Things to Do in Lisbon: Your Ultimate Guide for Every Kind of Trip
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Whether you’re escaping with your partner, wrangling the kids on a family adventure, bonding on a lads’ getaway, or squeezing in a little leisure on a business trip, Lisbon delivers.
With its sun-drenched rooftops, rich history, buzzing nightlife, and coastal charm, Portugal’s capital is as versatile as it is vibrant. Here’s how to make the most of it—whatever your travel vibe.
For the Lads’ Trip: Pints, Petiscos and Party Nights
Lisbon knows how to throw a party—and Bairro Alto is where the action starts. Hop from quirky bars to late-night clubs, or book a private tuk-tuk bar crawl to keep things lively (and moving). During the day, head out for a surf lesson in nearby Carcavelos, take a boat tour along the Tagus River, or catch a match at Estádio da Luz if you’re in town for football season. Fuel up with bifanas (pork sandwiches), cold beers, and a few rounds of Ginjinha shots in Alfama.
For the Family Holiday: Castles, Trams and Custard Tarts
Lisbon with kids is pure magic. Hop aboard the iconic Tram 28 for a rickety ride through the city’s prettiest streets, visit the Oceanário (one of Europe’s best aquariums), and let little legs run wild at Eduardo VII Park or the fairytale towers of Belém. Don’t miss the puppet museum or a trip across the river to the Cristo Rei statue for panoramic views. Oh, and stock up on pastéis de nata—everyone’s going to want seconds.
For a Romantic Getaway: Sunset Views and Alfresco Dinners
Cobblestone streets, scenic miradouros (viewpoints), and candlelit wine bars set the mood perfectly. Spend golden hour at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, take a tram to the castle, or stroll hand-in-hand through Alfama’s fado-filled alleyways. Book a sunset cruise or dine alfresco in Chiado with a glass of local vinho verde. Lisbon’s charm really turns up at night, when the city glows and the streets hum with live music.
For a Work Trip: Culture and Cool Between Meetings
If you’ve carved out a few hours between meetings, Lisbon’s creative edge is right on your doorstep. Explore the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), grab lunch at Time Out Market, or walk the tile-covered streets of Baixa. With reliable Wi-Fi in cafés and coworking-friendly venues like Second Home Lisboa, squeezing in a bit of work-life balance here is refreshingly easy.
Where to Stay: ME Lisbon
Perfectly placed between Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade and the historic pulse of Marquês de Pombal, ME Lisbon marks the arrival of ME by Meliá in Portugal—and it’s a showstopper. With its bold architecture, contemporary art collection, and rooftop skyline views, this hotel blends design, culture, and lifestyle into a luxurious stay that suits every kind of traveller.
Across 213 rooms and suites (some with views of São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River), ME Lisbon offers comfort with serious edge. Dine at fismuler for seasonal Spanish flair or head to attiko—a rooftop fine dining hotspot with pan-Asian dishes and castle views. Want to unwind? The KORPO Spa has a heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, and sensory treatments to help you recharge. Whether you’re in Lisbon to work, play, or soak up the culture, ME Lisbon is the kind of base that turns a good trip into a great one.
