What to do in Lisbon District

Activities, attractions and tours

Miradouro de Santa Luzia showing a coastal town and a lake or waterhole
Cascais showing a river or creek and modern architecture
Lisbon which includes a city and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people
Moorish Castle featuring tranquil scenes, a castle and heritage elements
Lisbon District

Places to Visit in Lisbon District

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Lisbon District, Portugal while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Lisbon District attractions from NZ$3, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Lisbon District tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1507 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Lisbon District. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Rossio Square

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.
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Rossio Square featuring a fountain and a square or plaza

2. Belém Tower

Belém Tower is an impressive structure on the shore of the Tagus River in Lisbon. The ornate fortification was built here over 500 years ago to fight off any hostile craft that came up the river. Gaze straight across the river from the top of the Tower Terrace to see St. Sebastian’s Fort, another fortification on the opposite shore. With the two towers in place, enemy warships could not achieve success in attacking the city.
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Belem Tower which includes heritage architecture, general coastal views and a bridge

3. Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator connects the hilltop neighborhood Bairro Alto with downtown Baixa. The gothic, iron structure rises up from the neoclassical architecture of downtown. The elevator has been in operation since 1905 and was originally operated by a steam engine. Today it’s powered by an electric engine and is a great way to enjoy views over the city. Visit the elevator’s rooftop café.
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Santa Justa Elevator in Lisbon Portugal

4. Lisbon Oceanarium

Delight in the diversity and colours of majestic birds and exotic sea-dwellers at the Lisbon Oceanarium. This huge indoor aquarium with 8,000 inhabitants is one of Europe’s largest. It offers family-friendly fun while you learn about these intriguing ocean inhabitants.
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Lisbon Oceanarium which includes marine life and interior views

5. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.
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Pena Palace featuring a castle and heritage elements

6. Castle of São Jorge

Engage with the city’s history at the Castle of São Jorge. This massive medieval structure has looked over the city from a hill by the Alfama district for centuries. Take a guided tour of the grounds to imagine the lives of its ancient inhabitants, admire its intricate stonework and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its well-positioned lookouts.
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Castle of Sao Jorge showing a city, views and a castle

7. Commerce Square

Meet your friends, bring the family or simply bask in the busy sunlit atmosphere of Commerce Square. Known locally as the Praça do Comércio, this riverfront plaza was used historically as a meeting place for royals, although this stopped after the Great Earthquake of 1755.
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Commerce Square in Lisbon

Recommended things to do in Lisbon District

Number of things to do
1507
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Exciting Free Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Stunning Viewpoints: NZ$3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Lisbon District

Discover the most popular places to visit in Lisbon District

Rossio Square showing a fountain, street scenes and heritage elements

Rossio Square

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Rossio Square
Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade

During your trip to Santo Antonio, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Avenida da Liberdade. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this romantic area or seek out the local tours.

Avenida da Liberdade
Campo Grande

Campo Grande

You can learn about the history of Alvalade when you stop by Campo Grande. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Campo Grande
Marquis of Pombal Square

Marquis of Pombal Square

Learn about the local history of Lisbon with a stop at Marquis of Pombal Square. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed art galleries in this culturally rich area.

Marquis of Pombal Square
Belem Tower featuring general coastal views, a sunset and heritage architecture

Belém Tower

Lisbon constructed a fortification along a waterway to defend its riches. Now access the structure from the shore for lovely views.

Belém Tower
Santa Justa Elevator which includes outdoor eating, night scenes and nightlife

Santa Justa Elevator

Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift.

Santa Justa Elevator
Carcavelos Beach

Carcavelos Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Carcavelos Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carcavelos. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out its surfing spots.

Carcavelos Beach
Lisbon Oceanarium

Lisbon Oceanarium

Spot deep-sea dwellers and ocean birds from around the world in this enormous and diverse aquarium, found along Lisbon’s picturesque seafront.

Lisbon Oceanarium
Pena Palace featuring a castle and heritage elements

Pena Palace

This exuberant construction, a former royal retreat set high in the hills of Sintra, features a colorful assortment of turreted towers and domes.

Pena Palace

Explore areas of Lisbon District

Lisbon showing a city, a castle and views

Lisbon City Center

Rossio Square and Saldanha Square are top sights in Lisbon City Center, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Saldanha Station or Sao Sebastiao Station to see more sights in the area.

Lisbon City Center
Santa Justa Elevator which includes landscape views and a city

Baixa

4.5/5(90 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Rossio Square to Rua Augusta – discover Baixa, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Baixa
Carmo Convent showing heritage architecture

Lisbon Old Town

4/5(49 area reviews)

Discover views over the old town from hilltop Graça, Moorish history in Alfama, bustling downtown Baixa, bohemian Chiado and nightlife in Bairro Alto.

Lisbon Old Town
Chiado showing views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

Discover this district of boutiques, bookshops and charming cafés that was once a hub for Lisbon’s writers and intellectuals.

Chiado
Alfama which includes a sunset and a coastal town

Alfama

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

Explore Moorish castles and medieval alleyways in Lisbon’s oldest district before an evening of traditional live music at an authentic Fado bar.

Alfama
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Bairro Alto

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Fado in Chiado, and catch the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Lisbon District

Lisbon

Lisbon

Ursa Beach showing rocky coastline, a sunset and general coastal views

Sintra

Cascais as well as a small group of people

Cascais

Olivais

Olivais

Benfica

Benfica

Berlenga Island featuring heritage elements, a bridge and rocky coastline

Peniche

Cascais showing a statue or sculpture, general coastal views and a coastal town

Colares

Photo by Silvia Serra

Torres Vedras

Frequently asked questions

Is Lisbon District worth visiting?
Famous for its nightlife and dining, discovering cool things to do in Lisbon District is simple. Remember to add Costa da Caparica Beach to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Lisbon District?
Costa da Caparica Beach and Lisbon Oceanarium are two great places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Lisbon District while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lisbon District?
Costa da Caparica Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Lisbon District and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Lisbon District?
Three days in Lisbon District is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Lisbon Oceanarium, Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Cascais.
Is Lisbon District a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Lisbon District. Several top sights, like Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Lisbon District's best neighbourhoods, Santa Maria Maior is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Baixa is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lisbon District with kids?
Deciding what to do in Lisbon District with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Lisbon District for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Lisbon District for adults including Quinta de Pancas and MEO Arena.
Are there free things to do in Lisbon District?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Lisbon District. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Lisbon Cathedral is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.