Choose from 85 Fun Things to Do in Lisbon
Santo Amaro Docks
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National Pantheon of Santa Engracia
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Vasco da Gama Bridge
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National Sanctuary of Christ the King
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Lapa District
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Tomar
- Tomar is a must-see for history lovers.
- Due to its small size, Tomar’s historic center is easy traverse on foot.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the town is full of cobblestone streets and steep lanes.
- Some parts of the Convent of Christ are wheelchair accessible.
Rossio Square
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Tagus River
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Tram 28
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National Tile Museum
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Óbidos
Known as the ‘Wedding Present Town’ due to the tradition of Portuguese kings giving Óbidos to their wives as part of their dowry, the town has benefited from its royal patronage down the centuries. At its heart lies the cobbled main square of Praça de Santa Maria, home to the old town pillory, a majestic fountain and a tiny museum in the town hall. The cluster of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches around Santa Maria square were all founded by various monarchs, as was the Amoreira Aqueduct outside the town walls.
This charming melee of architectural styles is best seen from the vantage point of the vast defense walls encircling Óbidos. Above all this stands the austere, crenelated façade of the 12th-century castle; although it is now a pousada (state-owned hotel), the terraces and gardens are still open to the public for panoramic views across the town and surrounding hills.
Óbidos is packed with wine shops selling the potent local ginjinha liqueur, terraced restaurants serving the traditional fish stew caldeirada and tiny souvenir stores selling cheery ceramics, and makes a wonderful destination for an afternoon’s exploration. Often packed by day – especially in summer – by night most visitors have left; an overnight stay in the castle pousada sees the town revert to its tranquil, romantic best.
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Vasco da Gama Shopping Center
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Lisbon Cathedral (S e de Lisboa)
- See the cathedral as part of a small-group or private city tour.
- The cathedral is free to enter, but it’s worth paying the small fee to tour the Gothic cloister.
- Remember to dress respectfully, as this remains a functioning religious site.
Museum of Amalia Rodrigues (Fundacao Amalia Rodrigues Casa Museu)
- The Museum of Amalia Rodrigues is a must-visit for music lovers and fans of the great singer.
- Visitors can refuel at the museum’s cafe, TOO Natural Healthy Food, located on the ground floor.
- 30-minute guided tours of the museum are available in Portuguese and English.
- Photos inside the building are prohibited.
Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa)
Jardim Zoológico, in attractive gardens, has more than 2,000 animals of 300 species. Their theme is nature, animals, and ecology. There are the usual feeding sessions and a children's farm. The gardens also provide shaded picnic areas. There's also a dolphin show and row boats.
Just outside the zoo itself is the Animax, an amusement park with restaurants and bars and shops.
Getting There
Catch the metro, blue line to Jardim Zoológico or a train to station Sete Rios. Many buses also go to stop Jardim Zoológico including numbers 16, 31, 54, 70, 701, 726, 746, 755, and 758.
Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha)
Lisbon has a long and proud maritime history. This museum focuses on that long naval history with model ships, nautical instruments and uniforms. Among the armadas of model boats, this museum has gems such as Vasco da Gama's portable wooden altar and the rich, polished private quarters of the 1900 UK-built royal yacht Amélia. There are also ornate royal barges, the biggest a 1780 neo-Viking number.
On weekends a children's museum offers brightly colored creative activities.
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The museum is housed in the north and west wings of the Monastery of Geronimo. Take tram 15 to stop Monastere dos Jeronimos.
Lisbon Cruise Port
- The cruise terminal is open whenever there are ships in port.
- You can take a cruise to Lisbon city year-round.
- You’ll find a few shops and cafes at the cruise terminal.
- The cruise port is wheelchair accessible.