Lisbon

Three Days in the Coastal Capital City of Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal has captured the attention of the international travel community in recent years with record-breaking visitors and growing interest in its culturally-rich offerings. In fact, I felt a little bit late to the party when we visited a few months back. It truly seemed like everyone I knew had already been and had a new piece of pottery to show for it.

*This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on my site at no additional cost to you.

The secret it out. Lisbon is a dynamic, colorful, and lively city with so many incredible things to see and do. It is surprisingly affordable, easy to navigate, and has a wide array of day trips and side trips ranging from the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sintra to the jaw-dropping rocky beaches of the Algarve.

Above photo: Fado street performance; More info about Fado at the end of this post

This post is all about the top things to see and do during your visit to Lisbon, along with some suggestions on how to organize your itinerary to make the most of your time. I’m generally easy to impress, but there are always a few things that fall short of my expectations. I’ll tell you honestly what I thought was worth the effort and what wasn’t.

• Where we stayed in Lisbon
• Top 20 things to do
• Where we ate
• Day trips and side trips from Lisbon
• Additional information

Above photos: Emblematic Lisbon, Portugal

Where we stayed in Lisbon

For our stay in Lisbon, we were looking for several things: (1) location, (2) service, and (3) an interesting backstory. The One Palácio da Anunciada met all our requirements and then some. First, it was so nice to stay in one of the more level (i.e., non-hilly) parts of the city because we did enough of that just walking around Lisbon.

This hotel also has deep history. It was originally a 16th-century convent that was destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1755. It was re-built as a palace that served three different families over the course of the 19th- and 20th-centuries. When it was decided to be converted into a hotel, many of the original architectural and decorative elements were preserved. Hence, the authenticity of the property shines through — but with modern amenities.

Above photos: The One Palácio da Anunciada

As an added bonus, The One Hotel is just a block off of Libson’s most famous shopping street, Avenida da Liberdade. That came in handy for me, since I do love some good window shopping and close proximity to fine dining. There is also a theater nearby. Despite the activity, the hotel is very peaceful inside. In fact, we spent our last afternoon rocking on a little porch swing on the patio directly outside our door.

Above photos: The One Palácio da Anunciada

I should also mention that the on-site dining was really amazing. The Condes de Ericeira Restaurant is located in one of the grand halls of the palace. Everything is completely gorgeous even before you order. If you are dining off-site, be sure to at least come back for after-dinner cocktails at the O Jardim Wine Bar located in another grand hall with access to the gardens.

Above photos: Condes de Ericeira Restaurant (left), O Jardim Wine Bar (center), and gardens (right) at The One Palácio da Anunciada

Check rates & availability for The One Palácio da Anunciada below:

Top 20 things to do in Lisbon

Day 1: Alfama

The Alfama neighborhood is the oldest — and dare I say the most charming — in Lisbon. Cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and steep inclines characterize this area. Laundry is hung out to dry on balconies that overlook tiny souvenir shops and restaurants where Fado music can be heard in the evening. The best thing to do here? Get lost in the maze of residential streets. If you’re lucky, you might even find someone selling Ginja from a window.

Above photos: Alfama

Lisbon Cathedral

Largo da Sé 1, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal | Website | Tickets

Shortly after dropping our luggage at our hotel, we made a beeline for Lisbon Cathedral, one of the top attractions in the city. The building of the cathedral began in 1147, making it the oldest church in Lisbon. Even though I have visited many of these old European cathedrals, they never cease to amaze me.

Above photos: Lisbon Cathedral

The cathedral was built in the Romanesque style and has many similarities to the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, which we had just visited earlier in our travels. Like so many other historic buildings, it underwent additions and restoration works over the centuries. All of these components tell the history of Lisbon in a way.

Allow around an hour to walk through the nave, choir, side chapels, and Museum of the Treasury. There is a 5 € entry free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. There is a 20% discount for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Lisbon Cathedral

Church of Saint Anthony

Largo Santo António da Sé, 1100-499 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

The Church of Saint Anthony is located next door to Lisbon Cathedral. It was built on the site where St. Anthony was born in 1195 and spent his childhood. The church was built in the 15th-century, but destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1755. The current church is a re-build dating to 1757.

There is a small museum next door that includes some art and manuscripts. The church is free to enter, but a 3 € fee applies for entrance to the museum. Museum admission is free for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Church of Saint Anthony

National Pantheon

Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471 Lisboa, Portugal | Website | Tickets

The National Pantheon was originally a 17th-century church, known as The Church of Santa Engrácia. Crazy as it sounds, the construction was not completed until the 20th-century due to changing rulers and loss of interest in the project. In 1916, it was converted into the National Pantheon, serving as the tomb for many political figures and famous individuals. The dome was added as recently as 1966.

Above photos: National Pantheon

I’m not sure we would have made the effort to visit the National Pantheon had we not had the lovely Alfama neighborhood to walk through and the nearby Church of St. Vincent de Fora. But, given the location, it fit into our walking itinerary and ended up being a very nice visit. I do recommend walking up the stairs to the higher levels of the monument to fully appreciate the architecture and beautiful design of the floor.

Adult tickets are 10 €. Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. Admission is free for Lisboa Card holders.

Above phots: National Pantheon

Church and Monastery of St. Vincent de Fora

Largo de São Vicente, 1100-572 Lisboa, Portugal | Website | Tickets

I had read good things about the Church and Monastery of St. Vincent de Fora before our visit, but was not prepared to be so fully impressed. If you only have time to visit one monastary in Lisbon, this is the one I would recommend (more on Jerónimos Monastery later in this post). This monastery is full of exquisite details, moving works of art, and room-after-room of surprises. And the best part is you won’t have to stand in line to get inside.

Above photo: Entrance gallery ceiling fresco at the Church and Monastery of St. Vincent de Fora

The name of the church translated actually means Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls, because it was located just outside the medieval city walls. In addition to all the art and treasures, it also features over 100,000 baroque tiles. Other highlights include the Sacristy, Pantheon of the Patriarchs, Cloisters, and the rooftop views.

Adult tickets are 10 €. Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. Admission is discounted 25% for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Sacristy (left); Pantheon of the Patriarchs (right) at Church and Monastery of St. Vincent de Fora

Above photos: Cloisters (left); tilework (center), and rooftop views (right) at Church and Monastery of St. Vincent de Fora

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa, Portugal

Miradouros are viewpoints offering scenic, panoramic vistas over the city. There are many miradouros scattered throughout Lisbon, some more popular than others. The most crowded viewpoints are often located next to a historic landmark or church, while quiet ones are hidden in residential neighborhoods or on private property. However many you get to see, the breathtaking effect is similar.

One of the most popular viewpoints in Lisbon is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which is located just down the hill from the entrance to St. George’s Castle. It overlooks the Alfama neighborhood and the Tagus River. The terrace is wildly romantic with a long pergola covered in azulejos tiles and flowering bougainvillea. The only drawback is that it is seldom a quiet unless you can manage to get here early in the morning. It is absolutely beautiful and worth seeing — just be prepared for it to be a bit touristy.

Above photos: Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Saint George’s Castle

R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal | Website | Tickets

The history and archeological discoveries at Saint George’s Castle are incredible, but I was more so distracted by the viewpoints looking out to the 25 April Bridge (looks like the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge) and the peacocks wandering all over the grounds. The whole experience was really enjoyable – so definitely don’t miss coming here!

Above photos: Entrance arch (left); peacock (right) at Saint George’s Castle

Above photos: 25 April Bridge (left), Alfama (center), and Lisbon city views (right) from Saint George’s Castle

The oldest fortifications on the site date from the 2nd-century BC, but the human occupation goes back even later to around the 8th-century BC. Dang, that’s mind-boggling old. It is wondrous to think about that as you walk around. The castle, and the ruins that remain, date to the 12th-century and served as a palace, military barracks, and archives.

It is so sad to see the deterioration of this place, set off largely by an earthquake in 1531 and the Great Earthquake of 1755 that left the city of Lisbon in ruins. Thankfully, the site came under protection of the Portuguese government and cultural ministries. The museum is curated with objects found at the archeological site and provides fascinating insights.

Standard adult tickets are 15 €. Skip-the-line tickets can be purchased online in advance here. Admission is free for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Saint George’s Castle

Day 2: Belém, Alcântara, and Ajuda

For our second day in Lisbon, we ventured to the ‘burbs of Belém, Alcântara, and Ajuda. These neighborhoods are west of the city center and are easily reached via public transportation or Uber. If you plan on entering the historic attractions in Belém, you will want to plan to arrive early (before opening hours) to get in line. Even if you purchase advance tickets, you will end up waiting in very long queues. If you do not plan on entering the attractions, that makes things a lot easier:)

Tower of Belém

Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal | Website | Tickets

The Tower of Belém is a 16th-century fortification and iconic landmark of Lisbon. The tower is located on the north bank of the Tagus River on a small island that is very close to the shore. It served as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon and a major symbol of the era of Portuguese Discoveries.

Once you see a photo of the Tower of Belém, it is hard to not want to visit it in person. Not only it emblematic of Portuguese architecture, but the sweeping views of the Tagus River from its isolated position are just plain inspiring. Unfortunately, there is the reality of its highly touristic status. I promised the truth, so here it is. The crowds at this attraction are bananas. I shoved my ticket back in my pocket and decided that my photos of the exterior were sufficient. Afterwards, I looked at photos online and felt I had made the right decision. To each his own, of course.

Adult tickets are 8 €. Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. Admission is free for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Tower of Belém

Jerónimos Monastery

Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal | Website | Tickets

The Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome located a short walk from the Tower of Belém. It is absolutely massive and seems to carry on forever walking along the facade.

Above photo: Jerónimos Monastery

The monastery is one of the most visited attractions Lisbon. Like the Tower of Belém, the lines to enter are extremely long. I’ve heard of people waiting in queues for 1 – 2 hours just to enter. Is it worth it? Maybe. My husband and I had spent an entire week galavanting all over Portugal visiting numerous monasteries. So, for us, we didn’t feel especially compelled to stand in line. In fact, we were so impressed with the Church and Monastery of St. Vincent de Fora that we didn’t feel we would be depriving ourselves much by passing on a visit to Jerónimos Monastery.

That being said, if you are visiting Lisbon and don’t have any other plans to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites to the north, Jerónimos Monastery may very well be worth it for you. I’ve seen the photos and this place is truly a stunning cultural treasure. I do wish that I had seen the interior in person, but I wasn’t willing to give up my entire day to do so.

Adult tickets are 10 €. Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. Admission is free for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Jerónimos Monastery

Pastéis de Belém

R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

A block away from the east side of the monastery there is a little bakery famous for making Pastéis de Belém following an ancient recipe from the Jerónimos Monastery. These egg custard desserts are synonymous with Portugal and are basically a foodie requirement for all who visit. They are similar to Pastéis de Nata found at other pastry shops, but because they are the only ones who have the recipe that originated in the monastery, they have bragging and naming rights to Pastéis de Belém.

One side of the shop is a cafe, which can get quite busy. The other side is a take-away counter where you can pop-in for a half dozen tarts with hardly any wait. I recommend the latter, especially if you are headed over to the monastery and need some munchies while you wait in line:)

Above photos: Pastéis de Belém

LX Factory

R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

LX Factory is a former industrial textile complex that has been converted into a very trendy and artistic shopping and dining area. It is located in the Alcântara neighborhood about a 7-minute Uber ride from Belém. There are around 50 independent shops and restaurants offering quirky, artsy wares that are so much more fun to take home than a traditional souvenir.

We came here for lunch and then walked around all of the shops for a while. (Side story: I left my phone in the Uber on the way and the driver ended up coming back to LX Factory and found me!). If you want to get a feel for a local scene and different side of Lisbon, this is a great spot!

Above photos: Shops at LX Factory

Ajuda National Palace

Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisboa, Portugal | Website | Tickets

The Ajuda National Palace was the official residence of the royal family in the second half of the 19th-century. Construction started during the second half of the 18th-century, but was stoped and started multiple times due to political conflicts and financing. Most of the palace interiors were designed during King Luís I’s reign by his wife, Queen Maria Pia and their architect, Possidónio da Silva.

Above photo: Ajuda National Palace

Above photos: Ajuda National Palace

In 1910, the Republican Revolution forced the royal family into exile, never to return the the palace. The interiors have been immaculately preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into their lives of affluence and luxury.  Although the palace is a little out of the way, it is very much worth the effort to see this truly remarkable showcase.

Adult tickets are 8 €. Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. Admission is free for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Ajuda National Palace

Day 3: Baixa de Lisboa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto

Our third and final day in Lisbon was also our tenth and final day of travel in Portugal. We were clearly running out of steam. Hence, we slowed our pace so we could really enjoy the time we had remaining. The neighborhoods of Baixa de Lisboa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto are west of Alfama, but still considered central. Everything was within walking distance — not a single Uber or tram all day.

Church of Saint Roch

Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

The Church of Saint Roch was not only the earliest Jesuit church in the Portugal, it was one of the first Jesuit churches anywhere. There are two things most of these churches have in common: (1) rather plain, stoic exterior and (2) jaw-dropping, elaborate interior.

Built between 1553 and 1573, the Church of Saint Roch was originally supposed to have a vaulted ceiling, but instead was finished with a flat timbered ceiling and painted with murals. It is the first thing you notice when walking through the doors.

Above photos: Church of Saint Roch

There are a lot of beautiful churches in Lisbon, but this one is in a class of its own. The tile work is amazing. The Chapel of St. Roch is considered the world’s 16th-century tile art masterpiece. But, the jewel (literally) of the church in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist. It is made with gold, ivory, lapis lazuli and agate, and what look like paintings are actually mosaics.

Adult tickets are 8 €. Admission is discounted 50% for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Church of Saint Roch

Convent of Santa Maria do Carmo

Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

The Convent of Santa Maria do Carmo, also known as Carmo Convent, is a former Catholic convent built between 1389 and 1423. It was severely damaged by the Great Earthquake of 1755. Sadly, the convent was never fully rebuilt, but its ruins still remain. The roofless nave and Gothic arches are beautiful and perhaps a bit eerie.

Above photos: Convent of Santa Maria do Carmo

The old apse chapels house the Carmo Archaeological Museum, which includes interesting finds from various periods throughout Portugal’s history, including some pre-historic objects, tombs, and works of art.

Adult tickets are 7 €. Admission is discounted 20% for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Carmo Archaeological Museum

Santa Justa Lift

R. de Santa Justa, Lisbon 1150-060 Libsoa, Portugal | Website

The Santa Just Lift is an outdoor elevator that connects Largo do Carmo with the lower streets of Baixa de Lisboa. The structure is neogothic-style, but also very industrial-looking. It is one of the coolest things in Lisbon, besides being very practical transportation.

After visiting Carmo Convent, the elevator is a fun experience. Be aware that during the day, the line for the elevator can get long. Alternatively, if you don’t want to wait in line, you can walk downhill on Rua do Carmo, which has some nice shopping.

Adult tickets are 5.30 € round trip; 2.80 € one way. Observation deck tickets are an additional 1.50 €. Admission is free for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Santa Just Lift

Rua Augusta Arch

R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

The Rua Augusta Arch is a memorial to the city’s reconstruction following the Great Earthquake of 1755. The monument has six columns that rise 36 feet high and the cornice is 98 feet high. It is covered in a wide variety of sculptures and symbols, all in celebration of the city. It is very triumphal. It has also recently been cleaned and restored. Visitors can take an elevator up to an observation level for panoramic views over Commerce Square, the Baixa neighborhood, Lisbon Cathedral, St. George’s Castle and the Tagus River.

Adult tickets start at 3.50 € depending on the type of ticket. Admission is free for Lisboa Card holders.

Above photos: Rua Augusta Arch

Commerce Square

The other side of the Rua Augusta Arch opens up to Commerce Square and the Tagus River. The iconic square is built on the site that was formerly occupied by the Royal Palace before the 1755 earthquake. Once the building of the square was completed, it was used as an unloading area for ships bringing their goods into Lisbon. At the center, there is a bronze equestrian statue of Joseph I of Portugal, who was king at the time of the earthquake.

Above photo: Commerce Square

Church of Saint Dominic

The Church of Saint Dominic was dedicated in 1241, and was once the largest church in Lisbon. It is special because it was the site of royal weddings until 1910. It is situated between Rossio and Figueira Square, where those condemned for heresy at the neighboring Palace of Inquisition would be brought for public execution. The area is kind of an odd dichotomy.

Since our hotel was just a 5-minute walk away, we ended up passing by the Church of Saint Dominic on multiple occasions. However, I didn’t get to go inside until nearly the end of our stay in Lisbon. The inside is an interesting mix of architectural and decorative styles, probably due to all of the various re-construction and restoration works over centuries of natural disasters and political conflicts. What I remember most is the appearance of the stone — aged, cracked, and discolored. It is beautiful, but almost haunting

Above photos: Church of Saint Dominic

Pedro IV Square

Last, but not least, be sure to walk through Pedro IV Square, better known as Rossio (referenced above), at some point. This is the main central square of Lisbon and considered the heart of the city. It would be impossible to list off the many roles, events, and surrounding buildings this square has seen — from the courtyard of royals, to bullfights, marketplaces, parades, festivals, and executions — suffice to say, it has borne witness to it all.

Today, Rossio is home to a beautiful fountain and a 27.5-meter monument of King Pedro IV that rises above the trees. The patterned sidewalk is also visually striking. Honestly, if I hadn’t done my homework, I would have never guessed all the history that has transpired here.

Above photos: Pedro IV Square

Where we ate

There are so many choices for dining in Lisbon. We had the opportunity to try quite a few places over the course of three days. We were pretty happy with our choices, but also had a couple experiences that were average at best. Happy to recommend the ones we loved!

Pastries and Coffee

• Casa São Miguel: R. de São Miguel No 5, 1100-542 Lisboa, Portugal | Website
• Confeitaria Nacional: Praça da Figueira 18B, 1100-241 Lisboa, Portugal | Website
• Pastéis de Belém: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal | Website
• Manteigaria: Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

We aren’t big breakfast people, but coffee is always a must. And, while in Portugal, coffee goes hand-in-hand with Pastéis de Nata. Some people can really taste the difference between bakeries, but it was all delicious to me. I’m a equal opportunity pastry gal.

When in Belém, be sure to pop into the Pastéis de Belém take-away counter. When in Alfama, Casa São Miguel has an amazing assortment of traditional Portuguese coffees, teas, jams, chocolates, liqueurs, wine and cheeses. When in Baxia, Confeitaria Nacional in Praça da Figueira is known for its traditional pastries, as well as its beautiful interior. And, finally, Manteigaria has multiple locations around Lisbon, including a stall at the Time Out Marketplace.

Above photos: Pastry shops in Lisbon

Lunch

• A Praça at LX Factory: R. Rodrigues de Faria 105, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal | Website
• Time Out Marketplace: Mercado da Ribeira, Av. 24 de Julho, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

We decided to ‘wing it’ for our lunches, but knew we wanted to find a place at LX Factory one day and hit the food court at Time Out another day. At LX Factory, we sat down at A Praça, a casual Italian restaurant with outdoor seating. The idea here is that they serve fresh foods from local praças (market squares). We loved the concept and had a nice lunch accompanied with some very tasty sangria:)

Above photos: A Praça, LX Factory

The Time Out Marketplace is located in the waterside Cais do Sodré neighborhood, not far from Commerce Square. We came here because we wanted to check out some of the smaller, up-and-coming food vendors. It is a massive food court where you can sample dishes from different stalls or order a daily special that catches your eye. This is a great place for families with kids — everyone gets to chose what they want and then meet back at the table.

Above photos: Time Out Marketplace

Dinner

• JNcQUOI Avenida: Av. da Liberdade 182 184, 1250-146 Lisboa, Portugal | Website
• Cervejaria Ramiro: Av. Alm. Reis 1 H, 1150-007 Lisboa, Portugal | Website

We had a great dinner at JNcQUOI Avenida located on Avenida da Liberdade. The restaurant has a museum-like ambiance with high ceilings and a tyrannosaurus-rex skeleton in the center of the dining room. The menu features traditional Portuguese cuisine, with creative twists. JNcQUOI Avenida was the first JNcQUOI restaurant to open in the area. With its success, JNcQUOI Asia and JNcQUOI Frou Frou followed and offer the same level of hospitality and gastronomy on different themes.

Above photos: JNcQUOI Avenida

My favorite dinner in Lisbon was at Cervejaria Ramiro, a seafood restaurant located near the Moorish Quarter. Apparently, Anthony Bourdain featured this eatery on one of his television shows, catapulting its fame. It is known for lobster, but really any seafood you order is going to be freshest and best you’ve ever had. We ordered tapas-style, i.e., plate after plate of small dishes. The langoustines were brought out to our table still alive for us to approve before they were steamed to perfection. It is imperative to make reservations. It will be unforgettable, I promise.

Above photos: Cervejaria Ramiro

Day trips and side trips

Lisbon’s location in central Portugal serves as a gateway to surrounding attractions and nearby destinations. Depending on the length of your stay in Portugal, why not get out of the city for a day or two — or perhaps even divide your trip between more than one city?

Our travels started in Porto, followed by a road trip south through Coimbra, Tomar, the UNESCO World Heritage monastery route, and Sintra. The international airports in Porto and Lisbon were ideal for starting and ending points. If you are flying round trip in and out of Lisbon, day trips out to the beach town of Cassis or to Pena Palace in Sintra might work out better.

Above photos: Alcobaça Monastery (left); Pegões Aqueduct in Tomar (center); Pena Palace in Sintra (right)

If you are hoping to incorporate some adventurous activities, then a side trip to the beaches of the Algarve or the islands of the Azores or Madeira are popular options. The Algarve is a 3ish-hour drive south, whereas the islands would require a short flight.

Additional Information

Getting Around Lisbon

Lisbon is a large city and a very hilly city. So, while a lot of tourist attractions in the central districts are very walkable, chances are you will want to give your feet a rest from time to time. Lisbon has a reliable network of public transportation including metro, buses, trams, elevadors (funiculars that run up and down steep hills), taxis, and ride shares.

If you purchase the Lisboa Card, unlimited public transportation is included. You just hold the card up to the ticket scanners in subway stations or show it when boarding buses and trams.

My husband and I used Uber from the airport and also for our Day 2 activities around Belém, Alcântara, and Ajuda. We also took the Elevador do Lavra to dinner one evening, which is something everyone should do. There are several of these inclined railways around Lisbon, some of which are quite crowded (e.g., Bica, Gloria).

Above photos: Elevador do Lavra

Lisbon Card

I’ve mentioned it a few times — The Lisbon Card, or the Lisboa Card, is a tourist discount card. It can be purchased for different lengths of time — 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours — depending on the duration of your stay. When you work out the math, it is a pretty good deal, especially if you will be taking a day trip to Sintra.

The Lisbon Card provides free admission to over 50 attractions, discounts, and free public transportation. I recommend listing out the places you plan to visit and crunch the numbers to see if it is a deal for you. Even if it is a break-even proposition, the sheer convenience of not having to go through the ticket lines or fuss with metro tickets is compelling.

The Lisbon Card can be purchased here.

Tours

Below are a few other tour offerings that I found that sounded like a lot of fun! These are so great for individuals who want the guidance of a local expert, an authentic experience, and/or would prefer to leave the details to someone else.

Shopping

Coming to Lisbon to shop? I have an entire post on What to Buy in Portugal that focuses primarily on authentic souvenirs and things you can only find in Portugal. For high end shopping, Lisbon is the place to do it before you jet off to Madeira or back home.

Fado

Fado music is a romantic and traditional Portuguese musical genre, deeply rooted in the history and culture of Lisbon. It is often performed soulfully by young men and accompanied by the Portuguese guitar.

Attending a Fado music concert is a must when in Portugal. It wasn’t on my Lisbon itinerary because I saw a performance in Coimbra. Coimbra Fado is a slightly different style than traditional Fado in Lisbon in that Coimbra Fado is usually performed by students and its lyrics are often about the beauty of Coimbra.

So, in case you a have time to tack on one more thing to your evening plans, I highly recommend seeking out a Fado venue in Alfama, such as Parreirinha de Alfama. You can also visit the Fado Museum and learn more about the history of its ballads.

Above photo: Fado Museum

Above photos: Street art

Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!