Unusual Things to Do in Lisbon

Been to Belém, ridden tram 28 and climbed to the castle? Lisbon has plenty more: a scorched church, a doll hospital, Roman tunnels under the Baixa, a bookshop with a flying bicycle and a Moorish palace hidden behind a plain door. Here are the most unusual things to do in Lisbon.

Quick answer: our favourite quirky Lisbon experiences are the Igreja de São Domingos, the hidden courtyard of Casa do Alentejo, LX Factory and the Ler Devagar bookshop, the Prazeres Cemetery, Village Underground, the Feira da Ladra flea market and the Hospital de Bonecas (doll hospital).

Unusual things to do

Igreja de São Domingos

A church near Rossio whose interior was gutted by fire in 1959 and left scorched, with cracked columns and blackened stone. See Lisbon’s churches.

Casa do Alentejo

Behind a plain door on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão is a Moorish-style courtyard and tiled halls, with a restaurant serving Alentejo food.

LX Factory and Ler Devagar

A former industrial complex under the 25 de Abril Bridge, now full of shops, restaurants and street art. Its Ler Devagar bookshop has towering shelves and a bicycle suspended from the ceiling.

Village Underground

A creative hub built from shipping containers and old double-decker buses, near LX Factory.

Prazeres Cemetery

A city of ornate family mausoleums, with cypress-lined lanes and river views. It’s peaceful and fascinating.

Feira da Ladra

Lisbon’s “thieves’ market” flea market, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays near the National Pantheon. See Alfama.

Hospital de Bonecas

A doll hospital in Praça da Figueira, founded in the 19th century, with a small museum of patients.

The Roman galleries

Tunnels under Rua da Prata in the Baixa, flooded most of the year and opened only on a few days annually. Check the dates with the city museum.

Cacilhas and Cristo Rei

Take the ferry across the Tagus for fish restaurants on the waterfront and the giant Christ statue with views back over Lisbon.

Lisbon’s street art

Huge murals and Bordalo II’s animal sculptures made from trash. See Lisbon street art.

Ginjinha at a hole in the wall

Drink cherry liqueur standing in the street by Rossio. See the ginjinha guide.

Tinned fish shops

Colourful shops selling sardines in beautiful tins. See Portuguese tinned fish.

Want a guide?

Alternative walking tours cover street art, Mouraria and local stories. See Lisbon tours.

More: free things to do in Lisbon, things to do in Lisbon and Portugal’s hidden gems.

See also: the LX Factory guide.

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