The Best Things to Do in Lisbon (2026)

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most loved cities: seven hills of tiled houses and viewpoints, a castle, monasteries, trams, fado and some of the best food anywhere. Here are the best things to do in Lisbon, with 2026 prices and the changes you need to know about, from people who live here.

Quick answer: the must-dos are São Jorge Castle (€17), Alfama’s lanes and miradouros, Belém (Jerónimos €18, Belém Tower €15 with timed entry), a pastel de nata, fado, the Oceanário and a day trip to Sintra. Note: the Santa Justa lift and the Glória, Bica and Lavra funiculars are closed in 2026.

The classics

1. São Jorge Castle: walls, peacocks and the best views in the city (€17). See Alfama.
2. Alfama: get lost in Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood.
3. The miradouros: Santa Luzia, Portas do Sol, Senhora do Monte and Graça. See the best viewpoints.
4. Jerónimos Monastery: Manueline cloisters (€18; the church is free). Closed Mondays.
5. Belém Tower: reopened in 2026 after restoration, with timed tickets (€15) and a daily limit. Closed Mondays.
6. Pastéis de Belém: the original custard tarts since 1837. See the best pastel de nata.
7. Praça do Comércio and the Arco da Rua Augusta (€5 to the top).
8. Tram 28: ride early to avoid the crowds (€3.30 on board, less with a navegante card).

Culture

• Gulbenkian Museum: a world-class collection, reopened in July 2026 after renovation (closed Tuesdays).
• MAAT: art, architecture and technology by the river (€11), with a free roof walk.
• National Pantheon: rooftop views over Alfama (€10).
• Carmo Convent: the roofless Gothic church ruined in the 1755 earthquake, with an archaeology museum (closed Sundays).
• Museu do Fado (€5), then fado live. See fado in Lisbon.
• Street art: see Lisbon street art.
• Closed in 2026: the National Tile Museum and the National Museum of Ancient Art (renovation).

Food and drink

• Time Out Market and the neighbourhood markets. See Lisbon food markets.
• A food tour on your first day. See food tours.
• Rooftop bars at sunset. See Lisbon rooftop bars.
• Portuguese sweets. See Portuguese desserts.

On the water

• A sunset sail on the Tagus. See sunset sails.
• The ferry to Cacilhas for views back to the city, and Cristo Rei.
• The beaches of Cascais and Carcavelos by train. See beaches near Lisbon.

With kids

The Oceanário (from €25.50), the cable car and science centre at Parque das Nações, and the castle’s peacocks. See Lisbon with kids and Parque das Nações.

Day trips

Sintra, Cascais, Arrábida, Óbidos and Fátima are all within 1h30. See the best day trips from Lisbon and Lisbon to Sintra.

Plan your trip

• Itineraries: 1 day, 2 days, 3 days.
• Where to stay: by neighbourhood, with a view, with a pool, hostels.
• Getting around: public transport and the Lisboa Card.
• On a budget: free things to do in Lisbon.
• Tours: the best tours in Lisbon.

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