The 7 best free activities to do in Lisbon

1. Explore Alfama District

The oldest and most characteristic district of Lisbon is called Alfama. This neighbourhood offers plenty of free activities that allow you to soak in its rich culture and local atmosphere. Discover hidden courtyards, traditional homes, Lisbon’s food hotspots, and beautiful viewpoints when roaming around the labyrinth of narrow streets. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral, a charming building worth exploring for its architecture and atmosphere, or browse the town’s oldest flea market; Feira da Ladra, held every Tuesday and Saturday. Even if you’re not buying, it’s a great place to browse and soak in the local atmosphere!

2. Enjoy a serenade at sunset at Cais das Colunas

Cais das Colunas is Lisbon’s waterfront treasure. Picture this: you’re strolling along the river with a breeze in your hair, and suddenly, you’re greeted by two majestic stone columns. These 18th-century icons once welcomed ships into Lisbon’s bustling harbour and now make an awe-inspiring getaway. As the sun sets, the Cais das Colunas takes on a magical glow and the columns get beautifully illuminated. So take a seat at one of the benches, soak in the beautiful view, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get serenaded by one of the many local street musicians!

3. Do a free city tour

Free city tours are perfect for budget-savvy travellers who still want to dive deeper into Lisbon’s rich history and vibrant culture. There are plenty of free city tours available such as Guru Walk, who organises several tours like an essential history, fun facts, and free tastings tour. And there are plenty of other tours to explore, like the New Europe Tours and Freetour. Get ready for plenty of laughs, intriguing stories, and perhaps a few unexpected detours to discover hidden gems. Don’t stress about getting lost, the guides are the experts who know Lisbon inside and out! They’ll ensure you finish the tour with a smile and many great recommendations for your next adventure.

4. Street art spotting

Something you can miss out on in this beautiful city is its street art. Lisbon’s street art scene is like an open-air gallery where the city’s walls double as canvases. From bold murals to complicated stencils, the town is alive with colour and creativity, turning a simple walk into an urban treasure hunt. Some are playful and whimsical, like giant sardines swimming across a building, while others are deeply political and more serious. A perfect place to check out the street art is at the LX factory or the Alfama and Mouraria neighbourhoods. Whether you’re snapping photos for Instagram or just soaking it all in, Lisbon’s street art is sure to leave you inspired!

5. Visit museums

Even though the streets of Lisbon are full of art already, some museums are definitely worth visiting. Museu de Lisboa is completely free of charge and is home to several collections of historical, decorative, religious and archeological artefacts. Other museums like Museu de Arte, Museu de Oriente, and many others are free of charge every first Sunday of the month. 🖼️

6. Enjoy the Miradouros 

Checking out Lisbon’s miradouros (viewpoints) is like discovering a series of secret balconies that offer the most spectacular cityscape selfies! From breathtaking landmarks to incredible patchworks of rooftops, each miradouro offers its unique slice of Lisbon's charm. There is Portas do Sol, where you have a wide view over all the coloured houses, Jardim do Torel, which is located in a park and has a stunning view over the city, and many more! And the best thing is: they’re all free to enjoy! Making them perfect for budget-friendly adventurers. 

7. Free festivals and events

Hey there, party animal! Lisbon offers numerous free festivals and events for you to attend, such as music festivals. In June, one of Lisbon’s most beloved festivals takes place; Santos Populares. With street parties, dancing, and lots of grilled sardines. Moreover, there are free open-air concerts, cultural events, and food festivals like Lisbon Food Week and FADO Wine and Food Festival. So, whether you’re dancing through the streets, savouring delicious treats, or soaking up the electric atmosphere, there’s always something exciting happening in this vibrant city! 🎊

Overall, Lisbon is the perfect city to visit when you’re on a budget. Are you inspired enough to pay a visit? Or are you even considering working and living there and curious what a typical day in Portugal looks like? Find all our vacancies in Lisbon and explore the city all year round!