Portugal

Things to do in Lisbon

Lisbon spreads over steep hills above the Tagus, so trams, funiculars and e-bikes save a lot of legwork between Alfama, Baixa and Bairro Alto. Belem's monastery and tower take half a day, Sintra's palaces take a full one, and the evenings are for petiscos, fado and a sunset sail on the river.

  • Sintra palaces day trip
  • Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower
  • Alfama food and fado evening
  • Tagus sunset sail

Experiences in Lisbon

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Lisbon

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Highlights

  • Sintra palaces day trip
  • Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower
  • Alfama food and fado evening
  • Tagus sunset sail
  • Pastel de nata baking class
  • Arrabida and Setubal wine tour

Best time to visit

March to June and September to October are warm and sunny without the peak-summer crowds. June is festival month, with Santo Antonio celebrations filling Alfama around 12 and 13 June.

Getting around

Walk the centre, use trams and funiculars for the climbs and the metro for longer distances. The red metro line runs from the airport to the city, and trains from Cais do Sodre reach Belem and Cascais along the river.

Local tips

  • The Jeronimos Monastery and many museums are closed on Mondays.
  • Tram 28 is packed and a favourite of pickpockets; ride it early in the morning or use tram 12 for a shorter loop.
  • In Sintra, book Pena Palace for a morning slot and use the local buses or a tour instead of driving up.

Day trips from Lisbon

  • Sintra
  • Cascais
  • Evora
  • Obidos
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Lisbon?

The most booked experiences in Lisbon are Sintra palaces day trip, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, Alfama food and fado evening and Tagus sunset sail.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

March to June and September to October are warm and sunny without the peak-summer crowds. June is festival month, with Santo Antonio celebrations filling Alfama around 12 and 13 June.

How do I get around Lisbon?

Walk the centre, use trams and funiculars for the climbs and the metro for longer distances. The red metro line runs from the airport to the city, and trains from Cais do Sodre reach Belem and Cascais along the river.

Do I need to book tours in Lisbon in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Lisbon?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Porto274 km awaySeville313 km awayMalaga471 km awayMadrid502 km away