10 Free Things To Do in Lisbon, Portugal

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.

On our trips, we have scouted out no-cost attractions and gratis hidden gems. We’ve planned cheap DIY day trips and explore the city on foot.

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As it just so happens, some of the Lisbon free things to do that we have discovered are also the absolute best things to do in Lisbon.

Whether you are a budget travelers or just looking for a few ways to save a euro, the activities on our list hit the mark.

Seeking Out the Best Free Things To Do in Lisbon, Portugal

As budget-conscious nomads, 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, we aim to find value activities that will enhance our overall experience. And, we’ve gotten pretty good at it.

Although Lisbon tourism is booming – and prices are rising for accommodations and activities – the city can still be fairly affordable. Our money-saving tips will help keep your vacation on budget.

We actually have a lot of advice for Lisbon; check out our Lisbon Travel Tips for helpful hints about visiting.

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 Freely Explore the City

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.

Meandering 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 with our Free Walking Tours.

We highlight the top attractions in the city center in our Self Guided Tour to Lisbon Sights. On this tour, travelers set off on foot and route their way through the grand streets, dazzling squares and amazing viewpoints.

When you are ready to tackle the hills, head out on this Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Alfama. The district is like a time-warp…and we can’t get enough of it!

Top Tip: We feature all these districts in our detailed 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary.

Best Guided Walking Tours for Free in Lisbon

While we believe that exploring on your own is one of the best free activities in Lisbon for tourists, visitors can opt to join one of the guided tours through Lisbon city center, too.

There are several companies that offer freebie tours. Sandemans New Europe, Free Tours by Foot and Free Tour all offer gratis guided tours.

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 $25.

#2 See Lisbon from an Elevated Vantage Point

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.

In fact, regardless of whether or not your are traveling on a budget, taking is the view is 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 complimentary viewpoints scattered around the city center.

And, here’s an insider tip: You can take in the view from the Santa Justa Elevator for free. Although there is a fee to ride the elevator, the view from the walkways at the top is free. Just hike up to the viewpoint instead of standing in line (and paying!) for the ride.

We share the need-to-know 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 and it enjoy it picnic-style.

#3 Revel in the Beauty of Belem

Just four miles from the center of Lisbon is the historic district of Belem. Not only does this little enclave boast two outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but it’s drenched in beauty and charm.

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.

Visiting Belem is one of the best day trips from Lisbon – and it can be absolutely free.

You will have to forego entering the main sights that require tickets (like the castle and monastery). Choose instead to simply enjoy the atmosphere and the exterior views (trust us, they are stunning from the outside, too!)

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.

During your time in Belem, just be sure to swing by 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).

We share more tips in our article, What To Do in Belem, Portugal.

Top Tip: Buses, trams and inexpensive Uber rides will all get you from central Lisbon to Belem. That said, the cheapest way to get to Belem is by walking! The (mostly) scenic route follows the river past the Alcantara and Santo Amaro marinas and then along the wide pedestrian path.

#4 Check Out the City’s Coolest Markets

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 do a hair straightener, bike helmet, 1 worn out shoe, a sewing machine, an old drill, and a fine selection of hand lotions go together? It’s all part of the charm of Feira da Ladra!

Just take note the Thieves Market is only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Top Tip: The LX Factory on the opposite side of town is equally enthralling. The creative retail and dining hub is housed in an old textile mill complex. The space is decorated with street art and the buzzing atmosphere makes it a fun place to spend an afternoon – whether you are shopping or not.

#5 Step inside Historic 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 (like the Se Cathedral) 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!

Our list of Must-See Churches in Lisbon outlines our top picks for the best in the city.

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 Stand in Awe of Cristo Rei

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; we think it is 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 free 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, which are also free to visit.

We share all the specific details about making the trip across the river to the iconic statue in our blog post, Visiting Cristo Rei.

Top Tip: A highlight of visiting the vantage point are the fabulous views of Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge. The bridge is a near replica of the Golden Gate in San Francisco).

#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 $25, ‘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 Enjoy 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.

Two of our favorite parks for an al fresco meal are in the fabulous (but lesser-known) Estrela District on the west side of the city.

Jardim da Estrela, which is just across the street from Basilica da Estrela, opened to the public in 1873. It has several benches to sit on along with foliage and fountains to admire.

Nearby is a total 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!

Top Tip: 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.

BONUS: Plan Your Own Day Trips

One of the best ways to keep your Lisbon budget in check is to plan your own excursions.

With an excellent network of regions trains, it’s actually quite easy – and affordable – to plan your own day trips to top destinations.

With our insider tips for planning a day in Sintra, you can experience a colorful castle, fanciful estate and grandiose fort for a fraction of the cost of a guided tour.

Likewise, it’s simple to plan an expedition to the coastal town of Cascais. The vibrant seaside escape beckons visitors with it’s quaint town and gorgeous coastline.

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.

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. 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!

Find a Cheap Place 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.

Compare Tickets Costs for Getting to Lisbon, Portugal

The Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), is the main Lisbon airport for both European cities and direct flights from the US.

Use our tips for purchasing affordable plane tickets. Then start our search for cheap flights to Lisbon on Skyscanner.

Often, low-cost carriers offer cheaper rates than traveling overland. It’s best to comparison shop before purchasing tickets.

If arriving/departing Lisbon by train or bus, be aware that there are several stations in the city. Which one you use will depend on where you are coming from/going to.

Price out Trip Insurance

While travel insurance can add an upfront cost to your trip, it can be worth it.

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.

Pack What You Really Need

Before You Go to Lisbon, Portugal, make sure you pack items that you actually need and will use during your trip.

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.

Additionally, 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.

If you are not sure what to pack, check out our complete packing list and all of our hacks. Need a packing checklist? Get one free here.

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!

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