Lisbon Things To Do

For the largest green space in Lisbon, Monsanto Forest Park (Parque Florestal Monsanto) is relatively unknown to the average tourist. But amongst locals it’s earned the name “the lungs of Lisbon” for its lush green oasis, spanning an impressive 10 square kilometres!

This protected forested area is only a 10-minute Uber drive from central Lisbon and offers hilly hiking and cycling trails, sports events, picnic and BBQ areas, and children’s play zones. You get a huge slice of nature all while still being within a city!

Here are some attractions you can find within the park:

• The Fronteira Palace – a 17th-century palace with exquisite rooms adorned with decorative tiles, oil paintings, and a beautiful garden and fountain.
• Estrada da Bela Vista – The scenic walk away and cycle path will take you past Panorâmico de Monsanto, an abandoned hotel that has the best panoramic views of Lisbon.
• Parque Recreativo do Alto da Serafina – Open every day between 9 am and 6 pm, the family park offers activities for children, ponds and nature views.
• The Montes Claros Gardens – An ideal place for picnicking, these gardens have a pond with ducks, geese and turtles!

For the kids:

• The Alvito Park – Children’s playground with facilities for all ages. It has a snack shop and supervisors that ensure no child wanders out of the play area.
• Hella Park – A fun children’s amusement park with an inflatable jumping fort, outside playground, ninja track, and other activities. The park is for 4 to 10 year olds, no reservation is needed, and the price is €10 per hour.

Why not see a concert while you’re in town? You might be pleasantly surprised to find that tickets for the same show can be more affordable in Lisbon than in your hometown!

We saw Elton John at Lisbon’s Altice Arena years ago and it was much cheaper! Tickets here were €85 when it was almost €150 elsewhere.

I just looked and for an upcoming blink-182 show, a resale ticket for a seat side of stage will cost you £212 in London, whilst to be in the front standing section at the Lisbon show will cost you just £68.

Another example is for Harry Styles where standing tickets cost between £100 – £220 in the UK. As for Lisbon… €70! That’s just £59.

You can keep up to date with new shows through Songkick. Sign up for free and set an alert for when your favourite artists are performing in the cities of your choice.

If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker and not at all scared of heights you can hop in a helicopter and experience Lisbon from an incredible aerial view!

Although tours will have different routes, generally the helicopter ride will take you over the River Tagus and the city’s famous monuments. Some tours will include extras like walking tours, boat rides, and views of the cities surrounding areas.

It can be considered a bit of a splurge but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and can create amazing memories especially if you convince your mates to hop on board as well.

The helicopter is designed to carry up to 3 people (not including the pilot). There will be both private and group tours advertised on GetYourGuide, so make sure you read the small print before booking. Tours will also have a weight limit for each person and may be subject to last minute cancellations due to unforeseen weather events.

Here are some of the best helicopter flights we found on GetYourGuide:

• City and Coastline Sightseeing Helicopter Flight
• Helicopter Ride, Boat Trip, & Old Town Walking Tour
• Belém District Helicopter Flight

Explore Lisbon’s most flashiest and fashionable neighbourhood, Príncipe Real! With a name that literally translates to ‘Royal Prince’ you can expect some bougie vibes and highly Instagrammable locations. But it offers much more than that, known for its stunning 19th-century mansions, art galleries, and antique stores, Príncipe Real is a Lisbon cultural hub.

Sandwiched between the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, and the São Bento neighbourhood–home to a vibrant LGBTQIA scene–Príncipe Real buzzes with an eclectic energy.

So, it’s definitely possible to explore on a reasonable budget, here are some top things to do in Príncipe Real:

• Sunset at the Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara – Ride the Gloria tram up to the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântar and enjoy sunsets views of the Castle of São Jorge, Tagus river, and the ancient 18th century buildings of Avenida da Liberdade.
• Jardim Do Príncipe Real – Jardim do Príncipe Real is a charming square and garden known for its gigantic, indestructible 150-year-old cypress tree, which has survived numerous fires.
• Visit the 19th century Patriarchal Reservoir – A hidden gem and remarkable underground attraction. Now part of the Water Museum system, this historic water tank, powered by the Águas Livres Aqueduct, can be explored on Saturdays for a small fee of €2.
• Shop Embaixada Mall – The luxurious shopping gallery is housed in a stunning neo-Moorish building, and showcases Portuguese designers and hosts art exhibitions. Marvel at its architecture, even if you’re not a big shopper!
• Enjoy smaller antique stores – The street of the Embaixada Mall is lined with smaller antique stores. They are perfect for grabbing unique souvenirs, ceramics, textiles, and artwork.
• Visit the Natural History Museum and Botanical Gardens – The Museum showcases exhibits on chemistry, dinosaur fossils, and geological excavations. Don’t miss the interactive solar system room and the oldest Botanical Garden in Portugal, which surrounds the museum.
• The Organic Fair – The organic fair operates every Saturday from 9am to 3pm. You can find a delightful array of organic products from local farmers. With fresh vegetables and plants, yummy jams, and aromatic olive oils, this vibrant market offers a taste of Portuguese country life.

Head over to the Cheap Holiday Expert Instagram, and check out the Lisbon highlight to see what an evening out in Príncipe Real looks like!

Lisbon’s renowned Feira da Ladra has a rich history that can be dated all the way back to the 12th century! The iconic flea market is held every Saturday and Tuesday, at Campo de Santa Clara Square, adjacent to the National Pantheon, and is frequented by both locals and tourists.

Here you can find unique bargains and curiosities, a diverse array of hand-made artisan goods, CDs, books, clothing, coins, military memorabilia, antiques, and furniture. With a wide range of vendors catering to every budget, you’re sure to stumble upon that special find or unexpected steal. Even if you don’t end up buying anything it’s still pretty cool to experience a slice of Portuguese history.

Feira da Ladra quite literally translates to “Market of Thieves”, but many believe it was actually named after the ladro bug found in antique furniture. So don’t worry, the vendors are pretty legit, but as with most flea markets, the authenticity of antiques comes down to your own judgement.

Entry is free. The market opens around 8 am, with vendors packing up at around 5 pm, but you may notice that some vendors have already left by 2 pm. So, make sure you get there early as the good stuff tends to get sold quickly. Also, don’t be shy to negotiate a price; you don’t want to pay too much!

Nothing quite says ‘vacation’, like having a sunset sail on a yacht with a glass of bubbly in your hand. Soak in the beauty of Lisbon from the River Tagus and watch the sun set on its captivating cityscape.

There are a few options for Lisbon, sunset sailboat tours. Generally, they will last a few hours and depending on the company provide light snacks and champagne. However, it’s important to choose the correct time, you don’t want to get booked on a “sunset” tour at 10 am!

Your captain will guide you past famous Lisbon sights and you may even get a chance to steer the boat yourself. Here’s some popular sunset sailboat tours:

• PalmaYachts Sailboat Tour with Drinks
• WaterScenery Sailing Tour
• Nigel’s Sailing Tour with Champagne

Prices start at £16 for a small group tour and increase to £25 – £55 for a private tour.