The city of Lisbon is full of hidden gems, but you need to find them first! If you’re looking for things to do and see, we’ve compiled this list with 25 of Lisbon’s best kept secrets. We’ve got lost in the cobblestone streets of Bairro Alto, waited far too long to snap a photo of the yellow tram, and explored the city until our feet nearly fell off.
In this post, we share with you our list of Lisbon’s best kept secrets, including restaurants and hotels, along with a downloadable map for you to save for your next trip to Lisbon!
1. Rent a Twizy
This is one of the best ways to see Lisbon, and one of our favourite of Lisbon’s best kept secrets. Live Electric Tours, the company we used, offers two-person Twizy rentals. These electric cars come with a built-in, pre-programmed GPS that has your tour route pre-populated. It also serves as an audio guide, telling you about all the viewpoints, monuments, and attractions along the way. Live Electric Tours offer several different routes, and as a bonus, the cars come equipped with Wi-Fi. Also, because the vehicles are electric, parking is free everywhere in the city for you! Lastly, they are called LIVE Electric Tours because they Facebook Live your tour – so your family back home can watch your tour, and you’ll have a lasting souvenir!
2. Street Art
There is street art all over this beautiful city. It is something that adds to the charm and wonder of what Lisbon is.
3. Ride Tram 28
The iconic image when you search Lisbon – the yellow trams. Tram 28, specifically, takes you to some of the main tourist attractions in Lisbon. Make sure you either go early or late in the day if you want a seat, as it is standing room only during the day. The price for the tram is €2.90, or you can get the 24-hour pass at the metro station for €6.30.
4. A Ginjinha
The drink of Portugal! If this is your first time visiting Lisbon, this cherry liqueur (Ginjinha or Ginja) is a must-try. “A Ginjinha” is the traditional place to go to sample it, but anywhere will do. Don’t forget to buy a bottle of Ginja at the airport on your way home to share with friends!
5. Ride the Bica Funicular (Ascensor da Bica)
Something that truly brings out the kid in everyone is riding the funicular. After all, it’s named fun-icular! One of the most photographed funiculars in Lisbon is the Ascensor da Bica. Something to note is there are two funiculars, one is kept in pristine condition, but the other has been covered with graffiti. The cost is €2.90 to ride the funicular and is worth every penny!
6. Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is one of the cutest neighborhoods in Lisbon. We suggest going a little later in the day, taking some photos with the funicular and then indulging in a delicious dinner at any one of the many restaurants in Bairro Alto. Once you’ve eaten, you can then party into the early hours of the morning with locals and tourists alike!
7. LX Factory
The LX Factory is not a factory at all! In 2008, this industrial site, consisting of warehouses and factories, was transformed into a modern neighborhood with restaurants, colorful street art, and many design studios. The focus of this area was to create a place for the younger generation of Lisbon.
8. Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte
It’s no secret that Lisbon is full of breathtaking lookout points, but this specific viewpoint is the city’s highest lookout and offers one of the best panoramic views of the city.
9. Torel Garden (Jardim do Torel)
Jardim do Torel also offers great views of Lisbon. The locals frequent this quaint little garden more often than tourists, so it is a great place to relax and take in the local culture. There are some cute cafés in the area, where you can grab a drink while you’re at it!
10. Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see when in Lisbon. Built in 1515, the tower is one of the most important and popular monuments in Lisbon. The Belém Tower once served as a defense system for the city against foreign ships. There are tours to enter and view the inside of the tower, but the lines can be extremely long. A lot of information can be found on plaques outside and just seeing the tower itself is worth the trip.
11. Belém Riverside
A great way to spend a couple of hours is enjoying the Belém Riverside. You can rent a bike, Segway, or simply walk along and enjoy the multitude of painters, live musicians, and pop up cafés.
12. Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
Also located along the Belém Riverside, this monument is designed to look like the front of a ship. It was constructed to celebrate the dozens of exploratory voyages made by the Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries. Located on the Tagus River, this 52-meter (170 ft.) structure is hard to miss. While most stay on the ground and take photographs, for only €5 you can climb all the way to the top.
13. Monastery of Jerónimos (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
Built in the 15th century, this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site is another must-visit when exploring Belém. Commissioned by King Manuel in 1501, this historical building has been perfectly preserved. With a long history in the culture and identity of Portugal, this golden church is a sight that must be seen with your own two eyes.
14. Trip to Cascais
If you have the time, a half-day or full-day trip out to the Portuguese Riviera is well worth it! From the sandy beaches and fresh seafood restaurants, to the expansive ocean boardwalks, and the Boca do Inferno rock formation, Cascais will not disappoint! The Lisbon to Cascais train takes only 30-40 minutes, with trains running every 20 minutes during peak times.
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15. Trip to Sintra
If you are spending a couple of days in Lisbon, we recommend planning a trip to Sintra. You must visit the colorful Palacio de Pena and if time permits, a visit to the Palacio de Monserrate, and Quinta da Regaleira should also be on your list of places to check out. For planning purposes, the train takes roughly 40-45 minutes to get from Lisbon to Sintra, so you should plan at least a half, if not a full day trip.
16. St. George’s Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
Situated at one of the highest points in the city, St. George Castle overlooks all of Lisbon and the Tagus River. It is believed that this castle was built in the 6th century and later dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of England, to commemorate England and Portugal’s relationship. It costs €10 to enter, and you can expect to spend at least 1-2 hours here.
17. The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines (O Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa)
That’s right! We’re sending you to a store called the Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines. This iconic shop is located in the heart of Lisbon, and colorfully showcases sardines as you’ve never seen before. Don’t be fooled – it looks like a fun carnival from the outside, but on the inside, an endless array of sardines! Apparently they taste much better in Portugal, but we’ve never worked up the courage to try them!
18. Livraria do Simão
Livraria do Simão is said to be the smallest bookstore in the world at only 43 square feet (four square meters). While this bookstore is small, it has on average 4,000 books available. Be prepared for a short line as only one person is allowed in at a time.
19. Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa)
Truthfully, one of the coolest things to see in Lisbon! This lift transports people from the Baixa District to the Largo do Carmo area. Due to the long lineups, it might not be worth the wait to take the ride, but seeing the detailed ironwork is well worth it. Plus, there’s lots of shopping at the bottom on Rua do Carmo.
20. Visit the Alfama District
Alfama is the oldest district in all of Lisbon and offers picturesque cobblestone streets and breathtaking views. The remarkable architecture here will take you back to the early years of Lisbon and will allow you to dive into the classic Lisboa culture.
21. Lisbon’s Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho)
An Instagrammers dream! While this street is becoming less of a secret, we thought it was important to include on this list. The pink street is located on Rua Nova do Carvalho and offers one of the best spots to take photos. At night, this place truly comes alive! The clubs, bars, and restaurants in this little area are some of the best in all of Lisbon!
22. Mercado de Santa Clara / Thieves Market (Feira da Ladra)
If you are in Lisbon on a Tuesday or Saturday, you must visit this market! The market is located in the Alfama District and is the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir. It is also one of Lisbon’s oldest markets! Don’t forget to barter a bit because the first price you are given is likely to be flexible.
23. National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)
Museu do Azulejo showcases some of the most stunning tiles and ceramics in Portuguese history. This is a must-visit if you are interested in understanding how the tiles became such an intricate part of Portuguese history, or you’re just looking to take some cute photos for Instagram.
24. MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia)
This museum is based out of a coal-burning power plant. The plant has since been shut down and fully refurbished in order to showcase the building. Beyond the building itself, the museum is home to several temporary, modern art pieces focusing on the ways in which we imagine (with art), inhabit (with architecture), and create (with technology) the world we live in.
25. Fado Music
The final one of Lisbon’s best kept secrets is Fado music, the music of Lisbon! This genre can be traced back to the early 1800s. Fado music is popular for how expressive it is – it’s said to be Lisbon’s version of the blues. Some places to listen to Fado in Lisbon are: Clube de Fado, Senhor Vinho, Parreirinha de Alfama, and Tasca do Chico.
From Madison
While you may want to wear your cute heels, think twice! The streets in Lisbon are no joke – so many hills and so much cobblestone! If you want to take photos in heels, I recommend carrying them in a bag and wearing something more practical while you explore the city.
Map of Lisbon’s Best Kept Secrets
Restaurants | Lisbon’s Best Kept Secrets:
- O Cantinho da Rute (Fire Cooked Chorizo Sausage)
- Bonjardim (Piri Piri Chicken)
- Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau (Codfish Cakes)
- Pasteis de Belem (Custard Tarts)
Hotels | Lisbon’s Best Kept Secrets:
- AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado
- Altis Belem Hotel & Spa
- The Independente Hostel & Suites
- Memmo Alfama Hotel
- Torel Palace
- Any of the Lisbon Heritage Hotels (they have five hotels and they are all stunning!)
Are we missing any other hidden gems? What are your favourite places in Lisbon?
