Top 5: The best free things to do in Lisbon
Famous for its colourful hilltop houses, mouth-watering cuisine and charming trams, the beautiful capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The mild climate and array of historic sites make it a hugely popular tourist destination, and it now sees a staggering 4.5 million visitors every year. But with so much to see, do and eat in Lisbon, costs can quickly add up - particularly if you're partial to the infamous Belem pastéis de nata treats!
Fortunately, it’s easy to find brilliant free things to do in Lisbon to help keep your trip budget-friendly, from free walking tours to hidden live music spots. Read on to find out more about our pick of the best free attractions in Lisbon.
Enjoy panoramic views from the best lookout points in Lisbon
While some cities keep their best views tucked away at the top of pricey attractions, in Lisbon the sweeping panoramic spots are free to visit. They’ve even added cafes and seating to some of them so you can take your time! Known as ‘miradouros’, these viewpoints are found all across the city’s seven hills. Favourites include the view over the rooftops from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, and the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, a popular sunset-watching spot.
Learn essential phrases at free Portuguese classes
Picking up some of the local lingo is bound to make your trip unforgettable, so why not take part in some free Portuguese classes? Non-profit organisation SPEAK offers free group lessons in exchange for helping others learn your native language. The city is also packed with language exchange and tandem programmes which you can find on sites like MeetUp or Couchsurfing.
Explore Lisbon with free walking and bike tours
Get to grips with the city's diverse history during one of Sandemans New Europe's free 3-hour walking tours, taking place every day in both English and Spanish. You can also find various options for free bike tours around Lisbon. If you’d prefer to navigate alone, why not head out to the pretty beachside town of Cascais and explore the seafront on one of their free bikes?
Get your culture fix at free museums and galleries
While most of Lisbon's museums have an entry fee, there are still a few that are entirely free to visit. These include the fascinating archaeological museum Núcleo Arqueológico, and the stylish MUDE – Museu do Design e da Moda. What's more, if you visit Lisbon on the first Sunday of the month, you'll find that many of the city's most popular museums are free to all visitors before 2 pm.
Listen to free live music at local spots
One of the best ways to understand a new culture is through its music, and Portugal is no exception. The hauntingly beautiful Fado music is said to date back hundreds of years, and can now be heard drifting from bars and restaurants all over the city. Enjoy it for free on Monday and Wednesday evenings at A Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto, but make sure to arrive early - it's very popular!