25 ultimate things to do in Lisbon right now

💎 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

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.

Address: Largo Portas do Sol, 1100-411

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.

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 (who gave this spot a whopping five stars) shouted out the ‘gorgeous’ bitoque, ‘spot-on’ alheira with greens, ‘tasty’ salt cod fritters and ‘even better’ croquettes, and the fabulous ‘flame-grilled chouriço and wine by the jug.’ Is that enough to get going with?

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, almost like a set menu with daily specials. Dinner is €65 per person (including drinks and the show), but you can also just pop in later (from 11.45pm) to have a drink and soak up the vibes. 

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

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 11).

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.

What is it? A bustling, lively neighbourhood packed full of shopping spots, cafés and other trendy things. 

Why go? One of the best things you can do in Lisbon is eat, and one of the best places you can eat in Lisbon is Anjos (that’s one of the reasons we’ve named it one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world). Here, you’ll find a whole bunch of our faves – check out Malabarista Café for bagels, Stack for smash burgers, Nata for a glass or five of delicious natural wine and Jezzus for soft, Neapolitan-style pizza. 

Don’t miss: If you fancy a bit of retail therapy after all that wine, head to Retrosaria for really beautiful knitwear. 

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.

What is it? Bertrand Chiado is known as the oldest bookshop chain in Portugal – and the oldest bookshop in the world. In 2018, it was officially recognised as part of Lisbon’s ‘Shops with History’ programme. It’s not just a bookshop, though – there’s also a charming little café where you can easily while away an afternoon with a good read.

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.

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 Portuguese pastries and traditional sweets, with egg and cinnamon extract. The line consists of hand cream, body cream, and lip balm.

Lisbon has risen in popularity in recent years, and it's not surprising really.

Lisbon has a truly incredible food scene. 

There’s no shortage of places to take in the amazing views in Lisbon. 

Lisbon has become something of a tourist hotspot in recent years and with this comes the rise of big hotel chains.

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