What should you do in Lisbon?
The best things to do in Lisbon include exploring the historic streets of Alfama, visiting Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle, enjoying the city’s panoramic viewpoints, walking through Baixa and Chiado, discovering the monuments of Belém and tasting traditional Portuguese food.
Lisbon is a beautiful but hilly city, with cobbled streets and attractions spread across several neighbourhoods. A private electric tuk tuk tour is one of the easiest ways to connect the main areas, reach the viewpoints and learn about the city from a local guide.
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Visitors with only one day should combine the historic centre, at least one panoramic viewpoint and the riverside district of Belém. With two or three days, there is more time to explore local neighbourhoods, street art, food and the south bank of the Tagus River.
12 best things to do in Lisbon
1. Explore the Historic Streets of Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood. Its narrow cobbled streets, tiled façades, small squares and traditional houses reveal a side of the city that cannot be experienced from the main avenues.
Walk around Lisbon Cathedral, Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia, discover hidden corners and enjoy views over the rooftops and the Tagus River. Because Alfama is steep and its streets can be difficult to navigate, visiting with a local guide can save time and make the experience more comfortable.
LOCAL TIP: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for quieter streets and better light for photographs.
2. Visit Lisbon Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa, is one of the city’s oldest and most recognisable monuments. Its imposing façade stands at the entrance to Alfama and reflects centuries of Lisbon’s religious and architectural history.
The cathedral is easy to combine with a visit to Portas do Sol, Santa Luzia and the surrounding historic streets.
LOCAL TIP: Traffic and pedestrian movement can be intense around the cathedral. A short stop is often enough to appreciate the façade before continuing into Alfama.
3. Enjoy Lisbon’s Panoramic Viewpoints
Lisbon’s hills provide extraordinary views over historic neighbourhoods, the river and the city’s red rooftops. Some of the most popular viewpoints include Senhora do Monte, Portas do Sol, Santa Luzia and Graça.
Reaching several viewpoints on foot in the same day can be tiring, particularly during warmer months. An electric tuk tuk makes it easier to combine different viewpoints without spending most of the visit walking uphill.
Recommended tour
4. Discover São Jorge Castle and the Castle District
São Jorge Castle stands above Lisbon’s historic centre and offers wide views over the city and the Tagus River. The surrounding castle district is also worth exploring for its narrow streets, traditional buildings and quieter corners.
Visitors planning to enter the castle should allow additional time, especially during the busiest months. Those with limited time can still enjoy the surrounding area and nearby viewpoints.
LOCAL TIP: Buy entrance tickets in advance during high season and avoid arriving at the busiest time of the day.
5. Walk Through Baixa, Rossio and Chiado
Baixa is Lisbon’s central downtown district, characterised by elegant squares, straight streets and traditional shops. Rossio Square is one of the city’s main meeting points, while Chiado combines historic cafés, theatres, shops and cultural landmarks.
This area is easier to explore on foot and is an ideal place to stop for lunch, shopping or a coffee between visits.
Places to include
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Rossio Square;
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Rua Augusta;
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Santa Justa area;
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Chiado;
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Largo do Carmo.
6. Visit Praça do Comércio and the Riverfront
Praça do Comércio is one of Lisbon’s largest and most impressive squares. Facing the Tagus River, it marks the connection between the historic centre and Lisbon’s waterfront.
Walk beneath the Rua Augusta Arch, enjoy the open river views and continue along the waterfront. This is also a convenient starting point for exploring Baixa, Alfama or travelling towards Belém.
LOCAL TIP: The square is particularly attractive in the morning and near sunset, when the light reflects over the river.
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7. Discover Belém and Portugal’s Maritime History
Belém is one of the most important areas to visit in Lisbon. Located beside the Tagus River, it is home to monuments associated with Portugal’s maritime history and the Age of Discoveries.
The main attractions include Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. The area is several kilometres from the historic centre, so it should be planned as a separate part of the day or combined with a longer city tour.
8. See Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower
Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most important monuments and a remarkable example of Portuguese Manueline architecture. Nearby, Belém Tower stands beside the river and remains one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
Both attractions can have long queues. Visitors who want to explore the interiors should reserve additional time, while a panoramic tour can include exterior stops and local explanations.
9. Taste Lisbon’s Traditional Food
Lisbon’s food is an essential part of the city experience. Try a pastel de nata, traditional cod dishes, grilled fish, local cheeses and Portuguese pastries.
Food experiences are particularly enjoyable when combined with neighbourhood stories, markets and small local establishments rather than only the most tourist-oriented areas.
Recommended tour
10. Experience Fado and Local Culture
Fado is closely connected to Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, especially Alfama and Mouraria. This traditional form of Portuguese music expresses stories of longing, daily life and the city’s identity.
Visitors can discover Fado museums, traditional venues and neighbourhoods associated with its history. Evening performances are available throughout the city, but booking in advance is recommended for smaller and more authentic venues.
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11. Discover Street Art and Hidden Neighbourhoods
Lisbon is known not only for historic monuments but also for contemporary street art, creative districts and neighbourhoods that remain outside the most common tourist routes.
Mouraria, Graça and other local areas reveal murals, small squares, workshops and everyday city life. This is an ideal experience for visitors interested in photography, urban culture and a less conventional side of Lisbon.
Recommended tour