Discover the best things to do in Lisbon, from historic Belém and lively Bairro Alto nightlife to hilltop castles and world-class cuisine.
Why visit Lisbon?
Lisbon is the great underrated Western European capital – and it almost certainly offers the best value for money in the region too. It has the magic combo of being pretty – orange-tiled roofs line the hillsides and look out to the mighty river Tagus – and having bags of energy.
The latter applies both to the free-flowing nightlife and the cultural scene – Lisbon brims with worthwhile attractions.
Visit Belém’s heritage sites
Riverside district Belém is remarkably greedy in hogging the museums and heritage sites. The 16th century Belém Tower and massive Jeronimos Monastery are the high points of Manueline architecture – best described as Gothic gone playful. And the Monument to the Discoveries offers great photo opportunities, inside and out.
There’s also the Museu Coleção Berardo, a top-drawer collection of modern art that’s well explained for novices. Big names represented include Warhol, Man Ray and Pollock.
Why book the Center-to-Belém Bike Tour in Lisbon?
- ⏱ Duration: about 4-5 hours exploring Lisbon sights by bike
- 🚴 Enjoy a mostly flat ride from Lisbon city center out to Belém via riverside paths
- 📍 See Highlights like the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Monument of the Discoveries, and try the famous Pastéis de Belém
- 🛠 All necessary gear supplied: bicycle, helmet; plus snacks included
- 👥 Small-group format (max ~16 people) for a personal, engaging experience
- ⭐ Great reviews: rated ~4.9/5 by hundreds of travellers; guides praised for local knowledge and friendly pace
- ✅ Mobile ticket, free cancellation 24 hours ahead; meeting point near Santa Apolónia train station
Look out over the city
It is a hefty slog up to the hilltop Castle of São Jorge but the views from the top are worth it. The castle dates back to the Moorish occupation of Portugal in the 11th and 12th centuries, but much of what can be seen now is a 20th century restoration.
Why book the Skip-the-Line Ticket to Castelo de São Jorge?
- ⏱ Allows approximately 2-3 hours to explore independently with a map
- 🎫 Skip the ticket purchase line and proceed directly to entrance
- 🛂 Includes an escorted coordinator to help with ticket hand-off and timed access
- 📍 Includes access to castle grounds, gardens, archaeological remains, and panoramic city views
- ⭐ Highly rated — about 4.7/5 from 300+ reviews for ease of access and views
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; mobile or PDF ticket accepted
- ⚠ Not wheelchair accessible; some stairs and uneven ground inside castle
Experience Bairro Alto nightlife
Lisbon nightlife has rightly gained a reputation, and it all kicks off in the raucous but incredibly good fun Bairro Alto district. It’s not about any bars in particular here, as the party just sloshes around the streets, people carrying beers and cocktails with them in the open air.
In the early hours of the morning, however, the scene shifts to the riverfront – particularly the clubs in recently rejuvenated, waterfront Cais do Sodre.
Why book the Lisbon Bairro Alto Petiscos & Wine Tour?
- ⏱ Tour lasts approximately 3 hours as evening sets in and Bairro Alto’s vibe comes alive
- 🍷 Includes about 7+ food tastings and 5 alcoholic drinks at carefully selected local stops
- 👥 Small group – maximum of 10 people ensures a more personal, immersive experience
- 📍 Experience petiscos (Portuguese small plates), local wine, and stories of Lisbon history guided by a local expert
- 🌆 Meet at Praça do Príncipe Real and wander through Bairro Alto at sunset, sampling snacks, cocktails, and atmosphere
- ⭐ Highly rated – this experience has a 4.9 / 5 average based on over 230 reviews for food quality, guide, and atmosphere
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before; note this tour is not wheelchair accessible
Sleep in style
Just at the bottom of Bairro Alto, the elegantly high-ceilinged Bairro Alto Hotel goes for tastefully classic furniture and dreamy yellow marble bathrooms. The roof terrace here is fab, with sofas under white fabric shades looking out over the river.
5 great things to do in Lisbon 🇵🇹
- 🏰 Combine nearby highlights on a small group tour – to Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais.
- 🍷 Eat your way through lesser-visited neighbourhoods – on a food and wine tour.
- 🛺 Get a local’s eye view of Lisbon – on a tuk-tuk tour.
- 🥐 Take a bakery masterclass – and make your own pastel de nata.
- ⛵ Enjoy wine at sunset – on a river sailing cruise.
Tip for exploring Lisbon
The Lisbon Metro system is not just useful for getting around – it’s also home to a treasure trove of tile art. Many of the stations have been deliberately designed to include traditional azulejos.
The most impressive displays can be found at the Oriente, Restauradores and Cais do Sodre stations – all of which are close to major areas of interest.
More Lisbon travel
Other Lisbon travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to Lisbon’s Belem neighbourhood.
- Visiting the Monument to the Discoveries.
- Discovering the gorgeous tile art in Lisbon.
- A practical guide to visiting Lisbon’s Beer Museum.
- Top tips for visiting the Oceanário de Lisboa.
