Lisbon is the place to visit this summer, so don't miss out on the 33 best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal. I've just returned from my first trip to this amazing city and I know I'll be back again. We went for a long weekend in Lisbon and completely fell in love with this beautiful Portuguese city. Even with a packed itinerary of sightseeing, restaurants and bars, I still have so many more places to visit in Lisbon and I can't wait to go back and experience more. Portugal is the destination on everyone's lips right now, and it's easy to understand why, their colourful streets, vibrant nightlife and delicious food is everything we want after two years of missing out on travel. So if you're planning a trip to Lisbon this summer, make sure you don't miss out on:
Looking for a place to stay in Lisbon? I loved staying in the Bairro Alto – it was the perfect location for exploring the city. If you're looking for hotels, or you fancy a cute little Lisbon apartment with a balcony overlooking the winding streets, there's great accommodation to suit all budgets. We went for an apartment and loved that from the moment we walked out of the door, we were walking distance from lots of great bars and restaurants. We stayed at Bairro Alto Bronze of Art Apartments and I couldn't recommend it more! I actually saved over £100 on our apartment by using my Booking.com Genius discount, and we got a free airport transfer.
All those steep hills make for some spectacular views across the city and its beautiful red rooftops. Take a walk up to Castelo de São Jorge which overlooks the river, old town and the rest of Lisbon. This historic castle dates back to at least 1st Century BC and you can walk around the turrets and remnants of its historic past. Open 7 days a week, you'll see peacocks as you explore the grounds. Explore the gardens, structures and of course, enjoy the panoramic views of the city. It costs €10 per adult for entry.
One of the highlights of our trip was stumbling upon a gorgeously authentic local bar in the Bairro Alto area where there was live Fado performances all night. This mournful and haunting style of music is traditional for the city and is not to be missed. Usually a solo singer will be accompanied by a classical Portuguese guitar and makes for a spectacular show. Check out this article on the 10 Best Places for Fado Music in Lisbon. I recommend popping into Café Luso or Adega Machado for a show you won't forget.
You can't go to Lisbon without eating your way round the Time Out Lisboa Market. It's an absolute MUST and a great way to try lots of delicious foods from this amazing city. It's a perfect pit-stop to find delicious fresh seafood including cod, tuna, oysters and even lobster cooked in a number of tasty dishes. Find Michelin-starred chefs and the top eateries from around the city curated under one roof with the finest dishes waiting for you to try. Feast on fine foods from Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa Food Corner, Tartar-ia, Croqueteria, Chef Alexandre Silva Food Corner, Monte Mar and many more.
Lisbon is such a vibrant, colourful and artistic city with creativity at every turn. Every time you round a corner you'll marvel at the spectacular architecture, the stunning tiled buildings and the amazing street art and graffiti that lines the streets. There are so many Instagrammable spots and with new art pieces springing up all the time, there's always something new to be discovered. If you want to be sure to find the best spots, why not book a street art walking tour?
It's impossible to spend a weekend in Lisbon without seeing a tram. They're iconic and a great way to get around the city. If you're going to ride one tram while you're in the city, make sure it's Tram 28. The steep route and tight turns makes it unsuitable for modern trams and means you get to ride a historic tram with original features that date back to the 1930's. It also passes through some of the most beautiful areas of Lisbon and is a great way to see the city. Top tip: Ride the tram early or late in the day to avoid the crowds of tourists. Also, watch for pickpockets.
Who would have thought the top level of a multi-storey car park would be the place to party? Don't miss a sunset at PARK, it was my favourite rooftop bar in the city with incredible views across the old town and river. It's THE place to watch the sun set over the water. Plus they make great cocktails and have a DJ, sometimes two DJs per day in peak season. Make sure you arrive early to get a good spot, it gets busy! Check out my guide to the 20 best rooftop bars in Lisbon for sunset.
A truly unique experience for your Lisbon itinerary, this gothic 19th century structure was originally part of the Lisbon public transport system as a way to quickly travel between Baixa District and the Largo do Carmo. Over the years, it has been extended with a viewing platform offering some of the finest views in the city. It's a 45m ride that costs €5.30 for a return. Top tip: Get a 24 hour public transport ticket from any metro station for €6.40 and it will include a ride on the Elevador de Santa Justa for a much better price.
I can't get enough of these delicious egg custard tarts, they're so tasty! Head to a local bakery and pick up a Pastéis de Nata and a coffee, then go find a sunny spot to enjoy. Out of the ones I tried in Lisbon, my favourite was from the Manteigaria stall at Time Out Market Lisboa. They were mouth-wateringly good! But you can pick them up all over the city so try as many as you can while you're in the city? If you're taking a trip to Torres de Belém, why not pop into the famous Pastéis de Belém which is considered the home of the original Pastéis de Belém and has been making them since 1837.
Not only is the Convento do Carmo a spectacular building to visit – one of my favourite historic sights in the city – but you also get to explore the strange little museum attached. This former Catholic convent features Romantic gothic ruins left behind following an earthquake in 1755. The archaeological museum attached features an eclectic range of tombs, mosaics and a collection of ancient relics including shrunken heads, South American mummies, sculptures, tombstones and much more. Entrance costs €5 per adult.
Lisbon is the city of rooftop bars and with such great weather, it's a perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail. Offering amazing views across the city and river, you could find a new spot each night and get a different perspective on the city. Check out this article I wrote on 20 best rooftop bars in Lisbon for sunset.
This was without doubt my favourite thing we did in Lisbon – it was absolutely incredible to visit the Palacio Nacional da Pena. Sintra is a 30 minute train ride from Lisbon, or you can take a 20 minute Uber if you prefer. Make sure to get dropped the Palace and not just in Sintra or you'll have a steep climb of around 50 minutes from the train station. It combines spectacular surroundings & panoramic views with 19th century Romanticism-style architecture, bright colours & decoration and of course, a rich history. I really recommend getting a ticket to go inside the palace as it's also amazing
On our first night in Lisbon, I had one of the best meals of my life. We found a fantastic, authentic restaurant offering Portuguese cuisine and fresh seafood. Hidden away in the Bairro Alto area, Santelmo was just a few streets away from our apartment. We had fresh octopus ceviche and huge prawns to start, then the most tenderly cooked fresh tuna steak of my life, and a pork dish that I was told was also incredible. A must-eat & hidden gem while you're in the city!
Football is a huge part of Portuguese culture, so it seemed only right for me to watch my first live football match while visiting Lisbon. We picked up tickets to see Sporting play and it was an amazing experience. Whether you're a football fan, or haven't a clue what the rules are, it's worth going for the atmosphere alone.
I love to visit churches when I travel – I'm not religious but they're always so spectacular and this was no exception. Despite it's underwhelming exterior, Igreja de São Roque boasts a dazzling decor once you step through the doors. With walls and a ceiling adorned with gold, marble and Florentine azulejos, it truly is a masterpiece of Baroque art.
A great place for people-watching, this huge plaza leads you to the waterfront and is lined with bars and restaurants. You'll find street artists and live musicians taking advantage of the great acoustics. A great place to sit and watch the world go by.
If you head down to the waterfront from the Rossio and start walking to the right you will come across Pitcher Cocktails. It's a little drinks cart where they serve different cocktails based on Av Ribeira das Naus. When we passed they were serving Pina Coladas in a fresh pineapple and wow they were delicious! Well worth a stop to pick one up as you stroll over to Time Out Market Lisboa.
You'll likely catch your first glimpse of the Aqueduto das Águas Livres from your taxi as you travel from the airport into Lisbon. It's a magnificent structure that creates quite the imposing sight as it towers over the buildings.
Make sure you get there early as it gets very busy by the afternoon, but this sight is well worth a look. Overlooking the river, Torre de Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a monument with a rich maritime history. It costs €6 per adult, with student/child/concession prices available.
LX Factory is a must-see when visiting Lisbon. It's a vibrant area of the city packed with art and music. This former industrial factory is now home to lots of restaurants, bars and arty retailers. It's a great place to go any day of the week for street art and parties, but on a Sunday it really comes to life with a thrift market and live music that fills the streets with dancing crowds.
If you want to escape the hubbub of the city and get sand between your toes, hop on a train to the closest beach to the centre of Lisbon. It's on the same train line as Cascais which is a bit further out, and makes a great day trip on a sunny day.
The oldest district of Lisbon, these winding streets are great to explore and get lost in. If you love photography, this area is perfect for you to explore and gives you a taste of authentic Lisbon with cobbled streets, Medieval alleys and traditional houses.
The walk from from Torre de Belém to LX Factory follows the waterfront with great views across the water. It's around a 45 minute walk without stopping and takes in a few sights along the way. A perfect activity for a sunny day, you could hire scooters or bikes, or simply enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk. Along the way there are lots of bars and restaurants to stop off at and enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine or a cocktail in the sunshine.
One of the benefits of Lisbon being built on seven hills facing the Tagus River is that scattered around Lisbon there are lots of Miradors with beautiful views across the city. These scenic spots are a great place to watch the sunset, take in the views, take photos and get a different vantage point on this wonderful city. The most photographed Lisbon viewpoint has to be the Miradouro das Portas do Sol which is a favourite with tourists, but other great ones include Miradouro da Graça, Mirador Of Santa Luzia and Mirador of Santa Catarina.
There's so much to do around Parque das Nações including a huge aquarium, bars, restaurants, a shopping centre and the cable car. If you get a clear day, it can give you great views across the city.
If you're taking the walk from Torre de Belém towards the city, you'll come across Padrão dos Descobrimentos. It's a monument that pays tribute to Portugal's history of exploration of the world, along with its maritime heritage.
Hailed Lisbon's favourite brunch, The Mill is a great spot in Bairro Alto that you won't want to miss. Just two streets away from the apartment we stayed in. It quickly became our favourite haunt and had the best coffee in Lisbon! They use locally sourced arabica beans which have been roasted in Lisbon. They also sell bags of their coffee in-store. The menu is delicious with a range of eggs/breakfast dishes, pancakes, bagels and much more to choose from.
This ornate former monastery is one of the most visited sites in Lisbon and well worth a look. Dating back to 1502, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is rich in history and will appeal to anyone with an interest in architecture. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another great way to get around the city, these Lisbon funiculars are kind of like lifts that carry tourists and locals up steep areas of the city. These iconic elevators were previously run on water, but are now electric and provide a unique travel experience during your weekend in Lisbon.
If you want to head further afield, Cascais is just a short journey from the centre of Lisbon by train. It's a great place with beautiful beaches and calm waters for swimming, but there are also great areas for surfers.
One of Lisbon's oldest markets, Feira da Ladra is a flea market and a great place to go looking for treasures. Held every Tuesday and Saturday, the market is open from dawn to early afternoon.
Who doesn't love exploring a botanical garden when visiting a new city? It's such a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find some tranquility.
There are some very talented buskers and street performers around the winding streets of Lisbon. Be sure to take a moment to pause, enjoy and soak up your surroundings. From saxophonists, to bands, to Fado musicians and much more.
Have you been to Lisbon, Portugal? What are your favourite things to do in Lisbon?
When I started planning my trip, I knew that I wanted to check out some of the best rooftop bars in Lisbon. I mean, who doesn't picture themselves sitting on a rooftop with a view across the city and ocean as the sun sets, holding a Aperol Spritz in hand? It's that perfect European summer vibe where the cafés are outdoors, the drinks are flowing, and the possibilities are endless. We travelled there in early March, but already the rooftop bars were packed in the evenings. They provided the perfect place to watch the last rays of sunshine ebb away each night. There are so many bars in Lisbon, you'll already be spoilt for choice but you simply can't visit this amazing city without heading to a rooftop bar for sunset at least once.
My absolute favourite of the rooftop bars in Lisbon and a real highlight of the trip was our first night. You can find Park rooftop bar on the 6th floor of a multi-storey car park in Bairro Alto. It was just a short walk from where we stayed at Bairro Alto Bronze of Age Apartments which was a perfect location for exploring the city. Even in chilly March it gets super busy so get there early to secure a good spot for sunset as they don't take bookings. We were lucky and managed to find a seat pretty quickly to enjoy our capirinhas – there's a great range of cocktails. The view across the river, bridge and city is incredible and the sunset was a spectacular way to start the trip. They also have DJs playing, sometimes two a day.
This was such hidden gem and a great spot for an espresso martini. We almost didn't find Topo because of the random location on the very top floor of the Martim Moniz Shopping Center. But luckily we kept walking up the stairs to the top floor because there were no signs. When we reached the top, there was a restaurant with lots of arcade machines, and a rooftop bar with views across the city and to São Jorge Castle. You can't see the sunset from here unfortunately, but it's a beautiful view over the city. What I loved was that it was completely unpretentious, the drinks are delicious and the staff are great fun.
Tucked away at the back of the former Carmo Convent, Topo Chiado is a rooftop bar in Lisbon that offers panoramic views across the city. Perhaps you need a break from sightseeing or fancy a great spot for at night. Topo Chiado is a perfect place to rest after visiting the incredible Convent ruins and museum, or to watch the famous Elevador de Santa Justa.
Of course, there's a Sky Bar everywhere but if you fancy a slightly more upmarket venue, they're always a great combination of spectacular views and amazing handcrafted cocktails. Situated at the top of the Hotel Tivoli at the heart of Lisbon, the lounge hosts live acts and DJs. While on the terrace you can enjoy panoramic views across the city and over the river. There's lots of seating and it's open all year round.
If you're looking for perfect river views to accompany your sunset cocktails at rooftop bars in Lisbon, Sky Bar Oriente is the place for you. Head to the 16th floor of The Tivoli Oriente to try the 13 signature cocktails, fusion sushi and snacks. At 16 floors high, it towers over the other Sky Bar which sits at a mere 9 floors high, and has 360º views over the river Tagus and Vasco da Gama bridge.
This is one I'm sad I didn't get time to visit because it looks like a stunning rooftop oasis. Terraco 23 is located on the fourth floor of the hotel, Torel Palace, at the top of a hill in the Martim Moniz area. It's a relaxed rooftop bar with amazing views over the historic centre of Lisbon. Visit this hidden gem in Lisbon for fine wines, cocktails and snacks.
If you want to drink like the locals, check out this favourite of the Lisbon crowd. Hotel Mundial Rooftop Bar is a classic made famous by the selfies snapped facing the castle from the 9th floor. The panoramic vistas across the Lisbon skyline and down to the river make it easy to understand why this is a hotspot for the locals. Head there to enjoy a gin, sangria, cocktail or even some Portuguese tapas.
For all the Portuguese summer vibes, head to this beautiful blue and white tiled rooftop bar. You can find it on the 10th floor of luxe hotel, H10 Duque de Louléis. Limão Rooftop Bar is considered one of the more intimate and romantic rooftop bars in Lisbon. With views across the whole of Lisbon and out to the sea, it's a stylish and modern spot where you can enjoy Portuguese tapas.
Want to combine sunset cocktails and dinner? The Lumi Rooftop Bar and Restaurant will give you a night to remember, complete with stunning views, chill out vibes and great music. You can find this great spot on top of The Lumiares Hotel in Barrio Alto. This rooftop retreat is the perfect urban oasis to enjoy locally sourced, fresh ingredients cooked by Chef Joao Silva.
Look no further than Ático by NH for breathtaking 360º views across Lisbon and a rooftop pool, which is open to both hotel guests and visitors for a fee. The bar is open daily in summer with a great cocktail menu and Portuguese bar bites available. It's located on the top floor of the NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade.
If you're a Disaronno lover, you'll want to head to Level Eight to indulge in their selection of amaretto-based cocktails. This vibrant and lively bar has views over Parque Eduardo VII, the Botanical Garden and the Lisbon rooftops. Plus you can expect live DJ's.
Open from noon until late at night, head to this urban chic setting to enjoy fantastic river views and great food. Considered one of the best views in the city, the Rio Maravilha bar and restaurant pay tribute to the two "rivers" - Rio Tejo (Tagus River) and Rio de Janeiro (Brasil). The delicious menu features prawn, fish and onion ceviche, crunchy creamy tapioca, or a crunchy pork belly. Head here for music, parties and great vibes. It's also located at LX Factory which hosts a thrift market on Sundays and is a hub of art, food, music and much more.
Find this great spot at the heart of the Alfamo district and boasting arguably the best views of the River Tagus in the city. A unique feature across all the rooftop bars in Lisbon, Memmo Príncipe Real has a rooftop pool which is red in colour which stands in stark contrast to the white marble terrace. They also have an extensive wine list, cocktails and tapas.
A bar and restaurant which uses a concept already tested in São Paolo in Brazil has now changed hands to Olivier da Costa. Think amazing views and tropical vibes with an imposing tree in the very centre of the bar and leaves covering the ceiling at Seen by Oliver.
This super cute rooftop gives me all of the Bali/Portuguese vibes, with wicker decoration and leafy greens adorning the terrace. Ferroviário is known for hosting open-air cinema nights and music acts with incredible views so check online to see what is happening when you visit.
A bohemian and modern for another of the best rooftop bars in Lisbon, BAHR offers an indoor dining room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river. Or you can head upstairs to the open roof terrace for views over the river and Lisbon rooftops. Michelin Star Chef Nuno Mendes provides a delicious menu along with amazing cocktails and wines.
This one is a popular tourist spot with great views over the Alfama district. Bar Terraço de Santa Luzia is known for it's sparkling wine sangria which is popular among guests.
A more upmarket spot which offers a combined dining and clubbing experience. Silk Club offers views across the river and ocean, perfect for early sunset cocktails or a rooftop dining experience. With a lot of Japanese influence and dishes available plus a huge range of wines, champagnes and cocktails.
Another rooftop garden oasis with a relaxed atmosphere found on the top floor of the Altis Grand Hotel. It's small and charming, a great place to try one of their signature Garden Roof Bar cocktails at one of the best rooftop bars in Lisbon.
The most budget-friendly option of the rooftop bars in Lisbon, and also one of the most lively! Head to the top of the Belenenses Olympic Complex in Belém for River Tagus views, DJ sets with dance music from across the globe and of course, a great range of well prices and unpretentious drinks.
Would you like to visit Lisbon? Have you already been? Can you recommend any other rooftop bars?
