I’ve got two places I like to be. Portugal is one. -Cliff Richards
In this day and age, we all get a little overwhelmed trying to narrow down the sights we want to see and the activities we want to experience when visiting a new foreign city. If you’re visiting Portugal soon and looking for the top things to do in Lisbon, welcome to our list:
1.St. Georges Castle
Number one on our list of things to do in Lisbon is a visit to St. Georges Castle. The castle is impossible to miss, as it sits perched high above the city. Visit during the day to get a 360 degree view of Lisbon, or glance up at it at night from Rossio Square to find it lit up among the sky.
2. Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is THE PLACE to go out in Lisbon. Get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets (watch out for cars!) or grab dinner and a mojito while being serenaded by the street performers. TIP: When you go out to eat in Lisbon, the bread and other appetizers placed on the table are not included in dinner. If you eat them, you will be paying extra.
3. Torre de Belem
At first glance, I didn’t think Torre de Belem was worth visiting, all the way at the other end of the city. However, once I visited, I quickly changed my mind. Torre de Belem may be the most photographically appealing place in all of Lisbon. Go at sunset for a money shot.
4. Jeronimos monastery
On your way to or from Torre de Belem, make sure to stop at Jeronimos monastery, which really looks more like a palace than a monastery.
5. Experience Fado
A trip to Lisbon isn’t complete without experiencing true Fado. Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre that you can hear being sung from certain restaurants in Lisbon, usually in the Bairro Alto area. I highly recommend A Severa (read about my experience here).
6. Day Trip to Sintra
About 25 minutes from Lisbon, you can reach the city of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sintra is a quaint little town in the mountains, with a lot to offer including The Castle of the Moors and the Palace of Sintra.
7.Mirador de Portas de Sol en Lisboa: lookout point
On route to St. Georges Castle, you’ll stumble upon one of the best lookout points of the city, Mirador de Portas de Sol. This is one of the best things to do in Lisbon if you are looking for looking for a great photo.
8. Rossio Square
Rossio Square has been one of Lisbon’s main squares since the Middle Ages. It has been the setting of popular revolts and celebrations, bullfights and executions, and is now a preferred meeting place of Lisbon natives and tourists alike. You can find plenty of restaurants, shops, and stands near Rossio and Commercio. It is here that you will find the tourist trap restaurants, just a forewarning.
9.Comercio Square
A little further down the street, you’ll find the other traditional Lisbon square, Comercio Square. Comercio Square may be one of the most photographed spots in Lisbon with it’s large statues and close proximity to the water.
Did we miss any of your favorite things to do in lisbon? Let us know by commenting below!
And if you’re searching for things to do during a long layover in Lisbon, check out this post!
Loved exploring the warm Lisbon this summer.
Although I missed out on the Fado experience, I pretty much did all the rest you just presented here, except the São Jorge Fortress, which I visited a few years before… had quite a big colony of cats. Pretty fat cats, actually 😉
Thanks for commenting! These pictures were from September and the weather was still perfect. I actually saw some cats while I was at the Fortress, so I guess the fat cat colony is still at large!