Things to do in Lisbon

Activities, attractions and tours

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.

Things to do

Lisbon Card

Lisbon Card

€31
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Lisbon Card
Castle in Lisbon

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk

€80
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk
Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour with Optional Bus Tour Combos

Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs

€28
per adult
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs
Lisbon Morning Luxury Cruise with Breakfast and Open Bar

Lisbon Lurury Morning Boat Tour with Breakfast and Open Bar

€45
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lisbon Lurury Morning Boat Tour with Breakfast and Open Bar
Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour

Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour

€63
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour
Lisbon: Boat Cruise with Live Fado Performance and a Drink

Lisbon: Boat Cruise with Live Fado Performance and a Drink

€37
per adult
Lisbon: Boat Cruise with Live Fado Performance and a Drink
Belem Tower

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

€77
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
Lisbon Sunset Sailing with Portuguese Wine and History

Lisbon Sunset Sailing with Portuguese Wine and History

€50
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lisbon Sunset Sailing with Portuguese Wine and History
Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour

Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour

€24
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour
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Top places to visit

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Rua Augusta Arch

Designed to symbolize the city’s recovery from a devastating natural disaster, Rua Augusta Arch is an icon of Lisbon and an important symbol of its resilience. Ride the elevator to the top for panoramas across downtown Lisbon and the River Tagus.
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A grand archway with intricate carvings and columns, flanked by buildings with balconies and windows.

What to do in Lisbon

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. Savour 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 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

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Rossio Square to Rua Augusta – discover Baixa, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

Alfama

Alfama is a destination travellers like for its historical 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

Spend some time visiting places like Camões Square while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard 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

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Fado in Chiado, and catch 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.

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 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

A large monument with a curved base and a group of statues on top, overlooking a body of water with a bridge in the background.

Belém

A modern architectural structure with a glass roof and metal framework over a body of water.

Parque das Nações

Frequently asked questions

Is Lisbon worth visiting?
Lisbon offers an interesting mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or traditional food, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Lisbon?
When you've checked off major attractions like Castle of São Jorge, spend some time exploring the retail and food options in Lisbon.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lisbon?
Castle of São Jorge is ranked the top tourist attraction near Lisbon, so don't leave without experiencing it.
Is three days enough to stay in Lisbon?
You'll have plenty of time to explore Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral and other top attractions in the area when you book a three-day escape to Lisbon.
Is Lisbon a walkable neighbourhood?
Getting around Lisbon on foot is a breeze, with top sights like Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral both within walking distance. Well-known neighbourhoods like Santa Maria Maior and Baixa are also located only 0.48 kilometres and 0.16 kilometres from the centre of Lisbon, so you can see and do more — no car required.
What are some activities to do in Lisbon with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all of your group, here are some awesome ideas for what to do in Lisbon with kids.
What to do in Lisbon for adults?
Campo Pequeno Bullring is one of the best things to do in Lisbon. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Lisbon?
Near Lisbon, Lisbon Cathedral is a must-visit for anyone who wants to enjoy this area without spending a cent. Also, wander through parks and other neighbourhoods nearby, and don't hesitate to ask a local tour guide for insider tips. It's a simple way to find the best free things to do in Lisbon.

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