Top 5 Things to do in lisbon for first time visitors
read this before you go to lisbon
Lisbon is a city that instantly captivates you with its colorful tiles, hilly streets, and coastal light that seems to dance across every square. But with so much to see and do, where should you focus your time—especially if it’s your first visit? To make it easier, I’ve rounded up the top five experiences that showcase the very best of Portugal’s capital. These aren’t just photo ops—they’re immersive ways to really get to know Lisbon.
A view of Lisbon from Castelo Rodrigo, which sits above the city.
see the city from a side car
Forget the hop-on-hop-off bus! For a unique way to discover Lisbon’s neighborhoods, climb into a vintage sidecar with Bike My Side. A local driver will whisk you through winding streets and up the city’s famous hills while sharing stories you’d never find in a guidebook. From Alfama to Bairro Alto, you’ll get a real sense of Lisbon’s history and charm—all with the wind in your hair and no steep climbs to worry about.
What makes this extra special is the ability to cover more ground than you would on foot, while still experiencing Lisbon’s lively neighborhoods up close. Your driver knows all the best viewpoints, hidden corners, and shortcuts, so you’ll not only see the highlights but also get a feel for daily life in the city. It’s the perfect first-day activity to orient yourself and start your trip with a sense of adventure.
Seeing Lisbon on a sidecar is an absolute MUST experience! It will save you from walking the steep hills, give you history, and you’ll ride away with a sense of adventure.
taste Lisbon
The best way to understand a city? Through its food. Join Oh My Cod Food Tours for a delicious walk through Lisbon’s neighborhoods, where you’ll stop at family-run spots to taste everything from fresh seafood to local wines. Along the way, your guide will share insights about Portuguese traditions and history, turning each bite into a story.
Food tours like this go beyond filling your stomach—they help you connect with Lisbon’s culture and people. You might sample sardines prepared the traditional way, try creamy cheeses from the Alentejo region, or sip a glass of local ginjinha (a cherry liqueur loved by locals). By the end of the tour, you’ll have discovered not only what to eat in Lisbon, but why these foods matter to its identity. It’s part sightseeing, part dining, and 100% memorable.
learn to make a local dish
Portugal’s beloved custard tarts, pastéis de nata, are reason enough to book a flight. But instead of just tasting them, why not learn to bake them yourself? At Nat’lier Bakery, you can join a hands-on class where you’ll discover the secrets behind the flaky pastry and creamy filling.
The experience is interactive and fun—you’ll get your hands dusted with flour, work alongside locals, and uncover the baking techniques that have been passed down for generations. Best of all, you’ll get to enjoy your creations straight from the oven, warm and sweet. Imagine bringing those skills back home and impressing your friends with authentic Portuguese pastries! It’s one of those experiences that becomes a travel story you’ll tell over and over again. With all of these experiences, it’s better to book ahead of time. Here’s my favorite way to book.
experience lisbon from the water
Lisbon is a waterfront city, and seeing it from the Tagus River offers a whole new perspective. Hop on a boat with TaxiBoat Lisboa and cruise past landmarks like the April 25th Bridge, Belém Tower, and Cristo Rei statue. If your schedule allows, book a sunset ride—there’s nothing quite like watching the city’s golden light reflect off the water.
The Tagus has been central to Lisbon’s story for centuries, from the Age of Discovery to today’s thriving port city. Out on the water, you’ll get a sense of Lisbon’s connection to the sea and why it has always been a hub of trade, culture, and exploration. Whether you choose a daytime sightseeing trip or a romantic evening cruise, this is one of the most relaxing and awe-inspiring ways to experience the city.
explore Belém
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a day in Belém. This neighborhood is steeped in history, home to the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both symbols of Portugal’s maritime past. Stroll along the Tagus River, explore the Maritime Museum or the Garden Vasco da Gama, and soak up the area’s cultural richness.
Of course, Belém is also where you’ll find the legendary Pastéis de Belém, the bakery that has been serving custard tarts since 1837. Known locally as Pastéis de Belém, these pastries are still made from a secret recipe, and tasting one fresh from the oven is a must-do for any visitor.
Belém also offers plenty of green spaces and wide boulevards, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. After exploring the monuments, you could hop on a boat for a sunset tour or relax in a riverside café. It’s a neighborhood that beautifully blends history, culture, and culinary delights—all the best of Lisbon in one area.
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Curious what a sidecar tour in Lisbon will look like?
a few more lisbon highlights
If you have extra time, don’t miss a wander down Rua Garrett in Chiado for shopping and cafes, a peek inside the beautiful São Roque Church, or a ride up the Santa Justa Lift for sweeping city views. For a memorable dinner, try Palácio Chiado, where fine dining meets history inside a restored palace, or enjoy al fresco dining at Bahr at Bairro Alto Hotel.
And if nightlife is on your list, Bairro Alto transforms after dark into one of Lisbon’s liveliest neighborhoods, with bars, live Fado music, and bustling streets filled with energy.
Freshly baked Pastel de Natas…trust me when I say you can’t eat just one!
plan your lisbon adventure
Lisbon is a city that invites you to explore at your own pace—whether you’re wandering through tiled streets, learning from locals, or savoring its world-famous pastries. With these top five experiences, you’ll get a taste of everything that makes Portugal’s capital so special, while still leaving room to discover your own hidden gems.
To help you plan even more, I’ve created a Free Lisbon Travel Guide with a detailed 3-day itinerary, insider tips, and more local recommendations. It’s designed to make your trip planning smoother and ensure you don’t miss any of Lisbon’s magic.
Celebrate and Explore in Lisbon!
