Things to do in  Lisbon

The Portuguese capital of Lisbon is best known for being the birthplace of fado music. The nostalgic, and often mournful, music genre can be traced back to the 1820s. It’s thought to have originated in the historic Alfama neighborhood, where you can still find fado bars today.

Portuguese food is one of the standout features of Lisbon, especially due to the affordable price points. And you can’t walk through the City of Seven Hills without being charmed by the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Finally, the year-round sun makes this European capital a desirable place to be.

For a comprehensive overview of Lisbon, spend about five days in the region. The first two should be spent exploring the main areas of the city—Bairro Alto, Baixa, Alfama, and Graça—followed by a day at the Park of Nations. Visit the Sintra and Cascais areas with your remaining time.

Yes. Lisbon has a vibrant nightlife that is easily accessible to tourists. Visit some of the city’s clubs—notably LuxFragil—or enjoy a relaxed evening at a local bar. For those looking for a bit of Portuguese culture, a stop at a fado club in Aflama is a must-do.

Most locals attend gallery openings or wander the many city parks with their families. Food plays a huge part in Portuguese culture, so you can find many locals enjoying meals at tascas, or local taverns. Lisboetas are also very active, spending time exercising along the Tagus River.

No. Relative to other European capitals, Lisbon is affordable. A meal at a local tavern usually costs less than €10 and often includes wine or beer. Activities tend to be reasonably priced, with most museums costing a few euros or completely free on certain days of the month.