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Visiting Lisbon on a budget? The city may not be as affordable as it once was, but there are still many inexpensive and free things to do in Lisbon, Portugal. As it just so happens, 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. However, our goal while traveling is not to spend as little money as possible. Rather, it’s to find value activities that will increase our overall experience. When visiting Lisbon, Portugal over the years, we have done just that.
Although Lisbon tourism is booming – and prices are rising for accommodations and activities – the city can still be fairly affordable. Especially compared to other major European capitals, like London, Berlin and Paris. To keep the cost of your trip in check, use our tips for the Best Free Things To Do in Lisbon!
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. All while keeping their spending under control.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Free Things Lisbon List for your Trip to Portugal!
#1 Take a Free Lisbon Walking Tour
There are many neighborhoods (and 7 hills!) that make up Lisbon. Each one has its own unique and distinct feel. At the center of Lisbon are the iconic neighborhoods of Alfama, Baixa, Bairro Alto and Chiado.
Meanandering 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. Find more top sights and attractions in our guide to 3 Days in Lisbon to help create your own self guided walk for free!
Best Guided 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. It’s one of the best free activities in Lisbon for tourist!
There are several companies that offer free tours – but the Sandemans New Europe Free Walking Tour of Lisbon is highly rated.
While there are not free Lisbon food tours, per se, Free Tour runs a free walking tour that includes a taste of pastel de nata (the famous Portuguese custard tart).
Free Tours by Foot provides 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, they are tip-based. If you find worth in the tour, be prepared to leave your ‘free’ Lisbon guide a gratuity.
Top Tip: If a guided tour is more your style and you would rather just pay up-front, there are many inexpensive Lisbon Walking Tours. Get the details on this highly-rated Lisbon walking tour that costs around $20.
#2 Visit 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 these panoramic places 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 burn a few calories by just walking up instead.
The Santa Luzia Miradouro is one of the most popular free places to visit in Lisbon – but there are many viewpoints scattered around the city center.
{Get the details on where to find all the Prime Scenic Viewpoints in Lisbon}
Top Tip: Some of these viewpoints feature small cafes – and while the drinks are inexpensive, it’s not the best budget option. Instead, stop at a local market and pick up your beverage of choice.
#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 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 of the most famous sites in Portugal and provides outstanding scenic views over the Tagus River.
Belem is also known for the flagship Pasteis de Belem bakery shop, where they create the most popular Portuguese custard tart. We believe it’s a must for even the most frugal travelers (a single egg tart costs just €1.40).
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 and waiting in long lines. Choose instead to simply enjoy the atmosphere and the exterior views.
Budget travelers who do want to enter the sights, however, can save money by either purchasing a combo Tower/Monastery ticket or the Lisbon Sightseeing Pass.
{Read our other tips about the Top Things To Do in Belem}
Top Tip: The cheapest way to get to Belem is by walking the (mostly) scenic route through the Alcantara and Santo Amaro marinas and then along the wide pedestrian path by river. Stop to check out the creative and retail hub, LX Factory, as you pass by!
#4 Check Out the Lisbon Thieves Market
Perusing markets in foreign places is a fabulous way to get a glimpse of local life and the Thieves Market 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 to the north and east from the National Pantheon on 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 sellers that had a hodgepodge of items. This 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.
#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 these churches have become Lisbon tourist attractions and now require a ticket, many are still free. If you come across a Lisbon church with open doors, we highly recommend going inside for a look!
{Read our picks for the Must-See Churches in Lisbon}
Top Tip: While the churches are top things to do for free in Lisbon, there may be fees to visit the attached museums or to climb the belltowers. Entering for worship is always free.
#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 are one of the best Lisbon places to visit. It does cost 8 euro to ride the elevator to the top of the statue, but the views from below are plenty beautiful in our opinion.
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 free option to get to Cristo Rei (the bridge is not for pedestrians). An inexpensive way to get to Cristo Rei is by ferry from the Cais do Sodre pier. Arriving at Cacilhas on the south side of the river, it’s a 45 minute walk – or 25 minute bus ride – 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 at a bar. However, 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 option for about $20, ‘Fado in Chiado’.
#8 Watch 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 as daylight fades to night.
One of the best places for sunset in Lisbon 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 a spectacular sunset over the Tagus River.
Top Tip: Praca do Comercio, the spacious square at the top of the Cais das Colunas steps, often hosts free events as well!
#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 green spaces that are ideal places to lounge over an outdoor meal.
Jardim da Estrela in the west of Lisbon (and across the street from Basilica da Estrela) opened to the public in 1873 and has several benches to sit on along with foliage and fountains to admire. Nearby is a Lisbon hidden gem: Tapada das Necessidades park. The former palace grounds features fascinating structures and tree-covered paths that are shared with the resident peacocks!
The 64-acre Eduardo VII Park is another great spot for a leisurely picnic lunch. Located north of Avenida da Liberdade, the space slopes uphill to a platform with a giant flag of Portugal. Just to the north is a fantastic garden, Jardins da Gulbenkian.
#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. We hear you, but Lisbon cemeteries are actually 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.
Covered with bright flowers in the springtime, the view over and across the river is spectacular year-round!
Top Tip: Cemiterio do Alto de Sao Joao, located on the east side of Lisbon and is also a lovely and peaceful place to visit.
Lisbon Sightseeing & Budget 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 for Cheap
Public transportation in Lisbon – which consists of trams, trains, buses, subways and ferries – is fairly affordable. Rides are reduced even further when using a transport card, which can be purchased at most stations.
If you plan on visiting Lisbon attractions and traveling via public transportation – the Lisboa Card can provide big savings. With this card, all public transportation (including the Santa Justa Lift) is free. Additionally, it provides reduced admission to many museums and top Lisbon sights.
Pro Tip: Lisbon’s historic (and incredibly crowded) yellow Tram 28 rambles through the city’s top districts of Estrela, Baixa and Alfama. If you can actually manage to get a seat, it’s an inexpensive way to see these neighborhoods and give your feet a rest. We suggest trying Tram 25 for a more comfortable scenic Lisbon trolley ride.
Lisbon Museums
There are a plethora of museums in the city, but there are very few free museums in Lisbon. Ironically, the Museu do Dinheiro (Money Museum) offers free entry. Top exhibits are the vault and historic currencies from countries around the world.
The Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum) 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. The permanent art collections at Museu Gulbenkian are free to see on Sundays after 2pm.
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 more helpful advice for planning your Portugal Itinerary.
Organize Your Budget Trip to Lisbon
As you make plans to visit top tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal for free, you will need to stay on top of the details. We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner – so that nothing falls through the cracks!
Where To Stay in Lisbon, Portugal
There is a great variety of places to stay in Lisbon – from hotels to hostels and holiday apartments to housesitting opportunities.
During our numerous trips to Lisbon, we have stayed in several Airbnb’s, booked a luxury property in Belem and lived for free as house and petsitters in the Lapa neighborhood.
Vacation Apartments in Lisbon
Generally speaking, we have found apartments less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and more space. That said, travelers need to be aware of extra Airbnb fees and/or Lisbon city taxes.
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 suggest searching for the best price on hotels in Lisbon on Booking.com. – but first read our tips for Finding the Top Places.
Lisbon Hostels
Budget travelers can search for top-rated hostels in Lisbon- like Lisboa Central Hostel and Lisbon Destination Hostel.
Getting to Lisbon, Portugal
The Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), is the main Lisbon airport for both European cities and direct flights from the US (such as Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Boston). When we look to purchase affordable plane tickets, we start our search for cheap flights to Lisbon on Skyscanner.
If arriving/departing Lisbon by train or bus, there are several stations in the city. Which one you use will depend on where you are coming from/going 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
Our final advice covers one of the most dreaded aspects of travel: Packing that backpack or suitcase! You can find all of our 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. I like to wear versatile and lightweight trainers and Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes.
Travel Camera
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
Carrying a travel day bag will help keep your costs down because you will have everything you need with you. Stow your water bottle, snacks and other everyday essential travel items. Plus, it keeps your valuables secure from pesky pickpockets.
Lisbon Map and Guidebook
One of the top ways to plan a Lisbon trip affordably is to create your own itinerary (rather than hiring a guide). We recommend buying a city map and/or guidebook so that you can prepare your ideal trip!
Portugal Trip Insurance
Travel insurance may reimburse expenses when flights are cancelled, luggage is lost or you become ill while abroad. If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your trip to Lisbon, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Porto also? Great! Be sure to read our Porto Itinerary and get our top tips for 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!
Looking for an Island Getaway? Consider Madeira! The capital of Funchal is a great base for exploring and is full of popular restaurants featuring wonderful Madeiran Cuisine. Alternatively, check out the Azores. From incredible viewpoints, to rewarding hikes and the fun city of Ponta Delgada, the island of Sao Miguel has something for all!
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