16 Must-See Lisbon Tourist Attractions and Things to Do

From its neighborhoods steeped in history and stunning hilltop viewpoints to its delectable custard tarts and soulful Fado music, Lisbon offers charm, beauty, and culture in every experience and landmark. But with so much to see and do, where do you begin?

As Portugal’s oldest buyer’s agent deeply rooted in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, we’ve explored every corner of Portugal and know Lisbon like the back of our hand. We’ve meticulously crafted this insider guide, highlighting the must-see Lisbon tourist attractions and unforgettable experiences to make your trip unforgettable.

Use this guide as your Lisbon attractions map when navigating the city.

1. Conquer Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle)

Starting off strong, Lisbon’s iconic Castelo de São Jorge is one of the top things to do in Lisbon. This majestic 11th century Moorish castle not only preserves a piece of history but also offers the most breathtaking panoramic views across the city and the Tagus River. 

It was first the Royal Palace and then was later used by the military, before opening to the public in the 1940s.

Wander through peacocks roaming freely, climb the towers, and take in the centuries of history beneath your feet. It’s an immersive journey back in time, perfect for a sunny morning.

Practical information: 

• Tickets: Tickets cost €15 for adults, €12.50 for seniors, €7.50 for children older than 12 years old, and free for children younger than 12. Purchase at the entrance or online (recommended to avoid queues). The Lisboa Card is a great purchase if you are planning on visiting many attractions while in Lisbon, as it includes entry to multiple attractions on this list, including Castelo de São Jorge.
• Best time to go: The best time to go is early morning as it opens or late afternoon, about two hours before closing, to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photos.
• Visit duration: One to two hours

Expert travel tip: Look for the camera obscura inside the castle for a unique live projection of the city.

2. Immerse Yourself in Belém's Historical Treasures: Torre de Belém, Jerónimos Monastery and Monument to the Discoveries

Step back in time to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries in Belém’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites and iconic places to visit in Lisbon. What’s perfect about the tourist attractions in Belém is that they are quite close to each other. So, with proper planning, you can see them all in one trip to the neighborhood!

The Torre de Belém is a fortress that once was used as a watchtower for Lisbon Harbor. Its striking Manueline architecture against the backdrop of the Tagus River is a one-of-a-kind sight to see. If you’re traveling to Lisbon any time soon, take note that the Belém Tower is currently closed for refurbishment, but the view from outside can still be enjoyed as part of a walking tour. 

Just a short stroll away is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery). Built to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s voyage, the Jerónimos Monastery is packed with beautiful arches and delicate stone carvings – a perfect addition to your Belém cultural sightseeing.

Nearby, the impressive Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) completes the trio of attractions. This striking monument remembers Portugal’s explorers with intricate statues of 33 key historical figures of the golden age of Portuguese history. Take the lift to its top for fantastic views of the Tagus River, Belém, and the giant Compass Rose on the ground below. 

Practical information: 

• Tickets: Purchase tickets for each monument at each entrance, or you can buy tickets online to save time. Combined tickets and walking tours for these attractions are often available. The Lisboa Card includes entry to the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. 
• Best time to go: Early morning as each monument opens is best to avoid the biggest crowds, especially at Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Clear days offer the best views from the Monument to the Discoveries.
• Cost: Around €8 for Torre de Belém, €18 for Jerónimos Monastery cloister, and €5-€10 for the Monument to the Discoveries (to go to the top). 
• Visit duration: Allow three to four hours for a comfortable visit to all three, plus travel time. 

Expert travel tip: Start your Belém exploration at Jerónimos Monastery right when it opens to beat the tour groups, then head to Belém Tower and finally the Monument. Don’t forget to combine this with a visit to the nearby Pastéis de Belém to taste the original recipe of the iconic Portuguese custard tart, pastel de nata. The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT Museum) is also nearby if you have time to spare, where you can take in contemporary Portuguese art and exhibits.

3. Step into Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

Lisbon’s stoic Cathedral, the city’s oldest church, is a resilient Romanesque fortress that has withstood earthquakes and centuries of history.

As such, the Cathedral has also been renovated and rebuilt many times throughout the years, leading to its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Medieval, and Baroque architecture. It is truly a must-see in Lisbon.

Explore its dark interior as well as the cloisters (often built over Roman and Moorish ruins) and the treasury for a deeper dive into its past.

Practical information: 

• Tickets: It is free to enter the main church and around €5-€7 for the cloisters and treasury.
• Best time to go: Morning, outside of mass times (Sunday mornings), for a quieter experience
• Visit duration: 30-60 minutes

Expert travel tip: Look for the archaeological excavations in the cloisters. These excavations have uncovered a Roman road with shops, a Roman kitchen, a sewage system, and traces of Visigothic and Moorish buildings.

4. Take in Praça do Comércio

Located in Baixa Chiado, Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) is one of Lisbon’s most impressive public spaces, opening directly onto the Tagus River. 

At its center stands a statue of King José I, who ruled during the 1755 earthquake that reshaped the city. On the northern side, the grand Arco da Rua Augusta marks the entrance to downtown Lisbon, an ornate arch featuring sculptures of historical figures like explorer Vasco da Gama and statesman Marquês de Pombal. 

Praça do Comércio is the perfect place to relax by the water, snap photos, and soak up the city’s atmosphere before wandering down the lively Rua Augusta or riverside promenade.

Practical information: 

• Tickets: It’s free to enter the square. Tickets for the Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta) can be purchased at its base for about €3. Entry is also included with the Lisboa Card.
• Best time to go: Any time of day is ideal, making it a great location to take a break in between other sights. Sunset offers beautiful light, and evenings often have street performers.
• Visit duration: 30 minutes to one hour, or longer if you climb the Arch or sit at a cafe.

Expert travel tip: Climb to the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta for an elevated perspective of the square, Baixa, Central Lisbon, and the river – it’s often less crowded than other viewpoints.

5. Ride the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa)

Among the iconic Lisbon attractions is the Santa Justa Lift, or Elevador de Santa Justa, a striking iron elevator in Baixa, built to connect downtown Lisbon to Carmo Square above. Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel (yes, of the Eiffel Tower), it offers a short but unforgettable ride in a vintage cabin that feels like transporting yourself through history.

At the top, you’ll find a rooftop platform with panoramic views over the city’s rooftops and the Tagus River. Just be ready for a line during busy hours, this is one of Lisbon’s most iconic experiences.

Practical information: 

• Tickets: A single ride for the Elevador de Santa Justa is typically €5.50 (return), which includes access to the viewing platform. If you have the Lisboa Card or a 24-hour public transport pass, the ride is included. 
• Best time to go: Early morning or late evening to avoid the notoriously long queues.
• Visit duration: 30 to 60 minutes once it gets to your turn (can be much longer due to queues).

Expert travel tip: If you’re not too fussed about riding the lift, you can avoid the long queues for the lift itself by walking up the hill from Largo do Carmo to access the viewpoint directly. You’ll still get the views without waiting for the ride!

6. Discover the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

If you’re looking to take a break from the historical monuments in Lisbon, escape into a world-class art collection at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. 

This modern museum houses the incredible private collection of Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian, spanning ancient Egyptian artifacts, Islamic art, European paintings (including Rembrandt and Rubens), and exquisite Art Nouveau jewelry by René Lalique. The surrounding gardens are also a peaceful urban escape.

If you’re traveling to Lisbon soon, please note the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is closed for renovations until July 2026. However, the Great Works exhibition is open until September 2025, displaying some of the museum’s collections. The museum’s gardens, concert hall, CAM Modern Art Centre, and the art library also remain open.

Practical information: 

• Tickets: Purchase at the museum for around €6-€14
• Best time to go: Any time during opening hours, the museum does not get as crowded as the historical monuments
• Visit duration: One to two hours

Expert travel tip: Take some time to explore the beautiful modern gardens surrounding the museum.

7. Wander Through Alfama District and Experience Fado Music

If you’re wondering what to do in Lisbon on a tight budget, the historic neighborhoods are great places to explore. 

Lose yourself in the enchanting maze of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most authentic district. Here, you’ll find narrow, winding streets, steep alleys, and charming squares that remarkably survived the 1755 earthquake. You’ll also find clotheslines hanging from balconies, local taverns, and the sounds of fado music drifting from open doorways.

While in the neighborhood, you can head to one of the small, intimate Fado houses in Alfama for an unforgettable evening of traditional, soulful music.

This is one neighborhood where we would highly recommend a walking tour with a local guide. You’ll uncover so many more secrets and hidden gems with someone who knows the ins and outs of Alfama.

Practical information: 

• Best time to go: Anytime during the day or night. Evenings are magical for atmospheric and nostalgic Fado performances.
• Cost: Free (excluding tour guide fees, food, drinks, or Fado performances)
• Visit duration: Two to four hours (can be much longer if you explore extensively)

Expert travel tip: Wear comfortable shoes! Alfama’s cobblestone streets are charming but can be challenging. Seek out the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia for classic Alfama views.

8. Hop on Tram 28

Taking a ride on the famous yellow Tram 28 is the quintessential Lisbon experience. This vintage tram rattles and winds its way through some of Lisbon’s most historic and picturesque neighborhoods, including Estrela, Chiado, Baixa, Alfama, and Graça, offering a charmingly bumpy sightseeing tour.

This is an iconic experience and one of the many fun things to do in Lisbon that also doubles as a scenic and affordable tour of the city’s historic districts. The main starting point to hop on is at Martim Moniz Square.

Practical information: 

• Tickets: Included with a Lisboa Card or a 24-hour public transport pass. A single ticket costs about €3.10.
• Best time to go: Very early morning or late evening to avoid extreme crowds
• Duration: A full loop takes about 40-50 minutes, but you can hop off and on.

Expert travel tip: For the classic photo opportunity, aim for the track section between Miradouro das Portas do Sol and the Lisbon Cathedral. 

9. Chase the Views at Lisbon's Miradouros (Viewpoints)

One of the best things to do in Lisbon is to explore the many miradouros (viewpoints) in the city. It is the ultimate way to experience the city’s beauty from a unique perspective. 

For arguably the most expansive and stunning panoramic views of the city, the Tagus River, and even São Jorge Castle, make your way to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Located in the Graça district, it’s a favorite among locals and often offers a slightly less crowded experience, perfect for sunrise or sunset.

Beyond Senhora do Monte, seek out other fantastic viewpoints, each offering its own unique perspective of the city. 

In Alfama, you’ll find the iconic tiled benches of Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, providing classic postcard views. For a garden setting with views towards the castle, head to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, while Miradouro de Santa Catarina is popular for lively sunset drinks. 

Practical information: 

• Best time to go: Any clear day will do. Sunset is incredibly popular but can be busy. Early morning offers clear and peaceful views.
• Cost: Free for all viewpoints
• Visit duration: Around 30-45 minutes per viewpoint, or longer if you plan to stay for a picnic

Expert travel tip: Pack a small picnic or grab a cold drink from a nearby kiosk to enjoy the views at leisure. At Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, look for the map illustrating all the visible landmarks.

10. Indulge in Pastéis de Nata

No visit to Lisbon is complete without a taste of the warm, creamy, and crispy Pastéis de Nata. These iconic Portuguese custard tarts are a national obsession, and for good reason!

 While you can find them everywhere, the original, secret recipe at Pastéis de Belém is a legendary must-try, as we have already mentioned.

Practical information: 

• Getting there: Pastéis de Belém is located near Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. Other bakeries are found throughout the city.
• Best time to go: Anytime! Freshly baked tarts are always available.
• Cost: Around €1 – €1.50 per tart

11. Feast at Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira)

Prepare for a culinary adventure at Time Out Market, Lisbon’s vibrant food hall located in the historic Mercado da Ribeira. Here, you’ll find a curated selection of Portugal’s best chefs, nice restaurants, and traditional food stalls under one roof, offering everything from gourmet burgers and seafood to traditional Portuguese dishes and decadent desserts.

Practical information: 

• Getting there: Next to Cais do Sodré train and metro station
• Best time to go: Lunch or dinner. Weekends can be extremely busy, but weekday afternoons are generally calmer.
• Cost: Varies depending on what you eat, but generally mid-range.
• Visit duration: One to two hours

Expert travel tip: Go with a group and share dishes to try as much as possible! Finding a table can be challenging during peak hours, so be prepared to share or wait.

12. Discover the Creative Scene at LX Factory

Step into Lisbon’s more modern creative scene at LX Factory, a former industrial complex beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge that has been transformed into a trendy hub of independent boutiques, quirky cafes, unique restaurants, art studios, and street art. It’s a fantastic spot for unique shopping, a leisurely brunch, or just soaking in the alternative vibe.

When you’re there, don’t forget to check out the rooftop with stunning views of the 25 de Abril Bridge!

Practical information: 

• Best time to go: Weekends for the market atmosphere, but weekdays are good for browsing the shops and street art
• Cost: Free (excluding purchases)
• Visit duration: One to two hours

Expert travel tip: Don’t miss the amazing bookstore, Ler Devagar, with its towering shelves and quirky mechanical displays.

13. Explore the National Azulejo Museum

While the creativity is still flowing, why not immerse yourself in the colorful history and artistry of Portuguese tiles (azulejos) at the National Azulejo Museum. 

Housed in the beautiful former convent of Madre de Deus, the museum showcases a stunning collection of these decorative ceramic tiles from the 15th century to the present day, including a magnificent panoramic view of pre-earthquake Lisbon.

The museum is one of the creative things to do in Lisbon that allows you to appreciate the unique art form that defines so much of Lisbon’s visual identity.

Practical information:

• Tickets: Purchase at the museum
• Best time to go: Any time during opening hours
• Cost: Around €5-€6 for adults, but Lisboa Card holders have free entry.
• Visit duration: One to two hours

Expert travel tip: Pay special attention to the church within the convent itself. It’s elaborately decorated with stunning gold leaf and azulejos.

14. Explore São Vicente de Fora Church and Monastery

Often overlooked by tourists, the São Vicente de Fora Church and Monastery is a hidden gem that offers incredible history and stunning views. 

This grand 17th century church features beautiful cloisters adorned with azulejos (Portuguese tiles) depicting La Fontaine’s Fables, and a pantheon that serves as the final resting place for many Portuguese monarchs. 

Climb to the rooftop for an expansive view of Alfama and the Tagus River.

Practical information:

• Getting there: The Church is located just outside Alfama, a short walk from Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Tram 28 passes nearby.
• Tickets: Small entrance fee (around €6-€8) for the monastery, cloisters, and rooftop (Lisboa Card holders enjoy a discounted rate)
• Best time to go: Morning or late afternoon for good light
• Visit duration: 1-1.5 hours.

Expert travel tip: Don’t miss the unique “fable” azulejos in the cloisters; they are a unique and beautiful feature.

15. Embark on a Day Trip to Sintra (Including Pena Palace)

Once you’ve marked off all the must-see attractions on your Lisbon tourist map, it’s time to go on day trips to Lisbon’s gorgeous surrounding areas. The first stop we would recommend is the whimsical fairytale world of Sintra.

A UNESCO World Heritage town, Sintra is nestled in the lush hills just outside Lisbon. This enchanting destination is famous for its romantic 19th century architecture, mystical gardens, and, most notably, its stunning palaces.

The undeniable crown jewel is the colorful Pena Palace, perched high on a hill. This Romanticist castle, with its mix of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance elements, looks straight out of a storybook. Explore the elaborate interiors of Pena Palace and wander through the vast, mystical park and gardens surrounding it. 

Beyond Pena, Sintra offers other captivating sites like the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira with its initiation well, and the ancient Moorish Castle walls offering panoramic views. 

Practical information:

• Getting there: The best way is by train from Rossio Train Station in Lisbon (about 40 minutes). From Sintra train station, you can take the Sintra Sightseeing Bus or a taxi up the steep hills to the palaces.
• Tickets: You will need to purchase individual tickets for each royal palace/attraction online, on their website, well in advance (highly recommended to reserve timed entry slots for Pena Palace interior). Combination organized tour tickets for multiple sites are also available.
• Best time to go: Early morning is crucial to beat the crowds, especially for Pena Palace. Aim to be at the palace for opening time. Avoid weekends and peak season (July to August) if possible.
• Cost: Palace entry fees will vary, but Pena Palace costs around €15-€17 and Quinta da Regaleira costs about €10-€15.
• Visit duration: You will need a full day to properly explore Sintra and its main attractions. Allow two or three hours just for Pena Palace and its park.

Expert travel tip: Prioritize which palaces you want to see most. Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are the most popular and can easily fill a day. To save time at Pena Palace, buy your tickets online for the palace interior and select the earliest possible time slot. Focus on the exterior and gardens first, as the interiors can feel crowded and rushed.

16. Unwind in Cascais

For a refreshing coastal escape, take a day trip to Cascais, a charming former fishing village that has blossomed into a sophisticated seaside resort town. 

Enjoy its golden sandy beaches, stroll along the picturesque marina, explore the quaint old town, and indulge in fresh seafood. It’s a perfect contrast to Lisbon’s bustling city life.

Practical Info: 

• Getting there: You can take a direct train from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon (about 30-40 minutes). The scenic train ride follows the coastline. You could also drive there.
• Tickets: You’ll just need a train tickets (if you decide to travel by train)
• Best time to go: Any sunny day, bearing in mind that summers can be crowded
• Visit duration: Half to full day

Expert travel tip: Rent a bike and cycle along the coastal path (Ciclovia do Guincho) towards Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) for dramatic cliff views, and further to Guincho Beach for surfing.