When people think about Portugal, Porto is often the city that comes to mind first. But we chose Lisbon for a long weekend, and it completely won me over. If you’re researching things to do in Lisbon for a first trip, these are the places and experiences we fitted in without feeling rushed.

We only had a few days, so we tried to see as much as we realistically could without rushing from place to place. This guide is a reflection of that. Everything here is somewhere we actually visited during our time in the city, from historic neighbourhoods and iconic viewpoints to a day trip that felt genuinely magical.

If you’re planning your first trip and searching for the best things to do in Lisbon, this guide brings together the things to do in Lisbon that stood out most to us during our long weekend, combining history, atmosphere, food and unforgettable scenery.

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12 best things to do in Lisbon

1. Explore Pink Street, one of the most photographed things to do in Lisbon

Seeing Pink Street during the day is one of the more relaxed things to do in Lisbon. Known for its bright pink road and creative surroundings, it feels much calmer without the nightlife crowds.

Historically part of Lisbon’s old dockside and red-light district, the area has been completely reimagined as a creative hub. I loved seeing it in daylight, when the colour really pops and you can wander through at your own pace.

2. Take a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon

A day trip to Sintra is one of the most popular and memorable things to do in Lisbon. Lush, green and dramatic, Sintra feels like stepping into another world and is unlike anywhere else I’ve visited in Europe.

Once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty and aristocracy, Sintra is filled with palaces, estates and gardens hidden in the hills. There are castles, romantic mansions, historic convents and woodland trails across the area, and you could easily spend several days here.

During our visit, we focused on two of the most iconic sights.

→ Book a Lisbon: Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Tour here

Pena Palace

Perched high above the town, Pena Palace is one of Portugal’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in the 19th century as a romantic royal residence, its bright colours, ornate details and hilltop setting make it feel almost unreal.

The views from the palace stretch across the surrounding countryside, and even just standing outside makes the journey worthwhile.

Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira was my personal highlight in Sintra. Known for its mysterious gardens, underground tunnels and symbolic architecture, the estate feels like a place designed for exploration.

Wandering here felt magical, with hidden paths and unexpected viewpoints that make you want to slow down and take everything in.. That’s what makes this one feel special.

→ Book a Lisbon: Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Tour here

3. Wander Alfama, the oldest district and a must for things to do in Lisbon

Exploring Alfama is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Lisbon. It’s the city’s oldest neighbourhood and one of the few areas that survived the devastating earthquake of 1755.

Walking through Alfama genuinely feels like going back in time. Narrow streets, steep staircases and tightly packed buildings form a maze-like layout that hasn’t changed much in centuries. Traditionally home to fishermen and working-class families, it’s also known as the birthplace of Fado music.

I loved how intimate Alfama felt, with tiled façades, small courtyards and viewpoints tucked between buildings.

→ Book a private Tuk-Tuk City Tour With Local Guide (what we did)

4. Miradouro de Santa Luzia: one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon

Stopping at Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the prettiest things to do in Lisbon. Framed by traditional azulejo tiles and flowering terraces, it overlooks Alfama and the Tagus River.

The tiles depict historic scenes of Lisbon, adding another layer of storytelling to the view. It’s a beautiful place to pause, especially in the late afternoon.

→ Book a private Tuk-Tuk City Tour With Local Guide (what we did)

5. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: panoramic views and one of the best things to do in Lisbon

This ended up being one of my favourite viewpoints in Lisbon. Sitting higher than many of the others, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers a wide, open view across the city, with rooftops, the river and the bridge all laid out in front of you.

It felt a little quieter and less polished than some of the more famous miradouros, which I really liked. Standing here gave me a real sense of just how layered Lisbon is, and it was one of those places where we naturally slowed down and stayed longer than planned.

It’s especially beautiful towards the end of the day when the light softens over the city, and well worth the uphill walk for the view at the top.

→ Book a private Tuk-Tuk City Tour With Local Guide (what we did)

6. Monument to the Discoveries: a historic thing to do in Lisbon

Visiting the Monument to the Discoveries is one of the most historically significant things to do in Lisbon. Built to commemorate Portugal’s Age of Discovery, it honours the explorers who travelled across the world during the 15th and 16th centuries. Standing beside it, I was struck by how small it made me feel. It’s a humbling place, especially when you stop and think about the journeys that began here.

Shaped like the bow of a ship, the monument stands on the banks of the Tagus River, where many voyages once began, and offers important context to Portugal’s global history.

→ Book a private Tuk-Tuk City Tour With Local Guide (what we did)

7. Belém Tower: a must-see thing to do in Lisbon

Belém Tower is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 16th century, it originally served as a defensive fort and ceremonial gateway to the city.

Sitting right on the river’s edge, it’s easy to imagine ships setting sail from here centuries ago. Even without going inside, seeing it up close is one of the essential things to do in Lisbon. It’s a beautiful sight to see on a sunny day.

→ Book a private Tuk-Tuk City Tour With Local Guide (what we did)

8. Jerónimos Monastery: one of the most impressive things to do in Lisbon

Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most impressive historic buildings in Portugal and a key stop when exploring Belém.

Built to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India, the monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. The scale, detail and maritime motifs woven into the stonework really stop you in your tracks. I loved seeing this side of Portuguese architecture. The scale and detail of the monastery make it feel quietly impressive rather than overwhelming.

→ Get your entrance ticket here

→ Book a private Tuk-Tuk City Tour With Local Guide (what we did)

9. Eat at Time Out Market Lisbon, one of the easiest things to do in Lisbon

Eating at Time Out Market is one of the easiest and most enjoyable things to do in Lisbon, especially on a busy sightseeing day.

The food hall brings together top chefs and local favourites, making it ideal if you want quality food without committing to a single restaurant.

10. Walk through Praça do Comércio & Rossio Square, classic things to do in Lisbon

Praça do Comércio is one of the grandest places to see in Lisbon, opening straight onto the Tagus River and instantly making the city feel bright and open. It was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, and you can still feel that sense of scale and importance as you walk across the square.

From here, it’s an easy wander through central Lisbon towards Rossio Square, which has a completely different energy. Rossio feels more like everyday Lisbon, busy, lively and perfect for a slow pause. I loved spotting the Rossio Fountain, it adds a real sense of drama to the square, and it’s such a good place to sit for a moment and people-watch before carrying on.

11. Explore LX Factory

Exploring LX Factory shows a more modern side of Lisbon. This former industrial complex has been transformed into a creative space filled with shops, cafés and restaurants.

It’s a great contrast to Lisbon’s historic districts and a lovely place to wander.

→ Book a private Tuk-Tuk City Tour With Local Guide (what we did)

12. Stay somewhere central and calm

Choosing the right accommodation is one of the smartest things to do in Lisbon for a short break.

Our stay: The One Palácio da Anunciada

Palácio da Anunciada felt like a real retreat within the city. Set behind gates just off Avenida da Liberdade, it’s incredibly central while still feeling calm and private.

Housed in a former palace, the hotel combines elegant interiors, high ceilings and a refined, stylish design that makes it ideal for a special stay. One of my favourite features was the outdoor pool, perfect for cooling off after long days exploring Lisbon’s hills.

→ See rooms, prices, and availability here

Most of Lisbon’s main sights are within walking distance, and anything further afield was an easy Uber ride away. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels special, photogenic and well located, this is a brilliant option.

→ See rooms, prices, and availability here

More things to do in Lisbon

Map of Lisbon

Final thoughts

For more inspiration:

• The Ultimate Guide to a City Break in Warsaw

• See all the hotels I’ve ever stayed in here