Things to do for free in Lisbon
Getting to know a city doesn’t mean having to empty your wallet, especially if you visit the Portuguese capital. The magic word in this article is free, so if the date of your trip is coming up, include in your plans our suggestions for things to do for free in Lisbon.
Get to know the historical center
As obvious as it may sound when you need to find free activities in Lisbon, there is no better than a good walk around the city. Lisbon is full of beautiful surprises around every corner. Take a walk through the neighborhoods of Alfama or Bairro Alto, visit the hills and explore the colorful alleys.
In the city, you’ll find an eclectic mix of old buildings and streetcars alongside vibrant street art and breathtaking panoramic views.
Free yourself from maps and apps, grab a pastel de nata for the road (this one is unfortunately not free but worth all the investment), and delight in the best Lisbon offers.
Free guided tours
If you prefer a guided tour to get to know the city better, you can also book one for free. These tours usually take you around the city and some well-known historical monuments. When the end comes, although it is free, it is common to reward the guide for his work with a fee that you think is fair. Book your visit or get to know their itinerary in detail here.
Refresh yourself at Pátio da Água
After a walk around the city, nothing tastes better than a good refreshment. Until September 9, the Pátio da Água will be at Avenida da Liberdade offering glasses of tap water to those who visit the place. If you think you will find simple tap water here, you will be surprised by the added fruits and herbs to create flavored waters, which makes the experience much more refreshing!
The ice cream brand Santini will also be present during some happy hours with tap water lemon-mint picolinis.
Pátio da Água is open during the week from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm, but the ice creams are only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
Have a picnic in the park
Taking a break in one of Lisbon’s beautiful green spaces is the perfect way to relax after walking all over the city. In the center, you will find several easily accessible parks that are ideal for resting or enjoying a nice meal outdoors:
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- Jardim da Estrela
- Jardim Botânico da Ajuda
- Tapada das Necessidades
- Jardim do Príncipe Real
- Parque Eduardo VII
These are great places to take a picnic lunch, kick back, read a book, or stroll around the plants.
Yoga at the Beach
This summer, go to Sintra and enjoy the free classes of the Associação Centro do Yoga de Sintra at Praia das Maçãs. You can enjoy these classes on August 28 and September 18, at 9:00 am. This activity is great because all you need is a towel and a good mood. Take the opportunity to relax, exercise, and cool off in the Lisbon sea before heading back.
Enjoy the good Fado
Fado is the most well-known musical genre in Portugal. So if you want to enjoy a complete cultural experience when you visit Lisbon, you shouldn’t leave without hearing a live fado show. The best way to enjoy a performance when money is tight is to head to a local tasca or café where admission is free and spend your money on typical city snacks and wine for an afternoon or evening full of fun, pleasant music, and good food.
Noites de Verão
Filho Unico’s magical Noites de Verão returned on July 5 and ends on September 3. Among the artists performing: you can find Alexander von Schlippenbach, a pianist of European free jazz, and other artists at the Goethe-Institut.
In between, this program also goes through the gardens of the Municipal Galleries – Quadrum, the Lisbon Museum – Palácio Pimenta and the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Chiado, and the Stone Amphitheater in Tapada da Ajuda.
You can check the full poster here.
Visit the Feira da Ladra flea market
If you are a fan of antiques and treasure hunting, you will be fascinated by this Lisbon’s unique street market. The Feira da Ladra flea market, which takes place in Campo de Santa Clara, happens every Tuesday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and is an attraction for kids and adults alike.
In case you didn’t know, the roots of this market date back to the 13th century, making Feira da Ladra the oldest and best-known fair in Lisbon.
Although there is no agreement on the origin of its name, the most common theory is that the term “Ladra” comes from the fact that people believed stolen objects were sold there.
You can find everything at this fair, from second-hand clothes to furniture, books, or antique decorative accessories. It is a great place to explore and wander around, even if you don’t have money to spend.
As you can see, you don’t need to spend a cent to enjoy the beauty of the Portuguese capital and some of its traditions. Make your reservation at Hotel Portuense and enjoy these things to do for free in Lisbon.