10 Free Things To Do in Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting Lisbon on a budget? The city may not be as affordable to travelers as it once was, but there are still many inexpensive and free things to do in Lisbon, Portugal. And, it just so happens that some of the Lisbon free things to do are also the best things to do in Lisbon.

To help other visitors, we have complied a list of top Lisbon activities that are excellent values for budget travelers, like us!

 

Best Free Things To Do in Lisbon, Portugal

We inherently seek out bargains in the destinations we visit around the world. Our goal while traveling is not to spend as little money as possible, but rather to find value activities that will not hamper, but increase, our overall experience. And, while we were visiting Lisbon, Portugal, we did just that.

Although Lisbon tourism is booming – and prices are rising for accommodations and visitor activities – the city is still relatively affordable. Especially compared to other major European capital cities, like London , Berlin and Paris. To keep the cost of a trip to Lisbon at a minimum, visitors can use our tips for the best free things to do in Lisbon!

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10 Free Lisbon Things To Do

We are highlighting the top free things to do in Lisbon so that fellow travelers can experience the best of the city, while keeping their budget in check! 

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Free Things Lisbon List for your Vacation to Portugal!

 

#1 Take a Free Lisbon Walking Tour

There are many neighborhoods (and 7 hills!) that make up Lisbon – and each one has its own unique and distinct feel. At the center of Lisbon are the iconic neighborhoods of Alfama, Baixta, Bairro Alto and Chiado. Navigating your way through them on foot is one of the fun things to do in Lisbon for free.

You can navigate on your own or get an introduction to Lisbon points of interest on a Free Walking Tour.

On a Self Guided Tour to Lisbon Sights, travelers can set off on foot and route their way through the grand streets, like Rua Augusta and Avenue de Liberdade, then on to the most picturesque Lisbon neighborhoods, such as Alfama, Bairro Alto and Baixa. Or, as an alternative, wander through the Lisbon districts without any particular destinations in mind. 

Find sights and attractions in our guide to 3 Days in Lisbon to help create your own self guided walk to the best places to visit in Lisbon for free. 

 

Free Things To Do Lisbon: Best Walking Tours for Free in Lisbon

On the other hand, visitors can join fellow travelers on a guided 3-hour tour through the Lisbon city center. Learn all about the history, the 1755 earthquake, the architecture and culture – and get more Lisbon budget tips along the way – on a free tour. It’s one of the best free activities in Lisbon for travelers! 

There are several companies that offer free tours – and the Sandemans New Europe Free Walking Tour of Lisbon is highly rated.

While there are not free Lisbon food tours, per se, FreeTour offers a free Lisbon walking tour that includes a taste of pastel de nata (the famous Portuguese custard tart). 

Free Tours by Foot is another company that offers an alternative Lisbon walking tour for free that includes off-the-beaten-path gems and Lisbon street art. 

 

Are Lisbon Free Walking Tours Really Free? 

It is important to keep in mind that although these tours are technically free things to do in Lisbon, Portugal, the tours are tip-based and how the guide earns an income. If you find worth in the tour, be prepared to leave your ‘free’ Lisbon guide a tip.

Top Tip: If a guided tour is more your style and you would rather just pay for a tour up-front, there are many inexpensive Lisbon Walking Tours. Get the details on a highly-rated Lisbon walking tour that costs around $20 USD. 

 

#2 Visit Lisboa Miradouros (Scenic Lisbon Viewpoints)

Lisbon’s terrain of seven sloping hills can be daunting when exploring on foot, especially in the summer heat. However, because of those hills, there are some phenomenal Lisbon lookout points – called Miradouros.

Tree-shaded terraces and viewing platforms provide elevated views of the amazing colors of Lisbon. The best part is that the panoramic views are absolutely free and a must-do when you visit Lisbon!

To get to some of the viewpoints, there are inexpensive lifts – like the Santa Justa Elevator; however, you can save a few euros and just walk up instead.

The Santa Luzia Miradouro is one of the most popular free places to visit in Lisbon – but there are many viewpoints around the city center. 

{Get the details on where to find the Top 10 Scenic Viewpoints in Lisbon} 

Top Tip: Some of the viewpoints feature small cafes – and while the drinks are inexpensive, it’s not the best budget option. Instead, spend the early evening partaking in one of the best cheap things to do in Lisbon and stop at a grocery store or local market and pick up a few beers or a bottle of wine. It will cost a fraction of the price found on café menus. Find a bench or grassy spot at a miradouro and enjoy your beverages with new friends and an amazing view of Lisbon! 

 

#3 Walk around Belem, Lisbon

Just four miles from the center of Lisbon is the historic district of Belem – which boasts two outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In the 1500s, it was from Belem that ships set for sail on trade routes and in search of new discoveries. During the Age of Exploration, the town was adorned with amazing Manueline architecture that still stands today. In addition to the wealth of history, Belem is home to a few famous sites in Portugal and a slew of museums (plus outstanding scenic viewpoints).

Belem is also known for the flagship Pasteis de Belem bakery shop, where they create the most famous (and most fabulous) Portuguese custard tart, and must for even the most frugal travelers (a single egg tart only costs about $1.50, just skip the drinks!).

Visiting Belem is one of the best day trips from Lisbon – and it can be absolutely free. Forego entering the main sights that require tickets (Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, Monument to the Discoveries and Museu Colecao Berardo) and simply enjoy the atmosphere walking around town and the exterior views.

Budget travelers who want to visit the sights, however, can save money by either purchasing a combo Tower/Monastery ticket or using the Lisbon Sightseeing Pass for entry. 

{Read our detailed tips about the Top Things To Do in Belem to find free things to do in Belem}

Top Tip: Lisbon Tram 15 is an inexpensive and fun way to get from Lisbon to Belem. The tram departs from Praco do Comercio and costs about 3 euros each way. The tram is less expensive when using a Viva Viagem transport card – and free with the Lisbon Card. The cheapest way to get to Belem, however, is by walking (the mostly scenic route crosses through the Alcantara Marina and then along the Tagus River).

 

#4 Check Out the Feira da Ladra (Lisbon Thieves Market)

Perusing markets in foreign places is a fabulous way to get a glimpse of local life and the Thieves Market in Lisbon – Feira da Ladra – gives a full dose of it. It’s one of the top things to see in Lisbon (and it’s free!).

The 100-year-old flea market sprawls east of the Pantheon in the streets of Alfama. The ‘stalls’ are often just blankets on the ground, which the vendors set up to sell anything and everything. Seriously, the array of goods is astounding and range from books and valuable antiques to used drills and retro cell phones to toiletries.

We were mostly drawn to the stalls that had a hodgepodge of items, which made us wonder how they all found their way on to one blanket. How does a hair straightener, bike helmet, 1 worn out shoe, sewing machine, old drill, and a fine selection of hand lotions go together? It’s all part of the charm of Feira da Ladra!

Top Tip: The Thieves Market only takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings – but there are other markets that are fun, free events in Lisbon! Other Lisbon markets we recommend passing through are the foodie haven of Time Out Lisboa, the crafts and design offering at Mercado do Jardim, the lovely and local Campo de Ourique Market (often with free music) and the hip and creative LX Factory Sunday Market.

 

#5 Visit Historic Lisbon Churches

Lisbon has an astounding number of churches within the city center – most of which have ornately decorated interiors. Filled with fascinating history and exquisite artwork, stepping inside at least a few churches is a Lisbon must-do!

Even though some of the churches have become Lisbon tourist attractions, there is no fee to enter. If you come across a Lisbon church with unlocked doors, we highly recommend going inside for a look!

{Read our picks for the 10 Must-See Churches in Lisbon}

Top Tip: While the churches are top things to do for free in Lisbon, there may be small fees to visit the attached museums.

 

#6 Go to Cristo Rei, Lisboa

Cristo Rei – a 92-foot-tall statue of Christ (which stands on a 269-foot-tall pedestal)- overlooks the Tagus River and Lisbon from a cliff on the south bank. The expansive grounds are open to the public for free and one of the best Lisbon places to visit.

Visitors will find a chapel at the base of the statue and Stations of the Cross that line a path along the cliff’s edge. The vantage point offers fabulous views of Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge (a near replica of the Golden Gate in San Francisco).

{Get all the specific details in our post, Visiting Cristo Rei}

Top Tip: Unlike Belem, there is no way to walk to Cristo Rei (the 25 de Abril Bridge is for vehicular traffic only). Yet, getting to Cristo Rei is not expensive. The best (and incredibly inexpensive) way to get to Cristo Rei is by ferry (around 3 Euros round trip). From the Cacilhas Ferry Terminal, it’s a 45-minute walk – slightly uphill – to the Lisbon Statue of Christ.

 

#7 Listen to Free Fado in Lisbon

Fado is to Lisbon as country music is to Nashville: it’s iconic and listening to the soulful sound is one of the best things to do in Lisbon.

Yet, finding a free performance of Portugal’s traditional folk music is nearly impossible. Nearly. Lucky tourists will catch a rare street performance or an impromptu song being sung late night at a bar. But, if listening to Fado is high on your list, head to Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto, where there is no cover charge for Fado sessions. Just keep in mind that it is one of the highly touted Things To Do in Lisbon Free – so there are often queues to get inside. 

Top Tip: If standing-room-only in a packed bar isn’t your idea of a good time, but hearing Fado is a must-do Lisbon experience for you, there is a budget Fado performance for about $20, ‘Fado in Chiado.’ Most other performances, which usually include a meal, can cost up to $100. 

 

#8 Watch A Lisbon Sunset from Cais das Colunas

Taking in a epic sunset is one of the best free things in Lisbon to do. The city is simply stunning in the late afternoon light.

The good news is that Lisbon, Portugal has no shortage of scenic spots to watch the sunset. One of the best places, however, is from the riverside steps at Cais das Colunas. The old port of entry, which leads into Praca do Comercio, was built in the 1700s and is marked with two columns.

The wharf, which has welcomed famous Lisbon visitors (like the late Queen Elizabeth II), is a popular place to sit, relax and watch the spectacular Lisbon sunset views over the Tagus River.

Top Tip: Praca do Comercio, the spacious square at the top of the Cais das Colunas steps, is one of the most important squares in Lisbon. Events are often held in Praca do Comerico – many of which are free to attend! 

 

#9 Have a Picnic in a Lisbon Park

When the weather is nice, one of our favorite things to do in Lisbon for free is pack up a picnic and head to a park. The Lisbon city center has numerous parks that are easily accessible and ideal place to lounge over an outdoor meal.

Jardim da Estrela in the west of Lisbon (and across the street from the Basilica da Estrela) opened to the public in 1873 and has several benches to sit on and fountains to admire as you eat your lunch. Nearby is a Lisbon hidden gem and one of the most beautiful city parks: Tapada das Necessidades, which features fascinating structures that sit along moss-covered paths (oh, and peacocks!).

The 64-acre Eduardo VII Park is another great spot for a leisurely picnic lunch. Parque Eduardo VII lies north of Avenida da Liberdade and slopes uphill to a platform where the largest flag of Portugal in the world flies (and is where Shakira filmed her Dare (La La La) video). And, just north of that is a fantastic garden, Jardins da Gulbenkian.

To the west is Parque Florestal de Monsanto – and absolute gem of a public green space close to the city center. Don’t miss the Panorâmico de Monsanto, which is an abandoned restaurant with great views over Lisbon.

Martim Moniz is the newest park in the center of Lisbon’s multicultural neighborhood and, in addition to the open lawn, features huts selling international cuisine and sometimes a DJ spinning tunes. 

 

#10 Stroll Through a Lisbon Cemetery

Visiting a cemetery might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning what to do in Lisbon, Portugal – but Lisbon cemeteries are beautiful places to see…and the admission is free.

The Cemiterio dos Prazeres, located on the west side of the city at the end of the Tram 28 & 25 lines, is filled with monuments and sculptures. The historic graveyard is the final resting place of many of Lisbon’s most famous residents with a memorial to Lisbon firefighters as well.

Top Tip: Another cemetery, Cemiterio do Alto de Sao Joao, located on the east side of Lisbon and is also worth a visit. 

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Lisbon Sightseeing & Money-Saving Tips

We’ve shared our list of top things to do in Lisbon, Portugal on a budget – but we have a few more money-saving tips for your trip! 

 

Getting Around Lisbon, Portugal

Public transportation in Lisbon- which consists of trams, trains, buses, subways and ferries –  is incredibly affordable. Rides are even cheaper when using the Viva Viagem transport card, which can be purchased in Metro stations.  

Although the Lisbon public transportation options are ample, it can be confusing for anyone who isn’t familiar with it. An alternate option is the Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus that makes stops at all the popular tourist spots. An all-day ticket, however, costs significantly more than public transport.

If you plan on visiting Lisbon attractions – and traveling via public transportation – the Lisboa Card can provide big savings. With the Lisboa Card, all public transportation (including the Santa Justa Lift) is free. Additionally, the card provides reduced admission to many museums and top Lisbon sights – like St. George Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge Castle).

Pro Tip: Lisbon’s historic (and incredibly crowded) yellow Tram 28 rambles through Baixta, Alfama and Graca districts. Squeeze on board for an inexpensive way to see the neighborhoods when the weather is rainy or too hot – or when your feet just need a rest. We actually recommend Lisbon Tram 25 for a more comfortable scenic Lisbon tram ride.

 

Lisbon Museums

There are a plethora of museums in Lisbon, but there are very few free museums in Lisbon. Fees to enter the museums rarely exceed 5 euros, but the costs can add up in a hurry.

The Museu do Dinheiro Money Museum offers free entry. Top exhibits are the vault and historic currencies from countries around the world. 

Many of Lisbon’s most popular museums – like Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum) and Museu Gulbenkian – used to offer free entry on the 1st Sunday of each month, but now the perk is only available to Portuguese residents (check prior to your trip, because that might change). 

Pro Tip: While it can be difficult to find Lisbon free museums, there is a way to save money on admission. If you are planning on visiting several museums, consider buying the Lisboa Card– which includes discounted or free entry into Lisbon’s top museums.

 

Day Trips from Lisbon, Portugal

In addition to sightseeing in Lisbon, there are many sights just outside the city. We have already mentioned taking day trips to Belem and Cristo Rei, but visitors can also see some of the surrounding area for the price of a train ticket.

 

Affordable Lisbon Day Trip to Sintra and Cascais

The best DIY day trip from Lisbon is a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Sintra. The city is one of the most famous places in Portugal. Although there are very few free things to do in Sintra, visitors can save money by planning their own excursion. We detail exactly how to design your own tour in our Guide to Visiting Sintra.

Visitors can include the nearby beaches at Cascais, Macas or Adraga to their tour as well (but it will require some thorough public transport planning). 

Although these journeys can be completed on your own, an organized small-group tour from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais costs around $85 (and you are almost guaranteed not to get locked in a train station, like we did!)

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How To Plan a Trip to Lisbon

We have highlighted the best cheap and free things to do in Lisbon – as well as provided money-saving tips for your trip. Now we are sharing some helpful advice for planning a trip to Lisbon. 

{Get Set For Portugal with our Best Lisbon Itinerary!}

 

 

Organize Your Budget Trip to Lisbon

As you make your plans to visit top tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal for free and seek out affordable accommodations, you will need to stay on top of the specifics of your travel details! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner – so that nothing falls through the cracks! 

 

Where To Stay in Lisbon, Portugal

There are a great variety of places to stay in Lisbon – from hotels to hostels and holiday apartments to housesitting opportunities. 

During our trips to Lisbon, we have stayed in an Airbnb apartment in the Alfama district, booked a luxury stay in Belem and stayed for free as house and petsitters in the Lapa district.

 

Vacation Apartments

Generally speaking, we have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space. That said, travelers need to be aware of the extra fees and should price out the total cost of the accommodations before booking. 

 

Hotels in Lisbon

As one of the most popular destinations in Europe, there are many Lisbon Hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center.

We recommend searching for the best price on hotels in Lisbon on Booking.com. – but before you start your search, use our tips for Finding the Best Hotels. 

 

Lisbon Hostels

Budget travelers can search for hostels in Lisbon- like the highly rated Lisboa Central Hostel and Lisbon Destination Hostel. 

 

Getting to Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon can be reached by plane, train, bus or car.

Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSetting Fools, after all!) and we have flown to Lisbon from London and Paris and departed on flights to Barcelona and Madrid. When we look to purchase affordable plane tickets, we start our search for cheap flights to Lisbon on Skyscanner.

The Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), is the main Lisbon airport for both European cities and has direct International flights from the US (such as Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Boston).

If arriving/departing Lisbon by train or bus, there are several stations in the city and which one you use will depend on where you are coming from/go to. When booking travel by train or bus to Lisbon, pay close attention to the station of arrival/departure. 

 

Before You Go to Lisbon, Portugal: What To Pack

Our final travel tips cover one of the most dreaded aspects of travel: Packing that backpack or suitcase! We offer a few Lisbon tips – but you can find all of our packing hacks and a complete packing list on our Travel Packing page. 

 

Shoes for Walking in Lisbon

Lisbon’s inclined, cobblestone lanes are incredibly picturesque…but can be problematic if you don’t pack the right travel shoes for your trip. I like to wear versatile and lightweight sneakers and Kris is most comfortable touring cities in his Merrell trail shoes. 

 

Camera to Capture the Lisbon Sights

Lisbon is so photogenic – and we recommend capturing the beauty of the city with a real camera. The Canon Rebel that we use is an affordable travel camera that takes high quality photos (and comes with heaps of accessories. 

 

Day Pack for Lisbon Sightseeing

Carrying a travel day pack during your travels will help keep your costs down because you will have everything you need with you (and won’t need to pop into a convenience store when out sightseeing). In your day pack, you can stow your water bottle, snacks and everyday essential travel items – and keep your valuables secured. 

 

Lisbon Map and Guidebook

One of the best ways to plan a Lisbon trip affordably is to create your own plan (rather than hiring a guide). We recommend buying a city map and/or guidebook so that you can plan your best trip! 

 

Portugal Trip Insurance

Travel insurance may come in handy when flights are delayed or luggage is lost, or if travelers get injured or become ill while abroad. If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Lisbon, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

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Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

Is Porto also in your Portugal Travel Plans? Great! Be sure to read our Porto Itinerary and get our top tips to the Best Porto Food and where to find amazing Porto Craft Beer! You can also use our step-by-step Porto Walking Tour – it is one of the best free things to do in Porto! 

 

Looking for a Tropical Getaway? Consider Madeira! The capital of Funchal is a great base for exploring the island and is full of popular restaurants featuring wonderful Madeiran Cuisine.

 

We want to know: What are your favorite free things to do in Lisbon? Is there anything we should add to our list? Share your tips in the comments below! 

 

 

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