Top Free Things to Do in Lisbon
It’s easy to enjoy Lisbon without breaking the bank, and the Portuguese capital’s biggest draws are outdoors – from astounding views at hilltop miradouros (lookouts) to tranquil squares and magical strolls in Alfama.
Many hostels also offer free walking tours that guide you through street art displays and historical sites. Here are the best experiences you can embrace in Lisbon without any cost.
1. Gaze upon the rooftops of Lisbon from Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Lisbon has spectacular viewpoints, but Miradouro de Santa Luzia scores high in romantic points. Admire the blue-and-white glazed tile panel on the church wall that depicts Praça do Comércio before the Great Earthquake in 1755. Head to the terrace for sweeping views of terracotta rooftops, the white dome of the National Pantheon, and the semi-industrial skyline of the Tagus River’s south bank.
Local tip: Enjoy a cocktail along with the incredible view. Farther up the street, Portas do Sol offers stunning city views and refreshing drinks that you can order at the onsite cafe with outdoor seating.
2. Show me the money in Museu do Dinheiro
The nine rooms of Lisbon’s Money Museum tell the story of currency and commercial transactions over the years. Educational and fun, the museum offers the chance to hold and touch an authentic gold bar, which is a favorite with kids. In addition to money on display, museum-goers get to see another treasure: the remains of the 700-year-old medieval wall that once protected the city.
3. Meet your match at Igreja de Santo António
Although Lisbon officially has two patron saints, Vicente and António, the latter is by far the most popular and celebrated. The small Baroque-Rococo style church of Santo António was built close to the house where he was born in 1195. Because Santo António is also known as the matchmaker saint, devout newlyweds visit the church on their wedding day to pray, ask for protection, and donate flowers.
4. Get lost in the historical streets of Alfama and Madragoa
Stow away your Lisbon map and get lost in the winding streets of the city’s oldest neighborhood, Alfama. In this medieval maze of alleyways, stairs, fountains, and interior courtyards, you’ll come across the postcard-perfect image of tile facades and hanging laundry. Keep your eyes peeled for the oldest house in Lisbon, on Rua dos Cegos, which survived the earthquake. Hop on tram 28E to explore the other must-see historical neighborhood of Lisbon, Madragoa.
5. Admire Manueline architecture in Igreja da Conceição Velha
Built in the same Manueline style as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém, the ornate portal of Igreja da Conceição Velha is its most striking attraction. The dramatic sequence of events on November 1, 1755 – an earthquake followed by a fire and a tsunami – left little of Lisbon standing, particularly in the historical neighborhood of Alfama. Seeing such a piece of Manueline architecture in the center of Lisbon is a true treat.
6. Pay your respects to the view from Cemitério dos Prazeres
The grand gate, tall cypresses, and wide lanes of Cemitério dos Prazeres contradict any eerie image you might have of a cemetery. A magnificent example of late 19th-century funeral architecture, Prazeres is the final resting place of several distinguished Portuguese figures, from artists and writers to politicians. Check out the Artists’ Plot for a full view of Ponte 25 de Abril.
7. Take a free tour of ancient Lisbon
Rebuilding Lisbon after the earthquake was so urgent that the original city layout is hard to see now. A hidden archaeological treasure was uncovered in the early 1990s at Rua dos Correeiros, revealing 2500 years of history. A guided tour at Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros will take you through each historical layer, from the Roman period to the late 1700s.
8. Get serenaded as the sun sets next to Cais das Colunas
Once the main gateway to Lisbon for visitors arriving by ship, Cais das Colunas is now a magnet for sunset watchers, occasionally serenaded by amateur live music shows. Sit on the marble steps to soak up the sun or watch it set over Ponte 25 de Abril.
9. Escape the summer heat in Jardins da Gulbenkian
A haven of shade in hot summers and sun-drenched in winters, the Modernist gardens of Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian are a local favorite. Share space with wobbling resident ducks on their way to the pond or take your reading to the open-air amphitheater, enjoying the serenity of the gardens.
10. Cool off at the Caminho da Água
Caminho da Água is an art installation by Rigo in Alameda dos Oceanos, featuring six colorful, tile-covered volcanoes that “erupt” at regular intervals, creating a fun splash zone for kids.
11. Stroll past incredible architecture in Parque das Nações
The former grounds of Expo 1998, Parque das Nações is now an urban park where you can admire contemporary architecture. From Santiago Calatrava’s Gare do Oriente to Álvaro Siza Vieira’s Pavilhão de Portugal, the park is a top attraction for architecture enthusiasts.
12. Devour the view from Panorâmico de Monsanto
Once a high-end restaurant for the elite of Lisbon, Panorâmico de Monsanto has transformed into the best spot to get a free 360-degree view of the city, despite its history of decay.
13. People watch in Praça do Martim Moniz
At the heart of Mouraria, Praça do Martim Moniz is a favorite spot for locals to watch people and unwind. Nearby, you can see the remains of Lisbon’s medieval wall.
14. Admire the outdoor artwork of the Galeria de Arte Urbana
Brave the steep climb uphill on Calçada da Glória to visit Lisbon’s urban art gallery, featuring seven panels for pre-approved projects by both up-and-coming and established street artists.
15. Take a hike in Parque Florestal de Monsanto
Known as Lisbon’s lung, Parque Florestal de Monsanto is the city’s largest urban park, offering designated picnic areas, children’s parks, and plenty of hiking and cycling trails. You can even cycle back to the city center via the Corredor Verde pathway.
16. Marvel at the intricate beauty of Igreja de São Roque
This 16th-century church near Bairro Alto is one of the few buildings in Lisbon to have survived the 1755 earthquake. Behind its austere facade lies an intricately decorated interior with frescoes and gilded carved wood.
17. Hunt for hidden treasures at Feira da Ladra
A trip to Feira da Ladra, the longest-running flea market in Lisbon, is a mix of bargain hunting and people-watching, with a diverse range of items sold every Tuesday and Saturday.
18. Stumble across ancient Roman ruins
After the 1755 earthquake, much of Lisbon was rebuilt quickly, sometimes uncovering traces of ancient Rome in the process. Check out Casa dos Bicos, housing Fundação José Saramago and allowing visitors to witness ancient Roman remains freely.
19. Learn about traditional Portuguese art forms
Amália Rodrigues, Portugal’s most famous Fado singer, was immortalized by Vhils in a stunning installation featuring the traditional Portuguese pavement near Rua dos Cegos.
20. Escape the urban buzz in Jardim da Estrela
The English-inspired Jardim da Estrela is one of Lisbon’s most romantic gardens, adorned with leafy trees, ponds, and occasional live music performances in the summer.
21. Say a prayer you’ll return in Sé de Lisboa
Built on an old mosque, Lisbon’s cathedral features Gothic and Baroque details added over centuries. Visitors can explore ongoing archaeological excavations in the cloisters for a fee.
22. Learn more about Lisbon’s bloody history at Igreja de São Domingos
Surviving two major earthquakes and a devastating fire, Igreja de São Domingos reflects history with its bare walls and ongoing signs of destruction from its past.
23. Discover a secret viewpoint in Parque Eduardo VII
Parque Eduardo VII, the largest park in central Lisbon, hosts many outdoor events. Visit the lesser-known viewpoint located next to João Cutileiro’s monument for amazing views of the Tagus River and the surrounding area.
24. Free concerts at Museu do Fado
If you’re curious about fado, skip the bustle of traditional venues and check for upcoming free concerts at Museu do Fado. The performances range from established fadistas to newcomers and fusion-style reinterpretations.
