In the past five years, Portugal’s capital city has had something of a makeover—in fact, there are so many things to do in Lisbon that it’s becoming difficult to see the city in just a weekend. The magic of this city captures visitors from their very first trip, meaning many return multiple times in a year, never running out of activities or sights to see.
Its historic cobbled lanes, pretty wooden trolleys, sparkling river, and striking tiled façades are all still there, but the city is ever-changing and there’s now a host of intriguing new spaces to visit, too. As someone who knows the city like the back of my hand, having explored every neighborhood and new opening over the past few years, I feel confident that I can share top tips, from the can’t-miss spots all tourists should see to something a little more off the beaten path.
Chefs from around the world are opening some of the best restaurants in Lisbon, challenging the excellent local restaurants to raise the bar even further. Young Portuguese mixologists and baristas are returning from time spent in London, Paris and New York to launch bars and cafés that blend the best of home and away. And emerging fashion designers, artists, ceramicists, and furniture makers are exhibiting and selling their wares in new stores and galleries that celebrate the skills of talented locals.
Of course, in between eating and drinking you’ll want to see Lisbon’s sights—from the Belém Tower to Castelo de S. Jorge—but there’s plenty more to experience in this wonderful, colorful city. Ready to feel inspired? Below, our top things to do in Lisbon, whether your travel style is chilled and low-key or a packed itinerary.
Read our complete Lisbon travel guide here, which includes:
How we choose the best things to do in Lisbon
Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.