The Traveller's Magazine
Lisbon is on the rise and budget travellers who are a little short on Euros can rejoice! There’s plenty to see and do without spending a penny in the Portuguese capital. Walking shoes on, camera ready, sightseeing face on, let’s go!
City sights
- Design & Fashion Museum: this is one of the leading museum designs of the 20th century and free to visit. The collecting includes works by 230+ designers representing the world’s most famous fashion brands. Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier…
- Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: a fine collection featuring works by Picasso, Pollock, Dali, Miro and many others. Around 250 paintings, sculptures and installations are on display.
- Basilica and Jardim da Estrela: The Basilica is a prominent part of the Lisbon skyline, built in 1796 in neoclassical style. Enter this pink and black marble church for free and see the Queen’s tomb and a nativity scene featuring over 500 statues.
- Feira da Ladra: Also called the Thieves Market, takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays and makes a great afternoon out, even if you don’t buy a thing.
- Sé Cathedral: Part castle, part cathedral, this is one of the oldest buildings in Lisbon built in 1147. Visit at dusk and it looks like something out of a vampire film, complete with bats.
Fantastic Views
For views of the city, head up to one of the city’s miradouros, strategically placed look-outs over the city. Head up to the top of the Gloria funicular and make your way to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Also Our Lady of the Hill is a good look-out, also the highest point of the city.
Food and wine
Portugal is a major wine producer so why not help yourself to some free samples? Get yourself to ViniPortugal, under the arches of Terreiro do Paço. Every month this wine shop offers three regional wines for visitors to taste, free of charge! Vini Portugal is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm.
Fado
Lisbon’s music traditions are not to be missed. The soulful and melancholic melodies drift out from open-windowed taverns, into the streets of the historic district. The folk rhythms will have your feet dancing in your seat while the performance will have you mesmerised from the first note. Catch live fado shows at Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Flights to LisbonLike to travel for free? We’ve created dozens of free city guides on the Traveller’s Blog from Venice to Vancouver, Paris to Hong Kong.
