What to do in Lisbon District

Activities, attractions and tours

Miradouro de Santa Luzia featuring a coastal town and a lake or waterhole
Miradouro de Santa Luzia featuring a coastal town and a lake or waterhole
Cascais featuring a river or creek and modern architecture
Lisbon featuring a city and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people
Moorish Castle featuring heritage elements, a castle and tranquil scenes

Lisbon District Attractions

Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. When you visit Lisbon, you will find many things to do and see that you will remember for the rest of your life. Indeed, there are so many things to do in Lisbon that you may find yourself overwhelmed. It is best to plan which places and which Lisbon activities are most important to you so you don't miss out on what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Start with Lisbon tours. Sightseeing packages are arguably the most effective way to enjoy Portugal's capital city. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are popular because they allow each tourist to stop at any point on the map to enjoy attractions in Lisbon in an up close and personal way yet still be able to ride through some areas while enjoying a knowledgeable guide. Other Lisbon excursions include cruise tours, which show you exactly why people call Lisbon the Queen of the Sea.

The top tourist spots in Lisbon are mostly historic buildings and museums. Belem Tower is the most famous structure in the city and a must see attraction. Cristo-Rei, the Christ the King statue, is a duplicate of the famed Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. You can even enter the statue's base to visit the a chapel andl, a gift shop, or to have a quick bite to eat.

The National Museum of Ancient Aart is often touted as the best museum in the City of Seven Hills. However, a local might tell you to go to Calouste Gulbenkian Museum to view works from such famous artists such as Rubens and Monet. Meanwhile tThe Bernardo Museum contains modern art from the likes of Dali, Picasso, and Warhol. For a change of pace, visit the Design and Fashion Museum, which charges no admission for tourists to view international fashion design.

Religion is very important to Portuguese history, which is apparent when you visit the chapels and churches in the city. Go to the Sao Roque Church to view the beautiful mosaics, and . Vvisit Madre de Deus Convent to see a display of tiles that are well known to anyone embroiled in Portuguese culture.


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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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Rossio Square showing a square or plaza and a fountain

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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Belem Tower featuring a bridge, heritage architecture and general coastal views

3. Castle of São Jorge

The Castle of São Jorge is a huge medieval structure that overlooks the city. Take a guided tour to learn about Lisbon’s past and enjoy views across the capital from the castle’s grounds.
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Castle of Sao Jorge showing views, a city and a castle

4. 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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Lisbon Oceanarium featuring marine life and interior views

5. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.
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Pena Palace which includes château or palace and heritage elements

6. 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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Commerce Square in Lisbon

7. 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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Santa Justa Elevator featuring landscape views, views and a city

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What to do in Lisbon District


Discover the most popular places to visit in Lisbon District

Explore areas of Lisbon District

Lisbon featuring a city, a castle and views

Lisbon City Center

Travelers love Lisbon City Center for its popular shops, and you can see more of Lisbon by jumping on the metro at Saldanha Station or Sao Sebastiao Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square.

Lisbon City Center
Santa Justa Elevator showing a city and landscape views

Baixa

4.5/5(456 area reviews)

Elegant district with earthquake-resistant architecture, the Baixa Pombalina features a grid of streets north of Praça do Comércio, extending towards Rossio and Figueira squares, and Avenida da Liberdade, known for tailoring shops and cafes.

Baixa
Carmo Convent showing heritage architecture

Lisbon Old Town

4/5(445 area reviews)

Discover views over the old town from hilltop Graça, Moorish history in Alfama, bustling downtown Baixa, bohemian Chiado and nightlife in Bairro Alto.

Lisbon Old Town
Chiado showing a sunset and views as well as a couple

Chiado

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Immerse yourself in a cultural and commercial hub, boasting luxury shopping, historic landmarks, and a variety of theatres and museums. Explore Chiado Museum, Carmo Convent, and Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, while enjoying easy access to the Baixa-Chiado metro station.

Chiado
Alfama featuring a coastal town and a sunset

Alfama

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, Alfama boasts historical attractions like Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral, while offering a labyrinth of narrow streets, Fado bars, and restored houses.

Alfama
Bairro Alto featuring street scenes

Bairro Alto

4.5/5(85 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Fado in Chiado while getting to know Bairro Alto, and be sure to check out the lively bars. You can hop aboard the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto

 

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Day trip destinations from Lisbon District

Frequently asked questions

Is Lisbon District worth visiting?
Famous for its nightlife and dining, discovering cool things to do in Lisbon District is simple. Remember to add Costa da Caparica Beach to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Lisbon District?
Costa da Caparica Beach and Lisbon Oceanarium are two great places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Lisbon District while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lisbon District?
Costa da Caparica Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Lisbon District and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Lisbon District?
Three days in Lisbon District is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Lisbon Oceanarium, Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Cascais.
Is Lisbon District a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Lisbon District. Several top sights, like Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Lisbon District's best neighbourhoods, Santa Maria Maior is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Baixa is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lisbon District with kids?
Deciding what to do in Lisbon District with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Lisbon District for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Lisbon District for adults including Quinta de Pancas and MEO Arena.
Are there free things to do in Lisbon District?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Lisbon District. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Lisbon Cathedral is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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