Top things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, a city of artists and poets. City of tiles and mosaics. City of steep hills and yellow trams. I’ve traded hot, sweaty Bali for hot, burning Lisbon. A little closer to home, but still far enough to be unfamiliar and exciting. While I’ve lived in Europe all my life, I’ve never been to any of the southern countries. I figured it was high time to amend that and spend a month in Lisbon. Here is my ultimate guide for top things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.
Gorge yourself on pastel de nata
When in Rome, except now we’re talking about Lisbon. If there is one culinary dish that’s famous in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, then it is pastel de nata.
Let me tell you about pastel de nata. I’m pretty sure this pastry came straight from heaven, dropped here by angels. Pastel de nata has a flaky crust and creamy vanilla filling. It’s best eaten slightly warm and with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Finding a pastel de nata, or pastéis if you want more than one, is the easiest thing ever in Lisbon. You can find them in every café, bakery, and supermarket. There are even entire stores that are devoted to the perfection of pastel de nata and nothing else. If you have the time and patience to face the crowds, definitely go there. Those chefs have been nothing else but making pastel de nata for years and years, and it’s worth it. If you’re going quantity over quality, you should hit the supermarket. It’s a bit like Russian Roulette though, I’ve had fantastic supermarket pastel de nata, but also cardboard pastel de nata.
Go people-watching at the waterfront
Hot day in Lisbon? I can guarantee you everyone will be at the waterfront. Even on a non-hot day, the waterfront is an excellent place to people-watch.
Like many old, big cities around the world, Lisbon originated next to a river. In this case, the Tagus River. If you want, you could walk from Torre de Belém to Oceanário de Lisboa, a trip of 15 kilometers (almost 10 miles), all by the waterfront.
My favorite place to enjoy the waterfront is from the ice cream shop by Jardim Roque Gameiro to the terraces by Reminiscência to the waterfront steps parallel to Av. Ribeira das Naus. This is also where you’ll find the most tourist since it connects the Time Out Food Market and Terreiro do Paço, two popular tourist destinations in Lisbon. In summer, you’ll find lots of bars, restaurants, and street food stands to cater to your every need.
Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium
One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon was visit the Lisbon Oceanarium. I used to work as an ecologist, and my love for nature is still strong. Our oceans are so important for all love on earth. And they can be pretty beautiful, too. But even if you’re not that into ocean life, the Oceanarium is still a pretty cool place to visit. And you can take that literally because the aquarium has some polar exhibits where you can cool down on a hot day.
Still not convinced? The Lisbon Oceanarium is the best aquarium in Europe and the third-best aquarium in the world. It has a huge central tank with all kinds of fish. But the best part? The sea dragons and sunfish. Trust me, you want to see those cuties.
Want more information? I explain everything you need to know about the Lisbon Oceanarium in this post.
Mosteiro dos Jerominós
I’ll be honest with you, I’m not really for those typical touristy things. However, I need to make an exception for Mosteiro dos Jeróminos.
The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a magnificent architectural marvel that holds immense historical and cultural significance. Built in the 16th century, this stunning monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of the Manueline style of architecture. The intricate stone carvings, ornate detailing, and grandeur of the structure are truly awe-inspiring. Not only does the monastery exhibit exceptional craftsmanship, but it also houses the tombs of significant figures from Portuguese history, such as explorer Vasco da Gama. The adjacent Church of Santa Maria also offers a peaceful and spiritual ambiance.
Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history lover, or simply seeking a place of tranquility, a visit to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is an absolute must. It offers a captivating journey into Portugal's rich past and is a testament to the country's artistic and cultural heritage.
The opening hours of Mosteiro dos Jerónimos can vary, so it's always best to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. Typically, the monastery is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry around 4:30 PM. However, please note that these hours may be subject to change during public holidays or special events.
To get to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, there are several convenient transportation options. If you're in central Lisbon, you can take the tram (line 15) or bus (lines 714, 727, 728, 729) and alight at the "Mosteiro dos Jerónimos" stop. Another popular way to reach the monastery is by taking the Lisbon Metro to the Belém station, which is a short walk away. Additionally, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout the city, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to get to the destination.
Torre de Belém
Okay, it seems like I must make another exception to my no touristy things. If you are already in the neighborhood of Mosteiro dos Jeróminos, you might as well visit Torre de Belém.
The Torre de Belém is a captivating monument that beckons visitors from near and far. Built in the 16th century, this fortified tower stands as a symbol of Portugal's maritime past and exploration. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Tagus River served as a defense mechanism and a gateway to the world for Portuguese sailors. The tower's unique Manueline architecture, with its ornate detailing and maritime motifs, is a sight to behold. Climbing to the top of the tower offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding areas, providing a breathtaking perspective of Lisbon. Whether you are drawn to history, architecture, or simply seeking a memorable experience, a visit to the Torre de Belém is highly recommended. It offers a glimpse into Portugal's golden age of exploration and serves as a testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Spend an afternoon in one of the many neighborhood parks
My favorite thing to do in Lisbon was hanging out in one of the many neighborhood parks. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of greenery in this southern city. Heatwaves are a prevalent thing in southern Europe, and we all know that quality green areas are great for bringing down the temperature in a hot city.
Not only that, but parks are also a great environment for meeting new people and improving your mental health. Lisbon has many parks, so you’ll find one near you pretty much anywhere. These parks aren’t just any parks, either. Big or small, most parks have a water feature and big, old trees that offer lots of shade.
I’m not the only one who noticed Lisbon’s parks are the place to be. Tourists and locals alike flock to these green spaces to relax, work out, or meet up with friends. I enjoyed sitting down on a bench and reading and during those times, I’ve seen personal trainers wear down their clients, samba teachers entertaining the entire park, and so many birthday parties. And yes, I was offered a free cupcake from a very cute three-year-old.
