Things to do in Lisbon

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A coastal cityscape with colorful buildings and a prominent white dome structure.
A coastal cityscape with historic buildings, a prominent cathedral, and a clear view of the sea.
A red tram on a cobblestone street, with buildings on either side and a bridge in the background.
A panoramic view of a cityscape at sunset with a prominent bridge in the background.
A coastal town with buildings along the cliff, a sandy beach, and boats docked near the shore.

Lisbon Attractions

Good things come in small packages, and that's especially true of Lisbon. While it's not the biggest city around, you'll still find plenty of shops to poke around in, fabulous attractions to visit and awesome activities to enjoy. Ready to start working on that must-do list?

Find out what makes Lisbon tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Check out our top {1712 fun activities in Lisbon fun activities in Lisbon}, and rest easy 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
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
Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Ticket +Audioguide

Quinta da Regaleira: Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide

$31
per adult
Quinta da Regaleira: Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide
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
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Tramcar Tours

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Tramcar Tours

$43
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Tramcar Tours
Escape Hunt Experience

Escape Hunt Experience

$31
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Escape Hunt Experience
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Lisbon 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.

6. Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and houses more than 8,000 fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. Bring the family to be entertained while learning about conservation and ocean habitats around the world.
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A modern indoor space with a large blue mosaic wall and wooden sculptures.

7. Castle of São Jorge

The Castle of São Jorge is a huge medieval structure that overlooks the city. Take a guided tour to learn about Lisbon’s past and enjoy views across the capital from the castle’s grounds.
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A historic stone fortress overlooking a cityscape with red-roofed buildings.

8. Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral (the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa) is a must-see for lovers of architecture. It is the oldest religious structure in Lisbon and has been modified several times, so it reflects many different architectural styles.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, a clock tower, and a tram in the foreground.

Recommended things to do in Lisbon

Number of things to do
1712
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 Lisbon

 

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

 

 

Stay near popular Lisbon attractions

A plaza with patterned pavement, a fountain, and historic buildings in the background.

Rossio Square

9.0/10 (18,398 reviews)
Rossio Square captivates with distinctive wave-patterned pavement and baroque fountains. Savor a pastel de nata at a café while watching street performers enliven this historic Lisbon meeting point.
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Where to stay in Lisbon

Find the best Lisbon areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Lisbon
Learn more about Lisbon
A densely packed urban area with colorful buildings, a prominent white statue, and a red-roofed church.

Baixa

Enjoy the popular shops in Baixa. Rossio Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Baixa-Chiado Station or Praça da Figueira Stop to see more of Santa Maria Maior.

A terrace overlooking a coastal town with cobblestone pavement, a palm tree, and a view of the sea.

Alfama

Alfama is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Lg. Portas Sol Stop or R. Escolas Gerais Stop to explore sights like Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

A cityscape with a hilltop fortress, a park with benches and flowers, and a couple kissing on a bridge railing.

Chiado

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Chiado. Spend some time visiting top spots like Camões Square, and catch the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Two women overlooking a cityscape with historic buildings and a castle on a hill.

Bairro Alto

Spend some time visiting places like Fado in Chiado while getting to know Bairro Alto, and be sure to check out the lively bars. You can hop aboard the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

A large banyan tree with extensive roots and a bench in a park.

Príncipe Real

Noted for its gardens and cafes, there's plenty to explore in Príncipe Real. Top attractions like Avenida da Liberdade and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Príncipe Real Stop or Rato Station to see more of the city.

 

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Popular day trips from 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 street lined with multi-story residential buildings, a bus stop, and parked cars.

Areeiro

A metro station with a red and white sign, a bus stop, and a pedestrian bridge over a road.

Olivais

A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, dense greenery, and residential buildings.

Benfica

Frequently asked questions

Is Lisbon worth visiting?
Lisbon offers an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or traditional cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Lisbon?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Castle of São Jorge. Then, explore other parts of Lisbon for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lisbon?
The top tourist attraction near Lisbon is Castle of São Jorge, so be sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Lisbon?
With a three-day vacation in Lisbon, you can easily experience the area's many awesome attractions, such as Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral.
Is Lisbon a walkable neighborhood?
It all depends on the things you'd like to do in and around Lisbon. Several top attractions, including Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral are accessible on foot. In the mood for a stroll through some other nearby neighborhoods? Santa Maria Maior is 0.3 miles from Lisbon, while Baixa is 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Lisbon with kids?
Deciding what to do in Lisbon with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Lisbon for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Lisbon for adults including Campo Pequeno Bullring.
Are there free things to do in Lisbon?
You won't have to search high and low for free things to do in Lisbon. Just ask a local tour guide and they'll tell you about attractions you can enjoy without spending a cent. A good free option for your itinerary is Lisbon Cathedral.

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