Top 5 things to do in Lisbon

Beyond tech founders drawn by cheap rents and a low tax regime, Portugal’s capital is also hugely popular with visitors, recently ranking 15th on TripAdvisor’s 2026 list of best destinations in the world.

If you’ve ever been there, you’ll know exactly why.

The first time I went to Lisbon, I wasn’t all that enthusiastic. Friends convinced me to go, saying I’d love it, and they were right.

Lisbon has everything you want from a European capital city. A historic town centre full of cobblestoned streets, great restaurants, and interesting shops. It’s also famous for its multiple viewpoints, with the city built on several hills overlooking the estuary of the Tagus River. Although prices are rising along with the city’s popularity, it still offers some of the cheapest travel in Western Europe. And as the capital of what was once a globe-spanning empire, Lisbon has all the faded grandeur of the very best European cities.

What is there to do in Lisbon? Plenty. Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions that make this city worth adding to your bucket list.

1. Explore Alfama

You don’t have to be a history nerd to enjoy Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood – but it helps.

The modern city of Lisbon is the way it is because of a devastating earthquake in 1755. Most of the historic buildings of the city date back to the reconstruction of the city that transformed the way it looked and created many of Lisbon’s best-loved attractions.

Alfama, though, is where you can go to discover what Lisbon was like before the catastrophe.

It’s a maze of narrow alleyways, steep staircases, hidden squares, and colourful buildings. It’s one of those neighbourhoods where the best thing you can do is just wander around without much of a rigid plan. Pop into tiny cafés, local bakeries, and historic churches, and enjoy spectacular viewpoints of the city.

And don’t miss the fado music. This haunting musical style is synonymous with Portuguese culture, and in the evening, the gorgeous streets of Alfama come alive with it.

2. Ride Tram 28

This isn’t the hidden gem it used to be. Still, it’s a great thing to do on a trip to Lisbon, especially if you’re travelling on a budget.

Tram 28 isn’t meant to be a tourist attraction; it’s just a part of the city’s transportation infrastructure. But it just so happens that this quaint yellow tram runs through some of the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods, including:

• Alfama
• Graça
• Baixa
• Estrela

The tram often gets crowded during peak tourist season. Boarding early in the morning is a good way to beat the crowds. Remember, too, that you will share the tram with locals, so try not to be the stereotypical annoying tourist.

But if you do happen to snap a few cool selfies, an eSIM from ZenSim lets you share them to your social media without incurring hefty roaming charges.

3. Visit Belém

In some ways almost the opposite of Alfama, Belém is the best place to see the legacy of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, when this relatively small European country had a completely outsized impact on the world.

This neighbourhood is home to some of Portugal’s best-loved attractions, including:

• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Monument to the Discoveries
• Riverside walking paths

And don’t forget the custard tarts.

Right next to Jerónimos Monastery, you’ll find the famous bakery Pastéis de Belém. This is where Portugal’s world-famous pastel de nata was invented, and it is still owned by the descendants of the original owners from 1837.

4. Bertrand Bookstore

This might be the book nerd in me coming out, but how do you not visit the world’s oldest operating bookshop?

Located in the Chiado district, Bertrand has been in continuous operation since 1732. Inside, it’s a warren of different rooms filled with bookshelves, and while most titles are in Portuguese, there’s a good selection of other languages available too.

You can’t miss the tile-covered façade, which is about as Portuguese as it gets. Plus, a book makes a fantastic souvenir, especially as the staff will stamp it with their seal to commemorate your trip.

5. Time Out Market

There are tons of great places to eat in Lisbon. But if you’re struggling to decide, Time Out Market is the perfect introduction to Portuguese cuisine, and an always lively place to grab a bite.

Located near the waterfront and just across from the train station, Time Out Market was built as a food court connected to the historic Mercado da Ribeira. Communal tables fill a central space surrounded by multiple vendors, so you can try everything from traditional Portuguese bacalhau to fresh seafood to fusion delicacies from around the world.

It’s ideal for groups with different tastes, or for foodies who want to try a bunch of different things in a single location. Although prices are a little higher than most local eateries, it’s worth it for the range of food on offer and the always-lively atmosphere in one of the city’s most popular food destinations.

The Best of Lisbon

Lisbon is one of those cities you can visit multiple times and always find something new to do. This list really only scratches the surface, and I haven’t mentioned the famous Santa Justa pedestrian elevator, the Carmo Convent ruins, the São Jorge Castle, the notorious Pink Street, or so many of the other attractions of the city.

To see the best of it, you’ll just have to go for yourself.

And when you do, don’t forget an eSIM from ZenSim. With comprehensive plans that cover you across Portugal and multiple other countries throughout Europe, you’ll never have to worry about roaming fees again.