Things To Do
Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is Lisbon’s most grand and iconic waterfront square, famously known by locals as the Terreiro do Paço. Once the site of the royal palace before the 1755 earthquake, this expansive plaza is now a vibrant gateway to the city, framed by distinctive yellow Pombaline buildings and the monumental Arco da Rua Augusta. At its center stands the equestrian statue of King José I, overlooking the Tagus River and the historic "Cais das Colunas" marble steps where dignitaries once arrived by ship. Today, it is a spectacular place to enjoy a riverside sunset, explore some of the city's oldest cafés, or simply soak in the scale of Lisbon's 18th-century reconstruction.
Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most breathtaking landmarks. The monastery is the anchor of the historic Belém district, where several other icons are within a short walk: Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries): Located directly across the street on the waterfront, this ship-shaped monument offers an elevator to a stunning rooftop viewpoint. Torre de Belém: A scenic 10-minute stroll west along the river brings you to this 16th-century fortress, which originally served as a ceremonial gateway to the city. Travel Tips for Your Visit: Getting There: From central Lisbon, the 15E tram is the most scenic public option. For a faster trip, we recommend a quick Uber or Bolt (about 15-20 minutes). Timing: Most monuments in Belém are closed Mondays. Try to arrive by 10:00 AM to beat the mid-day crowds. Sweet Treat: Don’t miss the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery— just a three-minute walk from the monastery and the original home of Portugal's famous custard tarts.
Sintra
Sintra is a lush, fairy-tale town filled with colorful palaces, misty forests, and old royal estates tucked into the hills — it feels almost magical compared to Lisbon. People go for the scenery as much as the history, with places like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira that feel straight out of a storybook. It’s an easy day trip from Lisbon: just take the direct CP train from Rossio Station, which runs frequently and gets you there in about 40 minutes.
Hi Lisbon Walking Tours
The best way to see the city! In March, we took the Alfama tour with Hi Lisbon and it was one of the best things we did. While the tour is technically free, it works on a tip-basis, so we recommend bringing some cash to show your guide some love at the end. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings while wandering through the oldest, most soul-stirring neighborhood in Lisbon.
Manteigaria
The Pastel de Nata is the quintessential Portuguese snack item and you must try them while you're here! While this isn't the originator of the egg custard tart, it is a cozy counter service shop with a front row view of the tarts being made just a short walk from the commercial square.
Carmo rooftop
Skip the line (and cost!) of the Santa Justa Lift, and head to this rooftop bar instead. The views are spectacular, and you can enjoy them with a nice glass of wine and some snacks! It can be a bit tricky to find the entrance, so head to the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo and follow the signs.
Time Out Market
For a true taste of Lisbon’s world-class culinary scene, head to the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré. This historic 19th-century market hall was transformed into the world's first editorially curated food hall, bringing together over 40 of the city's top-rated chefs, local artisans, and signature restaurants under one roof. Guest Tips for the Best Experience: Seating: The market uses communal wooden tables. It can get very busy during peak dinner hours, so we recommend "scavenging" for a seat first or visiting for a late lunch (around 3:00 PM) to avoid the biggest crowds. Getting There: It is located directly across from the Cais do Sodré station. You can take the Green Metro line, the 15E tram, or a quick 5-minute rideshare from the city center. Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to Midnight (and until 2:00 AM Thursday through Saturday), making it a great spot for a late-night bite or a glass of local wine.
The Folks Сhiado - Specialty Coffee, Breakfast & Brunch
If you’re looking for a top-tier caffeine fix between sightseeing stops, you have to check out The Folks. They have a few beautifully designed spots scattered throughout the city—including locations in Chiado, Alfama, and near the Cathedral—making them a super convenient escape from the busy cobblestone streets.
Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest and most iconic church in the city, standing as a fortress-like monument to Portugal’s medieval history. Built in 1147 following the Christian Reconquest of the city, its imposing Romanesque facade and twin bell towers have famously survived numerous earthquakes, including the Great Quake of 1755. Its conveniently located about a block from the Folks coffee as well!
Antiga Wine Bar
While we enjoyed our time at Antiga Wine Bar, the real must-do is simply sitting down at any local spot to sample Portugal’s incredible wines. We highly recommend trying a red or white from the Douro Valley—we found these to be a fantastic alternative if you aren't a fan of the traditional, sweeter Port wines. To get the full experience, be sure to pair your glass with a local charcuterie board; the region is famous for its cured meats and sheep's milk cheeses, and there’s no better way to spend a golden hour in the city.