Our favorite things to do in Lisbon
The view of Lisbon from Sao Jorge Castle at sunset. All photos by John O’Boyle / The Empty Nest Explorers
Updated - April 2026
Lisbon is now a very popular destination and has been on our list to visit for a long time. We live in New Jersey, and Newark has a large Portuguese community, so we are familiar with the wonderful food and friendly people.
Lisbon is often compared to San Francisco - the hilly terrain, the 25th of April Bridge often being called the Portuguese Golden Gate Bridge because of its striking similarity, the photogenic trams; plus, an earthquake destroyed Lisbon in 1755.
While we love San Francisco, we enjoyed Lisbon even more. Portugal, in general, has more of an “edge” to it than its neighbor, Spain, but we always felt safe and enjoyed the ambiance.
Lisbon has so many attractions, with a wide variety of fantastic food. It’s walkable but also has a variety of accessible transit, and the people are very friendly and genuinely want you to have an enjoyable visit.
Since Lisbon is now a crowded tourist destination and your time is limited, we’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions, things to do, and tips on how to make the most of your visit.
| Days Needed | 3 to 4 full days (plus a day for Sintra) |
| Best Time to Visit | April, May, September, early October |
| Getting Around | Metro, trams, Uber, and a lot of walking |
| Airport to Center | Uber runs about €10 to €15 |
| Language | Portuguese (English is widely spoken) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
The 25th of April Bridge.
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Three full days is the sweet spot for most couples. That gives you a day in central Lisbon, a day in Belém, and a day for Sintra.
Four days lets you slow down. Two days is workable but rushed.
2026 Lisbon Admissions at a Glance
| Attraction | Adult Entry | Lisboa Card? | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Jorge Castle | Around €15 | NOT INCLUDED | OPEN |
| Jerónimos Monastery | Around €18 | FREE | OPEN |
| Belém Tower | — | FREE | CLOSED (through spring 2026) |
| Monument of Discoveries | Around €10 (elevator) | 20% discount | OPEN |
| Santa Justa Lift | Around €5.30 return | FREE | OPEN (upper deck closed) |
| Lisbon Cathedral | Around €5 | No discount | OPEN |
| Heritage Funiculars | — | — | CLOSED (see note below) |
Prices and status current as of April 2026. Always check the official site before you go.
São Jorge Castle
Walking the walls of São Jorge Castle high above Lisbon.
From the moment you arrive in Lisbon, you see St. George Castle looming over the city. The 12th-century castle sits high atop a hill in the Alfama district.
We planned on visiting on our first day in town. Normally I always purchase tickets ahead of time for major attractions but we were flying in and weren’t sure if we would be tired.
Unfortunately, it was Christmas week and the line to purchase tickets was enormous so we visited at the end of our trip with our pre-purchased on the phone.
You can pre-purchase a ticket here.
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. If we recommend a product, activity, or hotel, we might receive a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
São Jorge Castle would be interesting to visit without the view but the commanding view of the city makes it a must-visit. It’s a popular sunset spot and we highly recommend visiting at that time. Not only do you see gorgeous views of the city but you’ll enjoy the wonderful exterior lighting.
You can read more in our detailed blog post: Visiting São Jorge Castle in Lisbon: Is it worth it?
Jerónimos Monastery in Belem
The interior courtyard of Jerónimos Monastery.
The Jerónimos Monastery is about 30 minutes outside of downtown Lisbon. It’s easily reachable by “commuter” train or modern tram.
Many major attractions have a “skip the line” ticketing option, unfortunately, there is no easy way to skip the line at Jerónimos Monastery. We’d suggest purchasing the tickets online and arriving at least a half hour before the Monastery opens for the day.
If you visit at a busy time of year it may take you a while to get inside but the good news is that moving the line slowly means that the inside of the Monastery never feels crowded.
There is an impressive church that is part of the complex but requires entering via a separate line. Luckily the wait is usually short and it’s free.
The Jerónimos Monastery is gorgeous and very photo-worthy.
Purchase your Jerónimos Monastery here.
You can read our full blog post - Belem: A must-see when visiting Lisbon
2026 Lisbon Transport: How to Pay
| Method | Cost (2026) | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless (Card/Phone) | €1.92 | ✅ Most convenient. Just tap your bank card at the metro gate. |
| Zapping (Navegante Card) | €1.72 | ✅ Cheapest. Good if you're taking 5+ rides in a day. |
| On-Board Tram Ticket | €3.30 | ❌ Avoid. Twice the price. Tap your card instead! |
| Lisboa Card (24h) | €31.00 | 🎟️ Good value if visiting Jerónimos plus several other attractions in one day. Note: São Jorge Castle is not included. |
Belem Tower and the Monument of the Discoveries
Belem is full of wonderful attractions. A short walk from Jerónimos Monastery are Belem Tower and the Monument of the Discoveries. Both are directly on the waterfront and provide great views.
Monument of the Discoveries.
Monument of the Discoveries, shaped like a ship, is located on the Tagus River where ships would depart to explore the world during the Portuguese Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries.
We admired it from the outside but you can take an elevator to a terrace that offers great views for €10.00.
Belem Tower at sunset is a magical spot
A short walk along the river leads to Belém Tower. The tower is a 16th-century fortification, built to protect the Tagus estuary during Portugal's Age of Discovery.
An important note for 2026: the inside of the tower is closed for restoration and is expected to reopen in late spring or early summer. You can still walk up to it and photograph the exterior, which is worth doing at sunset.
We skipped the interior tour on our own visit and spent our time outside. Even with the inside closed, the tower is still a gorgeous stop. The beautiful evening in Belem is one of the memories of Portugal that stays with us.
When to Visit Lisbon
| Season | What It's Like | Our Take |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Mild, sunny, jacaranda trees in bloom by May. | Best weather of the year. A wonderful time to visit. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Hot, packed, and long lines everywhere. | Go early in the day or skip these months if you can. |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Warm days, smaller crowds, softer light. | A great shoulder season option. |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Cool but rarely cold, some rain, holiday lights in December. | We loved Christmas week here. Very festive. |
Take a day trip to Sintra
The exterior of Pena Palace is an iconic symbol of Portugal.
It’s amazing how many major attractions are located in Sintra.
Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira are among the top attractions.
Sintra is about 15 miles from Lisbon so it’s an easy day trip. Train, Uber, or driving are popular ways of getting to Sintra.
Not only are Sintra’s attractions very, very crowded and the town’s geography is challenging. So I’d highly recommend reading our full blog post: Visiting Sintra and Pena Palace: what to see and do
Wander the city
Before we go too far with our list of great attractions I should mention that one of the joys of Lisbon is wandering the back streets.
You can put away your Google Maps for a bit and see where serendipity leads you. You are never far from mass transit and Uber is very cheap.
Beautiful side streets in the Alfama district.
For more info on getting around Lisbon check out our post: A guide to Lisbon transportation for visitors
Enjoy the great view from one of Lisbon’s Miradouros
Debbie and John enjoy drinks at Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
Lisbon’s hills might leave your legs a bit sore but they also create fantastic viewpoints, also called miradouros.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is located at the top of the Barrio Alto neighborhood. It’s directly next to the Elevador da Gloria, one of Lisbon’s funiculars.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia is an iconic observation point, topped with a pergola that offers sweeping views of Lisbon & the Tagus River. It’s small and crowded but the views are great.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol is located very close to Miradouro de Santa Luzia but it’s a much larger plaza. There are many tables and a snack bar kiosk. We spent a lovely hour enjoying coffee, snacks, and the wonderful view. Also, the iconic tram 28 passes right by so you get the full Lisbon experience from your seat.
São Jorge Castle is another great spot to enjoy the Lisbon skyline.
| HOTELS | Booking.com Lots of search options. The customer reviews are very helpful. | Link ↗ |
| ACTIVITIES | Viator A wide variety of tours, food experiences and historical guides. | Link ↗ |
| AIRFARE | FareDrop Alerts for cheap flights customized by your home airport. | Link ↗ |
| PHONE | Airalo Easy to use eSIM for data and calls in every country. | Link ↗ |
| TRAIN TRAVEL | Trainline We book all our trains here. Easy to use and comprehensive listings. | Link ↗ |
A word about Lisbon's funiculars
We have always loved Lisbon's old funiculars, the little yellow cars that climb the city's steepest hills. Writing this update is hard.
On September 3, 2025, the Glória Funicular derailed and crashed into a building at the bottom of the hill. Sixteen people were killed, and more than twenty were injured. Most of the victims were visitors to Lisbon.
The photo below on the left is the exact spot where the damaged car stopped after the accident. Seeing reporting from the spot live on CNN was very difficult to watch.
A few hours after the crash, the city suspended all three of Lisbon's heritage funiculars. As we write this in April 2026, Glória, Bica, and Lavra are all still closed. The Graça funicular, a newer line, was expected to return to service in spring 2026.
If you are planning a trip to Lisbon, please assume the heritage funiculars will not be running. Check carris.pt for the current status before you go.
The Santa Justa Lift in central Lisbon is a different system and is still open. We mention it below.
Tagus River Sailing Cruise
A sunset cruise along the Tagus River in Lisbon.
After a busy day exploring Lisbon a sunset cruise on the Tagus River can be a great way to end the day.
Here’s a link to some well-reviewed cruises.
Try Pastéis de Nata or Pastéis de Belém
Pastéis de nata - or pastéis de Belém, as they are known in the place of their origin, the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém- is a traditional Portuguese egg custard pastry that you really have to try.
Finding the pastry isn’t hard; they are everywhere. The very best bakeries are easy to spot, they only sell pastries and coffee. We had a Manteigaria store around the corner from our Lisbon accommodations, so we stopped by often.
Often you’ll see the staff making more behind a window, they are so fresh you’ll often get them warm.
A few Pastéis de Nata were our breakfast most days. Luckily, we found a place near home that serves them, but unfortunately, they are not exactly as good as the real deal in Portugal.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a huge food court found in many cities, including Lisbon.
The restaurants tend to be a bit nicer and serve mostly local cuisine. We visited as an easy way to sample a variety of Portuguese dishes at one time.
Pro Tip for 2026: Time Out Market Lisbon is now a cashless venue. Most stalls only accept credit/debit cards or digital payments like Apple Pay.
You might think Time Out Market is only for tourists but you’ll see plenty of locals, including young people on dates. One of our visits was on a Friday and there was music and dancing.
LX Factory
Since I guess we are officially in the food section of our list it’s time to mention LX Factory.
LX Factory is located in a 19th-century industrial complex that is now home to cool shops, restaurants, bars, and even office space.
We had fantastic hamburgers at Micro Burger.
It’s fun to visit anytime but it really comes alive in the evening. We visited after our day in Belem since it’s right on the tram line halfway back to downtown Lisbon.
Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in the city, built in 1147. One of the highlights is the rose window over the main entrance.
The interior was austere, partly because of extensive damage in the great earthquake of 1755. Although there are grander cathedrals in Europe you’ll probably be strolling through the beautiful Alfama district so it’s certainly worth a stop.
You can purchase a ticket online here.
What’s not on this list:
Santa Justa Lift-
The Santa Justa Lift is a neo-Gothic iron elevator in the middle of Baixa. It was designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, and opened in 1902.
The ride up costs around €5.30. The line is usually long, and the ride itself is short.
Here is the insider tip. Walk up the hill behind the lift to Largo do Carmo. From there, you can reach the same upper viewpoint for free. You still get the view, and you skip the wait entirely. We can’t recommend waiting to ride the elevator.
The small observation deck at the very top was closed for renovation when we last checked, so even with a ticket, the best views are from the walkway, not the deck.
Admire the architecture and move on.
Tram 28 -
Super controversial take here. Unless you are visiting in the off-season or don’t mind getting to the tram before 8 am I would advise to avoid taking tram 28.
The lines are extremely long. A few minutes after I took the photo below, we witnessed an auto accident when the driver tried to avoid the people spilling out into the street.
While tram 28 does wind through some of Lisbon’s most beautiful neighborhoods, the tram gets so crowded it’s hard to see out the windows.
Check out the photogenic trams as they snake through the streets, but skip taking the ride.
Lisbon FAQ
Is Lisbon safe for tourists?
Yes. We walked all over the city at all hours and always felt safe. As with any busy city, keep an eye on your wallet on crowded trams and at tourist spots.
How much does a trip to Lisbon cost?
Lisbon is one of the more affordable major European capitals. Meals at a sit-down restaurant often cost between €15 and €25 per person. Attractions mostly run €8 to €18. Ubers across town are usually €5 to €8.
Do I need to rent a car in Lisbon?
No. We never rented one. The metro, trams, and Uber covered everything we needed. A car only makes sense if you are touring outside the city for several days.
Is the Lisboa Card worth it?
It depends on your plans. The card covers public transit and gives free entry to several attractions. With Belém Tower closed and São Jorge Castle not included, the value is lower than it used to be. Do the math against your actual plans before you buy.
What is the best area to stay in Lisbon?
We like staying in Baixa or Chiado for easy access to restaurants, trams, and the metro. Alfama is beautiful but very hilly. Bairro Alto is fun but noisy at night.
Can you drink the tap water in Lisbon?
Yes. Tap water is safe throughout the city.
Debbie and I hope you enjoy your visit to Lisbon. We can’t wait to go back.
This post was researched and written by John O'Boyle of The Empty Nest Explorers.
John is a professional photographer whose work has been published by the New York Times, NBC News, and Getty Images. He has been part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team and nominated for New York Emmy Awards. You can learn more about John and the Empty Nest Explorers here.
Some well-reviewed Lisbon activities:
Other Portugal travel posts:
We had a great time visiting Portugal during Christmas week and for the New Year.
Visiting the big cities of Lisbon and Porto in December and January, with the mild weather and festive atmosphere, creates a special kind of liveliness during the holiday season.
A range of Christmas fairs & markets, festive lights, decorations and holiday celebrations make for a memorable visit.