Top 10 things to do in Lisbon

What a wonderful capital Lisboa is! It’s a great place to spend a weekend, take the pressure off and enjoy the best the city has to offer. Staying in Lisbon is always a great way to see Portugal in a different light. More intensely, in any case.

With its trams, colourful buildings and lively neighbourhoods, the city is an activity in itself. Stroll slowly to spare your calves and discover the best sweet and savoury specialities.

As you explore, you’ll realise that Portugal’s capital is overflowing with things to see and do. To help you choose, here is our selection of the best things to do in Lisbon. Don’t hesitate to plan a few between your cultural visits. We recommend that you book them as soon as possible to make sure you’re able to take part. It would be a shame to miss out on some memorable attractions, because as they say: first come, first served!

What to do in Lisbon: 10 ideas for activities

Your choice of activities in Lisbon may depend on how long you spend in the city. If you’re staying for 4 days, don’t be afraid to get out of the city for a while, or to devote some time to a longer activity. Unusual attractions will also allow you to get to know the city from a whole new angle. For a visit off the beaten track, our selection of the best activities and attractions in Lisbon is here to help!

1 – Admire the sunset from a catamaran

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€ / Sensations

Description: After a long day of sightseeing, climb aboard a superb catamaran for a sea excursion. As you sail along, rediscover the most emblematic sites of the Tagus. For added comfort, take a seat on one of the boat’s two nets! With a drink in hand, you can admire the Belem Tower and the 25th of April Bridge in their magnificent golden hues.

2. Start a culinary walk with wine tasting

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€ / Gastronomic

Description: Let’s set off on a 3-hour food and wine tour of Lisbon! Accompanied by a culinary guide, the world of Portuguese gastronomy will soon hold no secrets for you. This walking tour will allow you to discover Porto wines, beers and local specialities, cheeses and brandies at your own pace. This precious time of exploration will be accompanied by traditional music. Immersion is guaranteed!

3. Take to the hills on an electric bike

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€ / Sensations / Cultural

Description: What if exploring Lisbon could be done effortlessly (or almost)? Don’t dread the vertiginous hills of the Portuguese capital with this electric bike tour. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll explore the various historic districts off the beaten track. Weaving your way through secret streets, you’ll explore the city like a true Lisboan, in a fun, authentic and eco-friendly way.

4. Learn how to make the famous Pastels de nata

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: Who hasn’t succumbed to the creaminess and sweetness of an authentic pastel de nata? Don’t wait to return to Portugal to taste its tenderly sweet flavour. This traditional pastry-making course will teach you the secrets of preparing this emblematic delicacy. Follow the recipe for a pastel de nata, accompanied by a chef. When you smell the caramel, it’s time to taste! Savour the fruits of your labour, accompanied by local drinks.

5. Watching dolphins with a marine biologist

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€ / Unusual

Description: Embark on an excursion to meet the wild dolphins of Lisbon’s coastline. This timeless experience will take you up close to the mammals, while respecting their natural habitat. Watch them play, hunt and curiously come to meet you. Your biologist guide will tell you all about these extraordinary animals. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy the best views of the coast and Lisbon.

6. Take a surf lesson near Lisbon

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€ / Sensations / Sporty

Description: It’s time to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon for a breath of fresh air! The best surf spots in the area are less than 30 minutes from the city. Once you’ve arrived on the sand, your 4 to 8 hour surf session will begin. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll benefit from the advice of a qualified instructor. Everything you need for an invigorating and memorable experience!

7. Horse riding through the dunes

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€€ / Unusual / Sporty

Description: Join your horse for an excursion from Lisbon to the Comporta nature reserve. Take a deep breath of the fresh, iodised air and the Atlantic. You’ll ride peacefully across the dunes of Europe’s largest beach! The panorama of this endless coastline is exceptional. During this walk, you will also explore Setúbal, the most important centre of Portugal’s fishing industry.

8. Take a traditional cooking class

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€€ / Unusual / Gastronomic

Description: In Lisbon, you never miss an opportunity to dine out. Join a group of gourmets for a Portuguese cooking workshop. You’ll have the chance to prepare 4 traditional dishes, including the famous Pastel de Nata! It’s sure to be a warm and happy experience, especially when it’s time to break bread.

9. Taste the specialities of Portuguese wines

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: If you love good wine, this is the activity for you. During this workshop, you will taste the subtleties of the famous Portuguese wines. You’ll have 1 hour of tasting and sensory discovery to learn about the history of Portuguese wine and the culture of the wine-growing regions. Enough to grasp the central place of vineyards in the national heritage.

10. Attend a fado show

photo credit shutterstock

Category: €€ / Cultural

Description: Close your eyes and listen to the traditional music of Portugal: the fado. Through the bewitching notes of this music, you will discover a little more about the history of the Portuguese and their melancholy rhythm. This cultural activity will also take you back to the origins of this music and its major place in Portuguese culture.