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Lisbon – 10 ideas for spending a day in the capital of Portugal. The best activities and places
I dedicate this post to everyone who is planning a trip to Lisbon and looking for inspiration on how to spend their time in an interesting way. You don’t have to try everything, and this is not a MUST SEE list. Rather, it’s a collection of attractions I’ve personally tested, from which everyone can choose something for themselves. Especially if you’re going to be in Lisbon for just a few days! It’s perfect for both food lovers and those who enjoy active leisure!
Lisbon – 10 ideas for spending a day in the capital of Portugal.
Here is my subjective list of 10 unique activities and ideas for spending the best time in the capital of Portugal.
Try the famous Pastéis de Nata
Being in Lisbon and not trying the famous Pastéis de Nata? Even if you’re not a fan of sweet desserts, it’s worth making an exception for these little custard tarts at least once! The history of Pastéis de Nata dates back to the 18th century, when monks from the Belém monastery first developed the recipe for this iconic Portuguese dessert.
Where can you taste the most delicious pastéis? You’ll read all about it in a Lisbon guide. However, during our trip, we tested many places, one of which was the most famous bakery in Portugal – Pastéis de Belém.
To get to Belém, it’s best to take the metro to Cais do Sodré, and then hop on the tram 15E, which will take you directly to Belém.
Don’t be misled by the name – Pastéis de Belém are the same as the famous Pastéis de Nata. The difference in the name is just a matter of the origin of the pastry.
When I say that the Pastéis de Belém bakery is the most famous place in Lisbon, I’m not exaggerating. This is evident from the more than 84 thousand reviews on Google Maps.
Don’t be afraid of the lines! Even though the crowds may seem huge, the two entrances and the fast service make the wait go by very quickly!
Although this is a cult place, the prices are just as reasonable as in other places – even cheaper! For 4 pastéis, we paid 5.60 euros and got them in a beautiful paper box.
Fado Concert
For live music lovers! Especially in the Alfama district, you will find places that host fado concerts. They usually start around 8:00 PM. Some venues host concerts nearly every day.
As for addresses, it’s best to check in advance whether entry is free or paid, as well as the concert schedule and pricing. Given the popularity of fado in Lisbon, you will find both expensive places offering elegant dinners with fado accompaniment, and more intimate and casual pubs.
Visit a museum
Lisbon has places worth visiting for art lovers. One you should definitely check out is the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which was personally recommended to us by a local resident of Lisbon. Additionally, the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) is also quite impressive. Just look at that beautiful building! Unfortunately, we didn’t visit, but I’ll definitely go there on my next trip to Lisbon. When planning a museum visit, it’s a good idea to check the official websites for any updates – there are often days each month when entry is free.
Go Outside the City
Lisbon has a convenient and extensive transportation network, so you can easily travel outside the city – not having a car is not a problem. If you’re interested in history and architecture – visit Sintra. For those craving the ocean – Cabo da Roca. Trains (e.g., from Sintra) run regularly and frequently, and tickets are affordable.
Recommended and easily accessible destinations:
- Cascais
- Sintra
- Cabo da Roca
- Ericeira
- Playa da Ursa
Visit a local market
I love places where you can feel the spirit of the city. Markets are just like that! You can buy souvenirs and enjoy some delicious food. Lisbon has many such places, but remember to check their opening hours.
List of places worth visiting:
- Feira da Ladra, Campo de Santa Clara
- Mercado 31 de Janeiro - about a 15-minute walk from Anjos metro station
- Time Out Market – Cais do Sodré metro station
- Baixa Market – Praca da Figueira square
Vintage shops
A paradise for fashion lovers and vintage enthusiasts! I personally came back from Lisbon with a few new treasures – I seriously considered getting extra luggage! Lisbon has many secondhand and vintage shops, and the selection and number of unique accessories and clothes may surprise you.
The most beautiful murals
Lisbon is full of amazing murals. Unfortunately, they are not always in the most picturesque streets and neighborhoods. However, during our walks around the city, we stumbled upon some beautiful murals quite by accident.
Explore the farthest western point of Europe
Cabo da Roca is a great idea for an amazing trip. The cape is the westernmost point of Europe – at least when it comes to land. Why is it worth visiting? First and foremost, the most beautiful views, the proximity to the ocean, and the opportunity for trekking. Depending on the time, your willingness, and preparation (good shoes if you want to go further).
You can reach Cabo da Roca, which is located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Parque Natural de Sintra – Cascais), from both Sintra and Cascais (ha!). The journey from both towns is roughly similar and takes about 40-50 minutes by bus, which runs regularly even outside the peak season (we were there in September). However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the current departure and arrival times.
You can find more information on how to get to Cabo da Roca HERE.
Visit the Most Beautiful Bookstore in Lisbon
While strolling through the streets of Lisbon, you will come across many beautiful bookstores. However, the place that is especially dear to me is LXFactory and its bookstore, Ler Devagar. The bookstore spans several floors and even has a place where you can enjoy a coffee. Unfortunately, I didn’t fully understand how the collections are organized, and it was hard for me to navigate them, but considering the design, I can forgive that! The suspended structure against the backdrop of the wall of books is the most iconic shot of this place. It has a very atmospheric vibe, just like the whole LX Factory.
Discover Lisbon's Culinary Scene
I think Lisbon really ranks high on the list of places I’ve visited in terms of restaurant accessibility and the diversity of flavors. In addition to the fact that you will find charming local spots everywhere, offering cuisine from all over the world and restaurants with interesting designs, the prices are also quite reasonable.
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