Things to do in Lisbon

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Lisbon
Chiado showing railway items and a city
Commerce Square featuring a city
Lisbon Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a city
Commerce Square featuring nightlife, a square or plaza and outdoor art

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 {1517 fun activities in Lisbon fun activities in Lisbon}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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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Rossio Square which includes a square or plaza and a fountain

2. Campo Grande

The neighborhood of Campo Grande has been an important part of urban Lisbon for centuries. Stroll around this quiet residential area and visit the attractions in and around the 33-acre (13-hectare) park at the center of the Alvalade parish. When you’re hungry, stop at one of several restaurants in the park and throughout the larger neighborhood.
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Campo Grande featuring a pond

3. 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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Marquis of Pombal Square showing a monument, a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

4. 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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Belem Tower which includes general coastal views, a bridge and heritage architecture

5. 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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Santa Justa Elevator in Lisbon Portugal

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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Lisbon Oceanarium featuring marine life and interior views

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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Castle of Sao Jorge which includes views, a city and chateau or palace

8. 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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Commerce Square in Lisbon

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Recommended things to do in Lisbon

Number of things to do
1517
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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Lisbon

Rossio Square showing a fountain, street scenes and heritage elements

Rossio Square

4.5/5(1,290 reviews)

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Rossio Square
Avenida da Liberdade featuring a city and a statue or sculpture

Avenida da Liberdade

During your trip to Santo Antonio, you can do some window-shopping at Avenida da Liberdade. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this romantic area, or seek out the local tours.

Avenida da Liberdade
Campo Grande which includes a pond and a park

Campo Grande

Find peaceful walks, restaurants, soccer and even horse racing in this park a short distance north of Old Town Lisbon.

Campo Grande
Lisbon City Center showing a monument and a statue or sculpture

Marquis of Pombal Square

4.5/5(254 reviews)

Crowned by a statue of a Portuguese reformer, this bustling traffic hub is a gateway to a lush city park and one of Lisbon’s chicest avenues.

Marquis of Pombal Square
Belem Tower which includes a sunset, heritage architecture and a bridge

Belém Tower

4.5/5(1,337 reviews)

Lisbon constructed a fortification along a waterway to defend its riches. Now access the structure from the shore for lovely views.

Belém Tower
Santa Justa Elevator showing outdoor eating, night scenes and nightlife

Santa Justa Elevator

4/5(1,026 reviews)

Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift.

Santa Justa Elevator
Carcavelos Beach

Carcavelos Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Carcavelos Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Carcavelos. Amble around the area's seaside, or seek out its surfing spots.

Carcavelos Beach
Lisbon Oceanarium featuring interior views and marine life as well as a small group of people

Lisbon Oceanarium

4.5/5(349 reviews)

Enjoy an underwater adventure at one of the world’s largest and most diverse aquariums right on Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront.

Lisbon Oceanarium
Pena Palace showing heritage elements and a castle

Pena Palace

4.5/5(1,248 reviews)

This exuberant construction, a former royal retreat set high in the hills of Sintra, features a colorful assortment of turreted towers and domes.

Pena Palace

 

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Popular day trips from Lisbon

Oeiras

Oeiras

Miradouro de Santa Luzia which includes a coastal town and a lake or waterhole

Lisbon District

Lisboa Region featuring outdoor art and street scenes as well as an individual femail

Alcântara

Amoreiras Shopping Center which includes landscape views, a river or creek and a city

Campo de Ourique

Ajuda National Palace featuring chateau or palace and interior views

Ajuda

Areeiro featuring a city

Areeiro

Olivais

Olivais

Monsanto Forest Park showing a park and wildflowers

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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