9 Brilliant Things You NEED to Do in Lisbon

I had such a good weekend in Lisbon, I’d love to go back. The food, the wine, the views from the hills and the colourful street art just make it one of the coolest cities I’ve been to. Here’s what I reckon you should do when you visit to really make the most of that sunshine and unique culture.

I almost moved to Lisbon once. Kinda wish I had TBH. It’s such a cool city with so much to do and see, and really easy to get to from the UK too. I just loved the colourful neighbourhoods, the cool viewpoints and the many, many wine bars we enjoyed.

In Lisbon you’ll find centuries-old cathedrals beside modern street art, traditional fado music playing in dimly lit taverns alongside buzzing rooftop bars with DJ sets, and lots and lots of hills. Also, that Atlantic breeze will keep you fresh if you’re visiting in summer.

Here are a few things you need to do in Lisbon, to really feel like you’ve seen it.

1. Explore Belém for its history, monuments & pasteis

Belém is the perfect place to start your Lisbon adventure. The famous Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site that you definitely need to see. Look up and you’ll see the iconic Belém Tower. The MAAT is also here (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) – a sleek museum just by the river.

When you visit Belém find the Padrão dos Descobrimentos – the monument celebrates the great Portuguese explorers.

Finally, Belém is famous as the birthplace of Portugal’s most famous custard tart. Pick one up fresh from the oven and dusted with cinnamon – bliss! Try with a Portuguese expresso for the ultimate experience.

2. Wander Alfama: Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood

Lisbon’s most historic neighbourhood, Alfama, is a great place to wander around and explore for yourself. You’ll meander through winding streets, pastel-coloured houses and tiled façades.

Find the Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) – a striking fortress-like cathedral. And the Castelo de São Jorge, which is perched high above the city. Do the hike up and you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Lisbon and the Tagus River. Other fabulous viewpoints include the Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Miradouro das Portas do Sol — both beautiful spots for sunset.

3. Ride the iconic tram 28

If there’s one Lisbon experience that belongs on every bucket list, it’s Tram 28.

This historic yellow tram rattles through the heart of the city, threading through Alfama, Baixa, Graça and more. Think steep hills, tight corners and charming Lisbon views from your window seat. This is a great thing to do if your travel companions are kids or seniors as you can just explore from the comfort of your seat. Top tip: sit on the right for the best views, and hop on early!

4. Take in the views at Lisbon’s best miradouros

Lisbon was built on hills for a reason — and those hills give you some of the best urban views in Europe. Perfect if you find a busker on one of them too!

Here are of the top lookout points – bring a snack and a drink to calm your beating heart after climbing up!

• Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara: Lovely gardens and city panoramas.
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: A quieter hilltop spot with epic views at golden hour.
• Miradouro de Santa Catarina: Chilled vibes and river views — great for sunset drinks.
• Elevador de Santa Justa: A neo-Gothic lift connecting Baixa and Largo do Carmo — worth a ride for the view alone.

5. Take a day trip

Lisbon is perfectly placed for local day trips, or as the start of a longer tour of Portugal. You can easily hire a car to explore the locale or the country.

Cascais & Estoril

Chic coastal towns with sandy beaches, seafood restaurants and a relaxed vibe — perfect in summer.

Sintra

A fairytale-like town with colourful palaces, misty forests and an astonishing mountain castle (Palácio da Pena) that looks straight out of a storybook. We had a nightmare getting here (after a very late night) and arrived just as the gate closed so make sure you check the opening times!

Évora

A UNESCO World Heritage city with Roman ruins, whitewashed streets and incredible history — ideal for history lovers. If you get a cheap car hire you can explore more along the way.

Óbidos

A medieval walled town with cobbled streets, artisan shops and a famous cherry liqueur called ginjinha served in a small chocolate cup (yes, delicious!).

6. Discover Baixa & Chiado

For bustling streets, grand plazas and unbeatable people-watching, head to Baixa and Chiado. In Baixa look for the city’s grand waterfront square, Praça do Comércio, and the Rua Augusta street to sit and people watch from one of the cafes.

Chiado here is Lisbon’s artsy, café-filled neighbourhood — think sophisticated boutiques, bookstores and elegant squares. Stop at Café A Brasileira, one of Lisbon’s oldest cafés and a great place for a coffee break.

7. Soak up the street art

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vibrant street art capitals. Colourful murals and creative pieces are everywhere — a reflection of Portugal’s thriving contemporary art scene.

If you want to find the best of Lisbon’s street art, visit LX Factory, a creative hub on the outskirts of the city with massive murals and indie galleries. And Calçada da Glória is famous for its tiled hill and urban art.

8. Eat your way through Lisbon

First, there’s the seafood and Bacalhau à Brás – shredded cod with eggs and potatoes – as the first dish you just have to try. Carnivores will love the Bifanas – succulent meat sandwiches. Anyone with a sweet tooth like me should make a beeline for the Pastéis de Nata, Portugal’s famous egg custard tart.

Here are a few dishes I’d strongly recommend you include in your trip:

• Bacalhau à Brás — Shredded salted cod with egg, onions and fried potatoes.
• Polvo à Lagareiro — Octopus roasted with garlic and olive oil.
• Bola de Berlim – A fluffy jam-filled doughnut.

9. Linger in Local Markets

Lisbon’s markets are the perfect way to experience local life. Check out the Mercado da Ribeira (aka Time Out Market) for local foods and to taste chef favourites.

The Feira da Ladra is Lisbon’s oldest flea market — perfect for vintage finds, antiques and quirky souvenirs. While the Mercado de Campo de Ourique is a community market with stalls, cafés and fresh produce.

Markets are great for mid-afternoon browsing and they’re also prime places to people-watch with a fresh pastel de nata in hand.

In writing this I’ve actually convinced myself I need to go back to Lisbon and will be looking at flights. Hope you feel the same!