Things to do in Lisbon: our themed recommendations

Written by Quentin de Bonjour Évasion

Published yesterday

Things to do in Lisbon: our themed recommendations

Lisbon attracts visitors with its light, picturesque alleys, and warm atmosphere… But the Portuguese capital is much more than a postcard setting! It’s a city rich in culture, history, and art de vivre. Whether you’re passionate about museums, curious about the past, or simply looking for authentic experiences, Lisbon has so much to offer…

Here are our thematic selections to help you design your own itinerary. To discover the city more easily, don’t hesitate to check out the guided tours in French offered by Bonjour Lisbonne!

A City of Culture

Lisbon is a bustling cultural capital where every visitor can find their own delight.

If you’re into crafts and tradition, you’ll be charmed by the National Azulejo Museum, which traces the history of these famous ceramic tiles. Art lovers will enjoy the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, renowned for its exceptional collections ranging from Antiquity to modern art. The MAAT, set on the banks of the Tagus, is as impressive for its bold architecture as for its innovative exhibitions.

Azulejos - © cbdlq

Alternative cultures also have their space, with the LX Factory gathering bookstores, workshops, and galleries in a former industrial area. And don’t miss the Belém Cultural Center, where music, dance, and visual arts fill the calendar all year long.

History Everywhere

Walking through Lisbon is like traveling across centuries of history.

In Alfama, the narrow alleys and steep stairways recall the city’s medieval past. The Bairro Alto, built at the end of the 16th century, is another picturesque neighborhood steeped in history, yet buzzing with life.

In Belém, the Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery—both UNESCO World Heritage sites—stand as reminders of the grandeur of the Age of Discoveries, when Portuguese caravels sailed across the world.

Belém Tower – © Julius Silver

Keep in mind that the 1755 earthquake left a deep mark on the city. Some scars from this dramatic event are still visible today.

The Lisboan Art of Living

Lisbon reveals itself not only through its monuments but also through its everyday pleasures.

Start your day with a bica and a still-warm pastel de nata, then stroll through foodie markets like the Time Out Market—an unmissable experience.

But the Lisboan lifestyle is also savored in small family taverns, where cod and grilled sardines are timeless classics.

At dusk, the terraces of the squares come alive, and the streets of Bairro Alto pulse to the rhythm of bars and musicians. In Alfama, fado still echoes, offering visitors a unique moment of emotion.

Written by Quentin de Bonjour Évasion

Voyageur passionné et aventurier urbain, Quentin, cofondateur de Bonjour Évasion, explore les plus grandes villes européennes avec un œil curieux et un esprit toujours en quête de nouvelles adresses. Des ruelles cachées de Lisbonne aux rooftops vibrants de Berlin, il aime sortir des sentiers battus pour dénicher les coins insolites, les bonnes tables locales et les lieux pleins d’âme. À travers ses récits pour Bonjour Évasion, il partage ses découvertes avec authenticité, entre bons plans, coups de cœur et inspirations pour celles et ceux qui veulent vivre la ville autrement.