With an estimated population of over 500,000, Lisbon is the capital and largest city in Portugal. You might not know this bit of trivia, but it is considered to be one of the oldest European cities that pre-dates the likes of London and Rome by many centuries. Whether you’re on a soul-searching solo trip or traveling with the family, there are many things that you can experience in Lisbon. As for stays, the city offers a wide range of appealing accommodation options such as luxury and boutique hotels. Backpackers need not worry as there are plenty of economical hostels in Lisbon as well.
Many travelers have cited that the food is excellent and the nightlife scene is vibrant and magical. Plus, the weather is warm and fantastic all year round. If you are planning to live (and breathe) like a local in this city, then you are in luck. Check out our list of the best non-touristy things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.
1. Pay a visit to Estufa Fria - contributed by Tour Guide, Beatrice Sacco
Want to go for a walk surrounded by greenery in Lisbon? Visit Estufa Fria greenhouse situated near a 19th-century basalt quarry that ceased operations when a nearby spring was discovered. In 1933, this garden was established, with a diverse array of plants adorning Avenida da Liberdade. Exuberant ferns, camel trees, azaleas, and begonias contribute to its rich botanical tapestry.
Forty-two years later, the Estufa Quente and Doce sections were added, expanding the collection to include Arabic coffee trees, bananas, mangoes, cacti, and succulent plants. As you wander along winding stone paths and cross small lakes and romantic caves, the enchanting ambiance will leave you in awe, making it hard to believe you’re still in Lisbon!
Estufa Fria
Address: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: Estufa Fria
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
2. Explore Alfama District at sunrise
Discovering the charm of Alfama District at sunrise is the perfect way to escape the crowds while immersing yourself in the heart of Lisbon. This historic neighborhood, with roots tracing back to the Moors, showcases a unique blend of narrow cobbled streets, ancient architecture, and captivating beauty. As the sun rises, the district awakens in tranquil splendor and allows you to appreciate its historic allure without the bustling crowds.
During your visit to this less-known tourist attraction in Lisbon, be sure to visit the iconic São Jorge Castle and soak in the melancholic sounds of Fado music on the streets. Alfama provides a peaceful escape while you also get to experience the city’s culture.
Alfama District
Address: Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal
Website: Alfama District
3. Enjoy panoramic views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte beckons those in search of the city’s hidden treasures. What sets this panoramic perch apart is its popularity among locals.
Here, atop the Graca district’s highest point, you’ll find tranquility among Lisbon’s serene skyline. Watch the sun paint the city in warm hues at sunrise or cherish a sunset with that special someone. With sweeping vistas of Lisbon’s iconic red rooftops, the Tagus River, and beyond, it’s a photographer’s dream.
You can also explore the enchanting Alfama District while you are here and immerse yourself in authentic Lisbon life.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Address: Largo Monte, 1170-107 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
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4. Ride a vintage sailboat (from USD 46.0)
Dreaming of the tranquil feeling of riding a sailboat while enjoying the delicious flavors of Portuguese food and wine? Look no further! This experience allows you to enjoy Portuguese petiscos (entrees) while listening to relaxing music and sipping good wine. The majestic views from the sailboat will also be part of this memorable experience. Enjoy the calm vibe during your excursion and have an unforgettable trip.
Daylight or Sunset by Vintage Sailboat
Duration: 2 hours
Lisbon Tour Guide
Rita Jardim
Rita has been a tour guide in Portugal since 2015. She is a passionate storyteller and a history buff whose goal is to immerse curious travelers in the beautiful Portuguese tale. Rita creates customized tours, cultural experiences, and food adventures in Lisbon, Belém, Sintra, Évora, and lesser-explored corners of Portugal. If you're looking for a genuine and immersive experience beyond the typ... Read more
Tours by Rita
Lisbon Tour Guide
Francisco
Hello!!! My name is Francisco, but my friends call me Chico, so, feel free to call me that! I was born, raised and live in Lisbon, but I am a well travelled person, as I work for almost 30 years in the Tourism Industry. I am a family man, father of 3 grown up boys, and my friends say I am a "Social Animal" as I easily make friends! I love sports ( especially soccer and rugby), walking the st... Read more
Tours by Francisco
Lisbon Tour Guide
Rui Alves
I offer tours and guide services in Portugal, from North to South, with professionalism and love representing the best hidden gems of our country.
Tours by Rui
Lisbon Tour Guide
Marta Côrte Real
I was born in Lisbon and I'm forever in love with it! After my family, guiding is my greatest passion: I love what I do! I have a 5 year degree called Touristic Information, specifically to work as a Tourist Guide, as well as the Certificate of Competence acquired through a qualifying examination, in order to be able to exercise this regulated profession. I own and manage a tour company licens... Read more
Tours by Marta
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5. Go for traditional tile painting (from USD 38.0)
Discover the rich history of the tiles used for tile painting. You will learn the whole process of traditional tile painting and you will see how interesting it really is. The atelier you will be painting in is sure to make you feel at home. You will be presented with a variety of designs to choose from and you will be painting two tiles. Don’t worry if it’s your first time as there will be detailed explanations on how it’s done, and you will be guided throughout the process. You will also experience using the kiln for the creation of your finished products just like the old Portuguese experts. This will definitely be an enriching experience for you.
Traditional Tile Painting Workshop
Duration: 2 hours
6. Paddle on the secret lagoon (from USD 64.0)
See the incredible views of Lisbon Bridge and other notable monuments such as Torre de Belém and Padrão dos Descobrimentos while crossing the river. You will also get the chance to see a beautiful forest as you drive through it on a jeep. A majestic lagoon where you can try stand-up paddleboarding on the pristine waters is also part of the itinerary. You can even just relax on the abundant sand near the waters if you don’t feel like paddling.
You will definitely want to make the most of this tour, especially if you’re on the lookout for non-touristy places to visit in Lisbon.
Secret Lagoon BestLisbon Stand up Paddle
Duration: 5.5 hours
7. Have a drink with the locals at Topo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hoje temos final de dia patrocinado pela @heinekenpt no Topo Martim Moniz Ao som do Dj Anthony G, contamos convosco...
Posted by TOPO on Saturday, November 6, 2021
You have had a nice Portuguese dinner and you intend to head to a local watering hole to get your drinks to start the night. We suggest heading to Topo, which is a chic and trendy rooftop restaurant and bar located on the sixth floor of the Commercial Center Martim Moniz. Here, you will get to enjoy picturesque views of the city while enjoying a beer or a cocktail from the bar. This place is very popular with the friendly locals, so don’t be afraid to blend in and make some new friends.
Topo
Address: 6th floor, sala I, Commercial Center Martim Moniz, Praca Martim Moniz
Website: Topo
Opening hours: Tue - Thur: 5.00pm - 12.00am; Fri - Sat: 5.00pm - 2.00am (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 13 - 25 USD
8. Shop till you drop at the Colombo Center Mall
Ready to do some window or serious shopping after exploring all the scenic sights in Lisbon? Head on down to the Colombo Center, which is the largest shopping mall in all of Portugal. There are a jaw-dropping total of over 300 stores that sell major international and local brands. Once shopping is done, relax those tired legs with a nice cup of coffee at a cafe or catch a movie at the IMAX theatre.
Colombo Center
Address: Av. Lusíada, 1500-392 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: Colombo Center
Opening hours: 9.00am - 12.00am (daily)
9. Listen to Fado music at Tasca do Chico
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Mais uma gravação na Tasca do Chico, desta vez a jovem fadista Nathalie
Posted by Tasca Do Chico on Wednesday, October 18, 2017
There is something magical about Fado, which is commonly known as being a typical Portuguese song. By now, your ears might have picked up these somber tunes while walking along the streets of Lisbon. These melancholy songs mostly display emotions and feelings that range from tragedy to despair, but yet something about it is so captivating. If there is a place that you can go listen with an open heart, try heading to a local bar called Tasca do Chico. You can sip a glass of red wine and snack on some local bar food while the music serenades you.
Tasca do Chico
Address: R. do Diário de Notícias 39, 1200-141 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: Tasca do Chico
Opening hours: Sun - Thurs: 7.00pm - 1.30am; Fri - Sat: 7.00pm - 3.00am
Price: 13 - 25 USD
10. Dance to the beat of Brazilian forró at Martim Moniz
The famous Martim Moniz square is probably Lisbon’s most multicultural town square and well known for its large Indian and Chinese communities here. The locals love it here because there is a wide range of shops and kiosks that sell myriad of food, groceries and other unique things. On Friday nights, the music of Brazilian forró can be heard in the main plaza. Come early for some street food dinner and then join the locals and dance to the rhythmic beats for an unforgettable experience.
Martim Moniz square
Address: Rua de Senhora da Saude, Lisbon 1100-586, Portugal
11. Have a picnic in Estrela Park
When the sun is shining and the skies are blue, it’s no better indication for a picnic at the local park. In this instance, pack a bottle of wine and some cheese and then head over to the lovely Estrela Park for a picnic. Carefully maintained gardens and a small duck pond are some of the delightful sights here.
While popular among Portuguese families, the park remains a hidden gem in Lisbon as it is not commonly frequented by global tourists. Take a break from being a sightseer for a day and enjoy yourself with a stroll here.
Estrela Park
Address: Praca da Estrela, Lisbon 1200-667, Portugal
Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)
12. Hop on a bike tour at Belem Riverside
Stray away from the usual tourist spots and experience Lisbon more like a local on a bike tour. There are many bike tours that start from the city, but we recommend choosing one that takes you along the riverside banks to the Belem neighborhood. You will be able to experience Lisbon as a vibrant city and all her beautiful natural and urban landscapes as you cycle. This is definitely an item to add to your itinerary.
Belem Riverside
Address: R. Fernão Mendes Pinto 13, 1400-280 Lisboa, Portugal
13. Experience retro vibes at Cafe da Garagem
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Deixemos para amanhã o que não podemos comer hoje! O Café da Garagem reabre amanhã, com muitas novidades! Horário...
Posted by Café da Garagem on Sunday, April 18, 2021
With furniture and decor that have a 1980s retro vibe, the Cafe da Garagem is the place to get your hipster photo for your Instagram account. But you shouldn’t just come here to admire its interior. Rather, the view of the city of Lisbon by the large window still is easily the main attraction for this cafe. Getting to this cafe might be a bit of a trip but we promise it will be worth it. Once you get here, order a glass of white wine and take a seat by the large window and admire the sunset over the city in silence.
Cafe da Garagem
Address: Costa do Castelo 75, 1100-178 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: Cafe da Garagem
Opening hours: Sun, Tues - Thurs: 3.00pm - 12.00am; Mon: 6.00pm - 12.00am; Fri - Sat: 3.00pm - 2.00am
Price: 13 - 25 USD
14. Have a taste of Ginjinha
Ginjinha, or affectionately known as Ginja, is local red Portuguese liqueur that is made by infusing ginja berries, sour cherries, sugar and other ingredients in alcohol. Ginjinha is usually served in a shot glass and has a piece of cherry in the bottom of the cup. If you are keen to try Lisbon’s official drink, you should look for a Ginjinha bar though it should not be a problem locating one. It is said that having a shot of Ginjinha is a great way to start a day of sightseeing, so why not try it for yourself?
A Ginjinha
Address: Largo São Domingos 8, 1100-201 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: A Ginjinha
Opening hours: 9.00am - 10.00pm (daily)
15. Embark on a horseback riding adventure (from USD 320.0)
Lisbon may be easily accessible by trams and its other forms of public transport, but what about exploring it while on horseback? Those who are adventurous can consider going for a horseback riding tour along the picturesque white sands of the Comporta beach region. This tour is beginner-friendly and includes a round trip from your hotel or a given address.
Horse Riding Tour on the Beach Lisbon region
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
16. Experience partying with drag queens (from USD 116.0)
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Lisbon, why not enjoy a live drag show and cook authentic Portuguese food? Have you always wondered how drag queens create their looks? This experience allows you to be transformed into a drag queen so you will finally know how it is done. You will drink champagne with drag queens and, later on, proceed with the cooking class. There will also be delicious sangrias for you to enjoy. You will even get to wear accessories that these drag queens use for the most authentic experience.
Drag Queens Cooking Party
Duration: 5 hours
17. Master the art of street photography (from USD 197.0)
We bet you will take many beautiful photographs of the city, but how about taking it up an artistic notch? If photography is right up your alley, then we recommend meeting up with a local photographer as he or she brings you around the city through his perspective. This tour will enable you to learn invaluable tips and techniques on street photography while touring historic districts like Baixa, Chiado, and Avenida Liberdade.
One Day Lisbon Street Photography Workshop
Duration: 1 day
Fuel your wanderlust in Lisbon
Without a doubt, Lisbon is one of those places on earth that anyone can enjoy to the fullest. Whether you have an old soul or a young aspiring talent, you will definitely come away with many memories. We hope that this list of off-beat activities in Lisbon has made you excited to explore all the city has to offer.
Frequently asked questions about the best non-touristy things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
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