Free Things to Do in Lisbon

Lisbon isn’t the bargain it once was, but many of its best experiences are still completely free: the viewpoints, the old neighbourhoods, the riverside, the gardens and the markets. Here are the best free things to do in Lisbon.

Quick answer: watch the sunset from the miradouros, get lost in Alfama, walk the riverside from Praça do Comércio to Belém, visit the Jerónimos church, walk the MAAT roof, relax in the Gulbenkian garden, browse LX Factory and the Feira da Ladra, and join a free walking tour (tip what you like).

Free viewpoints

Lisbon’s miradouros are free and spectacular: Santa Luzia, Portas do Sol, Senhora do Monte, Graça, São Pedro de Alcântara and Santa Catarina. See the best Lisbon viewpoints.

Free neighbourhoods and walks

• Alfama and Mouraria: lanes, staircases and tiled houses. See Alfama.
• Baixa and Chiado: Rua Augusta, Praça do Comércio and Rossio.
• The riverside: walk or cycle from Cais do Sodré through the Ribeira das Naus to Belém.
• Street art: see Lisbon street art.
• Free walking tours: tip-based tours of the old town run daily.

Free sights

• Jerónimos Monastery church: free (the cloister is paid).
• The cathedral (Sé): the nave is free.
• MAAT roof walk: free views of the river and bridge.
• Churches: many beautiful churches are free to enter.
• The Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower from the outside.

Free gardens and parks

• Gulbenkian garden: a peaceful modernist garden around the museum.
• Jardim da Estrela: a lovely park with a playground and kiosk café.
• Parque Eduardo VII: views down Avenida da Liberdade to the river.
• Parque das Nações: riverside promenades and gardens. See Parque das Nações.
• Monsanto: Lisbon’s huge forest park.

Free markets

• Feira da Ladra: the flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• LX Factory: shops, murals and the Sunday LX Market.
• Time Out Market: free to wander (food extra).

See Lisbon food markets.

Good to know

• Free museum days at national museums and monuments are now mainly for residents of Portugal, so most visitors pay.
• The Gulbenkian is free on Sunday afternoons.
• The Lisboa Card can save money on busy days. See is the Lisboa Card worth it?

More budget tips: Portugal on a budget and the best hostels in Lisbon. See also things to do in Lisbon.

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