Lisbon… 40 things to do and places to go

During our stay in Lisbon we discovered that the city offers a monstrosity amount of sights and activities. Possibilities do not stop at the city borders but also include Belém, Cascais and Sintra. Have a look at our top 40 of things to do in Lisbon to get some inspiration for your city break.

Things to do in Lisbon

Carmo Conventry (Covento do Carmo)

• About: Built under the order of D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, this was one of the most expensive buildings of the time. It took only 2 years to be erected. The building still stands after the earthquake of 1755; however, its ceiling has collapsed.
• Where: Largo do Carmo
• Opening hours: Open every day except Sundays from 10.00 to 19.00 (June to September) and 10:00 to 18:00 (October to May)
• Price: 4€
• How to get there: Bus – 758; Tram –  E28; Tube –  Baixa Chiado
• Official Website: Covento do Carmo

Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa)

• About: Built in 1902
• Where: Rua do Ouro to Largo do Carmo
• Opening hours: Open every day from 09.00  to 23.00 (mid April to October) and 09:00 to 21:00 (November to April)
• Price: 2,80€
• TurtleTip: This is most likely one of the biggest rip off and tourist traps in Lisbon!!! You queue for ages for a lift ride of 20 seconds to the rooftop. Guess what! You can there for free if you walk through from Largo do Carmo!
• How to get there: Tube – Baixa Chiado.

Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta)

• About: Built between 1755 (after the earthquake) and 1873, like a phoenix it symbolizes the rebirth of the city of Lisbon after the tragic event
• Where: Praça do Comércio
• Opening hours: Open every day from 09.00  to 20.00
• Price: 2,50€
• TurtleTip: This is one great view over the Baixa area, where you can see the squared streets
• How to get there: Tube – Baixa Chiado.

Patriarchal Cathedral (Sé Patriarcal)

• About: Built in the 12th century and over the years on the ruins of Moslem mosque, it was finished during the XX century.
• Where: Largo da Sé
• Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 09.00 to 19.00
• Price: FREE; Cloister 1€; Treasury 2,50€
• How to get there: Tram – E28

Saint George’s Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)

• About: Initiated in the 5th century by the Visigoths and later taken by the Moors during the 9th century, it has been changed conquered and reconquered over the centuries.
• Where: Costa do Castelo
• Opening hours: Open every day from 09.00 to 18.00
• Price: 8,50€
• How to get there: Bus – 37 (from praça da figueira) ; Tram –  E12, E28; Tube –  Martim Moniz
• Official Website: Castelo de Sao Jorge

National Church of Santa Engrácia (Igreja de Santa Engrácia/Panteão)

• About: This beautiful church took nothing less than 284 years to be completed and was named Igreja de Santa Engrácia. Because of the long time it took to be built and it became a national joke. Nowadays, it’s common to hear portuguese people saying “obras de santa engrácia” when wanting to say that something is taking too long. In 1916 it has been given the title of National Pantheon.
• Where: Campo de Santa Clara
• Opening hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00
• Price: FREE; Cloister 2€
• TurtleTip: Even if churches aren’t your thing, this one is particularly interesting for the fact of National celebrities. Amália Rodrigues or Eusébio were buried here.
• How to get there: Bus – 12 ; Tram –  E28

Estrela Basilica (Basílica da Estrela)

• About: Built in the 18th century in Baroque style, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful churches of Lisbon.
• Where: Largo da Estrela
• Opening hours: Open every day from 07.30 to 13.00 and then from 15.00 to 20:00
• Price: FREE
• How to get there: Bus – 20, 22, 38 ; Tram –  E25, E28

Aqueduct of the Free Waters (Aqueduto das Águas Livres)

• About: Built between 1731 and 1799, the aqueduct has 109 arches across the valley
• Where: Mãe d´Água das Amoreiras
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00
• Price: 3€
• Official Website: Aqueduto das águas livres

National Tile Museum (Museum Nacional do Azulejo) 

• About:
• Where: Alfama, Rua da Madre de Deus.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Price: 5€
• How to get there: Tube -Santa Apolónia; Bus – 718, 742, 794, 759
• Official Website: Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Fado Museum (Museu do Fado)

• About: All you want and need to know about Fado’s origins and developments.
• Where: Alfama, Largo do Chafariz de Dentro
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00
• Price: 5€
• How to get there: Tube – Santa Apolónia; Bus – 28, 735, 794, 745, 759, 790
• Official Website: Museu do Fado

Christ the King Sanctuary (Santuário do Cristo Rei)

• About: First constructed in the 5th century by the Visigoths and later taken by the Moors during the 9th century. It has been changed, conquered and reconquered over the centuries.
• Where: Almada
• Opening hours: Open every day from 09.30 to 18.00
• Price: 5€
• How to get there: Ferry Boat – Cacilhas Port
• Official Website: Cristo Rei

…Gardens of Lisbon…

Ajuda Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico da Ajuda)

• Price: 1,50€
• Where: Calçada da Ajuda
• Opening times: October to March – 09:00 to 18:00/ April to September – 09:00 to 20:00
• Official website: Jardim Botânico da Ajuda

Things to do in Belém

Jerónimos Monestry (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)

• Opening hours: Open every day except Mondays from 10.00  to 18.30 (May to September) and 10:00 to 17:30 (October to May)
• Price: 10€, Combined ticket with Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: 12€
• TurtleTip: It’s free on Sundays between 10:00 and 14:00 for all national residents. Expect big crowds.
• How to get there: Bus – 727, 28, 729, 714 and 751; Tram –  E15; Train –  Belém station.
• Official Website: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Discoveries Monument (Padrão dos descobrimentos)

• About: A celebration to all the navigators and discoveries period
• Where: Avenida Brasília
• Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 to 19.00 (March to September) and Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 (October to February)
• Price: 5€
• TurtleTip: If going there look at the marble map that covers the entrance of the monument
• How to get there: Bus – 727, 728, 729, 714 and 751; Tram –  E15; Train –  Belém station
• Official Website: Padrão dos Descobrimentos

MAAT (Museus de Arte, Arquictectura e Tecnologia)

• About: Opened in 2016, it hosts some of the best national and international exhibitions of modern art, architecture and technology.
• Where: Avenida Brasília
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 11.00 to 19.00
• Price: 5€
• TurtleTip: free entrance every 1st Sunday of the month
• How to get there: Bus – 727, 728, 729, 714 and 751; Tram –  E15; Train –  Belém station
• Official Website: MAAT 

National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches)

• About: Imagine seeing each and every coach that has been part of history and carried nobles during the best and hard times of their life. All this and more is where one can find in this building that will take you on a journey back in time.
• Where: Avenida da India
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00
• Price: 8€
• TurtleTip: FREE on Sundays for Portuguese citizens and foreigner residents in Portugal
• How to get there: Bus – 727, 728, 729, 714 and 751; Tram –  E15; Train –  Belém station
• Official Website: Museu Nacionald dos Coches 

Palace of Ajuda (Palácio da Ajuda) 

• About: A palace built after the earthquake of 1755 to house the Portuguese Royal Family.
• Where: Largo Ajuda 1349-021, Lisboa
• Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00
• Price: 5€
• TurtleTip: FREE on Sundays until 14:00, for Portuguese citizens and foreigner residents in Portugal
• How to get there: Bus – 18, 732, 729, 742 and 60; Train –  Belém station.
• Official Website: Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

Things to do in Cascais

Casa das Histórias Paula Rego 

• About: A modern museum exhibiting the work of Paula Rego and her husband Victor Willing
• Where: Avenida da República, Cascais
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
• Price: 5€ 
• How to get there: Train – Cascais station
• Official Website: Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum

• About: Initially built as an aristocrat’s summer residence in 1931, it became a museum later. Paintings, furniture, porcelain, jewelry and a neo-Gothic organ, are some of the object that can be found inside.
• Where: Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália, Parque Marechal Carmona, 2750-319 Cascais
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sundays from 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00.
• Price: 4€ 
• How to get there: Train –  Cascais station
• Official Website: n/a

Citadela Palace (Palacio da Cidadela)

• About: Another chalet built to serve as a holiday place to the royal family. It became the official house of the sitting Republic President of Portugal later.
• Where: Cascais city center
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00-13:00 and from 14:00-18:00
• Price: 4€ 
• How to get there: Train –  Cascais station
• Official Website: Palácio da Cidadela

Other locals of interest are: Praia do Guincho, Cascais Marina, Boca do Inferno, Santa Marta Lighthouse

Things to do in Sintra

Quinta da Regaleira

• About: One UNESCO World Heritage Site, this palace and its flourished and pompous gardens haven been initially built to serve as a private home to a very rich family. Featuring luxurious lakes, grottoes, wells, and secrets alleys and paths.
• Where: Sintra center
• Opening hours: Every day February-April and October 10.00 to 18.30; May to September 10.00 a.m. to 20.00; November to January 10.00 to 17.30
• Price: 6€ for self-guided visits and 10€ for guided visits
• TurtleTip: Quinta da Regaleira is a must-see! If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate for a second. Mysterious, with a  Gothic style and built above secret tunnels and gardens, this is a top site in Sintra. It’s undeniable the architect’s connection with theater and the drama you feel when walking through this gardens and house. WE LOVE IT!
• How to get there: Train – From Lisbon (estação do Rossio) towards Sintra.
• Official Website: Quinta da Regaleira

Chalet and Gardens of the Countess of Edla

• About: Built in the 19th century, it was the former house of King Ferdinand II and his wife, Elise Hensler, the Countess of Edla.
• Where: Sintra – Palácio da Pena gardens
• Opening hours: Every day 09:30 to 19:00
• Price: 9,50€
• TurtleTip: An incredible interior that suddenly will take you to the Alpine chalets
• How to get there: Train – From Lisbon (estação do Rossio) towards Sintra
• Official Website: Chalet and Gardens of the Countess of Edla 

Chalet Biester

• About: Dating from 1890, this private mansion was amongst others designed (on its interior) by Luigi Manini.
• Where: Sintra – Palácio da Pena garden
• Opening hours: Unfortunately its not possible to visit this beautiful chalet inside once this is a private house (we wish, we could have the same). However, it’s clearly visible on the outside while walking towards to Palácio da Pena.
• Price: n/a
• TurtleTip: Apart from being an amazing piece of architecture and desgin, this chalet has served as set for the well known film “A Nona Porta” (The Ninth Gate) from Roman Polanski with Johnny Depp.
• How to get there: Train – From Lisbon (estação do Rossio) towards Sintra
• Official Website: n/a

Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)

• About: Built around the 1oth century during the Moorish period on the Iberian peninsula
• Where: Sintra top hills
• Opening hours: Vvery day from 09.30 to 20.00, until end of October
• Price: 8€; Combined ticket also available, check official website for more info
• TurtleTip: Even though this is a beautiful castle, without any doubts, it’s not our top choice. However the climbing/hiking around the castle walls it’s magnificent and one of our top activities in Sintra.
• How to get there: Train – From Lisbon (estação do Rossio) towards Sintra, Bus – (from Sintra village up the hill Scotturb bus 434 or simply walk up the streets
• Official Website: Castelo dos Mouros

Park and National Park of Pena (Palacio da Pena)

• About: Built in 1840 by the german architect Baron Eschwege, it’s a Disney-esque Palace with its pink, yellow, grey and red silhouette and with monsters guarding doorways. It was the home of Queen Maria II and her husband Dom Fernidand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
• Where: Sintra top hills
• Opening hours: Every day from 09.30 to 20.00, June to October and from 10:00 to 17.00 from October to May. Check website for more accurate times as this is constantly changing.
• Price: Park + Palace – 14€; Only Park – 7,50€. Check official website for more info for combs and discounts.
• TurtleTip: It’s (in our opinion) the most beautiful Palace in Portugal, and for sure one of the most beautiful ones in the whole world. It may be on the same level of the Bavarian castle Neuschwanstein in Germany which inspired the Disney Castle. It’s no surprise this was built by a German, the interiors and walls are an architectural dream.
• How to get there: Train – From Lisbon (estação do Rossio) towards Sintra, Bus – (from Sintra village up the hill Scotturb bus 434 or simply walk through the streets
• Official Website: Palácio da Pena

National Palace of Sintra – Palácio Nacional de Sintra (Paço Real)

• About: It was a summer house to the Portuguese Royal Family during the 14th century. Its beautiful rooms are almost untouched resembling what it was like when the house had guests.
• Where: Sintra center
• Opening hours: Every day from 09.30 to 19.00. Check website for more accurate times as this is constantly changing.
• Price: 10€; for combined tickets check official website below
• TurtleTip: Another beautiful palace with incredible interiors and plenty of stories and legends around
• How to get there: Train – From Lisbon (estação do Rossio) towards Sintra
• Official Website: Palácio Nacional de Sintra 

Park and Palace of Monserrate (Palácio de Monserrate)

• About: Considered by many one of the most beautiful parks and palaces in Lisbon’s region. This gems built in the 18th century was initially owned by William Beckford and later by Sir Francis Cook. The latter developed the Victorian house inspired on the Brighton Pavilion of Nash.
• Where: Sintra surroundings.
• Opening hours: Every day from 09.30 to 19.00; check website for more accurate times as this is constantly changing
• Price: 7,60€ if buying on official website with a 5% discount
• TurtleTip: Not our first choice if tight on schedule but worth to go for sure.
• How to get there: Train – From Lisbon (estação do Rossio) towards Sintra. Bus – Scotturb 435 (from Sintra railways station)
• Official Website: Palácio de Monserrate

Palace of Queluz (Palácio de Queluz) 

• About: Considered one of the best palaces in Europe from the baroque, rococo and neoclassicism period. It was initially built to be a summer house for the Portuguese royal family; however, it became their permanent home until they had to flee to Brazil due the French invasions.
• Where: Sintra surroundings
• Opening hours: Every day from 09.00 to 19.00
• Price: 10€
• How to get there: Train – From Lisbon (estação do Rossio) towards Queluz/Massamá. Bus – VIMECA 25, 101, 106 (towards Queluz)
• Official Website: Palácio de Queluz