All citiesLisbon Things to do and walking itinerary
Portugal Lisbon travel guide
31 things to do in Lisbon, where to stay, airport transfers, 5 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Lisbon
- Jerónimos Monastery — building in Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Lisbon Oceanarium — One of Europe's big aquariums in Parque das Nações, with a huge central tank and ocean habitats. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- 25 de Abril Bridge — suspension bridge in Portugal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Lisbon Cathedral — Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Praça do Comércio — square in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Castle of Saint George — Moorish castle in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 75 min)
- National Museum of Ancient Art — museum in Lisboa, Portugal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Calouste Gulbenkian Museum — art museum in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Church of Santa Engrácia — church in Lisbon (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Belém Palace — building in Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon District, Portugal and official residence of the President of the Portuguese Republic (visit ≈ 90 min)
- São Bento Palace — building in Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Águas Livres Aqueduct — historic aqueduct in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Teatro Nacional de São Carlos — opera house in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Monastery of São Vicente de Fora — church and monastery in Lisbon (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Lisbon Central Mosque — building in Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Palace of Ajuda — building in Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Estrela Basilica — church building in Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Carmo Convent — former monastery of the Carmelite Order in Lisbon (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Rossio railway station — Historic railway station with a Neo-Manueline facade in central Lisbon (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Rua Augusta Arch — triumphal arch (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Sanctuary of Christ the King — monument and Catholic shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus situated in Almada, Portugal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Rossio Square — square in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Igreja de São Roque — church in Lisbon (visit ≈ 30 min)
- National Azulejo Museum — museum in Lisbon (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Ribeira Palace — building in Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Edward VII Park — park in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Restauradores Square — square in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Praça da Figueira — square in Lisbon (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Lisbon Synagogue — building in Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Electricity Museum — museum in Lisbon (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Teatro Nacional D. Maria II — dramatic theatre in Lisbon, Portugal (visit ≈ 20 min)
4-day Lisbon walking itinerary
Starting point: Baixa. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 4.0 km · 5,450 steps · 55 min on the way): Praça do Comércio → Lisbon Cathedral → Castle of Saint George → Church of Santa Engrácia
- Day 2 (≈ 8.4 km · 11,300 steps · 1 h 52 min on the way): Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
- Day 3 (≈ 8.1 km · 10,910 steps · 1 h 48 min on the way): Águas Livres Aqueduct
- Day 4 (≈ 6.0 km · 8,100 steps · 1 h 20 min on the way): National Museum of Ancient Art → São Bento Palace
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Lisbon
- Belém Tower — 16th-century riverside defence tower on the Tagus with Manueline decoration. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos — Riverside monument shaped like a ship's prow; its top terrace looks over Belém. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Santa Justa Lift — Cast-iron lift from Baixa up to Chiado; the top platform has city views. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- LX Factory — Creative complex in old factory buildings with bookshops, studios and street art. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Feira da Ladra — Historic Alfama flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays: tiles, records and old odds and ends. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Miradouro de Santa Catarina — Relaxed terrace over the river and bridge where locals gather at sunset. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Estufa Fria — Shady greenhouse garden of ferns and ponds inside Eduardo VII Park. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Fado Museum — Alfama museum on the history of fado, Portugal's soulful song tradition. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- National Coach Museum — In Belém, one of the world's richest collections of historic carriages, including gilded royal coaches. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- MAAT — Wave-shaped riverside building next to an old power station; its roof is a free walkable terrace. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Lisbon Botanical Garden — Cool hillside garden near Príncipe Real full of giant palms and exotic trees. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Miradouro da Graça — Terrace under pines by the Graça church, looking over the castle, the rooftops and the river. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Casa dos Bicos — 16th-century mansion with a façade of diamond-pointed stones, now home to the Saramago Foundation. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- MAC/CCB Contemporary Art Museum — Major 20th-century art collection, from Warhol to Pollock, in the Belém Cultural Centre (former Berardo Museum). (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Cascais — Former fishing town reached by the coastal train: beaches, the Boca do Inferno cliffs and a seafront walk. (visit ≈ 240 min)
Where to stay in Lisbon
- Baixa: Flat and central; metro, trams and ferries are all close.
- Chiado / Bairro Alto: Smart cafés by day, crowded bars in narrow lanes at night.
- Alfama: The oldest quarter; fado houses and viewpoints, but hilly.
- Cais do Sodré: Riverside nightlife; trains to Belém and Cascais leave here.
- Avenida da Liberdade: Grand boulevard, good hotels and metro links to the airport.
- Príncipe Real: Quiet, green and stylish; concept stores and gardens.
Getting from the airport to Lisbon
- Humberto Delgado (LIS): Red metro line, non-stop ≈ 15 min
Getting around
The city is hilly; the metro, tram 28 and funiculars help. Top up a Viva Viagem card (zapping) to use on everything.
Classic places to eat
- Pastéis de Belém: The original pastel de nata since 1837; dust with cinnamon.
- Confeitaria Nacional: Since 1829; bolo rei and classic Portuguese sweets.
- A Brasileira: In Chiado since 1905; stop for a bica (espresso).
- Café Nicola: Historic Art Deco café on Rossio square.
- Cervejaria Ramiro: Seafood legend; prawns, then a prego steak roll to finish.
- Casa do Alentejo: Alentejo food in a Moorish-style courtyard palace.
- O Trevo: Simple, famous bifana (pork sandwich) counter.
- A Ginjinha: Ginjinha sour-cherry liqueur served standing since 1840.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Belcanto — 2 MICHELIN stars, Modern Portuguese
- 100 Maneiras — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
- Cura — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern Portuguese
- Encanto — 1 MICHELIN star, Vegetarian
- Epur — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern French
Romantic views
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Sunset): One of the highest viewpoints, facing the castle and river.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Early morning): You look over Alfama rooftops from a bougainvillea pergola.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (Sunset): A garden terrace facing the castle and Baixa.
- Alfama Lanes (Evening): Fado drifts through the narrow stepped lanes at night.
- Ribeira das Naus (Sunset): Stone steps on the Tagus where you sit facing the water.
Football stadiums in Lisbon
- Estádio da Luz: Home of S.L. Benfica
- Estádio José Alvalade: Home of Sporting CP
Good to know before visiting Lisbon
- Fine: Swimming under a red flag is fined.
- Warning: You're required to carry ID or a passport.
- Warning: Small drug amounts are an administrative offence, not legal; buying and selling are banned.
- Warning: Street sellers offering drugs in Lisbon usually sell fakes; walk away.
- Warning: Pickpockets work Lisbon's tram 28 and crowded spots.
- Bread, olives or cheese brought unasked (couvert) are charged; send them back if unwanted.
- Emergency: 112
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping is optional; 5–10% or rounding up is common.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Portugal, Wikivoyage — Portugal, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Lisbon travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Lisbon?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 4 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Lisbon?
- Highlights: Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon Oceanarium, 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon Cathedral and Praça do Comércio. The map has 31 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Lisbon?
- Baixa: Flat and central; metro, trams and ferries are all close. Other options: Chiado / Bairro Alto, Alfama, Cais do Sodré, Avenida da Liberdade and Príncipe Real.
- How do you get from the airport to Lisbon city centre?
- Humberto Delgado (LIS): Red metro line, non-stop ≈ 15 min
- How do you get around Lisbon?
- The city is hilly; the metro, tram 28 and funiculars help. Top up a Viva Viagem card (zapping) to use on everything.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Lisbon?
- According to the last known data there are 5 starred restaurants: Belcanto (2 stars), 100 Maneiras (1 star), Cura (1 star), Encanto (1 star), Epur (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Lisbon?
- Emergency: 112.
- Do you tip in Lisbon?
- Tipping is optional; 5–10% or rounding up is common.
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