I spent 4 days in Lisbon in June 2016 as part of a month-long Western Europe trip, and it completely exceeded my expectations. Between the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and peaceful vibe, I instantly fell in love with the city and wished I had stayed longer! Here are my 5 favorite things to do that made my time in Lisbon so memorable:
1. Day Trip to Sintra
Why Visit:
A longtime royal retreat, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its romantic palaces, lush forests, and misty mountain views.
Highlights:
- Palácio Nacional da Pena → a colorful, whimsical palace looks straight out of a fairytale.
- Quinta da Regaleira → a mystical estate packed with secret tunnels, grottoes, and symbolism inspired by alchemy and Freemasonry. I didn’t get to visit this on my tour, but the Initiation Well looks incredible!
- Cabo da Roca → the westernmost point of mainland Europe, about 25 minutes from Sintra by car.
How to Go:
Sintra is about 45 minutes from Lisbon. I joined a day tour that also included Cascais and Estoril, but I wish I had done a Sintra-only tour instead since there were so much to see just in Sintra!
2. Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Why Visit:
Portugal’s famous azulejos (hand-painted ceramic tiles) are everywhere, and the National Tile Museum tells the story of how tile art evolved from the 15th century to today. It’s visually stunning and still one of my favorite museums!
Highlights:
- Tile Evolution → walk through centuries of design, from Moorish geometric patterns to Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary styles.
- Panoramic Lisbon Tile (1738) → a 75-foot-long blue-and-white mural depicting Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake.
- Madre de Deus Convent → the museum is housed in a 16th-century convent with a gold-leaf chapel that’s a masterpiece on its own.
How to Go:
I bought tickets at the museum, and surprisingly it was almost empty which was perfect for photos. Note that the museum is currently under renovation, with completion expected in June 2026.
3. Oceanario de Lisboa
Why Visit:
The Oceanário is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions. The building itself also looks like it’s floating on the water.
Highlights:
- Central Ocean Tank → a giant tank filled with sharks, rays, and even a sunfish.
- Habitats from Four Oceans: recreated ecosystems representing the world’s oceans.
How to Go:
I booked timed entry online in advance since ticket lines can be long during weekends or holidays.
4. Belém
Why Visit:
Belém is where Portugal’s great explorers once set sail, and today it’s packed with historic monuments, museums, gardens, and custard tarts.
Highlights:
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos → a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture built to celebrate the Age of Discovery. Inside, you can see Vasco da Gama’s tomb.
- Torre de Belém → this fortress once guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor.
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos → a striking monument with sculptures of Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and other historical figures.
- Pastéis de Belém → the original bakery that invented Portugal’s famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts).
How to Go:
I bought tickets for the monastery and tower on site, but you can also buy timed entry tickets online since it can get crowded.
5. Catch Sunset at a Miradouro
Why Visit:
Lisbon is famously built on seven hills, and each one offers breathtaking miradouros (viewpoints) overlooking the river, rooftops, and neighborhoods below.
Highlights:
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte → the highest viewpoint in Lisbon with sweeping views over Alfama and São Jorge Castle.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara → a wide terrace with a full panoramic view of downtown Lisbon.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia → one of the most iconic and picturesque spots in the city, framed by azulejo walls and bougainvillea vines. I didn’t have time to visit this one but would love to next time.
How to Go:
Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’re heading up to Senhora do Monte since it’s short but steep!
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