Best Things to Do in Lisbon: What We Loved During Our Visit

Lisbon had been on our bucket list for years, and from the moment we arrived, we understood why so many people enjoy this city.

We had looked forward to visiting Portugal for a long time, so spending several days in Lisbon at the beginning of our trip felt like the perfect introduction to the country. It quickly became clear to us that Lisbon is a city best explored at a slower pace. Around almost every corner, we found so many beautiful buildings or another scenic viewpoint that wowed us.

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Lisbon, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. The city centre offers historic churches, panoramic viewpoints, neighbourhoods full of character, excellent food, and easy day trips. We found it surprisingly easy to explore, although the famous hills certainly give your legs a workout. Lisbon officially has seven hills, but after several days of walking and taking the occasional Uber, we were convinced there were many more hidden throughout the city.

One of the first things that caught our attention was the architecture. Many buildings are covered in beautiful Portuguese tiles, each telling its own story through colour and pattern. Before long, we also realized we needed to look down as much as we looked up. The patterned stone sidewalks are works of art themselves, and every neighbourhood seemed to have its own unique design.

What we appreciated most about our trip to Lisbon was its relaxed atmosphere. The people were welcoming, and we always felt comfortable wandering the city. At the same time, it seems Lisbon has become a popular destination for younger travellers, and we noticed a lively nightlife scene in several neighbourhoods. That isn’t really our style of travel, so we found ourselves enjoying the city most during the mornings.  This was when the streets were quieter, and we could appreciate Lisbon’s history and architecture before the crowds arrived.

After several days of exploring, we have compiled a list of the places that stood out to us the most.

What You’ll Discover in Lisbon

In this Lisbon travel guide, we’ll share the places that made our visit memorable, including:

Whether you’re spending two days or a week in Lisbon, these experiences will give you a wonderful introduction to Portugal’s capital.

Visit Lisbon’s Historic Churches

One of the things we enjoyed about Lisbon was discovering a few of its many churches. Each one had its own personality and history, and they quickly became some of our favourite places to escape the busy streets outside.

Sé de Lisboa

The Lisbon Cathedral, known locally as Sé de Lisboa, has stood at the heart of the city since 1147, making it Lisbon’s oldest church.

From the outside, it resembles a fortress. Its thick stone walls and tall towers indicate a time when churches were built not only as places of worship but also as places of protection. It has survived earthquakes, wars, and centuries of change, making it one of Lisbon’s most important landmarks.

Inside, the atmosphere feels completely different from the hustle and bustle outside it. Soft light filters through the windows, and visitors respectfully lower their voices. We enjoyed taking our time here, appreciating both the architecture and the sense of history that fills the building.

It is a wonderful place to begin exploring Lisbon, as it immediately connects you to the city’s medieval past.

Igreja de São Roque

If we had to choose one church that surprised us the most, it would be Igreja de São Roque.

From the outside, it looks fairly modest. Had we not known what was inside, we might easily have walked past it. The moment we stepped through the doors, however, we stopped in our tracks.

Gold decorations cover much of the interior, while the beautifully painted ceiling draws your eyes upward. Every section seems to reveal another intricate detail. We found ourselves slowly walking around the church, noticing something different each time we looked.

It was fascinating to learn that this is one of the earliest Jesuit churches in the world. For us, it became one of Lisbon’s hidden gems and one of our favourite churches in Portugal.

Take Time to Enjoy Lisbon’s Viewpoints

With so many hills, Lisbon has some wonderful viewpoints.

At first, we found ourselves climbing simply because it was necessary. Then we discovered that every climb seemed to end with another spectacular view across the city.

Our favourite was Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Standing here, we could see the rooftops stretching toward the Tagus River, with São Jorge Castle rising above the surrounding neighbourhoods. It gave us a completely different perspective of Lisbon and helped us appreciate just how spread out the city really is.

It also reminded us why comfortable shoes are so important here!

We noticed that many people stopped only long enough to take a photograph before moving on. We preferred sitting for a while and watching the city below. Trams rattled through the streets, church bells echoed across the rooftops, and life carried on beneath us. It was one of those places where there is no need to rush.

Throughout Lisbon you’ll find several viewpoints, known locally as miradouros. Our experience was similar when we visited São Miguel in the Azores. Whenever we came across one, we rarely regretted taking the extra few minutes to enjoy the view. Check out some popular ones such as Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luiza. 

Wander Through the Elegant Streets of Lapa

Some of our favourite moments in Lisbon came when we weren’t visiting major attractions at all. Instead, we simply wandered.

One neighbourhood we particularly enjoyed was Lapa. Historically home to many of Portugal’s noble families, it feels quieter than some of the city’s more tourist-focused areas.

Walking through its streets gave us a chance to slow down and appreciate the details. Elegant homes line the roads, many decorated with beautiful Portuguese tiles that have been carefully preserved for generations. Some buildings feature entire façades covered in colourful patterns, while others use tiles to frame windows and balconies.

It became one of those neighbourhoods where we found ourselves stopping every few minutes to admire another doorway or another beautifully restored home.

Lapa may not appear on every visitor’s itinerary, but for us it captured the quieter side of Lisbon that we enjoyed most.

Look for Lisbon’s Street Art and Public Statues

Lisbon has a wonderful mix of old and new, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its public art.

As we wandered through different neighbourhoods, we came across colourful murals that transformed ordinary walls into works of art. Some highlighted Portuguese history, while others were modern and creative.

The city also seems to have a statue around almost every corner. Monuments with historical figures stand proudly in squares throughout Lisbon, reminding us of the country’s long and fascinating past.

One statue that made us smile was the famous Lottery Man.

According to local tradition, rubbing part of the statue brings good luck. Whether or not it works is another matter, but it certainly attracts plenty of visitors hoping for a little extra fortune. And of course we took our turn too!

Is Pink Street Worth Visiting?

Before arriving in Lisbon, we had seen countless photographs of Pink Street online. Naturally, we were curious.

As it happened, we walked through the area early one morning on our way to the train station. At that time, it was almost empty. The colourful pavement looked exactly as it does in the photographs, and without the crowds we could appreciate the street much more.

Later we learned that this area transforms completely later in the day. It has become one of Lisbon’s best-known nightlife districts and attracts large numbers of young people looking to enjoy the bars and clubs. Very similar to what we experienced at The Duke of York Pub in Belfast.

That really isn’t our thing, so we were happy we experienced it in the morning instead.

For us, Pink Street was worth seeing because it was already along our route. We probably wouldn’t recommend making a special trip across the city just to go there, but if you’re nearby, it’s a fun place to stop for a few minutes and take a photo.

Visit the World’s Oldest Operating Bookstore

One place we were particularly looking forward to visiting was Livraria Bertrand. We both enjoy wandering through bookstores and libraries whenever we travel, such as the State Library in Melbourne and the El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, but this one is especially famous. It holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest operating bookstore in the world, having first opened its doors in 1732.

Stepping inside, it felt like much more than a place to buy books. The beautiful arches, traditional shelving, and historic atmosphere made us want to slow down and browse. Even though we couldn’t read many of the Portuguese titles, that didn’t really matter. It was simply nice to be surrounded by so many books in such a historic setting.

One of the things we often look for when we travel is places that have retained their original character, and Livraria Bertrand certainly has. It would have been easy for it to become a tourist attraction rather than a functioning bookstore, but it still feels very much like a place where locals come to browse and buy books.

If you enjoy libraries or historic bookstores as much as we do, it is well worth adding to your Lisbon itinerary.

Enjoy the Atmosphere at Time Out Market

Lisbon has no shortage of restaurants, but Time Out Market offers something a little different.

We decided to stop here one afternoon to see what all the excitement was about, and it quickly became one of the busiest places we visited in the city. The large food hall was buzzing with people, and the atmosphere was lively without feeling overwhelming.

What impressed us most was the variety. Whether you were looking for traditional Portuguese dishes, fresh seafood, sushi, desserts, or international cuisine, there seemed to be something for every taste. It was almost impossible to decide what to eat. We had the same kind of issue at the San Telmo Market in Buenos Aires.

After wandering around for a while, we settled on sushi and sake before finding seats at one of the long communal tables.

Sharing a table with complete strangers turned out to be part of the fun. Before long we were chatting with other travellers about where they had been in Portugal and exchanging recommendations for places to visit next.

Even if you don’t go specifically for a meal, Time Out Market is worth experiencing simply for the atmosphere.

Escape the Crowds at the Lisbon Botanical Garden

After spending time climbing Lisbon’s hills and exploring its busy neighbourhoods, we were ready for a quieter change of pace.

The Lisbon Botanical Garden turned out to be exactly what we needed. For us, searching out a garden or two is typical during our trips.

Although it isn’t one of the city’s largest attractions, we really enjoyed wandering through the grounds. Tall mature trees provide plenty of shade, making it a pleasant place to explore. As we followed the pathways, we came across collections of cacti, succulents, and tropical plants that added variety to the garden.

There are also several small ponds and water features scattered throughout the property, creating peaceful spots to stop for a few minutes and simply enjoy the surroundings.

We found ourselves slowing down here. There was no pressure to see famous landmarks or join long queues. Instead, we simply enjoyed walking through the gardens and appreciating a quieter side of Lisbon.

Spend a Morning Exploring Belém

If there is one neighbourhood that deserves some time, it is Belém.

Located along the Tagus River, Belém is home to several of Lisbon’s most famous attractions, two of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, all within walking distance of each other. It was also one of our favourite parts of the city because it combines history, impressive architecture, and great food in one place.

Visit the Jerónimos Monastery

The first thing that catches your attention in Belém is the incredible Jerónimos Monastery.

We spent quite a while simply admiring the exterior. The level of detail carved into the stone is remarkable. Every doorway, column, and window seems to feature another intricate design.

The monastery was built during Portugal’s Age of Discovery and reflects the country’s wealth and influence during that period. Standing in front of it, it is easy to understand why it has become one of Portugal’s most important landmarks.

See the Belém Tower

Just a short walk away sits another of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks.

Belém Tower stands along the river and once played an important role protecting Lisbon’s harbour. Today, it has become one of the city’s most photographed buildings.

We enjoyed walking around the outside and seeing it from several different angles. Depending on where you stand, the tower seems to change character. From one direction it looks almost decorative, while from another it feels much more like a defensive fortress.

One of the things we found most interesting was taking a closer look at the stone carvings. The tower is decorated with symbols that reflect Portugal’s maritime history and the wealth the country gained during this important time of exploration. Look closely, and you’ll see carved ropes wrapped around the stonework, navigation instruments, and the Cross of the Order of Christ, whose members helped sponsor many of Portugal’s famous exploratory voyages.

The riverside setting makes this area especially pleasant to explore, and there are plenty of places to stop for photographs as you continue walking along the waterfront.

Don’t Leave Belém Without Trying Pastéis de Belém

No matter how many attractions you visit in Belém, there is one stop that simply can’t be missed.

Pastéis de Belém.

This famous bakery is where the original recipe for Portugal’s beloved custard tart was created, and people continue lining up every day to taste them. Our guide ushered us past the first location, where there was a long queue, and we entered the second shop right away.

The first bite explained why they have become famous around the world. The pastry was perfectly flaky, while the custard filling was warm, creamy, and not overly sweet. A light dusting of cinnamon and icing sugar finished them perfectly.

We had eaten custard tarts elsewhere during our travels, but these really were something special. It is easy to understand why so many visitors make this bakery one of their first stops in Lisbon.

If you’re only going to try one Pastel de Nata while you’re in Portugal, this is the place to do it.

Take a Day Trip to Cascais

One of the things we loved most about staying in Lisbon was how easy it was to explore beyond the city.

If you have even one extra day, we highly recommend taking the train to Cascais.

The journey itself is enjoyable as the railway follows the Tagus River before reaching the Atlantic coast. In less than an hour, the atmosphere changes completely. Instead of a busy capital city, you arrive in a relaxed seaside town where life seems to move at a slower pace.

We spent several hours simply wandering the streets, browsing the small shops, and stopping to admire the colourful buildings. Cascais has a very welcoming and laid back feeling.

One of our favourite parts of the day was walking along the waterfront. The coastline here is beautiful, with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and views across the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of places to stop and simply watch the waves.

The highlight for us was Boca do Inferno, or Hell’s Mouth.

Here, the Atlantic crashes into a natural rock formation, sending waves flowing through the opening below. The power of the ocean was incredible to watch. We spent quite a while standing along the cliffs, waiting to see each new wave surge through the rocks.

It was one of our favourite natural sights during our time in Portugal and well worth making the trip from Lisbon.

Visit Sintra from Lisbon

If Cascais shows you Portugal’s coastline, Sintra introduces you to its fairytale side. This is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, and for good reason.

Palaces sit high on forested hills, and the colourful buildings seem almost too perfect to be real. Aside from the castles, we also loved the Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira! It was a magical experience walking down the spiral staircase and looking up at its intricate design.  The Palaces of Sintra feel completely different from Lisbon, even though it is only a short train ride or drive away.

If taking a day trip to Sintra, we recommend arriving as early as possible. This lovely city attracts many visitors, and it becomes extremely busy later in the day. But even with the crowds, we felt it was one of the highlights of our Portugal trip. The scenery is unlike anywhere else we visited.

We do want to mention that if you have limited mobility or if walking up hills is a challenge for you, this may not be the right choice for you since access is mainly by walking. There is a shuttle bus at Pena Palace, but that only takes you so far until you have to proceed by walking only.

If your itinerary allows, we would also encourage you to look beyond these two famous day trips. Óbidos and Nazaré are both easily reached from Lisbon and offer completely different experiences. Each became a memorable stop during our journey through Portugal and offered some remarkable scenery and small towns to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Lisbon

How Many Days Should You Spend In Lisbon?

We recommend spending at least three full days in Lisbon. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s main neighbourhoods while also allowing for a day trip to either Cascais or Sintra.

Is Lisbon Walkable?

Yes, Lisbon is a very walkable city. However, be prepared for steep hills. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping at viewpoints along the way to catch your breath and admire the scenery.

Where To Stay In Lisbon

One of the reasons we enjoyed exploring Lisbon so much was that we stayed in a central neighbourhood within easy walking distance of many of the city’s sights. We tend to choose smaller boutique hotels rather than large chain properties, especially in European cities where we spend a lot of time exploring on foot.

During our visit, we stayed at the Lisboa Pessoa Hotel, which proved to be an excellent base. We could easily walk to neighbourhoods like Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Baixa. We found the room to be a good size, tastefully decorated, and the bathroom had modern finishings. The staff was very friendly and super helpful.

If you’re looking for similar accommodations, Hotel Portugal Boutique is another excellent option with a central location close to many of Lisbon’s attractions. Heritage Avenida Liberdade is also worth considering if you prefer a smaller hotel with plenty of character and easy access to restaurants, shopping, and many of the city’s historic sights.

Wherever you decide to stay, we recommend choosing accommodations in the historic centre.

Best Restaurants In Lisbon

We did not focus on fancy restaurants in Lisbon. Instead, some of our best meals came from smaller places with friendly staff and excellent food.

One of our favourite dinners was at Solar dos Galegos, where a mother and son team prepared an incredible Portuguese meal for us at a very reasonable price. It felt authentic, welcoming, and exactly the kind of local experience we enjoy when travelling.

We also had a great meal at Carmo Pizza and Pasta. The pizza was terrific, and the fresh caprese salad was a nice change when sometimes we just need to have a greens fix.

Another fun spot was Cantina Flores, where we enjoyed homemade guacamole with chips and very tasty tacos. It was casual, friendly, and full of flavour.

For us, these smaller establishments were exactly what we look for when travelling. Good food, fair prices, and people who make you feel welcome.

What Should First-Time Visitors Not Miss In Lisbon?

For us, the highlights were Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, Pastéis de Belém, Igreja de São Roque, Sé de Lisboa, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and wandering neighbourhoods such as Lapa.

Is Pink Street Worth Visiting?

If you happen to be nearby, yes. We enjoyed seeing it early in the morning before the crowds arrived. If nightlife is your main interest, you’ll probably enjoy visiting later in the evening. If, like us, you prefer quieter sightseeing, the morning is the better choice.

Is Time Out Market Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Even if you don’t plan to eat a full meal, it is worth stopping by to experience the atmosphere. The variety of food is excellent.

Should I Visit Cascais Or Sintra From Lisbon?

If you have enough time, we recommend both. Cascais offers beautiful coastal scenery and a relaxed atmosphere, while Sintra provides magnificent palaces and one of Portugal’s most unique landscapes.

The Final Word…Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In Lisbon

Looking back on our visit, what stands out most isn’t one single attraction.

It is the feeling of wandering through a city that balances history with everyday life so well.

We loved discovering beautiful churches tucked between busy streets, climbing hills that rewarded us with panoramic views of the city, and stopping to admire the colourful tiles that seem to decorate almost every corner of the city. 

While Lisbon’s lively evening scene wasn’t really our style, it didn’t take away from our experience. Instead, it encouraged us to discover the quieter side of the city, and that’s the version of Lisbon we came to appreciate most.

For us, Lisbon was the perfect introduction to Portugal. It gave us a wonderful mix of history, culture, architecture, and food while also serving as an excellent base for exploring places like Sintra and Cascais, or Óbidos and Nazaré.

If you’re planning your first trip to Portugal, we think Lisbon is the ideal place to begin.