In a nutshell
- Looking for fun and unusual things to do in Lisbon beyond the usual sightseeing? You’re in the right place!
- In this article, we share 9 exciting activities that will make your trip to Lisbon truly memorable.
- From a street art tour to exploring the city by bike or catching a soccer game, there’s plenty to discover off the beaten path in Lisbon.
- Curious? Keep reading to see all of our 9 top tips for fun things to do in Lisbon.
Streetart Tour
Lisbon is a city of artists, and you’ll find amazing street art everywhere. Some of the works are absolutely stunning!
Many of the pieces are tucked away, so a street art tour is a great way to discover them.
Tours are led by local guides who know the city inside out and can tell you the stories behind the artworks.
Book a street art tour in Lisbon
Experience the Sunset from the Boat
Sunsets in Lisbon are magical. Most visitors watch them from one of the city’s viewpoints, but experiencing it from the water is even more special.
From a boat, you see the city and Lisbon’s landmarks from a fresh perspective. As the sun sets, the city glows in warm, reddish tones—making everything look even more beautiful.
A boat tour can be organized in many ways: sailboats, private boats, or even party boats.
Book a sunset sailboat tour in Lisbon
Book a private boat tour in Lisbon
Book a party boat in Lisbon
Visit Cool Markets in Lisbon
Whether it’s flea markets or food markets, Lisbon has a lot to offer! The most famous is the Time Out Market at Cais do Sodré, but there are several lesser-known markets worth visiting:
- Feira da Ladra
- Flea market at the LX Factory
- Mercado de Campo de Ourique
The Feira da Ladra is a huge flea market behind the Igreja de Santa Engrácia, open every Tuesday and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. You can find all kinds of second-hand treasures here.
Another great flea market happens every Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm at the LX Factory. It’s worth visiting not only for the vintage finds but also because the area itself is very hip. The LX Factory is an old industrial complex transformed into a trendy neighborhood.
At the Mercado de Campo de Ourique, you can buy fresh produce or grab a bite at the food stalls inside the hall.
Discover Lisbon by Bike
Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills—cycling might not seem obvious, but it works! The promenade along the Tagus River is perfect for a ride.
The route from Cais do Sodré to Belém is especially scenic. You’ll cycle past the Ponte 25 de Abril and can treat yourself to pastéis de nata in Belém.
You can also join a guided bike tour, so you don’t have to worry about renting a bike and have a guide showing you around.
Book a bike tour from Lisbon to Belém
For tackling Lisbon’s hills, e-bikes are the way to go. You can enjoy a city tour with minimal effort and maximum fun.
Book an e-bike tour through Lisbon
Food Tour through Lisbon
Lisbon’s food scene has a lot to offer. Make sure to try the traditional dishes: seafood, bifana sandwiches, and of course, pastéis de nata.
Don’t miss the local drinks, like wine or the cherry liqueur ginjinha.
A guided food tour is a fun way to explore Lisbon’s cuisine, with a local expert sharing insider tips and stories.
Bonus: a food tour is a great activity even if it rains.
Book a food tour through Lisbon
Learn to Surf
Surfing is a hugely popular activity in Lisbon, especially among young people, as the city is just a short ride from the ocean.
There are plenty of surfing beaches around Lisbon, suitable for beginners and pros alike.
For beginners, we recommend Praia de Carcavelos. Not only is it one of the most beautiful beaches near Lisbon, but it’s also perfect for learning to surf.
It’s just a 30-minute train ride from Cais do Sodré to Carcavelos.
Book a surf course at Praia de Carcavelos
Watch a Soccer Match
Soccer fans, take note! Lisbon is home to two of Portugal’s top teams: Benfica and Sporting. That means you can catch a live match almost every weekend.
Benfica is the better-known and more successful team, but Sporting also plays in the first division. Both stadiums are usually packed.
Tickets are available on the Benfica website and the Sporting website.
No match during your visit? You can still take a stadium tour.
Book a tour of Benfica’s Luz stadium
Experience a Fado Evening
Fado is a traditional music style from Lisbon—melancholic, romantic, and full of emotion.
The vocals take center stage, usually accompanied by a Portuguese guitar, a classical guitar, and a bass guitar.
Lisbon has lots of fado bars, especially in the old town district of Alfama. In the evenings, you can enjoy live performances while sipping wine and tasting local dishes.
Important: Book a table in advance. We recommend the bar A Baiuca for an authentic experience.
Kayaking in Arrábida
Kayaking is a super fun activity, and near Lisbon you can even paddle at one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches: Praia do Galapinhos.
It’s located in the Arrábida Natural Park, southwest of Lisbon. You’ll find stunning beaches and lots of unspoiled nature.
Most tours include pickup in Lisbon and a transfer to Arrábida. Once there, you can paddle, explore the coastline, and even snorkel at Galapinhos beach—an unforgettable experience near Lisbon!