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Lisbon, Portugal

Destination Guide

Lisbon

Portugal

Best things to do in Lisbon

60 curated attractions in Lisbon, Portugal. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

17°C/63°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal's hilly capital, sits at the mouth of the Tagus River with a skyline shaped by its seven hills. The city's unique azulejos, or decorative ceramic tiles, add color to its narrow, winding streets, which are filled with old trams and miradouros that offer scenic views. Its cultural scene is diverse; from the contemporary art at the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology to classical performances at the São Carlos National Theatre, there's always something happening. Many visitors come specifically for the seafood and the nightlife found in Bairro Alto, where it’s easy to lose track of time and your sense of moderation. However, the steep inclines are a reminder that in Lisbon, even your legs get a workout while you explore.

Who it's for

Those who enjoy a blend of culture, history, and good food will find plenty to love in Lisbon. It may not be suitable for anyone who dislikes hills, as you’ll be climbing quite a bit just to reach your next meal. Also, if you're looking for American-style convenience and fast food, you may have to adjust your expectations.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The city centre is compact and walkable, but expect to climb
  • Tram 28 takes you on a scenic route through the hills, and it can be crowded during peak times
  • The metro is reliable, connecting major areas in about fifteen minutes
  • Lisbon Airport is about twenty minutes from downtown by taxi, unless traffic proves otherwise
Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto

Streets & neighbourhoods
Rua do Carmo

Rua do Carmo

Streets & neighbourhoods
Rossio Square

Rossio Square

Squares & plazas
Chiado District

Chiado District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Scenic viewpoints
Rua Augusta Arch

Rua Augusta Arch

Architecture
Alfama

Alfama

Old towns & historic quarters
Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações

City parks
Eduardo VII Park

Eduardo VII Park

City parks
Pink Street

Pink Street

Entertainment
Tagus River Promenade

Tagus River Promenade

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Solar da Ursa

Solar da Ursa

Live music venues & clubs
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Scenic viewpoints
Senhora do Monte

Senhora do Monte

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Pavilhão do Conhecimento

Pavilhão do Conhecimento

Science & natural history museums
Ajuda National Palace

Ajuda National Palace

Castles & palaces
Estufa Fria

Estufa Fria

Botanical gardens
São Carlos National Theatre

São Carlos National Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Art museums & galleries
Miradouro da Graça

Miradouro da Graça

Urban Attractions
Praia do Guincho

Praia do Guincho

Beaches
Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio

Squares & plazas
Casa-Museu Amália Rodrigues

Casa-Museu Amália Rodrigues

Historic houses & mansions
Museu do Aljube

Museu do Aljube

History museums
Convento dos Cardaes

Convento dos Cardaes

Monasteries
Miradouro de São Vicente

Miradouro de São Vicente

Urban Attractions
Monument to the Discoveries

Monument to the Discoveries

Monuments & memorials
Lisbon Oceanarium

Lisbon Oceanarium

Aquariums
Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
Museu Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro

Museu Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro

Art museums & galleries
Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Scenic viewpoints
Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara

Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara

Formal & Japanese gardens
Sanctuary of Christ the King

Sanctuary of Christ the King

Religious
Fundação Arpad Szenes - Vieira da Silva

Fundação Arpad Szenes - Vieira da Silva

Art museums & galleries
Centro Cultural de Belém

Centro Cultural de Belém

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Museu de Lisboa - Palácio Pimenta

Museu de Lisboa - Palácio Pimenta

History museums
Museu da Marioneta

Museu da Marioneta

Specialty & quirky museums
National Tile Museum

National Tile Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Sentido da Cor

Sentido da Cor

Cultural
Estrela Basilica

Estrela Basilica

Churches & cathedrals
Livraria Bertrand

Livraria Bertrand

Cultural & Heritage Sites
National Coach Museum

National Coach Museum

History museums
Vasco da Gama Bridge

Vasco da Gama Bridge

Bridges
Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Art museums & galleries
Garrafeira Nacional

Garrafeira Nacional

Shopping and Markets
Museu da Eletricidade

Museu da Eletricidade

Science & natural history museums
LX Factory

LX Factory

Streets & neighbourhoods
Museu de Marinha

Museu de Marinha

History museums
Principe Real Garden

Principe Real Garden

City parks
Belem Tower

Belem Tower

Forts & citadels
Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira

Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira

Historic houses & mansions
Jardim das Amoreiras

Jardim das Amoreiras

City parks
Sao Jorge Castle

Sao Jorge Castle

Castles & palaces
Museu do Oriente

Museu do Oriente

History museums
Museu da Farmácia

Museu da Farmácia

Specialty & quirky museums
Carmo Convent

Carmo Convent

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Museu Coleção Berardo

Museu Coleção Berardo

Art museums & galleries
Palácio de Xabregas

Palácio de Xabregas

Castles & palaces
Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência

Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência

Science & natural history museums

Where to eat in Lisbon

The places worth planning a meal around.

Time Out Market

Time Out Market

$$$

★ 4.4 · 75,963 reviews

Ramiro

Ramiro

Portuguese · $$$

★ 4.4 · 20,726 reviews

Manteigaria

Manteigaria

Portuguese · $

★ 4.8 · 10,881 reviews

A Cevicheria

A Cevicheria

Seafood · $$$

★ 4.6 · 10,430 reviews

A Brasileira

A Brasileira

European · $$

★ 4.2 · 10,419 reviews

Dear Breakfast

Dear Breakfast

★ 4.5 · 5,294 reviews

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