Lisbon, Portugal

THINGS TO DO IN Lisbon for FREE

Updated July 27th, 2021. Originally April 6th, 2017, Posted by travelwith2ofus

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What defines a city? It may be the architecture, the people, its economic development, or cultural preservation.

It is not easy to find all these in one place. However, Lisbon has a little of all these qualities that make it a great city to visit. It is also one of the oldest cities in the European Union.

Lisbon went up nine places in the Telegraph Travel Awards to 26th in the category of World's Best Cities in 2016. While it may be one of the most unnoticed cities in Europe, there is a lot of fun waiting for you when you get here.

The climate is sunny, and the nightlife is all the rage. Check out things to do in Lisbon without spending a cent, yet taking in all the beauty and splendor of the city.

Also, if you're visiting the capital city for the first time you should definitely check out these Lisbon travel tips.

BTW! If you really want to save some cash you should book a flight and hotel package to Lisbon.

View of the city of Lisbon.
Lisbon, Portugal


Go to the ruins of Convento do Carmo

You will have to take on a grueling climb to get to the convent, but it will be all worth it once you get there. The view is breathtaking from the viewpoint- known as the miraduoro, just close by. At the viewpoint you will enjoy a one-of-a kind view of the Old Town and Chiado.

The multi-story car park of Bairro Alto for sunset watching

Lisbon is all about panoramic views; it is a hilly terrain that might need you to move uphill ever so often, but the rewards will totally amaze you.

There are plenty of miraduoros or viewpoints and a multi-story car park is ideal for watching the sunset. In this particular case, the park in Bairro Alto is the best option. The parking lot situated at the roof top was converted into a raised garden veranda. Here, you have a 180-degree view of Lisbon.

Ride through the city

Want to explore the city, but walking around doesn't allow you much movement? Bike rides are available to help you cover more miles.

Cascais offer bikes for free that you can ride for the whole day and return. The bikes can be picked up from several different places such as the Guia, next to the train station or close to the Casa das Historias Paula Rego.

You will of course need some form of identification. Once you have the bike, the city is yours to discover. If you plan to ride a bike in Lisbon, it is best to learn the best available routes to avoid difficult climbs and busier streets.

Walk through the markets

The true value of any city cannot be appreciated just by visiting statues and seeing the terrain. Mingling with the people in their unaltered environment is essentially tasting the gist of the city. Rove around the markets in the far-flung districts of Lisbon and see Lisboetas in the markets, shopping.

This is a great opportunity to try out the local products as well as mingle with locals. Some of the markets include Mercado da Ribeira for food, plants, crafts, books and antiques, Feira da Ladra, which is a flea market offering antique items, and the LX Factory Sunday flea market, where you can get food, jewelry, clothes and much more.

View of the Feira da Ladra flea market with the National Pantheon in the background.
Feira da Ladra flea market, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon/sintra Tours

If you're visiting Lisbon a quick stopover in Sintra is a great choice. There are also a lot of interesting tours Lisbon tours worth checking out as well.

Experience Lisbon: Small-Group Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings

Experience Lisbon: Small-Group Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings

See and taste your way through Lisbon on this three- to four-hour small-group walking tour of the city.

With historic highlights, culinary delights and local interaction, this tour offers a unique insight into Portugal's capital. Visit some of Lisbon’s   ...

Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon

Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon

Experience the natural and historical beauty of Portugal on a small-group day trip from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais.

Just a few hours from Portugal's capital city, Sintra is a magical place where man and nature exist in perfect harmony. Discover secret caves and trails at Pena Park, admire ...

Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour

Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour

Enjoy the flavors of Portuguese cuisine on a small-group gourmet Portuguese food and wine tour of Lisbon!

Visit traditional eateries and taste some of Portugal’s delicacies as your guide gives you tips on how to appreciate Portuguese wine and food ...


Enjoy some Jazz in the park

The beautiful sunsets of Lisbon wouldn't be complete without some jazz in the park. You will witness crowds slowly growing around the parks on Sundays. That is because they are treated to live jazz performances. One of the most striking settings is the Jardim da Estrela close to the Basilica. It sets the stage for some soothing jazz and you will find a DJ on Fridays too.

Be amazed by the wall under the city

The D. Dinis Wall was named after the charismatic King Dinis, a Portuguese Monarch who ruled in the late 1200s to the early 1300s. The wall extends for 30 meters and is 800 years old. It remained hidden from modern Portugal until it was discovered during a revamp of the headquarters for the Bank of Portugal.

The relics discovered by the wall are now on exhibition at Interpretation Center, the museum where they are kept.

Join the locals in celebration

Lisbon is a lively city with lots of activities throughout the summer months. The festival calendar is packed with exciting events and festivals that will sure get you in touch with the culture and way of life of the city.

The most ostentatious of these events is the day of the patron saint of the city, Santo Antonio which runs for two days; 12-13th of June. It is characterized by parties and parades in most of the districts as people pour out in the streets in celebration.

In Alfama, with its narrow streets, the affair becomes a street party. People fill the narrow streets and an open-air party ensues. You will enjoy the dancing residents and the food stalls that crowd the streets.

The Thai food festival is also another celebration that involves a lot of food. The event exhibits Thai cuisine with all the traditional delicacies on display. There will be a lot of food and music too.


Go to the beach

With the kind of welcoming sunny climate you find in Portugal, going to the beach is a must-do for every visitor. What's more, the beaches are not too far away from the capital.

You can get to the shores by heading to Praia da Torre, Praia de Carcavelos, Cascais or Estoril beaches. They can be reached from a train line that goes from the Tagus and stretches all the way to the Atlantic.

As for suffers, there are waves to catch at the Caparica even though this is a high rise resort. However, once you make it through, you will enjoy the big waves and the atmosphere as well.


Beach in Cascais.

Cascais beach

FREE WINE... YES free!

ViniPortugal is not the easiest place to spot. It is nestled under the arches of the imposing Terreiro do Paco square. What makes ViniPortugal a true find is that they offer visitors wine tastings of their finest regional wines.

Three wines are offered to guests to guzzle each month absolutely free. If you happen to be here during the wine tastings, you will get a chance to enjoy the exquisite wines of Portugal and dance the night away to soothing tunes.

Lisbon combines its rich history with a modern touch to everything. A lot of the marvels available for free in the streets can only be savored if you take the time to walk around and see for yourself.

Free tours are available and take about two hours. In this time you will have learned a lot more about the city that you could ever read in a journal.


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