The best things to do in Lisbon in 2026

💎 Verdict: The one thing you can’t miss

What is it? The best pastel de nata shop in Lisbon.

Why go? Lisbon has no shortage of custard tarts – some great, some average, and sadly, some disappointing. Rather than wasting your calories on a gamble, head straight to the right address: No. 2 Rua do Loreto. Manteigaria is set in a beautiful building from 1900, with an Art Nouveau façade that’s been carefully preserved.

Don’t miss: When the bell rings, you know a fresh batch has just come out of the oven. These iconic tarts are delicious at any time, but they’re at their best when warm. You’ll also find Manteigaria locations in other parts of the city – including the Time Out Market, Baixa, Campo de Ourique, Belém, Parque das Nações and Alvalade. 

Address: Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-241

Price: Tarts are around €1.30–€1.50 each

💎 Verdict: The best free thing to do in Lisbon

What is it? This might be a cliché for those who live here and a calling card for tourists, but on one thing we all agree: Lisbon’s hills offer beautiful views. On one of them sits the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, overlooking the Tagus and the monuments of the Alfama neighbourhood.

Why go? Because whether it’s saved to your phone’s memory or your own, the view is worth it.

Don’t miss: Sink into the beanbags and unwind. The bar at this viewpoint is housed in a building by the award-winning architect duo Aires Mateus, and at weekends it comes alive with a DJ who gets everyone dancing around the statue of São Vicente de Fora, Lisbon’s patron saint.

➡️ Discover more of the best viewpoints in Lisbon

Address: Largo Portas do Sol, 1100-411

💎 Verdict: The best foodie experience in the city

What is it? A massive food hall with every all-star cuisine you can imagine, curated by us.

Why go? A 19th-century market that originally went by the name Mercado da Ribeira Nova. Locals, amazed to see a dome atop a produce market, jokingly nicknamed it the ‘Turnip Mosque’. The fresh produce stalls are still there in one wing, but since 2014 it’s become the physical embodiment of Time Out Lisboa magazine. It was the very first Time Out Market in the world (there are now 13).

Don’t miss: Everything, really. If it’s good, it goes in the magazine. If it’s excellent, it makes it to the market. But if we had to point you in one direction, start with Manteigaria Silva – a Lisbon institution for over a hundred years, where you’ll find vintage black pork ham cured for 60 months. 

➡️ Plan your trip: Explore the restaurants at Time Out Market Lisboa

Address: Mercado da Ribeira, Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479

💎 Verdict: The best local experience in Lisbon

What is it? Mesa de Frades, the azulejo-lined former chapel of the Quinta da Dona Rosa, (a palace built by Dom João V for one of his lovers), is a fados house owned by musician Pedro de Castro.

Why go? Fado was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2011, and ever since, the genre has echoed even more widely through the streets of Lisbon. But as with most things in life, not all fado is created equal – so it’s worth knowing where to go. At Mesa de Frades, you’re in safe hands. There’s live music from Monday to Saturday, and dinner is €65 per person (including drinks and the show). But you can also just pop in later (from 11.45pm) for a drink. 

Don’t miss: Booking is a must for dinner. If you drop in later (and can squeeze in), there’s no minimum spend.

➡️ Discover more of the best places to listen to Fado in Lisbon

Address: R. dos Remédios 139, 1100-453

Price: €65 for a set dinner

💎 Verdict: The best museum in Lisbon

What is it? The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (MNAA) holds Portugal’s most important public collection of ancient art and the largest number of works officially classified by the state as national treasures.

Why go? Home to more than 40,000 objects, its holdings span painting, sculpture and goldsmithing, alongside European decorative arts and pieces from Africa and Asia. 

Don’t miss: Among the museum’s standout works are The Temptations of St. Anthony by Hieronymus Bosch and the celebrated Panels of St. Vincent, attributed to Nuno Gonçalves, court painter to King Afonso V of Portugal.

➡️ Discover more of the best museums to visit in Lisbon

Address: Rua das Janelas Verdes 1249-017

Price: Around €8-€10

💎 Verdict: Lisbon’s best rooftop bar

What is it? A bar and restaurant right next to the National Museum of Ancient Art, inspired by Steven Spielberg’s film Catch Me If You Can. The colours nod to Pan Am’s iconic branding, and the menu is a passport to a smooth, turbulence-free journey.

Why go? For the same reason locals and tourists flocked to Catch Me’s predecessor, Le Chat, for years: the stunning view over the Tagus and the 25 de Abril Bridge. The great cocktails and laid-back vibes don’t hurt either.

Don’t miss: Sunset DJ sets and signature cocktails – the perfect combo to end your day.

➡️ Discover more of the best rooftop bars in Lisbon

Address: Jardim 9 de Abril, 1200-736

Price: Cocktails €10-€14, beer and wines around €4-€8

💎 Verdict: The most underrated thing to do in Lisbon

What is it? A traditional Portuguese tavern tucked away on a dead-end street, run by a chef who left the world of fine dining to embrace classic home-style cooking.

Why go? Because proper tascas (Portuguese diners) are becoming rare – and it’s always worth supporting chefs who are passionate about keeping old culinary traditions alive.

Don’t miss: Our food and drink critic José Margarido recommends the bitoque (steak and egg), the alheira (a smoked sausage) with greens, the salt cod fritters and (of course), wine by the jug. 

➡️ Discover more of the best restaurants in Lisbon

Address: R. Moniz Barreto 7, 1700-306

Price: Around €10-€30 per head

💎 Verdict: Lisbon’s best outdoor activity

What is it? A large cemetery in the western part of Lisbon. It is the final stop for tram 28, and the resting place of the city's aristocrats and artists.

Why go? Composed almost entirely of private mausoleums, it was built during the Romantic period, in 1833, during the cholera epidemic. In the Chapel of Prazeres, you will find the old autopsy room and, since 2001, the museum centre. It houses monuments and creations by anonymous figures as well as avant-garde 19th-century architects.

Don’t miss: The guided tour of the final resting places of several notable personalities.

Address: Praça São João Bosco, 1350-297

Price: Free to visit

💎 Verdict: Our favourite shop in Lisbon

What is it? A Portuguese beauty brand known for its famous face cream, the formula for which has remained unchanged since 1925 (now without parabens).

Why go? The three stores in Lisbon, on Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, Príncipe Real and LX Factory, still follow the nearly century-old tradition of what they like to call ‘beauty kitchen’. In 2016, the stores were revamped and are now among the most Instagrammable spots in the city, thanks to their impeccable layout, colours, and the products’ exquisite packaging.

Don’t miss: The Benamôr family has grown over the years. One of the most popular is the Nata range, inspired by yes, the Nata – with egg and cinnamon extract. 

➡️ Discover more of the best shops in Lisbon

Chiado branch address: Rua do Loreto 6, 1200-284

💎 Verdict: The best kids’ activity in Lisbon

What is it? A giant aquarium with millions of litres of salt water and a host of fascinating inhabitants.

Why go? In a country with such an extensive coastline and a maritime tradition that goes back centuries, it would be almost a crime to think fish only belong on a plate. The oceanarium opened in 1998, when Lisbon played host to the world expo, and became one of the highlights of the event.

Don’t miss: Aside from the must-see permanent exhibition, you can expect temporary displays, a variety of activities (how about sleeping with the sharks?), and an outreach programme that hosts events outside of the city. 

➡️ Discover more of the best things to do with kids in Lisbon

Address: Esplanada Dom Carlos I, 1990-005

Price: €25 for adults, €15 for kids

💎 Verdict: The best beaches near Lisbon

What is it? A 10km stretch of coastline which boasts a load of fabulous beaches. 

Why go? Lisbon isn’t just a city break, you know? Stunning beaches are incredibly accessible from the city centre just for the day, and the beaches of Costa da Caparica are by far the easiest. Hop on the 3022 bus for 40 minutes or get a 17-minute taxi and choose between our faves Praia da Cova do Vapor, Praia de São João and Praia do CDS for a beachy day out. 

Don’t miss: Spring is the best time to visit, as in summer these beaches can get crammed (you might even find queues). But if you’re there in summer, hey, there are worst places to queue for a little while. 

➡️ Discover more of the best beaches near Lisbon

Address: Costa da Caparica, 2825-412

Prices: Free to visit

💎 Verdict: The best club in Lisbon (for dancing all night)

What is it? The most famous club in Lisbon - and in the country, for that matter.

Why go? Considered to be one of the world’s best clubs, it has two dance floors and a terrace overlooking the river, where resident DJs and internationally renowned artists make guests sweat. Even more than 25 years after it first opened, it doesn’t get much cooler than this.

Don’t miss: Watching the sunrise from Lux's terrace is a must for any Lisbon resident or visitor.

➡️ Discover more of the best clubs in Lisbon

Address: Av. Infante Dom Henrique, Armazém A, 1950-376

💎 Verdict: Best for history buffs

What is it? Bertrand Chiado is known as the oldest bookshop chain in Portugal – and the oldest bookshop in the world. 

Why go? Sure, you’ll find Bertrand shops in shopping centres around the country, but nothing beats visiting the original in Chiado. Recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest bookshop, it’s been open since 1732 – which is reason enough to step inside. Alongside Portuguese titles, there’s a decent selection of English-language novels, as well as travel guides and international magazines you’d struggle to find elsewhere.

Don’t miss: A few years ago, the bookshop added a cosy café room where you can sample small dishes inspired by the authors on the shelves – plus a nice selection of Portuguese wines. We also like the café. 

Address: R. Garrett 73-75, 1200-203

💎 Verdict: The very best Lisbon souvenir

What is it? A small, historic shop, established in 1930, featuring a colourful array of canned goods: think sardines, tuna, anchovies, and fish paste.

Why go? Because these days, who doesn’t love tinned fish? Alongside the Bica Funicular, the view from São Jorge Castle, and the 25 de Abril Bridge, this is one of the most photographed spots by tourists. This could be down to the perfect arrangement of colourful tins which line the wooden shelves, the skill with which the shop assistants parcel them up, or the fact that visitors learn that everything here is 100 percent Portuguese and hand-selected.

Don’t miss: The three in-house brands – Tricana, Prata do Mar, and Minor, each one with its own distinct characteristics – are a must-try for anyone claiming to be a true alfacinha (Lisbon native).

Address: R. dos Bacalhoeiros 34, 1100-070

💎 Verdict: Lisbon’s best art gallery

What is it? A museum in Belém formed from the merger of three institutions, offering a journey through the major artistic movements of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Why go? Remember those history lessons featuring Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Piet Mondrian, Francis Bacon or Andy Warhol? You’ll find all of them here – and more – in a collection of around a thousand works by over 500 artists.

Don’t miss: Place of Being: The Burle Marx Legacy will run until April 5, 2026

Address: Rua Serpa Pinto 4, 1200-444

Price: Typically €8-€10, free for kids

💎 Verdict: The most underrated experience in Lisbon

What is it? A river and sea tour operator doing things a bit differently. Here, you hop aboard the Noa Asiri – a small, traditional Portuguese fishing boat that’s been turned into a cosy little ‘mini-lounge’.

Why go? From speedboats and cruises to sailing boats, amphibious buses, kayaks and ferries, the wide waters of the Tagus invite both locals and visitors to explore by boat. But Oceanscape offers a unique experience, taking you to places most others don’t reach.

Don’t miss: A refreshing dip in the salty – and pleasantly chilly – waters of Cascais.

Address: Boats generally dock from the Doca de Belém marina 

💎 Verdict: The city’s best market 

What is it? The Lisbon equivalent of London's Portobello Market or Madrid's El Rastro.

Why go? Feira da Ladra began in the 13th century (yes, really) and moved around the city until settling in Campo de Santa Clara in 1882. Here, you can find everything from antiques and second-hand items to vintage clothing and crafts. But Feira da Ladra isn’t just about shopping: you can also take in murals by prominent artists and the stunning views of the Tagus and the National Pantheon.

Don’t miss: To snag the best treasures – and to help you beat the heat in the summer months – set your alarm early on Tuesdays or Saturdays and head to Campo de Santa Clara prepared to haggle. 

Address: Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-472

💎 Verdict: A unique attraction in Lisbon

What is it? Markets, exhibitions, shops, cafes, concerts, and parties. There is a whole world to discover in this cosmopolitan ‘factory’ that has completely altered the landscape of Alcântara since its opening.

Why go? This uber-trendy venue hosts an eclectic selection of places to eat, drink, dance and spend some serious euros: as well as shopping, you can switch up your look with a haircut, get a tattoo, browse for art, or sip a rooftop caipirinha.

Don’t miss: The weekly market on Sundays.

Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisbon

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