The local take
The city's hills are crowned by miradouros, open viewpoints where locals gather at sunset over the Tagus, and below them lie the tangled lanes of Alfama, the riverside monuments of Belém and the leafy boulevard of Avenida da Liberdade. Museums make up a large part of the list, covering everything from fado and Art Deco to film, football and Portugal's long road to democracy.
Flea markets, shady botanical gardens and a quick ferry ride to the south bank fill out a slower day. With more time, day trips head to surf towns on the Atlantic coast and walled medieval cities in the Alentejo. Each place comes with a note from the local guide who recommends it, and the chips let you focus on viewpoints, parks, museums or day trips.
Historic LandmarkMuseumsAljube Museum – Resistance and Freedom
Located in the former Aljube prison in the Santa Maria Major neighborhood, this museum is dedicated to the memory of those who fought back during Portugal’s Estado Novo…
Lisbon, AlfamaRecommended by Adriano C.
MarketsAnjos70 Art & Fleamarket
On the first weekend of the month, head to Alameda and you’ll find this funky urban market.
LisbonRecommended by Cristina P.
Historic LandmarkViewpointsMuseumsAqueduct of Lisbon / Water Museum
Constructed between 1731 and 1799, the Aqueduct of Lisbon (Águas Livres Aqueduct) spans 941 meters and is 65 meters above the valley.
Lisbon, Bairro da LiberdadeRecommended by Matilde M.
Historic LandmarkArco da Rua Augusta
Ever so slightly off the main tourist path but still at the heart of the city center sits the Arco da Rua Augusta — right on the water’s edge.
Lisbon, BaixaRecommended by Matilde M.
MarketsAvenida da Liberdade Market
Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s most famous and prestigious avenue.
Lisbon, Avenida da LiberdadeRecommended by Tiago B.
MuseumsBenfica Cosme Damião Museum
Sports fans shouldn’t miss this museum that dives into the history of Benfica’s soccer club and stadium.
Lisbon, BenficaRecommended by Pedro G.
Live EventsBenfica FC Game
A Benfica FC match is a unique experience in Lisbon where you can mingle with locals and discover the spirit of the city.
Lisbon, BenficaRecommended by Pedro G.
MuseumsBerardo Museu Art Deco
Fans of Art Deco head to the Berardo Museu Art Deco, where an assemblage of Art Deco and Art Nouveau private collections awaits.
Lisbon, AlcântaraRecommended by Matilde M.
ParksCalouste Gulbenkian Gardens
This modern garden in the Azul neighborhood is a peaceful green space that dates back to the 18th century.
Lisbon, AzulRecommended by Adriano C.
Religious LandmarksCapela de Santo Amaro
Whether talking about the exteriors or the interiors of Capela de Santo Amaro, both parts of this unusually rounded chapel are intriguing.
Lisbon, Santo AmaroRecommended by Matilde M.
ViewpointsReligious LandmarksCapela São Jerónimo
Hardly visited by tourists, this has its pros as you have this viewpoint all to yourself.
Lisbon, ResteloRecommended by Matilde M.
ViewpointsMuseumsCasa da Cerca
Take the ferry to the south bank of the Tagus River and stop at Casa da Cerca, a contemporary arts center with spectacular city views.
Lisbon, AlmadaRecommended by Adriano C.
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