11 Amazing Free Things to Do in Lisbon (And What to Skip)

Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Facebook Tweet Pin Print Email

Lisbon is one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore on a budget, but that doesn’t mean everything is worth your time. Some of the most popular attractions are crowded, overpriced, or just not that enjoyable once you’re there.

When I visited Lisbon, I quickly realized that the best experiences were actually the simplest ones. Walking through historic neighborhoods, finding a great viewpoint, or just sitting by the river ended up being far more memorable than any paid activity.

If you’re trying to see the best of Lisbon without spending much money, this guide covers exactly that. These are my favorite free things to do in Lisbon, along with a few popular spots I’d personally skip so you don’t waste your time.

Table of Contents

1. Explore Lisbon’s Oldest Neighborhood on Foot

Vintage yellow tram traveling through a narrow, cobbled street in Lisbon’s Alfama district, flanked by pastel buildings and leading toward the historic Lisbon Cathedral in the background.

Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon, and it’s full of narrow alleys, small hidden corners, and cobblestone streets. Just wandering without a plan is part of the experience. You’ll naturally pass by landmarks like the cathedral, but it’s the little streets that make this area special.

A lot of people take a tuk-tuk or ride Tram 28, but I didn’t find either worth it. Tuk-tuks are expensive, and the tram is usually packed, bumpy, and not even great for views since the windows aren’t always clean.

I genuinely think walking through Alfama is the best way to see it.

One thing to watch out for: the cobblestones get really slippery when it rains. I nearly slipped a couple of times, so make sure you’re wearing decent shoes.

2. Find Your Favourite Viewpoint in Lisbon

Panoramic view of Lisbon with red tiled rooftops stretching across the city toward the river and a suspension bridge in the distance. A castle sits on a hill to the left under a sky filled with large white clouds.

Close view of Lisbon’s colorful buildings with red tiled roofs clustered together beneath a hilltop castle surrounded by trees. The bright sky highlights the layered architecture and historic skyline.

Lisbon is known for its viewpoints, and there are a lot of them. Instead of trying to visit them all, I’d recommend finding one or two that you really like.

My personal favourite is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. From here, you get a great view over the city, with the castle slightly to the side and even the Ponte 25 de Abril in the distance.

Not all viewpoints are the same. Each one has a different atmosphere and shows you a different angle of the city, which is why it’s worth trying a couple and seeing which one you prefer.

If you want a full breakdown of the best viewpoints and exactly where to find them, I’ve covered that in a separate guide to the best views in Lisbon.

3. Visit the Santa Justa Lift for Free (temporarily closed)

Aerial view of a bustling street in Lisbon, with terracotta rooftops stretching towards the historic castle on the hill, capturing the essence of things to do in Lisbon on a Spain and Portugal itinerary.

The Santa Justa Lift is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon, but I don’t think it’s worth paying for.

There’s usually a long queue, and you’re paying just to go up a short distance. Instead, you can get the exact same view for free.

All you have to do is walk up to Carmo Square (Largo do Carmo). From there, you can access the top of the lift without paying and enjoy the view over the city and the castle.

It’s one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, especially for seeing the castle more clearly, and you skip both the cost and the wait.

4. Look for Street Art Around the City

Large colorful mural of a woman surrounded by birds, flowers, and ocean elements painted on the side of a building. The vibrant artwork transforms the Lisbon street corner into an immersive street art landmark.

Vintage motorcycle parked in front of a detailed mural of mechanical arms and industrial shapes forming a futuristic figure. The contrast between real bike and painted machinery creates a striking urban scene.

Lisbon is a great city for street art, but where you go makes a big difference.

In Bairro Alto, you’ll find lots of smaller pieces spread throughout the streets. It’s more about walking around and spotting things as you go rather than going to one specific place.

Graça was my personal favourite. This is where you’ll find the large murals, some covering entire buildings. They’re really impressive!

You’ll also find some great street art at LX Factory, which is worth visiting anyway for its overall atmosphere.

If you want to know exactly where to find the best pieces, I’ve put together a separate guide to street art in Lisbon.

5. Explore LX Factory

Lively street at LX Factory with outdoor café seating, people walking along cobblestone pavement, and colorful artwork on the walls. A large bridge structure rises overhead in the background.

Interior of a bookstore with tall shelves filled with books and a suspended white bicycle sculpture hanging above a staircase. People browse and walk through the multi level space.

LX Factory is a bit outside the city center, but it’s definitely worth the visit.

It’s a creative area filled with independent shops, cafes, and street art. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s a cool place to just walk around and explore.

The whole area feels very different from the rest of Lisbon. It’s more modern and artsy, which makes it a nice contrast to places like Alfama.

If you want more details on what to see and how to get there, I’ve written a full guide to LX Factory.

6. Relax by the Tagus River

Riverside walkway along the water with small waves reaching the edge, looking out toward a distant suspension bridge and statue across the river under a clear blue sky.

One of my favourite free things to do in Lisbon is simply sitting by the Tagus River.

Near Cais do Sodré, you’ll find wide steps leading down towards the water where people just sit, relax, and look out over the river.

You don’t need to spend anything here. Just bring your own snacks or drinks, find a place to sit, and enjoy the view.

It’s simple, but it’s one of those moments where you actually slow down and take in the city.

7. Take a Photo with the Lisbon Letters

Tina standing inside large yellow "LISBOA" letters covered in stickers in a sunny Lisbon square with the Rua Augusta Arch and statue visible in the background.

Large yellow letters spelling "LISBOA" stand on a terrace overlooking a park and city skyline, with a few people standing nearby taking photos. The bright sign contrasts against a blue sky with light clouds.

If you want the classic Lisbon photo, you’ll probably end up at the Lisbon letters in Praça do Comércio.

Just be prepared, there’s usually a queue here. It’s a popular spot, so you might have to wait a bit to get your picture.

There’s also another set of Lisbon letters at the Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII. This one feels completely different. It’s quieter, less crowded, and gives you a more modern view of the city.

I’ve actually walked there from the city center before. It’s a bit of a walk, but definitely doable and worth it if you want a different perspective of Lisbon.

8. People Watch in Lisbon’s Best Squares

Large equestrian statue stands in the center of a grand square with an ornate arch visible behind it and people gathered around the base. A bird flies overhead against a clear blue sky, adding movement to the historic scene.

Open city square with black and white wave patterned pavement and a large fountain at the center, surrounded by historic buildings and pedestrians walking through the space.

If you just want to slow down and take in the atmosphere, Lisbon’s main squares are perfect for people watching.

Praça do Comércio is one of the best spots for this. It’s right by the river, very open, and always full of people. It feels lively without being overwhelming.

Praça Dom Pedro IV is another great option. It has a bit more character with its patterned tiles and feels slightly more local, even though it’s still central.

Martim Moniz Square is another popular one, but I don’t think that one is worth it. When I walked past a few times it always smelled like pee and it looked a bit run down and scruffy.

9. Walk Down Rua Augusta

Rua Augusta Arch in Lisbon viewed from below with detailed carvings and clock, framing a busy square with people walking toward the waterfront statue under a blue sky.

Rua Augusta is one of the most touristy streets in Lisbon, but I still think it’s worth walking down at least once.

What makes it special is the perspective. As you walk along the street, the Arco da Rua Augusta slowly gets bigger the closer you get. It’s a simple thing, but it actually makes the walk feel more interesting.

Yes, it’s busy and full of shops and restaurants aimed at tourists, but the experience of walking toward the arch and seeing it up close is still worth it.

10. Step Inside Graça Church

Interior of a grand church with a high vaulted ceiling decorated with ornate frescoes and gold detailing, leading down to an altar at the far end. Rows of wooden pews fill the space while tall columns and arches line both sides.

Bright stone cloister with a series of rounded arches and columns forming a covered walkway beside a small green courtyard. Soft natural light filters in, highlighting the clean lines and quiet atmosphere.

Next to the Miradouro da Graça, you’ll find the Graça Church, and it’s worth a quick stop.

While many churches and landmarks in Lisbon charge an entry fee, you can still step inside parts of this one for free.

You can visit the church, the courtyard, and a room covered in traditional blue tiles, which are a classic Portuguese feature. If you want to visit the rooftop viewpoint, you’ll need to pay.

If you’re already in the area for the viewpoint, it’s an easy add-on that doesn’t cost anything.

11. Join a Free Walking Tour

A free walking tour is a great way to get an overview of Lisbon, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

You’ll learn more about the different neighborhoods, the history, and how everything connects, which helps a lot once you start exploring on your own.

That said, it’s not actually free. The guides rely on tips, so you’re expected to pay at the end based on your experience.

I still think it’s worth doing if you want a bit more context, just go in knowing how it works.

🦶 Reserve your spot on a free walking tour here!

Free Things in Lisbon That Aren’t Worth It

Not everything that’s popular in Lisbon is actually worth your time. These are a few things I’d personally skip.

Pink Street

Colorful rainbow umbrellas hang overhead across a narrow street lined with pastel buildings and outdoor cafés, creating a vibrant canopy above pedestrians walking along a bright pink pavement. A storefront with a red door and signs reading "SINNER2" and "CAIS" sits beside empty café tables and chairs.

Pink Street is mainly known for nightlife and partying.

If that’s your thing, you might enjoy it, but it wasn’t for me. During the day, it’s not particularly interesting, and at night it’s more about drinking than anything else.

If you want something similar but a bit more relaxed, I’d suggest Green Street instead.

Time Out Market

Busy indoor food hall filled with long communal tables and crowds of people dining beneath a high industrial ceiling. A large circular sign hanging overhead reads "Time Out Market Lisboa" above the lively scene.

Time Out Market is extremely popular, but I found it too crowded, especially in the evenings.

It feels very touristy, and the prices reflect that. Instead of enjoying the experience, I mostly just felt stressed by how busy it was.

There are plenty of better places in Lisbon where you can enjoy food without the crowds.

Tram 28

Classic yellow Lisbon tram labeled "L. Camões 28E" travels down a narrow street lined with pastel buildings and patterned tile sidewalks. People wait at a stop beside the tram while cars follow behind on the tracks.

Interior of a Lisbon tram with passengers seated on wooden benches and others standing in the aisle holding overhead straps. Sunlight streams through the windows, highlighting the narrow vintage carriage and crowded atmosphere.

Tram 28 is one of the most famous cheap things to do in Lisbon, but I don’t think it’s worth it.

It’s usually very crowded, quite bumpy, and not even that great for views since the windows aren’t always clean. You also don’t get the same experience as walking through areas like Alfama, where you can actually explore the small streets.

Stone castle walls and towers seen from above with visitors walking along narrow pathways and one person in bright pink clothing standing out.

If You Only Pay for One Attraction, Make It This One

If you’re going to spend money on just one thing in Lisbon, I’d make it the castle.

You see the castle from almost everywhere in the city, so it naturally becomes part of your experience while exploring. Actually going inside and walking along the castle walls adds another layer to that.

From the top, you get some of the best views in Lisbon, and it helps you understand the layout of the city much better.

If you’re planning to visit, I’ve put together a full guide to São Jorge Castle with tips on how to skip the queue and what to expect.

Tina Riegelnegg

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She's a vegan with wanderlust, who shares tips and stories from her travels to 31 countries as a vegan minimalist. After 2.5 years of full-time travel with just a personal item-sized bag, she’s now based in Vienna, helping fellow travelers explore the world with ease and compassion.