There are plenty of unusual things to do in Lisbon that are worth mentioning. To me these were a mixture of iconic attractions and experiences. For example, visiting the tile museum in Lisbon is pretty unique because of the unique azulejos that are found throughout the country. You could also choose to visit the oldest functioning bookshop in the world!
It honestly does not matter if you are visiting Lisbon for a day or for a week, whether it is your first time in the city or you’ve been there a number of times. The city has so much to offer. There is so much to do and there are some pretty interesting ways to explore the city too.
Some experiences that are unique to the capital city of Portugal. Curious? Here’s my list of epic and unusual things to do in Lisbon!
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Table of Contents
Famous Attractions In Lisbon
There are plenty of unique attractions in Lisbon. This is because Lisbon has a very interesting history that spans centuries. In fact, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. You can explore Lisbon’s heritage and history in the numerous different museums, while walking through its streets (since many of the buildings are well preserved) and by visiting the various monuments.
Let’s take a look at some of the unusual things to do in Lisbon that involve visiting some of the iconic sights.
1. Sao Jorge Castle
Sao Jorge Castle or the Castelo de São Jorge as it is known in Portuguese is one of the iconic monuments in Lisbon. It is a big part of the landscape and can be spotted from many of the view points (miradouro) in the city.
You do have to plan your transport to this attraction because it is located a bit away and while it may look close, trekking up and down the hilly landscape of Lisbon is pretty tiring.
I can tell you this because I tried to do it with my toddlers. Big mistake! Instead, use public transport. It makes better sense because you can conserve energy and time. This is especially important if you have just a day or two in Lisbon.
The castle is also known as the Lisbon Castle and City walls. It is a national monument. Since it is located at the top of a hill, you can get some really pretty views of Lisbon and its surroundings from here. This is why many people try to head here in the evening hours because they can catch the sunset here. There are three parts of the place that you can explore. This is the castle, the gardens and the walls. So make sure that you budget enough time for them.
I think that this is pretty much one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon largely because the Castle itself is super old and stands out prominently against the landscape as if to say. Hey look at me. I’m huge and I am old and I have stories to tell. No one really knows when the Castle of Saint George was constructed but it is said that it can be traced back as far as the 8th century. So you will find that the stories are pretty real.
Now one thing that you should know is that there are huge lines to get into the castle. So book your ticket in advance. Another way of getting into the castle quickly is if you have a Lisbon card, you can enter it quickly. There is a separate line for people who have the card.
2. National Tile Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (422 Reviews) Price: $9 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: National Tile Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Have you heard of the Portuguese Azulejos? If you haven’t heard the term azulejos, you are probably well versed with the Portuguese tiles that you see all over the country. One unique thing to do in Lisbon is to visit the National Tile museum that is located in the city.
Now the tiles itself would classify the museum into the category of one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon BUT there’s more.
The tile museum is located in the Madre de Deus Convent. The convent itself is worth visiting because of its beautiful baroque decoration.
Most people think that the tile museum is a quick stop in and out. How much could there possibly be to see about tiles right?
“The National Tile Museum had the most beautiful examples of the various types of tiles / art that you could explore chronologically and that gave you a sense of how they developed over the years. The rooms had good explanations of the the styles and the fact that they had entire walls and decorative scenes from hundreds of years ago was fascinating.”
Angela (read more reviews now!)
On the contrary, since the museum is also about seeing the Madre de Deus Convent, it does take quite a bit of time. Words really fall short when it comes to describing the chapel inside. The museum is filled with art (tile form and more). It spans two floors and it helps you understand the history of tiles in Portugal.
It is pretty much one of the top favorite museums when it comes to unusual things to do in Lisbon. I can see why. What about you?
3. Lisbon Cathedral
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (386 Reviews) Price: $5.45 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Lisbon cathedral Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
I don’t know if I would call the Lisbon cathedral one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon but it is definitely one of the unique attractions in the city. Located in the heart of the city, you will immediately spot it if you look at the city from the river banks. This is because of its large dome. It makes it really stick out but in a good way.
The inside of the Lisbon cathedral is definitely worth seeing. If I’m honest, it was one of my favorite churches (there are a lot of them!) that I visited in Lisbon. First off, know that the Lisbon cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Lisbon. It has an entrance ticket but it is totally worth entering because the cathedral is large.
“Gorgeous !!! The word is weak… it is a divine cathedral. The architecture, the sacred objects, the history everything is to be seen.”
Helene (read more reviews now!)
One of the really intriguing parts of the Lisbon cathedral is that it has been renovated over time. One of the reasons is because the cathedral has been damaged many times by different natural disasters. One of the worst times was during the infamous Great Earthquake of 1755. Despite the amount of damage inflicted on the cathedral, it is still standing strong today.
The resilience of the Lisbon cathedral and the people of Lisbon who renovated it, makes visiting this place one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon.
4. Lisbon Under The Stars At Carmo Convent
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (158 Reviews) Price: $22 per person Duration: 45 min 📍Meeting Point: Carmo Convent ruins Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
I’ve always been intrigued by the Carmel convents across the world. That largely is because I grew up going to a school that was run by the Carmelite nuns. One of the cool and rather unusual things to do in Lisbon is to visit the ruins of the Carmo convent.
Much like the Lisbon cathedral, the Carmo convent was also affected by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Unlike the cathedral, the convent was never reconstructed. It was pretty much left the way it was. The ceiling on the convent collapsed innards leaving the beautiful arches reaching for the sky.
While visiting the Carmo convent is one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon, it is also one of the popular ones. The first time we passed by it, the lines were super long but they moved fast so you don’t have to stay in line for long.
One of the truly unique things to do in Lisbon is to check and see if there are any events being held here. When we were in town, a popular one that was held there was the Lisbon Under the stars which was a light and sound show that was going on.
“Mario was a great guide! He was so informative with the history of each place we visited. My husband and I enjoyed the mix of the guided tour and free time to explore. This tour ended up being one of our favorite excursions of the week!”
Tracie (read more reviews now!)
We skipped this because our children were exhausted by the time we were done with the day. I’ve heard that it was pretty awesome from the people who did go for it. I’m sure you can see why this is one of the cool and yet unusual things to do in Lisbon.
5. Jeronimos Monastery
⭐️ Rating: 4.2/5 (8,366 Reviews) Price: $13.08 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Entrance of the monastery. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Belem is another part of Lisbon that you should check out. Most people head here to visit the Belem tower and to eat the famed pastel de Belem. Not everyone puts Jeronimos monastery on their bucket list till they actually reach Belem.
You really can’t miss the monastery when you walk around the city. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Portugal and it is huge. The problem however is that you have to book the tickets in advance. Unfortunately you still have to stand in a queue post the online ticket. It however beats standing in two lines aka one for the tickets and one for the monastery.
Your best bet is to stand in line early in the morning so that you are the first in line. That way you aren’t in line during the hot hours of the afternoon.
So what makes the Jeronimos monastery one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon? Well inside the monastery is the tomb of the Portuguese explorer named Vasco da Gama. Yes! The very same person who set sail and reached the shores of India.
You will find the tomb in the church that is attached to the monastery. The church also houses the tomb of Luis de Camoes. He is a famous Portuguese poet.
“Really beautiful and tranquil. Would recommend seeing this when in Lisbon. We did expect there to be more to see with the size of the building compared to what was open but it looked like restoration work was ongoing.
There was also a lack of information to read about the actual monastery too. We still had to queue despite having a ticket but it was quite fast moving so it was only for 15/20 minutes. Overall a good experience!”
Rebecca (read more reviews now!)
The monastery has a gorgeous two story cloister which is one of the most beautiful man made attractions in Lisbon. Now when you enter, you will find that one of the rooms is dedicated to the history of the monastery. Just make sure that you a lot of time for this though because between the lines and the time you need in the monastery itself, you will find that time flies by.
6. Tower of Belem
⭐️ Rating: 4/5 (5285 Reviews) Price: $9 per person Duration: Valid for 1 year 📍Meeting Point: entrance to the Belém Tower. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
One of the iconic structures that pretty much defines Belem and Lisbon is the Tower of Belem. Today people visit it because it is one of the old structures and because it is so pretty BUT the reason I’ve put this visit down as one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon is because of the history that it has attached with it.
Decades ago, Lisbon was a port city. It still is but back then this was particularly important because trade and exploration all happened from this point. The Tower of Belem was a fortification that was built in the 16th century that was used for both embarkation and disembarkation. Think of it as the gates to the watery ways of the city.
Now just like the Jeronimos monastery, the ticket line to the Tower of Belem is long! If you buy your ticket in advance you can skip that line but you will still have to wait for a long while to enter. This is because only a few people are allowed into the tower at a time. So if you book your tickets in advance, make sure to plan and keep some time to wait in line to get inside.
Now if you want a shorter line, try starting out here early in the morning. This way, you can stand in the shade. This is especially true in summer when it gets really hot.
7. Santa Justa Lift
Right at the heart of Lisbon city is a rather curious construction. We passed it frequently while we wandered around the city. I’m talking about the Santa Justa lift. It stands out when you compare it to the buildings around it. The Santa Justa lift is a 19th century industrial lift. It was used to ferry people from the Baixa district right up to Largo do Carmo.
If you look at the wrought iron construction, you will see why heading up on this lift is one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon. Today the lift isn’t used as a mode of transport for people who are heading about the city. It is however used by a number of tourists who visit.
So yes! The lines can be long and it is a bit expensive to get up. The view however is something most people are willing to pay for.
8. Livraria Bertrand
Are you a fan of books? Do you get into a bookstore and get lost in it for hours? You will find that Livraria Bertrand is a spot that will interest you. The bookstore holds the Guiness World record for the oldest bookstore in the world. Wondering how old it is? The store was originally started up in 1755!
I found this as interesting as the popular Livraria Lelo which is one of the unusual sites in Porto. Unlike the store in Porto you don’t have to wait in long queues or pay an entry fee. Definitely makes it one of the easier attractions to visit.
Unique Experiences In Lisbon
If you are on the lookout for some unusual things to do in Lisbon, you will find that these unique experiences are totally worth checking out. Many of these are truly experiences that you will get only in Lisbon. You can add them to your itinerary if you spend a week in Lisbon or just a day! Lisbon is after all one of the places that people escape to. That’s why its one of the popular weekend trips in Europe.
When the weather is good, you can add in things like surfing and kayaking to your itinerary too. Plus some of these are popular activities in Lisbon but with a twist. They give you a chance to learn about something from professionals, whether its a new skill or a bit about history.
So if you are looking for unusual things to do in Lisbon and love unique experiences then keep on reading.
9. Dolphin Watching With A Marine Biologist
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 (1,041 Reviews) Price: $61 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Doca de Santo Amaro, Gate 3 Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Dolphin watching is one of the popular activities that people put on their bucket list. But if you want to do this with a twist why not head out with a Marine Biologist?
The boats that head out pride themselves with being non crowded and offering tourists a mix of the touristy stuff aka sightseeing along with educating them about the dolphins that populate the waters around Lisbon.
Lifejackets are provided by the activity provider but you have to remember to carry your food and water. The water is especially important in the hot summers.
Sunscreen is another essential that you should remember to pack. The cruise leaves from the city center and you get a safety briefing on the way.
“Very fun experience. We managed to see a lot of dolphins and even a whale out in the Atlantic. Our tour guide added the necessary professional knowledge on top of what we were able to see. The boat that took us on the tour also added an exciting element to the entire experience. Very much recommended!”
Antonio (read more reviews now!)
It takes some time to head out into the open ocean where you will spot dolphins, jellyfish, sea turtles and a myriad of other fish. Remember that your guide here is a marine biologist. This means that you will get all the expert knowledge about the ecosystem that is unique to the Portuguese coast. It is perfect for people who want more than just a cool dolphin cruise.
10. Tagus River Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (1442 Reviews) Price: $40 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Doca de Santo Amaro Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The Tagus river flows along the side of Lisbon. This is what makes Lisbon a popular port city. In fact, back in the day, the Tower of Belem was a fortified structure that acted as a line of defense from anyone who would try to enter the city.
Even famous explorers like Vasco da Gama left from here. Needless to say, the river is really busy and there are quite a number of vessels plying to and fro. You may even get to see a cruise ship or two.
While walking along the river is one of the cool things to do, one of the popular if not unusual things to do in Lisbon is to head out on a cruise.
So what makes it unusual? Well there are the standard river cruises that take you up and down the coast but there are the more unique ones.
“Beautiful views, good music – we had a great time, one of the best ways to see Lisbon at Sunset.”
Nayantara (read more reviews now!)
For example you could choose to sail on a catamaran in luxury while enjoying the sunset. You will obviously be treated to some of the epic Portuguese wine while you take in the views. This is the perfect cruise if you love a slower pace.
If you are the partying kind then maybe you could choose to head out on a Sunset party cruise which has an open bar and a DJ. Its a bit more lively and generally populated with the younger crowd. I don’t if its my age that is catching up with me or what, but I prefer the former one.
It really does not matter which cruise you take, you will get a chance to see the iconic monuments of Lisbon and even Belem that are located along the coast. It is also one of the best ways to catch sight of the sunset in Lisbon. When it comes to unusual things to do in Lisbon, it does not get more scenic than this!
11. Surfing Lessons
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 (198 Reviews) Price: $33 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Carcavelos Beach Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Generally when I think about surfing in Portugal. I think of Ericiera, Peniche and Nazare. Lisbon isn’t a spot that pops into my head. So I was pretty surprised to learn that there are surfing lessons that are conducted at Carcavelos Beach. Since the waters aren’t rough, it does make an excellent spot for beginners to learn.
One thing that you need to realize is that you will have to wear a wetsuit. This is especially true during the colder months of the year.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to invest in one because the surfing school will provide you one along with a safety brief at the start of your class.
A couple of things that I like about this activity is the fact that it is conducted in a small group. You start off small. Learning to balance on your board, paddling in shallow waters etc.
Once are confident enough, you can then head out to ride the waves. Did I mention that the instructor is certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation?
It is one of of the cool an rather lesser known unusual things to do in Lisbon. One that is highly recommended for people who love water sports.
If you are staying in the area for a couple of days you could even schedule more than one session. That way when you actual leave Lisbon, you’ll be more than just a beginner surfer.
“There were two of us and we were complete beginners. We had never been on a surfboard or anything like that before. I went into the 2 surfing lessons expecting that I would just learn how to get from the water onto the board. We never thought that we would actually get on the board several times.
We owe this to our surfing instructor Bruno, probably an old hand on the waves, who basically threw us “into the deep end” without us being afraid. He gave us great instructions, made us feel safe, gave us valuable tips and had strong nerves, which he needed with us.
It was sooooo much fun that I can’t describe it in words here. An absolute must if you are near the beautiful Praias Carcavelos. The organization was also great. After our 2 hours we could see that a children’s holiday group was being looked after for several hours with surfing, games and fun. This organizer is just great.”
Tanya (read more reviews now!)
12. Arrabida Park Kayak Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 (315 Reviews) Price: $94 per person Duration: 7 hours 📍Meeting Point: Time Out Market Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The Portuguese coast is home to some really stunning limestone formations. Now if you walk along the promenade of Lisbon, you won’t get to see them. That is unless you head to Cascais where it is one of the cool things to do.
Another cool place to see this natural formation is in the Arrabida park. Now you could choose to drive here and see it or take a tour from Lisbon. I can tell you first hand that seeing these formations from land and from the sea are totally different experiences.
Generally the tours will take you to Sesimbra by van. There you get off and get a safety briefing before you choose your kayaks and head out to explore the Arrabida park.
I’m a big fan of kayaking so this definitely figures on my bucket list when comes to unusual things to do in Lisbon.
Shawn and I have gone kayaking in so many different countries. We’ve even kayaked on the Mekong in Cambodia.
“Fantastic time from the pickup in Lisbon. Our driver was great and told us a lot of information on our drive there and back.
Kayaking was so fun and so beautiful, going along the cliffs and through the cliffs then spending time on the beach swimming, eating lunch and relaxing. Did not feel rushed at all, had the best time!! Highly recommend!”
Amy (read more reviews now!)
While you kayak you will ass through my narrow tunnels and passages. Make sure that you pay attention to your guide. Once this is done, you will have a stop at the Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach for a quick picnic to refuel and rest.
Sesimbra is also part of the excursion so you will get a chance to explore a bit more than just the park. The long ride (50 min) will be pretty relaxing because the van is comfortable. So much better than driving if you know what I mean.
13. Go Bird Watching At The Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 (55 Reviews) Price: $55 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Passeio Neptuno 13, 1990-193 Lisboa, Portugal Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Did you know that the Tagus Estuary nature reserve is a great place to head out for bird watching. It is pretty easy to drive to. This nature reserve is on the outskirts of the city but it houses one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon.
Since we usually drive down south to Portugal we are never hassled about transportation. This makes it so much easier to get about BUT I also understand the need to figure out public transportation.
One way to do it where the Tagus Estuary nature reserve is concerned is by taking a bird watching tour.
This is particularly great for the novices in the group because you have a guide who will talk about all the bird species that are native to the area.
“How wonderful to spend several hours with someone who knows his birds and loves his river. Carlos used the changing tide to ensure we we arrived at mud flats just as they were exposed and the pelagic birds arrived to feed. He was informative, flexible and all that we envisioned when we booked. So glad he is offering this experience to interested birders.”
David (read more reviews now!)
If you do the tour, you will also stop at the Parque das Nações, Bairro dos Pescadores 21, Mouchao da Povoa and Vasco da Gama Bridge. At a couple of these locations you will head out a short boat tour in addition to stopping for photographs. This makes the tour particularly great when it comes to the value for money quotient.
14. Experience A Live Fado Show
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (2,359 Reviews) Price: $20 per person Duration: 50 min📍Meeting Point: Lisboa em Fado Rua do Crucifixo 84 Baixa Chiado, Lisbon Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Experiencing a fado is one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon that I truly recommend. Fados are an expression of culture, music and in a way of history.
Its an art form that I am particularly partial too because as a Goan, I grew up listening to a lot of Portuguese music. My grandmother had an old radio with a tape recorder. Every morning she would play some tapes.
Listening to the fados in Portugal really brought back those memories because the tunes and the beats sounded so familiar.
Now you can head out to many restaurants and catch a fado while you eat. The thing about this is that sometimes or rather most of the time, these restaurants are the more expensive ones.
“So happy we did this. It was a short 50 minute show, which was perfectly paced and structured. Live performances were interspersed with short video clips about the history of Fado. We received a glass of Port wine at the beginning and sat in a well appointed, cooled room. The singers were both SO nice – clearly very talented and passionate about Fado. They really made us feel it. The guitarists were also both excellent. All in all, I highly recommend.”
Nina (read more reviews now!)
If you haven’t figured out a great one like us, you will find that the best alternative is to book one of the fado experiences. You will be given a glass of Port wine to drink alongside so you can just relax and enjoy the experience. It is one of the popular unusual things to do in Lisbon which is on almost every travelers list!
Unusual Things To Do In Lisbon: Food Related
I’m a big foodie. So is everyone in my family. That’s one of the big reasons why I went about exploring all the unusual things to do in Lisbon that were food related.
If you also love food then know that the city is a total foodie’s paradise. There are so many options. One of the biggest reasons why I want to head back to Lisbon is largely because of the scrumptious meals that we ate every single day!
15. Eat The Original Pastel De Nata
Everyone knows about the famous Portuguese custard tarts aka the Pastel de Nata. These tarts actually originated in a part of Lisbon called Belem. The original location is still standing and turns out thousands of pasteis every single day. In fact there is a very long queue just to get a takeaway box.
One thing that not everyone knows however is the fact that the café has an extensive seating area inside. It is usually bustling and you may have to wait for a bit to be seated but trust me, it is totally worth it! They serve up a number of other regional delicacies too.
So head here for breakfast or tea or lunch if that’s what you want. We visited it numerous times during our stay and even drove to it from Cascais because it was one of our favorite unusual things to do in Lisbon that was food related.
16. Try Ginjinha
Have you ever heard about Ginjinha? We actually heard about it when we went to Obidios where it is very very popular but you can get this in Lisbon too. Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur that is made up of sour cherries. Despite the cherries being sour, you will find that the liqueur is very sweet. It is served up in a shot glass and you will fin that despite its sweetness, it can pack a punch. I love it though and brought a bottle home as a souvenir.
Another popular way to have Ginjinha is in tiny chocolate cups. They taste a lot like liqueur filled chocolates. I personally prefer to have it neat though. I get to savor the taste. Shawn however is not the biggest fan. He prefers the local wines. Despite his lack of enthusiasm, even he has to admit that it is definitely one of the unique things to do Lisbon.
17. Head Out On A Pub Crawl
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 (230 Reviews) Price: $17 per person Duration: 📍Meeting Point: Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Lisbon has a very vibrant nightlife. The combination of good food and lots of great pubs makes Lisbon one of the best places to book a pub crawl. Not only does it give you a chance to see some of the iconic spots that are known to the locals, it also gives you a chance to interact with people who live in the city and who are visiting.
Generally speaking you will find that everyone is incredibly friendly.
The city also has lots of internationals living in it. This is because it is a well known tourist location and because of the digital nomad visas that make working in the city very attractive.
So there are plenty of people who speak English here. Language is no barrier in Lisbon!
“It was great! It’s a great way to start off your vacation and make some travel friends to drink with. We met some people in this Pub Crawl and then ended up seeing them in Porto for drinks! Definitely worth it to go to if you want to meet other people traveling.”
Vanessa (read more reviews now!)
The pub crawl starts out in Bairo Alto and heads to Pink street where it winds up. These are also some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon if you like the nightlife. At one of the bars you will get unlimited beer and sangrias. So yup! Definitely worth the price of the tour and it is one of the fun activities in the city.
Is this one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon that you would indulge in? I know I would!
I had to literally cut this list of unusual things to do in Lisbon down short. There are so many unique things in the city that you kinda have to prioritize depending on what your own personal preferences. There are unique buildings, experiences, food and more… I particularly love the food section in this list.
What are your favorite unusual things to do in Lisbon? Let us know in the comments below.
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