Hidden Gems in Lisbon: 11 Secret Spots You Shouldn’t Miss

Cemitério dos Prazeres

It might seem a little unusual to recommend a cemetery as a hidden gem in Lisbon, but the Cemitério dos Prazeres is definitely worth a visit and one of our favorite photo spots in Lisbon.

Here you’ll find magnificent gravestones along wide, tree-lined avenues, and if you bring your camera, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible variety of interesting shots.

From the cemetery walls, you also get a fantastic view of the Tagus River and can even spot the Christ the King statue on the opposite bank.

Aqueduto das Àguas Livres

The Aqueduto das Águas Livres is a massive aqueduct in eastern Lisbon. It stretches over 19 km and reaches heights of up to 65 m.

It’s surprising that so few visitors come here, because it’s really impressive and one of our favorite viewpoints in Lisbon. The best part: your photos will be free of crowds.

You can walk along the aqueduct and enjoy a great view over northern Lisbon. Check the opening hours of the aqueduct here.

Flea Market Feira de Ladra

The name literally means “thief’s flea market”. Back in the day, it really was a place to hunt for stolen goods. Today, the name is just a quirky reminder of history.

The market is held on a large square behind the church of São Vicente de Fora and right in front of the Pantheon Santa Engrácia. It has a fantastic vibe.

You’ll find all sorts of things: clothing, jewelry, trinkets from past times, old magazines and books, furniture, vinyl records, and much more.

Note: Bargaining isn’t common in Portugal and can sometimes be taken as an insult.

Mouraria Neighborhood

Mouraria was Lisbon’s historic poor district. This came about when Christians forced the Muslim Moors to settle in separate neighborhoods outside the city walls.

Today, you can still feel the rich history and multicultural vibe. It’s a very authentic and original part of Lisbon—a true hidden gem off the beaten track!

Here’s a tip within a tip: in Beco das Farinhas, you’ll find a photo project called o tributo. Portraits of the older residents who shaped the neighborhood hang along the alleyway—a beautiful tribute. More info here.

Mouraria is also home to countless great restaurants and cafés. As the birthplace of fado, you can imagine the area comes alive in the evenings.

Our restaurant tip: Zé da Mouraria

Soccer in Lisbon: Sporting or Benfica?

Lisbon is divided by a question of faith: Sporting or Benfica? Benfica is the more successful club, but Sporting is also hugely popular. Matches of both teams are always well attended and a real experience for football fans.

This time we only saw Sporting, but catching a Benfica match is definitely on our list for next time.

For hardcore fans, there’s a third top-flight team: Belenenses Lisbon. Their small stadium in Belém usually draws just a few hundred spectators—a true insider experience.

How to get tickets for Sporting and Benfica

You can buy tickets online for both clubs and print them yourself. Tickets usually become available 1–2 weeks before a match, with exact dates announced only shortly in advance.

League games are typically played Friday to Monday, and European matches during the week.

For the most popular games, the online shop may not sell tickets. Then you’ll need to buy them at the stadium. Find all info on presales and online sales on the clubs’ websites.

Benfica: Estádio da Luz holds 66,000 spectators. Access via the blue metro line, stop Colégio Militar/Luz. Ticket info on the Benfica website.

Sporting: Estádio José XXI holds 50,000 spectators. Access via the green metro line, stop Campo Grande. Ticket info on the Sporting website.

Guided tour of Benfica’s stadium

A stadium tour at Estádio da Luz is a special experience. See the locker rooms, walk on the pitch, and admire Benfica’s trophies. A must for any football fan!

Book tickets for the stadium tour here

Street Art in Lisbon

Lisbon is a world capital for street art. We were amazed to see how many incredible works decorate the streets.

Street art can be found throughout the city, from Alfama to Belém.

If you love street art, be sure to join a guided tour. Your guide will share background stories and show hidden gems you’d otherwise miss. If you’re lucky, you might even see artists at work.

Our tour recommendation: Private Lisbon street art tour (3 hours)
For beginners: Kickstart street art walking tour in Lisbon

The Narrowest Building in Lisbon

Lisbon’s narrowest building is tucked away in Rua São João da Mata and we stumbled upon it by chance while wandering the streets.

We’re used to narrow houses in Amsterdam, but this one is different—it’s not narrow in width, but in depth. We’d guess it’s no more than two meters deep! From the side, it almost looks like only the façade is left standing.

This little house is a true Lisbon insider tip because there’s hardly any information about it. There are, however, three apartments in Lisbon’s narrowest house, all recently renovated.

So if you’re looking for a truly unique place to stay in Lisbon, this is it.

Jardim da Estrela

Jardim da Estrela is one of the few green havens in the otherwise packed city. It’s perfect for long afternoon picnics, sunbathing, or a relaxing stroll. The park also hosts events like jazz concerts, open-air cinemas, antique markets, and Christmas fairs.

The park is especially popular with Lisbon’s families with young children. You’ll find a large playground, a pond with turtles to watch, and two kiosks for snacks. That’s why Jardim da Estrela is one of our top tips for visiting Lisbon with kids.

A fun fact: when the park was built in the 19th century, it actually had a cage with a real lion. Wild, right? You won’t see a lion today, but plenty of other animals are still around.

Mercado Campo Ourique

Mercado Campo Ourique has been around for about 90 years and remains a true Lisbon insider tip, not yet overrun by tourists. It’s a great alternative if the Time Out Market feels too busy or trendy.

The concept is simple: the outer stalls sell fresh ingredients like meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, while the center has food stalls with delicacies from around the world—a real foodie paradise!

If you spot something you can’t wait to try, some stalls will even prepare it for you on the spot.

The market hall has been renovated but still retains its 1930s charm, making it perfect for a stroll even on rainy days.

Our Lisbon Restaurant Tips

Portuguese cuisine is amazing—especially when you avoid the usual tourist spots. Finding where the locals eat isn’t always easy, so here are our Lisbon restaurant tips.

Typical Portuguese restaurants in Lisbon

• Casa da India: Our favorite spot and a hidden gem in Lisbon. Don’t be fooled by the name—this place serves classic Portuguese dishes, delicious and affordable. Arrive early as it’s always packed.
• Taberna da Rua Florales: A simple spot with a daily changing menu. There’s usually a line outside, so allow some extra time. Perfect for sampling small portions, similar to tapas.
• Parreirinha de St. Vincente: Hidden in the heart of touristy Alfama, this is a very authentic Portuguese restaurant. The appearance might not hint at it, but the food is excellent. Staff don’t speak English, but you’ll still manage just fine.
• Ponto Final: On the other side of the Tagus River, enjoy fresh fish, delicious wine, and a sunset by the water.

International restaurants in Lisbon

• Lama Lo: Fresh falafel and salads. Even Basti tried some, though he’s usually not a falafel fan.
• Lupita: Pizza always hits the spot—especially here. Crispy crust, lots of options, absolutely delicious.
• Restaurant and Bar Chulho: Tasty Nepalese food at a good price. We love small, low-key spots like this one.
• Flora e Fauna: Serves fantastic breakfast, fluffy pancakes, bowls and more. Stylish interior with lots of plants makes it a real gem.

Pasteís de Nata & sweets

• Vegan Nata: Family-run bakery with two locations in Bairro Alto and Campo de Ourique. Completely vegan pastéis de nata, suitable for lactose intolerance or egg allergies.
• Pastéis de Belém: The iconic shop in Belém where you can try the original pastéis de nata.
• Alfama Doce: Small bakery with lots of tasty pastries at great prices.
• Manteigara: Multiple locations of this pastéis de nata factory. You can grab them to go.

Our Insider Tips for Shopping in Lisbon

What’s a trip without the perfect souvenirs? To make sure your suitcase is full on the way home, here are our shopping tips for Lisbon. If you love small boutiques and unique stores, you’ll definitely enjoy these!

• Calçada Sacramento: A shopping street near Elevador de Santa Justa with small stores. Our favorite is Ás de Espadas, a colorful vintage shop.
• Embaixada: A shopping center in an Arab palace in Principe Real. Packed with concept stores, pop-ups and unique boutiques.
• Feira do Rélogio: Lisbon’s largest market—much more authentic than the touristy ones. You can find everything from food to clothing to small trinkets. Open Sundays, 7am–2pm.
• Avenida da Liberdade: A boulevard lined with luxury brands. Often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
• A Loja Azul: A cute store with beautiful paintings and handmade ceramics. Many items are small enough to fit perfectly in your suitcase.
• A vida Portuguesa: A great spot for souvenirs. Discover vintage products connected to Lisbon in the 1950s.
• Retro City: As the name suggests, a haven for cool vintage clothes. Bring time—you’ll easily get lost exploring all the treasures.
• Symbols Lisboa: A stylish concept store near Time Out Market. From sweaters to bags, it’s perfect for design lovers.
• Cerâmicas na Linha: Beautiful ceramics—no cheap tourist fakes here. Pay per piece or by the kilo.

Special tip: Check out Lojas com historia, a project highlighting Lisbon’s long-established stores. Browse the website to discover everything from hat makers and glove designers to libraries.