Things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon is a vibrant city where you are not likely to get bored. Leisure activities are plenty, and there's something for all ages and tastes. That being said, here's a non-exhaustive list of things to do so that you can make your stay a memorable one.
Things to do in Lisbon alone
If you're on a solo trip and wish to get a hold of what Lisbon has to offer, then you should definitely check out some of the Portuguese capital's most popular street markets, selling local produce, homemade goods and other Portuguese specialty items, such as cheese, honey and olive oil. Plus, staples like Feira da Ladra are a great place to find good deals on second-hand goods and trinkets.
If you are more of the outdoorsy type, get yourself a good pair of walking shoes and go for a hike. The architecture within the city is beautiful, of course, but the nearby countryside is simply stunning. Take a train down to Setúbal and have a hike around the Serra da Arrábida, or up to Sintra and have a majestic trek up and down the hills of the medieval municipality. The latter is also home to the fairytale-ish Palácio da Pena, one of the most exquisite palaces in all of Europe.
Things to do in Lisbon with your partner
Needless to say, a picturesque sunset cruise over the Tagus River sounds like a wonderful experience for couples in Lisbon. Locals say no other place in the world catches the sunlight quite like Lisbon, so this must be a great spectacle for anyone watching from the water level! However, if you want to keep things low-key, just grab a few snacks from the nearest grocery store and prepare an impromptu picnic at one of the city's many viewpoints, such as the Nossa Senhora do Monte Viewpoint, the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint or the Graça Viewpoint.
As yet another alternative, there are also several pockets of fresh, verdant green all over the city. Among the many possible choices, Parque Urbano do Jamor is one of the biggest and greenest, featuring a canal and lake on which you can rent a kayak. Finally, for a nighttime activity, just grab your better half by the hand and take them to Alfama, one of Lisbon's most traditional quarters. This area is extremely popular for its Casas de Fado, small venues where visitors can have dinner while enjoying an authentic Fado performance.
Things to do in Lisbon with your family
It is worth noticing that Lisbon is quite traditional when it comes to family, so there are plenty of kid-friendly activities.
The Lisbon Oceanarium is one such activity, attracting families from all over the world to one of the biggest aquariums in all of Europe. From sea to land, the Lisbon Zoo is also highly rated among the younger visitors as well. For something a bit more active, you can take your kids to one of the many beaches located 30 minutes away from the downtown area, or go for a (literal) walk in the park at Park Eduardo VIII or Jardim da Estrela.
To combine keeping them busy with doing some sightseeing, ride of one of Lisbon's historical trams or take the scenic Lisbon Cable Car over Parque das Nações, with great views of the Tagus River. Furthermore, and since Portugal is a nation that is absolutely obsessed with football, catching a local game at either Estádio da Luz or Estádio de Alvalade can also be a pretty cool thing to do with kids.
But what if it's rainy or particularly cold outside? Well, in that case, you can either take the kids to the theater (such as the National Theater of São Carlos, the Trindade Theater or the Tivoli BBVA) or just snuggle up, buy a bag of popcorn and hit the movies at one of the city's many cinemas (mostly located inside shopping malls). As an alternative, you can also discover one of the city's many museums, such as MAAT, the Museum of Puppetry, the National Tile Museum or the Museum of Fado.
Things to do in Lisbon with friends
Last but certainly not least, if you're traveling or hosting friends in the city and feel like heading out in the evening, nightlife lovers will be delighted to find many bars, pubs and nightclubs all around Lisbon. The most popular quarters to go have a drink and listen to some music are Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré, the quintessential nightlife hotspots in the Portuguese capital.
On the other hand, if you prefer to seize the day and live a more active lifestyle, you and your group can hit one of the many beaches located within 30 minutes from downtown. The biggest and most popular ones, such as Carcavelos, even offer the chance to engage in a surfing lesson or just rent the necessary equipment.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that Portuguese people love to go out for a cup of coffee and just hang out for hours on end (especially when the weather is cold and damp). Though you're certainly spoiled for choice in Lisbon since there are countless coffee shops everywhere, places like The Mill, Cotidiano, A Luz Ideal or Heim Café are great spots to hang with friends and family.
