What to do in Lisbon

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal cityscape with colorful buildings and a prominent white dome structure.
A coastal cityscape with historic buildings, a prominent cathedral, and a clear view of the sea.
A red tram on a cobblestone street, with buildings on either side and a bridge in the background.
A panoramic view of a cityscape at sunset with a prominent bridge in the background.
A coastal town with buildings along the cliff, a sandy beach, and boats docked near the shore.

Places to Visit in Lisbon

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Lisbon, Lisbon District 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 attractions from NZ$2, 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 tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1677 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. 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.

Activities

Castle in Lisbon

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk

NZ$158
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk
Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour with Optional Bus Tour Combos

Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs

NZ$55
per adult
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs
Belem Tower

Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações

NZ$152
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
Pena Palace

Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Roca & Cascais Tour with Pick up

NZ$115
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Roca & Cascais Tour with Pick up
Lisbon Sunset Sailing with Portuguese Wine and History

Lisbon Sunset Sailing with Portuguese Wine and History

NZ$98
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lisbon Sunset Sailing with Portuguese Wine and History
Lisbon: Sunset DJ & Porto Tonic Premium Boat Experience

Lisbon Sunset DJ Party Cruise with Pizza & Drinks

NZ$97
per adult
Lisbon Sunset DJ Party Cruise with Pizza & Drinks
The remarkable Pena Palace

Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon

NZ$138
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon
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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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A plaza with patterned pavement, a fountain, and historic buildings in the background.

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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A historic stone castle by a river, with a wooden bridge leading to it.

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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A historic bridge with ornate metalwork and a view of a cityscape with red-tiled roofs.

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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A modern indoor space with a large blue mosaic wall and wooden sculptures.

5. 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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A plaza with a statue, a large archway, and yellow buildings.

6. Rua Augusta Arch

Designed to symbolize the city’s recovery from a devastating natural disaster, Rua Augusta Arch is an icon of Lisbon and an important symbol of its resilience. Ride the elevator to the top for panoramas across downtown Lisbon and the River Tagus.
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A grand archway with intricate carvings and columns, flanked by buildings with balconies and windows.

7. 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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A historic stone fortress overlooking a cityscape with red-roofed buildings.

Recommended things to do in Lisbon

Number of things to do
1677
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Exciting Free Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Stunning Viewpoints: NZ$2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Lisbon

Stay near popular Lisbon attractions

A plaza with patterned pavement, a fountain, and historic buildings in the background.

Rossio Square

9.0/10 (18,398 reviews)
Rossio Square captivates with distinctive wave-patterned pavement and baroque fountains. Savour a pastel de nata at a café while watching street performers enliven this historic Lisbon meeting point.
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Our guide on where to stay in Lisbon

Find the best Lisbon areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Lisbon
Learn more about Lisbon
A densely packed urban area with colorful buildings, a prominent white statue, and a red-roofed church.

Baixa

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

A terrace overlooking a coastal town with cobblestone pavement, a palm tree, and a view of the sea.

Alfama

Alfama is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Lg. Portas Sol Stop or R. Escolas Gerais Stop to explore sights like Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

A cityscape with a hilltop fortress, a park with benches and flowers, and a couple kissing on a bridge railing.

Chiado

Spend some time visiting places like Camões Square while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Two women overlooking a cityscape with historic buildings and a castle on a hill.

Bairro Alto

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.

A large banyan tree with extensive roots and a bench in a park.

Príncipe Real

Noted for its gardens and cafes, there's plenty to explore in Príncipe Real. Top attractions like Avenida da Liberdade and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Príncipe Real Stop or Rato Station to see more of the city.

 

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

A coastal cityscape with terracotta-roofed buildings, a prominent white church, and a view of the sea and distant city lights.

Lisbon District

A metro station with a red and white sign, a bus stop, and a pedestrian bridge over a road.

Olivais

A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, dense greenery, and residential buildings.

Benfica

A bridge over a river with a cityscape in the background.

Vila Franca de Xira

A wooden boardwalk along a riverbank with a bridge in the background.

Loures

A large monument with a curved base and a group of statues on top, overlooking a body of water with a bridge in the background.

Belém

A city street with a green bike lane, parked cars, and a yellow bus.

Arroios

A building with a colorful mural of a lion made from various objects.

Beato

Frequently asked questions

Is Lisbon worth visiting?
Lisbon offers an interesting mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or traditional food, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Lisbon?
When you've checked off major attractions like Castle of São Jorge, spend some time exploring the retail and food options in Lisbon.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lisbon?
Castle of São Jorge is ranked the top tourist attraction near Lisbon, so don't leave without experiencing it.
Is three days enough to stay in Lisbon?
You'll have plenty of time to explore Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral and other top attractions in the area when you book a three-day escape to Lisbon.
Is Lisbon a walkable neighbourhood?
Getting around Lisbon on foot is a breeze, with top sights like Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral both within walking distance. Well-known neighbourhoods like Santa Maria Maior and Baixa are also located only 0.48 kilometres and 0.16 kilometres from the centre of Lisbon, so you can see and do more — no car required.
What are some activities to do in Lisbon with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all of your group, here are some awesome ideas for what to do in Lisbon with kids.

What to do in Lisbon for adults?
Campo Pequeno Bullring is one of the best things to do in Lisbon. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Lisbon?
Near Lisbon, Lisbon Cathedral is a must-visit for anyone who wants to enjoy this area without spending a cent. Also, wander through parks and other neighbourhoods nearby, and don't hesitate to ask a local tour guide for insider tips. It's a simple way to find the best free things to do in Lisbon.

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