Ultimate Lisbon bucket list – 16 things you need to do and see
Lisbon is an exciting city full of so many incredible things to do and sights to see. Not sure which ones to choose from? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled the best of the best for you. This post is all about the ultimate Lisbon bucket list. You won’t find a better Lisbon bucketlist out there!
1. Enjoy a pastel de nata – bonus points if you learn to make one!
One of the first things you’ll notice on the streets of Lisbon is all the patisseries with delicious pastries in their windows. The most iconic of them all being the Pastel De Nata. Not only do you absolutely have to try this dangerously delicious egg custard tart – you have to try and make it too! I highly recommend taking a cooking class if you have the time during your visit. It was fun and easy and dare I say tastier than the best Pasteis de Nata in town!
2. Tour around in a tuk-tuk
Looking for a quick and fun way to see the city of Lisbon firsthand? Try a tuk-tuk tour! Tuktuks are everywhere in the streets of Lisbon and are easy to hail for a tour or even book ahead of time. That way they can conveniently pick you up from your hotel and whisk you around town!
3. Eat at the TimeOut market
You haven’t experienced Lisbon until you’ve experienced the food. Get a jump start on the gastronomic scene by visiting Time Out Market. Here you’ll find a selection of Lisbon’s best eateries all under one roof. From mouthwatering seafood to a tart glass of port wine, Timeout Market is a must for your visit.
4. Sail the Tagus River
Take a sailing tour along the Tagus River and get a different perspective of the beautiful pastel-colored city. Sailing the river is a great way to see Belem Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT), Jerónimos Monastery, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and more. You can also see Lisbon’s picturesque neighborhoods of Alfama Bairro Alto.
5. Discover Alfama and take in the views.
The Alfama neighborhood is the oldest in Lisbon and is home to some of its most iconic sites. Here you’ll find Lisbon’s oldest church (Sé de Lisboa), São Jorge Castle, Trams 12 and 28, the amazing Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint, and more!
6. Take in the view from São Jorge Castle
You can’t explore Alfama without climbing to its highest point – São Jorge Castle. The panoramic views from the top of this castle are unrivaled. However, the line into this castle gets long quickly though, so be sure to arrive early to avoid waiting.
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7. Hop on Tram 28 – here’s a hack if it’s full!
The infamous tram 28 is popular for good reason. This route takes you past all of the main attractions in Lisbon in one ride! It’s rare you see this tram empty, however, and it can ve difficult to enjoy the views of the city when you’re packed in like a can of sardines. If you see the tram is full, just wait and catch Tram 12 instead! It follows the EXACT same route
8. Check out one of the many museums
Lisbon is home to so many amazingly unique museums and exhibits. With over 60 to choose from, there’s no way you won’t find one that fits your interests.
9. Climb all 7 hills if you dare!
The city of Lisbon is well known for the 7 hills it was built on (some say it’s really 8, but that’s a debate for another time!) Take on the challenge of climbing all 7 (or use public transport to traverse them all) for views of the city you’ll never forget.
10. Watch the sunset from Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte
If you are looking for the best panoramic view in town, then you definitely need to get to Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Hill). From this lookout point, you will see the most beautiful panoramic views Lisbon has to offer.
11. Get a pina colada from Pina Colada Sexy!
I’m sure you were not expecting to see this on the list! What better way to cool down from the Lisbon heat than a cold and refreshing pina colada? It was fun seeing these stands and trucks around the city and their pina colada’s were truly delicious and the perfect mid-day pick-me-up!
12. Admire the architecture and history of Jerónimos Monastery and Belem Tower
The beautifully intricate architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery is definitely worth a visit. The monastery is conveniently located close to another iconic landmark you can’t miss – the Belem Tower. Both represent the Age of Discovery and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
13. Enjoy some local delicacies
There is so much more to Lisbon’s food specialties than pastel de natas! Port wine, queijo da serra (a local cheese), ginjinha (a traditional cherry liquor served in normal or chocolate shot glasses), bifanas (traditional Portuguese pork sandwiches), and the mouthwatering Piriquita pastries from Casa Piriquita in Sintra are just a few of the amazing local delicacies you’ll find in this region. Definitely something to have on any Lisbon bucketlist.
14. Admire the beautiful tilework
Nothing screams Portuguese culture more than the ornate handpainted azujelo ceramic tiles that line the streets. And of course… there’s a muesuem in Lisbon full of them too! If you look a little closer, you’ll notice that these hand-crafted miniature works of art actually represent the rich history of Lisbon and Portuguese culture.
15. Get selfies with amazing street art
With graffiti being legal in Lisbon, there are so many fun murals and works of street art to enjoy. No Lisbon bucketlist is complete without a selfie with some o the most iconic!
16. Take a day trip to Sintra and Cascais
No trip to Lisbon is complete exploring Sintra and Cascais. Cascais is known for its surfer-approved coastline and perfect waves. Sintra will blow you away with it’s marvelous mansions, exotic gardens, and absolutely stunning castles that you’ll be itching to explore. Seeing these incredible locales will make it obvious why they are a must-see for any Lisbon bucketlist.
And that’s a wrap! This is my ultimate Lisbon bucketlist with 16 things you absolutely need to do and see during your trip. Do you see yourself trying any of these things out on your trip? Let me know!
