has in store for you.

For starters, this European city is the epitome of colonial architecture. Every building you lay your eyes on has a story to tell. Lisbon is also famous for its Fado music culture which is unique and enjoyable.

If you’re vegan like I am, Lisbon has a number of cosy eateries that serve the best vegan Portuguese custard tarts.

That’s not all! Take a look at the top 10 things to do in Lisbon.

1. Take In The Views From The Santa Justa Elevator

It’s not every day that you come across a lift that’s grand and larger than life. So when you visit the Elevador de Santa Justa, be prepared to get spellbound by its striking beauty. Reach the top of the elevator and bask in the best panoramic views of the city.

Fabricated from wrought iron and glass, the Santa Justa Elevator is attractive from every angle. It’s positioned in such a way that your eyes just cannot miss it. No matter where you look, this state-of-the-art structure will always be a part of your vision.

To top it off, the area surrounding this monument is lined with charming shops and eateries that lend a cheerful and bustling vibe. If you’re longing to walk around and do some window shopping, this is the place to be.

2. Explore Rossio Square

If you’re looking for a sweet spot to sit back and watch the Lisbon way of life unfold before your eyes, the Rossio Square or Praça do Rossio is just the place. This monumental pillar of sorts celebrates former Portuguese King Dom Pedro IV. The floors surrounding it are paved in a wavy design that’s almost like an optical illusion. You also come across scintillating water fountains and marvellous architecture around Rossio Square.

If you’re wondering where to begin your exploration, go into Café Nicola for that much-needed coffee during your travels.

3. Stroll Across Alfama

Pretty, floral, and inspiring - that’s the Alfama neighbourhood for you. Make a plan to explore it by foot. Almost every corner of this colony in Lisbon is picture-perfect. Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest settlements and it’s also one of the most charming places to visit in this city.

Despite the many years that have gone by, Alfama has managed to retain its classic and elegant vibe. It’s full of lovely shops, cafes, restaurants, and picturesque alleys. When you’re here, I urge you to visit Sé de Lisboa or the Lisbon Cathedral and the Museu do Fado a.k.a the Fado Museum.

4. Get Lost In A Fado Performance

While Alfama is photogenic in every sense of the word, it’s also home to some of the most happening Fado bars. Bairro Alto, another fascinating neighbourhood in Lisbon is embellished with a string of delightful Fado joints that showcase the best and most authentic fado performances of all time.

Fado is unique to Portuguese culture and those who enjoy music of all kinds will fall in love with this exquisite, melancholy style the very first time they hear it.

When in Lisbon, spend a night or two at A Baiuca and Tasca do Chico for a memorable time. These old taverns flaunt rustic yet classy decor and serve the smoothest wine in town.

5. Shop At The Ribeira Market

Mercado de Ribeira takes your regular bazaar to the next level. This happens to be Lisbon’s main market for freshly sourced and produced fruits, vegetables, and vegan delicacies. It’s everything you’d imagine a local market to be and more. If you wish to check out Lisbon’s popular cuisines and a wide array of locally crafted products, this is a one-stop-shop for you.

The Ribeira Market also features a massive food hall that’s stacked with 28 food stalls, several beverage counters, and a plethora of kiosks to shop from.

6. Enjoy The Nightlife At Bairro Alto

After a long day of exploring, shopping, and walking, you should head to Bairro Alto for a drink or two. This neighbourhood in Lisbon pretty much never sleeps. From fado to jazz, the bars and cafes in Bairro Alto have every kind of experience to offer.

Bairro Alto is a hip and happening locality that sits on top of a hill and the atmosphere here is wonderfully bohemian. The highlight of this place is its street parties that take place every Friday and Saturday night. When I visited Bairro Alto, I had the pleasure of meeting several happy souls from all walks of life who enjoy living life to the fullest.

For a romantic day out, I suggest you check out the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint. It offers amazing sights and plenty of delectable restaurants to eat from on a warm and sunny afternoon.

7. Eat At Vegan Nata in Chiado

This quaint and warm bakery in Lisbon serves the most delicious vegan Portuguese custard tarts, traditionally known as Pastel de Nata. The cafe itself is small, the vibe inside is extremely warm and inviting. I tried the lattes there and the quality of the coffee is nothing short of impressive. The staff greeted us with open arms and served the most delicious vegan bakes I’ve ever had.

8. Explore The City On A Tram Ride

Trams in Lisbon are equivalent to the distinct double-deckers in London. Unique and exciting, riding Tram #28 is one of the most enjoyable experiences you could have in Lisbon. When I was exploring this city, I wanted to visit some of the older parts of it. That’s best done on Tram 28. This ride will take you through the evergreen parts of Lisbon that still retain their charmingly vintage appeal.

9. Marvel At Sintra

Sintra is a picturesque town in Lisbon and it’s an absolute treat to the eyes. Nestled amidst gorgeous and lush hills, Sintra is known for its magnificent castles and ravishing villas. Simply put, words don’t do justice to the ethereal beauty of this little Portuguese town. I made an entire day out of my visit to Sintra because there was so much to see and beauty to absorb.

Just 18 miles from Lisbon, the Pena Palace in Sintra is a hallmark of extravagance as it stands tall in traditional German-style architecture. The chapels, fountains, and musical gardens are a highlight of the palaces and castles in Sintra.

10. See The Torre de Belem

The sight of the Torre de Belem is one I cherished the most. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. This gorgeous monument stands tall on the Tejo riverfront, surrounded by pristine waters and green hills. Legend has it that the Torre de Belem was first constructed as a shield that protected the port from invaders and intruders. It was also an acting milestone for explorers who wandered off into the open seas in search of new discoveries.

Just by looking at it, you could tell how historically significant this monument was and continues to be. If you wish to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit this site in the early hours of the morning.

The Takeaway

If you were looking for reasons to visit Lisbon, I’ve given you ten irresistible ones in this blog.

The good news is that it never gets too hot or too cold here. Lisbon has perfectly sunny summers and moderately chilly winters. This means you could head to Lisbon any time during the year and have the time of your life. So pack your bags and fly to Lisbon.