What to do in Lisbonne?
Bright and hilly, Lisbon charms with its colourful neighbourhoods, pastéis de nata and breathtaking viewpoints. Book your tuk-tuk tours, tastings and day trips to Sintra to experience the Portuguese capital to the fullest.
Lisbonne highlights
The places and experiences not to miss under any circumstances.
Belém Tower
A stone sentinel on the Tagus, the Belém Tower is the emblem of Portugal's golden age of discovery. UNESCO-listed, it's best visited with a skip-the-line ticket, often combined with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery.
Jerónimos Monastery
A masterpiece of Manueline style, the Jerónimos Monastery unfolds a cloister of astonishing delicacy and houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Right next door, the historic bakery serves the original pastéis de Belém.
Tram 28
The iconic yellow tram 28 climbs and winds through Alfama, Graça and Chiado in a rattling ballet. It's the loveliest way to feel working-class Lisbon — come early to grab a seat.
São Jorge Castle
Perched at the top of the city, São Jorge Castle offers the widest panorama over Lisbon, the Tagus and its ochre rooftops. Its Moorish ramparts and peacock-filled gardens are best at sunset.
Alfama district
Lisbon's oldest district, Alfama is a maze of cobbled lanes, laundry at the windows and fado houses. This is where the city sings its soul, between miradouros and taverns.
Sintra
Forty minutes from Lisbon, Sintra looks straight out of a fairy tale: the brightly coloured Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira. A day trip is a must, ideally with a ticket or organised tour.
Plan your visit to Lisbonne
Our practical tips for a great stay: when to go, how to get around, where to stay.
When to visit Lisbon?
The climate is mild year-round; spring and autumn avoid the summer crowds. Whatever the season, bring good shoes: the city is built on seven hills.
Getting around Lisbon
Historic trams, funiculars and the metro complement walking to tackle the slopes. The rechargeable Viva Viagem card is the most practical and economical option.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Alfama and Baixa-Chiado to be in the heart of everything and walk home. Bairro Alto is very lively but noisy at night — choose based on your evening plans.
Activities & tickets to book in Lisbonne
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Lisbonne by theme
Book your activities in Lisbonne by theme — guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, cruises, food tours, outdoor activities and day trips. Click a category to explore the best deals available right now.
Guided tours
To grasp the soul of Lisbonne, nothing beats a guided tour. Follow a local guide through the great monuments and hidden lanes, and discover the stories that paper guides leave out. Allow 2 to 3 hours, often in a small group, at a pace suited to your curiosity.
Book →Museums & skip-the-line tickets
Lisbonne is packed with must-see museums and monuments. Book your skip-the-line tickets in Lisbonne and enjoy the finest collections without losing an hour in the queue. Tickets are dated and timed: book the day before in high season, as morning slots go first.
Book →Cruises & boat trips
Seeing Lisbonne from the water means rediscovering it. Hop aboard a cruise or boat ride and admire the finest views of Lisbonne on the water, by day or at sunset. One-hour guided cruises, with or without a meal option: there's something for every budget, often boarding right in the centre.
Book →Food tours & gastronomy
Food is part of the journey. Treat yourself to a food tour in Lisbonne: local markets, regional specialties and tastings to savour Lisbonne like a true local. Allow 3 to 4 hours and come hungry: between street bites and neighbourhood spots, a good food tour is often worth a full meal.
Book →Outdoors & activities
Feel like moving? Lisbonne lends itself to bike rides, hikes and outdoor activities to explore the city and its surroundings from a different angle. Bike rentals, guided e-bike tours or active excursions: a way to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air.
Book →Day trips
The most beautiful treasures sometimes hide at the gates of Lisbonne. Book a day trip to discover the villages, castles and landscapes nearby. Transport, guide and sometimes lunch are usually included: a hassle-free day to see more without the logistics.
Book →Lisbonne: frequently asked questions
Should I book activities in advance in Lisbon?
For Belém, Jerónimos and especially the Sintra palaces, yes: slots go fast in high season. The tram 28 and the miradouros, however, remain free to access.
How many days to visit Lisbon?
Three days are enough for the city, plus a day dedicated to Sintra and, if you like, another for Cascais or the beaches.
Which area to stay in Lisbon?
Chiado and Baixa to be central, Alfama for charm, or Bairro Alto for a lively atmosphere. Be warned: it is hilly everywhere.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
March to June and September to October: mild climate, superb light and fewer people than in summer, when the city fills up.
Plan Lisbonne day by day
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