Destination guideLisboa · Portugal
31 Things to Do in Lisbon (2026)
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, with its origins predating other capitals like London and Paris.
Read more
Located on the estuary of the Tagus River, the city was settled by the Celts and later established by the Phoenicians. Its historical timeline includes periods of Roman, Germanic, and Moorish rule before becoming the capital of the Portuguese Kingdom in 1256. The city's architecture reflects several distinct historical eras. The Alfama district retains a medieval layout with narrow, winding streets that survived the 1755 earthquake.
- 31 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Lisbon8 dishes
Pastel de Nata Where to order it in Lisbon
Bacalhau à Brás Where to order it in Lisbon
Polvo à Lagareiro Where to order it in Lisbon
Dry-Aged Seafood Where to order it in Lisbon
Arroz de Marisco Where to order it in Lisbon
Bife à Marrare Where to order it in Lisbon
Sardinhas Assadas Where to order it in Lisbon
Codfish Cake Where to order it in Lisbon
The short answer
- The top things to do in Lisbon, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (Belém)
- Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Penha de França)
- Jerónimos Monastery (Belém)
- Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (Avenidas Novas)
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (São Vicente)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
31 places worth your time in Lisbon
Things to see and do
MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Why it’s on the map
Designed by Amanda Levete Architects, this low-slung, undulating structure is clad in nearly 15,000 three-dimensional glazed ceramic tiles that capture the shifting light of the river.
Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal
Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Why it’s on the map
Housed within the 16th-century Madre de Deus Convent, this institution is dedicated to the 'azulejo' (tile), Portugal's most iconic craft.
R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, Portugal
Jerónimos Monastery
Why it’s on the map
This 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is the pinnacle of Manueline architecture, a uniquely Portuguese style that blends Late Gothic elements with maritime motifs like stone-carved ropes and coral.
Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Why it’s on the map
Widely considered one of the world's finest private art collections, this museum recently reopened its main 'Founder's Collection' building in July 2026 following an extensive 18-month renovation.
Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Why it’s on the map
Standing as the highest natural point in the city, this viewpoint offers a 250-degree panoramic vista that captures the São Jorge Castle at eye level, the red-tiled sprawl of the Mouraria district.
Largo Monte, 1170-107 Lisboa, Portugal
Tourist Attraction · Belém
Tourist Attraction · Av. Brasília
Playground
Park · Estrela
Tourist Attraction · Avenidas Novas
Tourist Attraction · Alcântara
Museum · Ajuda
Shopping Mall · Santo António
Cultural Center
Place to see
Where to eat
See the full Lisbon food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Restaurant · Estrela
Restaurant · Santo António
Restaurant · Santa Maria Maior
Pizza Restaurant · Arroios
Coffee Shop · Santa Maria Maior
Seafood Restaurant · Arroios
Market
Market
Pastry Shop
Pastry Shop · Santa Maria Maior
Portuguese Restaurant · Santa Maria Maior
Restaurant · Misericórdia
Restaurant · União das freguesias de Almada, Cova da Piedade, Pragal e Cacilhas
Restaurant · Santa Maria Maior
Restaurant · Santa Maria Maior
Restaurant · Misericórdia
26 more places on the map
16 to eat · 9 to see and do · 1 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
- The best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasantly warm and the city is less crowded. Summer (July and August) can be intensely hot and is the peak tourist season, leading to high prices and long queues at major attractions. For the best value, visit during the mild winter off-peak (November to February), though you should be prepared for occasional rain and cooler evenings.
How do I get around Lisbon?
- Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and Metro The international airport is located within the city limits and is directly connected to the city center via the Metro's Red Line (Linha Vermelha), taking approximately 20 minutes to reach downtown.
- Carris Public Transport Network Lisbon's extensive network includes iconic yellow trams (like the E28), public buses, and funiculars that navigate the city's steep hills; use a rechargeable Viva Viagem card for the most cost-effective fares.
- CP Trains (Comboios de Portugal) Regional trains departing from Rossio or Cais do Sodré stations provide frequent and scenic connections to popular nearby destinations such as the fairytale palaces of Sintra or the beaches of Cascais.
What should I know before visiting Lisbon?
- Wear sturdy, slip-resistant shoes to navigate the city's steep hills and notoriously slick limestone 'calçada' pavements.
- Be aware that appetizers brought to your table in restaurants, like bread and olives, are not free and you will be charged if you consume them.
- Validate your transport ticket before every journey and keep it until you exit the station to avoid heavy fines during random inspections.
- Wait for your bill at the table and tip by rounding up or leaving 5-10% in cash, as adding a tip to a credit card machine is uncommon.
What’s new in Lisbon in October 2026?
- The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: Reopened in July 2026 after a major 18-month restoration, featuring a new numismatic gallery and a modernized layout that restores its iconic 1969 modernist vision.
- VENUS Exhibition at MAAT: A headline collaboration between fashion designer Valentino Garavani and artist Joana Vasconcelos, featuring monumental sculptures and haute couture (running October 2, 2026 – February 22, 2027).
- JNcQUOI Table: Recently named 'Opening of the Year' by the 2026 Michelin Guide Portugal, this high-design spot in the heart of the city is currently the most viral reservation for elevated Mediterranean cuisine.
- Doclisboa 2026: The city's major international documentary film festival is currently underway across various iconic venues, running from October 15 to October 25, 2026.
Research receipt
How this Lisbon guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Lisbon replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Lisbon?
Start with MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, Museu Nacional do Azulejo, Jerónimos Monastery, Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 31 places are pinned on the Lisbon map.