Whether you’re traveling to Lisbon on a budget or you prefer spending your money on things like food (no shame in that, I’m the same), I’m here to help. At first sight, it may come across as an expensive city, but the truth is that you’ll find plenty of free things to do in Lisbon.
The Portuguese city is a vibrant destination where anyone can find something to love, from historical landmarks and museums to the most amazing restaurants and a buzzing nightlife scene, and this list will undoubtedly help you experience the best of Lisbon without breaking the bank.
Good to know: Quite a few train and bus routes in Portugal are very budget-friendly, so you can also take some amazing day trips from Lisbon.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my disclosure and disclaimer. This post may show pop-ups.
Best Free Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal
To make the most of your time in Lisbon and discover both its highlights and hidden gems, consider getting this Lisbon map with 150+ points of interest, suggestes itineraries, and more!
Also, if you’re saving money here, you can spend it on other things like food and highly-rated day trips, including a full day tour to Sintra, a Knights Templar day tour, a day tour to Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos, or a Arrábida Natural Park day tour with wine tasting!
Take a Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are a fantastic way to get to know a city (or at least start to get to know it).
As much as I love roaming freely around a destination to discover its hotspots & hidden nooks and crannies, a local guide’s knowledge and perspective should not be underestimated.
What I especially like is finding themed tours that uncover a specific side of a city, and Lisbon offers quite a few of them.
Browse all the free walking tours you can take in Lisbon.
Head to the City’s Most Scenic Viewpoints
One of the best things to do for free in Lisbon is to check out its miradouros (viewpoints). The city is home to so many of them, and anyone who loves to look at a destination from above (like me) will enjoy them.
From Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro da Graça, there’s no shortage of miradouros in Lisbon where you can feast on the city’s carpet of orange rooftops.
Wander Through the Neighborhood of Alfama
I always love to uncover what each of a city’s districts has to offer, and Alfama, the oldest and one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Lisbon, boasts an irresistible charm.
This maze of streets and squares is packed with historical landmarks, colorful houses, cozy cafes, cute little shops selling authentic souvenirs, and countless other photogenic corners you can only discover on foot.
If you want to explore Alfama with a guide, you can also take this free walking tour!
Wander Through the Neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Chiado
Two more easy-to-love neighborhoods are Bairro Alto and Chiado.
The bohemian Bairro Alto dates back to the 15th century, and you’ll find colorful street art, trendy bars, fado houses, and concept shops dotting its charming streets.
Its neighbor, Chiado (which dates back to the 16th century), is considered more sophisticated with its luxury shops, theatres, museums, and boutique hotels. It’s even home to Lisbon’s oldest restaurant, Tavares, established in 1784 (temporarily closed for renovation).
Admire the Belem Tower
The Belem Tower is not only one of Lisbon’s most emblematic landmarks but also one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 16th-century fortification was built to protect the city during the Portuguese Age of Discovery, and it also marked the navigators’ embarkation point.
If its historical significance is not enough, its Manueline architecture (Portuguese late Gothic) is also worth appreciating, and anyone, whether they are travelers or locals, will tell you that the tower is a must-see in Lisbon.
Entering the Belem Tower does cost a few euros, but you can visit it for free with the Lisbon Card or just admire it on the outside.
Want to explore the district of Belem with a guide? Book this free walking tour!
Marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries
One of the best free attractions in Lisbon is the Monument to the Discoveries.
Also located in the Belem district, the striking 20th-century statue honors the Portuguese Age of Discovery and depicts a ship with 30+ navigators, rulers, and other figures from that era.
I don’t know how many of them you’ll manage to recognize on your own, but you can try to find people like Henry the Navigator, Queen Philippa of Lancaster, and King Afonso V of Portugal.
Want to explore the district of Belem with a guide? Take a free walking tour!
Be in Awe of the Jeronimos Monastery
While visiting the Jeronimos Monastery is only free for holders of the Lisbon Card, there’s no way you can skip out on such a remarkable historical landmark, even if you’re only seeing its exteriors.
Situated in the Belem district, this 16th-century UNESCO site is another major symbol of the Age of Discovery, for several reasons, including the fact that its monks provided spiritual guidance to the Portuguese explorers.
It’s also a Manueline-style architectural masterpiece, though it’s better to tour the monastery on the inside to fully immerse yourself in its beauty.
Want to explore the district of Belem with a guide? Reserve your spot on this free walking tour!
Wander Through the Neighborhood of Mouraria
After Afonso I of Portugal conquered the city in the 12th century, Mouraria is where the Moors lived until they were expelled from the country at the end of the 15th century. Today, it’s Lisbon’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious neighborhood.
Mouraria is also where Fado, the most famous Portuguese music genre, was born, so there are plenty of reasons to be intrigued by this quarter.
See the Oldest Cathedral in Lisbon
While it’s not as jaw-dropping as other churches and cathedrals in Europe, the Lisbon Cathedral is still a beautiful Gothic & Baroque building and is the oldest in the city (dating back to the 12th century), which means it’s a must-see.
Admire the Rua Augusta Arch and Praça Do Comércio
Facing the gorgeous Praça do Comércio, the square where the Royal Palace of Ribeira stood before the 1755 earthquake happened, the astounding Rua Augusta Arch was built in homage to the city’s reconstruction.
Both are must-sees in Lisbon’s city center and you don’t need to spend a dime when visiting them.
Look for Azulejo-Adorned Buildings
You’ll find plenty of houses and churches covered in colorful tiles in Lisbon. Still, nothing says “you’re in Portugal” more than the iconic traditional Azulejo tiles, which are mostly painted in blue and white.
You’ll find them in places like the terrace of Miradouro de Santa Luzia, some Metro stations, Avenida Almirante Reis 6, Rua Cruzes da Sé 13, and a stunning shop called d’Orey Tiles.
Visit Some Flea Markets
One of the best things to do in Lisbon for free is to explore its flea markets as you don’t need to actually buy something to enjoy them.
A few unmissable ones are the Feira da Ladra (dating back to the 13th century), Feira na Avenida, and the LXMarket (taking place every Sunday at the LxFactory).
Enjoy a Free Live Fado Show
After visiting the Fado’s birthplace, you’ll surely want to enjoy a live performance of this soulful music.
Since you’re looking for free activities in Lisbon, you’ll be happy to know that some bars and taverns offer free Fado shows. This means that the actual performance is free of charge, but you will obviously pay for your drinks and food.
Go Street Art Hunting
Admiring and photographing beautiful street art is a free activity I love doing in any city. Whether I see a tiny artistic spot or a head-turning mural, I always get excited.
If that sounds relatable, Lisbon has got you covered because you’ll find stunning works of art in every single neighborhood.
A few unmissable pieces include Poseidon by PichiAvo (Santa Apolónia, 65) and the unique creations of Bordalo II, and there are dozens of others waiting to be discovered.
See the Santa Justa Lift
Connecting the neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado, the 19th-century Santa Justa elevator is a unique-looking landmark and a highly-popular attraction in Lisbon.
You can ride it for free with the Lisbon Card or just enjoy its unusual look. I recommend the latter because it is very busy, and I’m not sure it’s worth the long lines.
Stroll Through Some Beautiful Parks and Gardens
Some of the best places to visit in Lisbon for free are its green spaces. For a change of scenery, stroll through Parque Eduardo VII, Jardim do Príncipe Real, or Jardim da Estrela.
If you don’t mind paying an admission of 2 euros (still budget-friendly, right?), you can also visit the Ajuda Botanical Garden.
Watch the Sunset
Sitting on the Tagus River, Lisbon is, without a doubt, one of the best capital cities in Europe for sunset watching.
You can perfectly see the bright yellow, orange, and red colors from spots like the Belem Tower, Cais das Colunas, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and Miradouro do Monte Agudo. Trust me – you won’t be disappointed.
Head to the Liveliest and Prettiest Squares in Lisbon
As long as they’re not highly touristy, European squares are such a wonderful place for people-watching (not in a creepy way, of course) and getting a glimpse into the locals’ life.
You’ll find quite a few squares that deserve some time on your Lisbon itinerary, like Praça Luís de Camões, Praça Dom Pedro IV (also known as Rossio Square), Largo do Carmo, and Praça do Município.
If you love hidden gems as much as I do, don’t worry – you’ll also come across dozens of enchanting tiny squares while you wander around the city’s neighborhoods.
Walk Along the City’s Most Famous Streets
If you’re looking for beautiful photo spots in Lisbon, your camera will love famous streets like Rua Augusta, Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, and Avenida da Liberdade (one of the best places for luxury shopping in Lisbon).
That said, exploring the city on foot will uncover countless other little streets and alleys that I can only describe as magical, so prepare yourself to fall in love with Lisbon.
Head to the Quirky LX Factory
An old factory turned into a unique-looking leisure complex, the Lx Factory is a colorful collection of spaces home to dozens of concept shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars (though it also hosts events and exhibitions).
Its industrial vibe and everything it offers make it such a fantastic spot to wander around. If you’re here on a girls’ trip, you’re going to love it.
Visit Some Indoor Food Markets
Even if I’m not buying anything, I absolutely love visiting markets when I’m traveling.
Between seeing what the different stands and stalls have to offer, watching the locals doing their market shopping, and maybe even grabbing a bite, it’s a must-do on every trip.
If you’re looking for some visit-worthy markets in Lisbon, head to the popular Time Out Market, Mercado da Baixa, or Campo de Ourique Market.
Visit Some Free Museums
Many museums in the city offer free admission for residents of Lisbon/Portugal on Sundays, including the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and Museu Nacional do Azulejo.
They also offer free entrance to holders of the Lisbon Card, but you can find a few other free places to visit without purchasing the city pass.
Head to the Archaeological Nucleus in Rua do Correeiros to see remains and artifacts from different eras in Lisbon’s history, including the Iron Age, Roman times, medieval times, and the 18th century.
You can only visit it with a free guided tour (available in English), which you can book here (you’ll see “Require Visit”).
Other free museums in Lisbon include the:
- Money Museum
- Museum of the Orient, free on Fridays from 6 PM to 8 PM
- Sociedade Nacional de Belas Artes
See the National Pantheon (Church of Santa Engracia)
The 17th-century baroque-style Church of Santa Engrácia houses the National Pantheon, the burial place of many important people in Portuguese history, including politicians, writers, and even a fado singer and a football player.
While touring this significant Lisbon landmark will cost you a few euros, you can admire the building on the outside for free, and it’s beautiful enough that it’ll be worth it.
See the Church of São Vicente de Fora
You might think this is just another religious building, but the Monastery and Church of São Vicente de Fora (translating to ‘Monastery of Saint Vincent Outside the Walls’) is much more than that.
Back in the 12th century, King Afonso Henriques promised to build a monastery dedicated to Saint Vincent if he managed to conquer the city from the Moors, and so he did, though the monastery was reconstructed in the 16th-17th centuries.
Since the 19th century, it has also housed the Royal Pantheon of the House of Braganza. About 50 Portuguese kings, queens, princes, and princesses are buried there, which is another reason why the monastery is such an important landmark in Portugal.
While getting inside this amazing piece of history will cost you a few euros, it’s free to see the building on the outside.
Admire the 25 de Abril Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril)
Connecting Lisbon with the municipality of Almada, this suspension bridge is one of the longest in Europe. You might recognize it from the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, though it was featured in several other movies. You’ll see it perfectly from the Tejo Promenade.
Visit the Prazeres Cemetery (Cemitério Dos Prazeres)
Reachable by tram number 28, the Prazeres Cemetery is one of the largest in Lisbon and is a surprising spot that provides magnificent views of the city. It’s also the burial place of famous Portuguese figures like politicians, painters, and musicians.
I get that they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but many cemeteries around the world have also become visit-worthy sites for travelers. So if you’re looking for unusual things to do, strolling through the Cemitério dos Prazeres definitely ticks that box.
See the Statue of Cristo Rei (Sanctuary of Christ the King)
On the other of the 25 de Abril Bridge, you’ll find the 28m (90ft) statue of Cristo Rey and its 75m pedestal, inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer.
The prominent monument symbolizes Portugal’s gratitude for being spared the terrible destruction WWII caused.
Getting up to the viewing platform will cost you a few euros, but visiting the complex (including seeing the statue up close) is completely free of charge.
Top Landmarks and Museums You Can Visit for Free With the Lisbon Card
I don’t usually by city cards unless they’re actually worth it. In Lisbon’n case, it really depends on your itinerary, so you might want to get the Lisbon Card to save money on attractions.
It costs 31€, 51€, or 62€ for 24, 48, or 72 hours and offers free use of public transport and entrance to top attractions like:
- Saint George Castle (15€)
- Jerónimos Monastery (18€)
- Belém Tower (8€)
- National Tile Museum (10€)
- National Coach Museum (15€)
- Fado Museum (5€)
You can see the full list of discounts here.
Other Portugal Travel Guides
Pin this post for later using the icon on the right bottom corner and read more about Portugal:
- What to pack for Lisbon
- Best road trips in Portugal
- Hidden gems in Portugal
- Road trip from Lisbon to Porto
- Northern Portugal road trip
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Super helpful post! Thank you so much for the tips.
Thank you, Nancy!