Things to do in Lisbon
Four days in Lisbon is plenty of time to see the sights. However, with a few extra days we could have packed in even more without feeling we were running low on options. There is plenty more to see in Lisbon, but these were our favourites.
The best things to do in Lisbon
Sintra Castle
On our drive from Colares to Lisbon we stopped in the historic town of Sintra. The town is famous for its hilltop castle that dates back to the 1800s. Pena Palace is open to visitors and you can go alone, or join a walking tour for a full history.
Be aware that parking in Sintra is difficult. We had to take a couple of laps of the town and its steep one-way roads before finding a spot. So if you are coming from Lisbon, you’d be better off catching a bus to Sintra or even joining a coach tour to the castle.
The seafront
One problem with going on holiday with 15 friends (or with anyone, if you're like me) is that some mornings are going to be spent hungover. The good thing about being hungover on holiday in Lisbon is the seafront.
On hot afternoons we wandered along the water. We stopped in bars and cafes and saw some famous sights like the Arco da Rua Augusta, Praça do Comércio, and the Doca da Caldeirinha.
LxFactory
Just to the west of central Lisbon is the LxFactory market and arts centre. A complex of old industrial buildings now hold book stores, art galleries, bars, and a vintage market. It’s a great place to wander for a few hours, enjoy some street food, and relax in a rooftop bar.
The space is free to enter, but we took a cab from Lisbon as it was too far to walk. We also were able to get a space for 8 people in a restaurant and a bar on a Sunday afternoon without a booking. It's a busy spot, but there are so many places to choose from that we had no problem finding tables.
Want to know where we ate? Check out my blog: The best places to eat and drink in Lisbon.
Torre de Belem
From LxFactory we took another cab to the Belem Tower – a medieval fortification on a small island on the edge of the River Tagus. You don’t need long to view the tower itself. But we spent an hour or so sat by the water drinking rum coconuts from a street vendor.
Sat in the sun along the river, we could also see the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument, and the Ponte 25 de Abril – Lisbon’s copy of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Miradouro da Graça
We stumbled across the Miradouro da Graça while walking to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. The views across Lisbon are amazing at any time of day. With a clear view to the sea in the afternoon, stunning sunsets, and the lights of the city at night.
Time Out Market
Though technically a place to eat and not a thing to do, one of the places we kept going back to in Lisbon was the Time Out Market. Coming from London, we're no strangers to food markets. But the buzzing vibe and wide variety of cuisines here made it a great choice for a large group to spend an evening (or hungover afternoon). Though be prepared to queue to get in, and then wait a while for a table.
Other things to do in Lisbon
Catch a tram
Check out the tile museum
Visit the cathedral
Ride in the Santa Justa lift
Explore the Castelo de S. Jorge
Find out more: How we spent a week in Lisbon.