Lisbon
Portugal
Attractions & Events in Lisbon
Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in Lisbon, Portugal
Top Attractions
Alfama District
Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its winding alleys, traditional Fado music, and historic ambiance.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for steep streets; best explored on foot.
Bairro Alto
Lisbon’s nightlife hub, known for its myriad bars, clubs, and a lively atmosphere after dark.
Tips: Best visited late evening; keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas.
Belém Tower
A UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic fortress that once guarded the entrance to Lisbon's harbor.
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds; great photo opportunities at sunset.
Fado in Chiado
A renowned venue to experience live Fado performances, Portugal’s soulful traditional music.
Tips: Book tickets in advance; arrive early for the best seats.
Jerónimos Monastery
A stunning example of Manueline architecture and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
Tips: Closed on Mondays; combine with a visit to Belém Tower nearby.
Lisbon Oceanarium
One of Europe’s largest aquariums, featuring diverse marine habitats and family-friendly exhibits.
Tips: Great for families; buy tickets online to skip the line.
LX Factory
A vibrant creative hub housed in a former industrial complex, featuring shops, restaurants, and street art.
Tips: Best visited on weekends for markets and live events; good spot for foodies and art lovers.
MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
A contemporary cultural space showcasing innovative art and architecture on the riverfront.
Tips: Check the current exhibitions before your visit; the rooftop has excellent river views.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
A popular viewpoint overlooking the Tagus River, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the cityscape.
Tips: Great spot for sunset; small café nearby for drinks with a view.
National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)
A unique museum dedicated to Portugal’s famous decorative tiles, housed in a former convent.
Tips: Don’t miss the panoramic tile mural of Lisbon; closed Mondays.
Parque Eduardo VII
A large urban park offering open green spaces, walking paths, and city views.
Tips: Perfect for a picnic or a morning jog; visit the greenhouse for exotic plants.
Praça do Comércio
Lisbon’s grand riverside square surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, and the iconic Rua Augusta Arch.
Tips: Climb the arch for panoramic city views; lively atmosphere during festivals.
São Jorge Castle
A hilltop castle offering panoramic views of Lisbon and insight into the city's Moorish past.
Tips: Visit late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful sunset views.
Time Out Market
A lively food hall with stalls from some of Lisbon’s top chefs and local eateries.
Tips: Expect crowds during meal times; try a variety of Portuguese specialties.
Events & Festivals
Peixe em Lisboa
An annual gastronomic festival in April dedicated to seafood lovers, featuring top chefs and seafood dishes.
When: April
Tips: Sample dishes from renowned chefs and participate in workshops; it's a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.
Festival dos Oceanos
A cultural event in August offering free entrance to conferences, exhibitions, street entertainment, and concerts, with a different theme each year.
When: August
Tips: Attend various events to learn about Lisbon's cultural richness; themes change annually, so check the current year's focus.
NOS Alive
An annual music and arts festival held in July, featuring international and Portuguese artists across various genres.
When: July
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance and use public transportation to reach the venue at Passeio Marítimo de Algés.
Festas de Lisboa
A month-long celebration in June honoring Lisbon's patron saint, featuring street parties, traditional sardine barbecues, and the colorful Marchas Populares parade.
When: June
Tips: Join the festivities on June 12th for the main parade and street parties, especially in neighborhoods like Alfama and Bica.
Lisbon Pride
An annual pride march held in June, celebrating LGBTQ+ rights with parades and festivities throughout the city.
When: June
Tips: Participate in the march starting at Jardim do Príncipe Real and enjoy the festival atmosphere at Ribeira das Naus.
ModaLisboa
Lisbon Fashion Week held in March, showcasing Portuguese designers and the latest fashion trends.
When: March
Tips: Check the official schedule for public shows and consider attending if you're interested in fashion and design.
Lisbon Book Fair
One of the oldest cultural festivals in Lisbon, held annually at Eduardo VII Park, offering a vast collection of books and literary events.
When: May
Tips: Explore the fair for rare books and attend author signings; most books are in Portuguese, but there are selections in other languages.
Out Jazz Festival
A free live music event held in Lisbon’s parks every Sunday from May to September, featuring jazz, soul, funk, and DJ performances.
When: May to September
Tips: Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy the music in various parks; check the schedule for locations.
Lisbon Marathon
A scenic marathon held in October, starting in Cascais and finishing in Lisbon, attracting runners worldwide.
When: October
Tips: Register early and consider the half marathon or mini marathon options if a full marathon is too demanding.
Feira da Ladra
Lisbon's most popular flea market, held every Tuesday and Saturday, offering antiques, second-hand items, and crafts.
When: Year-round
Tips: Visit early in the morning for the best finds and be prepared to negotiate prices.