{"id":423,"slug":"best-things-to-do-in-lisbon","title":"10 Best Things to Do in Lisbon: A Local’s Guide to the City of Seven Hills","excerpt":"Best things to do in Lisbon: From historic trams to the best seafood and views.","content":"Lisbon is a city that captures the heart with its golden light, steep cobbled streets, and the melancholic beauty of Fado echoing through ancient neighborhoods. As one of the oldest cities in the world, the Portuguese capital offers a rare blend of traditional heritage and modern creative energy. From the maritime grandeur of Belém to the trendy industrial vibes of LX Factory, Lisbon is a destination that demands to be explored slowly and authentically.\n\nWhether you are navigating the iconic hills on a vintage tram or indulging in world-famous pastries, the city’s charm lies in its details. To help you experience the capital like a true resident, we have curated the ultimate list of the best things to do in Lisbon, featuring local favorites and hidden gems that go beyond the typical tourist path.\n\n### What is the number one thing to do in Lisbon?\n> Taking a ride on the historic Tram 28 is widely considered the best thing to do in Lisbon as it passes through the city's most iconic neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. It offers a panoramic tour of Lisbon's seven hills for the price of a standard public transport ticket.\n\n## 10 Best Things to Do in Lisbon (Expert Local Recommendations)\nTo make the most of your time in the city, here are the essential experiences that define the true Lisbon lifestyle.\n\n1. **Taste the Original Pastéis de Belém:** No visit to Lisbon is complete without trying the world-famous pastéis de nata. Head to the historic Pastéis de Belém bakery to enjoy these warm custard tarts. While there, don't miss out on local coffee varieties like an Abatanado or a Galão. If you prefer something savory, try a pastél de bacalhau (codfish cake) or a coxinha.\n\n2. **Explore the Maritime Heritage of Belém:** This district is home to Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the Discoveries Monument (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), the Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. For a modern twist, head to the rooftop of the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) for one of the best panoramic views of the Tagus River.\n\n3. **Enjoy World-Class Cocktails at Rocco:** For a sophisticated evening, Rocco is a must-visit. Known for having one of the most extensive Negroni menus in the world, this venue offers an upscale atmosphere without absurd prices. It is frequently ranked as a top destination for cocktail enthusiasts globally.\n\n4. **Experience a Brazilian Barbeque Feast:** Given Lisbon’s deep cultural ties with Brazil, trying an authentic rodízio (all-you-can-eat) is essential. Establishments like Chimarrão and Sabor Gaucho Chiado offer high-quality meats in a vibrant setting. It is one of the best things to do in Lisbon for those with a large appetite.\n\n5. **Visit the Creative Hub of LX Factory:** Located under the 25 de Abril Bridge, this former industrial complex is now filled with quirky shops, cafes, and restaurants. Be sure to explore the upper floors to find hidden galleries and creative studios that showcase Lisbon’s modern artistic spirit.\n\n6. **Dine at Mr. Cod for Authentic Portuguese Flavors:** To taste the soul of Portuguese cuisine, visit Mr. Cod. The nation's obsession with bacalhau (salted cod) is legendary. We highly recommend trying Bacalhau com natas, Bacalhau à Brás, or the buttered shrimp. **Tripnly Lisboa City Pass™ holders can enjoy a 10% discount** here while experiencing genuine hospitality from the owner, Bruno.\n\n7. **Relax at the Beaches of Costa da Caparica:** Cross the river for a day at the beach. Costa da Caparica offers expansive sandy shores that rival those in Brazil. Whether you prefer a quiet spot or a lively beach club like The Ocean, Irmão, or Nuua Beach, the sunset DJ performances here are unforgettable.\n\n8. **Take a Day Trip to Cascais and Cabo da Roca:** A short train ride from Cais do Sodré takes you to the charming seaside town of Cascais. After exploring its beaches and restaurants, continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, to witness the dramatic Atlantic cliffs.\n\n9. **Ride the Legendary Tram 28:** This yellow vintage tram is the perfect way to see the city's seven hills in one go. To secure a seat, join the queue at the first stop in Martim Moniz. It is a slow, nostalgic journey through the narrowest streets of the historic center that every visitor should experience once.\n\n10. **Take a Tuk Tuk City Tour:** Since Lisbon is famously hilly, a Tuk Tuk tour is a fun and efficient way to navigate the steep inclines. Using a **Tripnly Lisboa City Pass™ offers a 10% discount** on tours with our partner Tukxi Lisbon, allowing you to discover hidden viewpoints and historical anecdotes with ease.\n\n## Savoring Lisbon’s Coastal and Culinary Soul\nLisbon is a city that lives in harmony with the water. The Tagus River (Tejo) shapes the city's geography and its lifestyle. Spending time along the waterfront, whether in the upscale districts or the rugged beaches across the bridge, is fundamental to understanding the local character.\n\nThe culinary scene is equally tied to the sea. From the traditional seafood houses to the modern marketplaces, the quality of ingredients is paramount. For more specific dining tips, you can explore our various [Lisbon travel guides](https://lisboacitypass.tripnly.com/blog) to find the perfect meal for every occasion.\n\n## People Also Ask About Visiting Lisbon\n### How many days do I need in Lisbon?\nFor a first-time visit, 4 to 6 days is recommended. This allows you enough time to see the city center, spend a full day in Belém, and take essential day trips to Sintra or the beaches of Cascais and Caparica.\n\n### What is the best way to get around Lisbon?\nLisbon has an excellent public transport network including the metro, buses, and iconic yellow trams. However, for the most authentic experience in the historic districts, walking and the occasional Tuk Tuk ride are the best ways to navigate the hills.\n\n### Is Lisbon expensive for tourists?\nCompared to other Western European capitals like Paris or London, Lisbon offers excellent value for money. While prices in popular areas have risen, you can still find high-quality meals and world-class experiences at very reasonable rates.\n\n### What should I eat in Lisbon besides seafood?\nWhile seafood is king, you must try Portuguese meats like Prego (steak sandwich) or Bifana (pork sandwich). For dessert, beyond the pastel de nata, look for Travesseiros from nearby Sintra or the various artisanal cheeses from the Alentejo region.\n\n### Can I visit the beaches easily from the city?\nYes, the beaches of Cascais are easily accessible by a 40-minute scenic train ride from Cais do Sodré. For the expansive surf beaches of Costa da Caparica, a short bus ride or taxi across the 25 de Abril Bridge will get you there in about 20-30 minutes.\n\n## Embracing the Spirit of Portugal\nExperiencing the best things to do in Lisbon is about finding the balance between the historic and the contemporary. It is a city that honors its explorers and poets while fostering a new generation of chefs and artists. Whether you are watching the sunset from a riverside beach club or exploring the royal history of its monuments, Lisbon promises a journey that is as soulful as it is spectacular.\n\n> **A Note from the Team:** These recommendations are the personal and sincere favorites of the Tripnly team, including members who have called Lisbon home for years. This list has been created independently of any commercial rankings to ensure you experience the most authentic and heartfelt side of the city.","author":"Alper Aydın","authorInfo":{"name":"Alper Aydın","bio":"Co-founder & CEO of Tripnly","avatarUrl":"https://ethical-car-b690d7e735.media.strapiapp.com/Alper_Aydin_c81fc3ed4d.png","role":"","socials":{"twitter":"","x":"","instagram":"http://instagram.com/alperaydin1","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/alperaydin1/","facebook":"","website":""}},"date":"2026-05-12T16:37:28.800Z","category":"Local Guides","imageUrl":"https://ethical-car-b690d7e735.media.strapiapp.com/best_things_to_do_in_lisbon_ea9ae618b2.png","imageCaption":"A stunning panoramic view of Lisbon's red-tiled roofs and the Tagus River from a high viewpoint, with the 25 de Abril Bridge and Cristo Rei statue in the distance—a must-see for the best things to do in Lisbon","readTime":6,"views":0,"isPopular":false,"quote":"","quoteAuthor":""}