7 Awesome Things To Do In Lisbon Portugal

Eclectic. Artistic. Colorful. Three words that describe Lisbon well!

It’s no wonder that Instagram & Pinterest is flooded with so many colorful and perfect shots. There is a picture perfect scene at every turn of this beautiful city! So much in fact, that you might go into sensory shock and get cramps from excitedly clicking constant photos. LOL.

Lisbon is an eclectic city whose collected influences from all over the world has given Lisbon its own unique identity. As you explore the city, Lisbon’s diverse influences and rich history can be experienced and seen through Lisbon’s food, music, architecture and culture.

Lisbon Is Budget Friendly!

There is an endless list of awesome things to do in Lisbon and the best part is that your travel funds can stretch so much farther in Lisbon than other big cities in Europe like Paris, London, Barcelona, etc. This is something to consider if you are looking for a way to stretch your travel budget in Europe.

Has Lisbon been on your “wanderlist?” Here are 7 awesome things to do in Lisbon that may sway you to move Lisbon closer to the top of your “wanderlist.”

7 Awesome things to do in Lisbon Portugal

#1 Explore Lisbon’s Art and Architecture

Lisbon has remarkable architecture and art throughout the city, all of which tells a story. The artistic detail all over the city may even have you on sensory overload your first day or two in the city.

It’s intense! So, have your camera ready because you won’t be able to stop snapping photos. (I know I couldn’t put my camera down!)

Artistic expression has long been apart of Lisbons’ culture for centuries. One of the design and architectural characteristics Lisbon has become famous for is its use of tiles that decoratively cover many of its building from the inside and out. You will see a lot of that as you roam the city.

#2 – See IT ALL ON a Hop On/ Hop Off Bus

To get acquainted with the city of Lisbon and tour some of its wonderful architecture and top sights, an open top hop on and hop off bus is the best way to explore.

Start your trip off with the Hop On Off Bus and you will get to see most of the major landmarks of Lisbon in 24 hours. The photo opportunities are endless from the top deck of the bus!

My recommendation is to use the bus as a way to preview the city and then as you spot neighborhoods or sights that you want to explore in more detail, feel free to get off the bus for an up close and personal experience. There is A LOT to see in Lisbon and by taking advantage of the Hop On Hop Off bus, it allowed me to see more of Lisbon than I could have any other way. My two feet could only carry me so far in so little time.

How much does The Hop On/Off Bus cost?

For just 16 Euros, you can use the bus for 24 hours and get on and off the bus as much as you like. There are over 25 + stops on the route. My suggestion is to take the full route around Lisbon (approx 1.5 hours), then on the second go-round, get off in the areas that intrigued you the most.

This bus will take you past most the major sights, so really, this tip encompasses numerous things to see and do in Lisbon. Many of my pictures on this blog were taken right from the bus!… Just like these pictures below.

During my ride on the Hop On Hop Off Bus, the first place I got off was was near the Belem district to visit Pasteis De Belem which brings me to #2 on the list of things you must do in Lisbon….

#3 Eat a heavenly Pasteis de Nata from Pasteis de Belem.

This will be one of the most delicious desserts you have ever tried!! I’d consider getting on a plane just for another taste of this delectable pastry.

What is a Pasteis De Nata? It is a pastry with a custard like filling. The ones fresh out the oven are heavenly! My first taste test of a Pateis De Nata was at a not so good bakery and I didn’t understand the hype about them until I tried them again at Pasteis de Belem. They are amazing.

While the line may seem long to get in, it moves fast and there are over 400 seats inside. So, just go! If you love coffee, the Cappuccinos are also really good and probably one of the best I had in Portugal too. So, make sure to order one with your Pasteis De Nata.

#4 VISIT Three OF THE 7 Wonders of Portugal.

Portugal has what they call the 7 wonders of portugal. Two of them are in the city of lisbon.

One of the wonders is Jeronismos Monastery which happens to be just down the block from Pasteis De Nata. It’s an architecturally beautiful building and you can also tour the inside to learn more about its’ history.

As you gaze at the tops of the building, don’t miss the gargoyles that protect the building.

Belem Tower is the second wonder – It is the most photographed monument in Lisbon which closely resembles a castle.

You can see it on foot, but for a unique perspective, I suggest a boat tour down the Tagus River for an exceptional view of the tower that not many others don’t get to see.

The third wonder of Portugal is in the nearby town Sintra where you can enter into a Fairytale at Pena Palace.

#5 Step into a fairytale in Sintra Portugal

Sinta is just a day trip from Lisbon by train and will make you feel like you just stepped into a fairytale. It’s a town inspired by imagination and romanticism.

I spent only a day in Sintra and I really wish I had planned to spend more time there to let my imagination roam free while exploring this town.

This town makes you feel like maybe magic really does exist!

My favorite palace was Quinta de Regaleira (pictured below) and I could have spent hours exploring the hidden passages and walkways of this palace. With so many beautiful palaces to see in Sintra, you would need days to see them all, but even if all you have is a day, Sintra is not to be missed. It’s truly a magical place in the world.

You may enjoy this post about Moors Castle in Sintra. Read it here!

Watch the video below to see a walk through of Moors Castle.

Advice – Spend the night here if you can. But if you only have a day, try to research ahead of time and pick 2-3 palaces that you want to see the most because chances are, you may only get time to see a few. Start early in the AM if possible to maximize the day. I will be posting a guide to Sintra on the website and you can subscribe to get notified when the post goes live.

#6 Walk the castle walls of Castelo Sao Jorge for 360 degree views of lisbon

Castelo Sao Jorge sits on the highest viewpoint over all of Lisbon with a complete 360 degree view of the city. The views from Castelo Sao Jorge are incredible!

Just imagine viewing the city behind castle walls, who would want to miss that?