Things to do in Benfica

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A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, dense greenery, and residential buildings.
A mural of a woman holding flowers with the text "Palacio Baldorioty de Carvalho" and the year "1840".
A large bridge with multiple lanes of traffic, a body of water, and hills in the background.
A bridge with two tall towers, a statue on a pedestal, and a coastal landscape with trees and buildings in the background.
A white tower with a red roof, surrounded by dry grass and trees.

Benfica Attractions

There's something quite delightful about smaller cities. Whether you're on your way to Benfica for a handful of days or you're staying longer, you'll quickly fall in love with this place. In fact, with so many exciting things to do and awesome sights to see, you might never want to go home!

Discover what makes Benfica tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Look into our {1709 fun activities in Benfica fun activities in Benfica}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

Belem Tower

Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações

$88
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour

Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour

$81
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour
2-Hour Lisbon Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine

2-Hour Lisbon Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine

$40
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
2-Hour Lisbon Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine
Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira, Pena, Cabo Roca All Tickets Included

Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira, Pena, Cabo Roca All Tickets Included

$113
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Lisbon: Sintra, Regaleira, Pena, Cabo Roca All Tickets Included
Lisbon: Tagus River Boat Tour with One Drink Included

Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise with Welcome Drink

$17
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise with Welcome Drink
Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour

Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour

$27
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour
Lisbon: Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks

Lisbon: Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks

$68
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lisbon: Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks
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Benfica must see attractions

1. Rossio Square

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.
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A plaza with patterned pavement, a fountain, and historic buildings in the background.

2. Marquis of Pombal Square

Marquis of Pombal Square (Praça Marquês de Pombal) is a scenic roundabout in central Lisbon. It takes its name from the notable and progressive statesman Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal. Come here to admire an artistic monument, explore a picturesque park and witness the buzz of a city on the move.
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A tall monument with statues, surrounded by flags and trees.

3. Belém Tower

Belém Tower is an impressive structure on the shore of the Tagus River in Lisbon. The ornate fortification was built here over 500 years ago to fight off any hostile craft that came up the river. Gaze straight across the river from the top of the Tower Terrace to see St. Sebastian’s Fort, another fortification on the opposite shore. With the two towers in place, enemy warships could not achieve success in attacking the city.
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A historic stone castle by a river, with a wooden bridge leading to it.

4. Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator connects the hilltop neighborhood Bairro Alto with downtown Baixa. The gothic, iron structure rises up from the neoclassical architecture of downtown. The elevator has been in operation since 1905 and was originally operated by a steam engine. Today it’s powered by an electric engine and is a great way to enjoy views over the city. Visit the elevator’s rooftop café.
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A historic bridge with ornate metalwork and a view of a cityscape with red-tiled roofs.

5. Commerce Square

Commerce Square, or the Praça do Comércio, is a meeting place for locals and a great spot to bask in the sun along the riverfront. This was the site of the royal palace for many centuries, until the Great Earthquake of 1755. The palace was remodeled into an elaborate stone monument that marks the point of entry to the city. Today the square offers many places to sit and relax in between visits to the surrounding sites of the central Baixa district.
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A plaza with a statue, a large archway, and yellow buildings.

Recommended things to do in Benfica

Number of things to do
1709
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Exciting Free Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Stunning Viewpoints: $2
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Benfica

Things to Do in Benfica with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you wander in Benfica. Here are a few family friendly experiences to enjoy together that are bound to make your break a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Benfica? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Benfica attractions

A bridge, a tower, and a river.

Alto da Serafina Park

Explore the great outdoors at Alto da Serafina Park, a lovely green space in Benfica. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Benfica

A coastal cityscape with colorful buildings and a prominent white dome structure.

Lisbon

A coastal fortification with a prominent tower, waves crashing against the shore, and a clear blue sky.

Oeiras

A coastal cityscape with terracotta-roofed buildings, a prominent white church, and a view of the sea and distant city lights.

Lisbon District

A densely packed cityscape with historic buildings and a prominent hill with a church.

Alcântara

A cityscape with a prominent bridge, dense urban buildings, and a hilly backdrop.

Campo de Ourique

A marble statue of a woman with a laurel wreath, standing in a classical architectural setting.

Ajuda

A coastal cityscape with colorful buildings, a prominent cathedral, and a beach in the background.

Amadora

A street corner with a white building with balconies, a pink building, and a green awning.

Campolide

Frequently asked questions

Is Benfica worth visiting?
Benfica offers a unique mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, nature or local culinary flavors, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Benfica?
Start your day with a visit to Lisbon Zoo. Then, explore different parts of Benfica for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Benfica?
Plan a day at Lisbon Zoo and see why it's rated as the top tourist attraction near Benfica.
Is three days enough to stay in Benfica?
You'll have ample time to discover Lisbon Zoo, Gulbenkian Museum and other key attractions around the area when you book a three-day vacation in Benfica.
Is Benfica a walkable neighborhood?
That all comes down to what you'd like to do in and around Benfica. Several sights, like Lisbon Zoo and Gulbenkian Museum are easily reachable on foot. Up for a stroll through some other nearby neighborhoods? Uptown is 3 miles from Benfica, while Avenidas Novas is 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Benfica with kids?
Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Benfica with kids.

What to do in Benfica for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Benfica for adults including Campo Pequeno Bullring.
Are there free things to do in Benfica?
You won't have to look far to find free things to do in Benfica. If you ask a local tour guide and they'll have suggestions for attractions and places you can experience at zero cost. An excellent free option for your itinerary is Monsanto Forest Park.