Terracotta rooftops of Lisbon stretching down to the Tagus river

Updated 2026

10 best things to do in Lisbon

Seven hills, yellow trams and custard tarts worth the climb.

Photo: Dale Cruse - 10M views from San Francisco, CA, USA / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

Heads-up: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.

These picks cover Lisbon’s big monuments in Belém, the old neighbourhoods on the hills, the best viewpoints and one unmissable day trip. For each: honest cost, time needed, best time and when to skip it.

Things to do in Lisbon: tap a number to open it in Google Maps. Out of town (not on the map): 10. Day trip: Sintra.

Tickets & tours in Lisbon: compare before you buy

Official sites are often cheapest for single museums; resellers are handy for skip-the-line combos, tours and free cancellation.

Tickets on Tiqets Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

Belém Tower

Belém

The 16th-century riverside fortress is a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery.

Cost: Paid to go inside (check the current price); the outside and riverside are free
Time needed: 1 hour
Best time: Morning, at opening

Insider tip: The exterior is the best part. If the queue is long, admire it from the riverside promenade and spend your time at Jerónimos instead.

Skip it if: You hate queues and tight spiral staircases – the inside is small.

Belém tickets & tours Compare on Viator

Jerónimos Monastery & pastéis de Belém

Belém

A masterpiece of the ornate Manueline style, with a cloister you won’t forget. Next door, Pastéis de Belém has been baking custard tarts since 1837.

Cost: Church free; the cloister is paid (check the current price)
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Best time: Opening time or late afternoon

Insider tip: The takeaway queue at Pastéis de Belém moves fast; the large seated rooms inside often have space, too.

Skip it if: You’re short on time – the church alone gives you a taste for free.

Tickets Compare on Viator

Tram 28

Martim Moniz → Graça → Alfama → Estrela

Vintage yellow trams rattling through narrow streets and up steep hills – a ride through the city’s historic heart.

Cost: Paid fare (check current prices; a day transport ticket can include it)
Time needed: 40–60 min
Best time: Early morning, from the Martim Moniz terminus

Insider tip: Board at the Martim Moniz end to get a seat, and keep bags in front of you – this route is a hotspot for pickpockets.

Skip it if: The queue is huge – walk the same route through Alfama, or ride tram 12 or 24 instead.

Tickets & tours

Alfama & a fado night

Alfama

Lisbon’s oldest district, a maze of alleys, laundry lines and tiny squares. In the evening its small fado houses fill with Portugal’s soulful music.

Cost: Free to wander; fado dinners and shows are paid
Time needed: Half a day + an evening
Best time: Late afternoon into evening

Insider tip: Get lost on purpose and use the viewpoints as landmarks. For fado, a small venue where people listen in silence beats a big dinner show.

Skip it if: Steep steps are hard for you – use the trams and Castelo’s viewpoints instead.

Fado experiences Compare on Viator

Castelo de São Jorge

Above Alfama

A Moorish-era castle on the highest hill of the old centre, with ramparts, gardens, peacocks and sweeping views over the rooftops and the river.

Cost: Paid (check the current price)
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Best time: Late afternoon for golden light

Insider tip: Walk up through Alfama rather than queuing for a taxi, and combine it with the Miradouro de Santa Luzia on the way.

Skip it if: You’d rather not pay for a view – the free miradouros give you almost the same.

Tickets Compare on Viator

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Graça

One of the highest viewpoints in the city, looking across the castle, downtown and the river. Free, and at its best at sunset.

Cost: Free
Time needed: 30 min
Best time: Sunset

Insider tip: Stop at the Miradouro da Graça on the way, which has a kiosk café, and bring a drink for the sunset.

Skip it if: It’s foggy – save it for a clear evening.

Planning Lisbon?

Get our free printable city map + 48-hour checklist (Lisbon is coming soon) plus our ticket-saving tips.

By signing up you agree to receive emails from us. See our privacy policy.

LX Factory

Alcântara

A former industrial complex under the 25 de Abril Bridge, now full of independent shops, cafés, street art and a famous bookshop.

Cost: Free
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
Best time: Weekend afternoons (there’s a market on Sundays)

Insider tip: Combine it with Belém on the same day: it sits on the way between the centre and Belém.

Skip it if: Shopping and cafés aren’t your thing.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum & garden

Avenidas Novas

A collection that spans Egyptian art to Lalique jewellery, set in one of the city’s most peaceful modernist gardens.

Cost: Museum paid (check the current price); garden free
Time needed: 2 hours
Best time: A hot afternoon – it’s a calm, shady escape

Insider tip: Even if you skip the museum, the garden is a lovely free break from the hills.

Skip it if: You only have 2 days and prefer outdoor sights.

Tickets & tours

Oceanário de Lisboa

Parque das Nações

One of Europe’s largest indoor aquariums, built around a huge central tank with sharks, rays and a sunfish. A favourite with families.

Cost: Paid (check the current price)
Time needed: 2 hours
Best time: Weekday morning

Insider tip: Book online to skip the ticket queue. The riverside park and the cable car nearby make it a half-day out.

Skip it if: You’re travelling without kids and have limited time.

Tickets Compare on Viator

#10

Day trip: Sintra

About 40 min by train from Rossio

Fairy-tale palaces in the forested hills: the colourful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and the mysterious wells of Quinta da Regaleira.

Cost: Each palace is paid (check current prices)
Time needed: Full day
Best time: Weekdays, first time slot of the day

Insider tip: Book Pena Palace for a timed slot early in the day and choose only two or three sites – the hills between them are steep.

Skip it if: You only have 2 days in Lisbon.

Sintra trips & tickets Compare on Viator

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Lisbon?

Three days covers Alfama, the castle, Baixa and Chiado, plus Belém. Add a fourth for Sintra.

Is Tram 28 worth it?

Yes for the experience, if you get a seat. Board early at Martim Moniz, and keep your bags in front of you. If the queue is huge, walk the route or ride another historic tram line.

Is Lisbon walkable?

Yes, but it is very hilly and the cobbles can be slippery. Use trams, funiculars and the Santa Justa lift to save your legs.

Plan your next step

Lisbon City Quest →

Explore the highlights as a treasure hunt.

Lisbon travel guide →

Quick facts, getting around and every guide.

Packing list →

A printable checklist for city breaks.

Tours & tickets in Lisbon

See options