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Best things to do and see in Lisbon, Portugal
Whether you love historical architecture, fine food or soaking up the sun, this guide will help you navigate the best that Lisbon has to offer.
Nestled along the scenic coastline of Portugal, Lisbon is a sunny city that effortlessly blends rich history with modern charm. Known as the 'city of seven hills', Portugal's capital is pretty as a picture with winding lanes, red roofs and views that will stop you in your tracks.
Better still, when compared to European capitals like London, Paris or Rome, Lisbon remains better value for food, transportation, and daily activities.
"Lisbon is affordable, accessible, and has a wonderful mix of history, architecture, delicious cuisine and cultural experiences," says RACV Travel & Experiences spokesperson Lucy Woodward.
"You can visit as part of a small group tour of Portugal, which can give you access to authentic experiences like port wine tastings or a Portuguese tart cooking class. Or you can combine an extended stay in Lisbon with a river cruise along the Douro River from Porto to Salamanca in Spain and back. It's also a great place for solo travellers."
Here's how to plan and make the most of your time in Lisbon. Before you go, make sure to tick off your overseas travel checklist, consider booking travel insurance, and learn how to protect your passport and mobile phone while travelling.
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The best time to visit Lisbon
The best time to visit Lisbon is between March and May, when the spring weather offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The city's jacaranda trees burst into huge purple bouquets and picnicking is popular in the parks and gardens.
September and October have excellent autumn weather, with fresh mornings and warm evenings. Boat trips on the Tagus River are a favourite pastime.
From July to August the city can be crowded and temperatures are high, but after this the Lisbon weather warms up and the city comes alive. One of the best Lisbon festivals is the Festas de Santo Antónia (also known as the Festa de Lisboa). The streets teem with stalls and music; parades and street parties thrive.
December and January are the city's coldest months. When winter closes in, explore Lisbon's world-class museums and galleries. The aquarium Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the largest in Europe. For contemporary art, visit MAAT: the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology.
Alfama is a wonderful neighbourhood to stay in Lisbon. Image: Getty
Top attractions in Lisbon
Belém Tower
The Tower of St Vincent is one of the must-see places in Lisbon. Built in the 16th century, the tower is the place explorers left from to venture out and explore the new world; hence the site's UNESCO world heritage status.
Jerónimos Monastery
This is also one of the top attractions in Lisbon. It too features ancient architecture and has UNESCO status. This monastery is known to be the home of the famous pastel de nata, traditional custard tarts created by monks in the 1830s.
Alfama District
In Lisbon's oldest and most charming neighbourhood you'll find the National Pantheon and the Fado Museum. The area is paved in cobblestones and lined with winding laneways leading to grand piazzas.
Lisbon Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
For panoramic views of the city, climb the hill to the castle. Built during the 5th century, it was a fortress before it was renovated for the royal family in the 12th century. Today, the castle has interactive displays, but it's like a fairytale with its towers and ramparts.
Praça do Comércio
In this iconic public square, you'll find Lisbon’s oldest restaurant, O Martinho da Arcada. Sit at a table outside under the bright yellow arches and soak up the ambiance. The site of a former palace, and witness to the downfall of the monarchy back in 1908, the square looks out to the harbour.
Visit the Jeronimos Monastery for beautiful architecture. Image: Getty
Unique experiences & activities in Lisbon
Don't miss the chance to enjoy a Fado music night in Alfama or Bairro Alto to experience Portuguese soul music. Try the atmospheric Parreirinha de Alfama or the Mesa de Frades.
Take a 45-minute trip to Sintra and see castles, domes and towers with a mix of Gothic, Moorish Renaissance and Portuguese Manueline styles of architecture. The walk up is steep, but the jaw-dropping views all the way to the Atlantic Ocean are worth it.
Watching the sunset at one of the many miradouros (high viewpoints) dotted around the city is an unforgettable Lisbon experience. Miradouro de Santa Catarina has an enormous terrace and people flock here to drink beer, chat and enjoy time with their friends. The Miradouro da Graça has spectacular rooftop views and at the Observation Deck Park Eduardo VII there's a children's playground.
Fado is Portugal's native folk music. Image: Getty
Food and drink in Lisbon
Portugal has several famous dishes, most notably pastel de nata (known here as a Portuguese custard tart), bacalhau (salted, dried codfish), and bifana (pork loin marinated in garlic, white wine, paprika and other spices sliced thinly and served in a bread roll). Sardines are also popular, and you can find a full range of locally produced, award-winning, cheeses and olive oils.
The best Lisbon restaurants are spread across many neighbourhoods. The Time Out Market has everything from innovative gourmet cuisine to cooking classes onsite. In Barrio Alto, you'll find Michelin-starred restaurants alongside lively bars, cosmopolitan menus and cosy, homely family restaurants.
"Lisbon offers incredible food experiences that combine tradition with unique flavours," Woodward says. "For example, on the Flavours of Spain and Portugal with Douro Discovery, you get to enjoy insider experiences like learning to bake Portuguese tarts and a dinner combined with Fado, which is Lisbon's traditional music."
When you've worked out what to eat in Lisbon, you'll need to know where to go to drink. To taste port, the Port Wine Institute runs Solar do Vinho do Porto in Bairro Alto. From the Vine in central Lisbon offers local wine. Tocas de Reposa is a tiny hidden cocktail bar and Lumi Rooftop Bar has spectacular views and great cocktails.
Shopping in Lisbon
Booklovers should head straight to Chiado to Livraria Bertrand, the world's oldest bookshop.
Shopping for unique souvenirs in Lisbon markets is a true pleasure. Feira da Ladra (the flea market) is ideal for authentic Lisbon souvenirs like tiles, cork crafts and antiques. Avenida da Liberdade is great for sophisticated boutiques.
High end shoppers can head to LX Factory or Colombo Mall for brand names. Whatever your treasure, shopping in Lisbon is a fun combination of culture and modern charm.
Try a pastel de nata (custard tart) in Lisbon. Image: Getty
Common Portuguese phrases to use in Lisbon
One of the best ways to immerse yourself is Lisbon is to learn a few words in Portuguese before your trip. Here are some common phrases:
- Olá - Hello
- Bom dia - Good morning
- Boa tarde - Good afternoon
- Boa noite - Good evening/night
- Por favor - Please
- Obrigado/Obrigada - Thank you
- Com licença - Excuse me
- Falo inglês? - Do you speak English?
- Onde é...? - Where is...?
Tips for getting around Lisbon
Getting around Lisbon by public transport is easy. The metro, trams and buses are efficient and affordable (€6) and run from 6.30am to 1am. To explore the city fully, take one of the many walking tours or hire a bike (but be prepared to work hard on those hills).
Our best Lisbon transport tip is to use rideshare companies like Uber or Bolt to reduce the risk of travel scams. You can hail a taxi if required and tuktuks are fun for short trips but agree on your price upfront.
Belem Tower is one of Lisbon's must-see wonders. Image: Getty
Where to stay in Lisbon
When deciding where to stay in Lisbon, consider vibrant neighbourhoods like Baixa, Chiado, Alfama and Bairro Alto. They're close to the tourist attractions and dining options abound. An Airbnb in Lisbon averages at around €105, and three-star hotels can range from €40 to €140, depending on the season.
If you're flying directly to Lisbon, you can book a hotel through RACV Travel & Experiences, with more than 200 to choose from. Woodward says 4-star hotels such as Golden Lisbon Hotel and Figueira by The Beautique Hotel are centrally located and offer a blend of modern design and traditional elements.
If you book a small group tour instead, your accommodation will be arranged for you, and you’ll get your own time to explore the city between organised activities.
RACV Members save on accommodation when they book through RACV Travel & Experiences.
Practical tips on visas, anti-theft bags and travel scams
Rather than a visa, a new digital record is replacing manual passport stamping for entry into Portugal. This means all non-EU nationals, including Australians, who travel to the Schengen area (including Portugal) for a short stay (90 days or less in a 180-day period) must register for the new digital European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES). See Smartraveller for more details.
Once in Lisbon, be mindful of your safety. Be aware of travel scams, be wary of free Wi-Fi, and ensure you stow your valuables in your room's safe. Carrying an anti-theft bag may help deter pickpockets, particularly around tourist attractions.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.
