Local’s Guide: 27 Hidden Gems in Lisbon You’ll Love
This guest post by Yvonne, a Canadian who has been living in Portugal for years, outlines the best 27 hidden gems in Lisbon through a local perspective:
Want to discover Lisbon’s best-kept secrets? As someone who’s lived in Portugal part-time for years, I’ve uncovered 27 incredible hidden gems in Lisbon that will make your trip unforgettable.
From scenic views and quirky markets to mouthwatering restaurants and stunning viewpoints, this guide takes you beyond the typical tourist trail to experience Lisbon like a local. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, get ready to fall in love with the city’s hidden charms.
Ready to explore the best of Lisbon’s secret spots? Let’s dive in!
27 Best Hidden Gems in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become increasingly popular as both a tourist destination and home for expats in recent years. The city offers plenty of ways to get off the beaten path:
1. LX Factory
The LX Factory is in the Alcântara district of Lisbon and can be found under the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. It’s known for its restaurants, quirky street art and local vendors.
It was originally an industrial complex founded in 1846, and was Lisbon’s largest factory until it closed its doors and was abandoned for many years. That is, until 2008 when it reopened as a trendy hangout spot for tourists and locals alike.
This place is a foodie heaven with fantastic restaurants like Ni Michi Cocina Latina, Sushi Factory and 1300 Taberna. If you are an art lover, the graffiti-covered walls and massive colorful statues will make this stop a must-see.
And if you are looking for a unique activity, you can always see how good you are at throwing an axe at USAxe Club. Or craft your own piece of jewelry at Ana Couto & Valérie Lachuer – Jewelry Open Studio.
2. The Thieves’ Market (Feira da Ladra)
The Thieves’ Market, or the Feira da Ladra, is one of the oldest markets in Lisbon and is guaranteed to have something you’ll want.
This includes homemade crafts such as blankets, rugs, paintings and even azulejos – Portuguese tiles. If crafts aren’t your thing, they also have electronics, vintage items, books, clothing and all the normal tourist trinkets as well.
The Thieves’ Market is located by the Mercado de Santa Clara, which is the most visited market in Lisbon.
It runs twice weekly on Tuesday and Saturday, from 8:00 AM until around 5:00 PM. But make sure to come early, because all the bargains are usually gone by early afternoon.
3. Museu Nacional do Azulejo: Portugal’s Tile Museum
If you love the tiles in Lisbon, then the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, National Tile Museum, is a perfect Lisbon itinerary stop. It was originally a 16th-century Monastery until it became a museum in 1960. It has tiles that span from the 15th century to present day.
At this museum, you will not only learn about the history of Portugal but also get to see its history painted on azulejos.
The most breathtaking part of the museum is the Mosteiro da Madre de Deus. This church features opulent gold decorations and impressive displays of azulejo tiles recounting biblical stories.
The Museum is open every day (except Mondays) from 10:00am-6:00pm. Entrance is €8.
👉 Join a Tile Workshop and Private Tour
4. Panteão Nacional
The National Pantheon was originally a church created in 1682 called the Church of Santa Engrácia. In 1916, it was renamed to Panteão Nacional and has been so named ever since.
It’s located in the Alfama district of Lisbon and the building itself is remarkable. It towers over the surrounding buildings, with the highest point of its dome reaching 83 meters. There’s also a viewing platform that gives you a view over the city and river.
Once you are inside the Pantheon, make sure you go and check out the tombs of the most famous people in Portuguese history.
From kings and queens to legendary writers, and from political leaders to soccer players the history inside this building is incredible.
5. Viúva Lamego Tile Factory
If you liked the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, then head over to the Viúva Lamego Tile Factory. The original factory was built between 1849 and 1865 and is located in the Intendente neighborhood in Lisbon. It boasts one of the prettiest façades in Lisbon.
In 1992, the operating factory itself moved to Sintra, where it and the showroom are today.
Unfortunately, the original store in Lisbon closed after being in business for 172 years, although the building’s exterior is still beautiful and worth a visit.
The Viúva Lamego Tile Factory in Sintra is the perfect place to visit if you are looking to buy azulejo from a company that has been around since the 1800s.
6. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Lisbon is one of the hilliest cities in the world which makes it a tough place to visit for tourists who are expecting nice, relaxing strolls along flat streets.
The hills in this city do, however, make for incredible viewpoints.
The best miradouro (viewpoint) of the city is the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, located in the Graça neighborhood of Lisbon.
From here, you can see thousands of colorful buildings with their clay tile roofs, the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Tagus River and everything else this beautiful city has to offer.
7. Ponto Final
Ponto Final is a famous riverside restaurant that has outdoor seating literally along the river. It is located on the other side of the Tagus River, in a city called Almada, and has fantastic views of Lisbon.
Make sure that you book your reservation far in advance (like 3 months) because this place fills up quickly. Although sometimes, walk-ins do get lucky.
This restaurant became famous after appearing on an episode of “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix. It has many amazing dishes, but I would most recommend the sardines, shrimp and octopus if you want to be blown away.
8. Mercado de Campo de Ourique
This market is located in the Campo de Ourique neighborhood in Lisbon and is a featured stop on this small group tour led by a local.
It is a little far from the city center, however, this makes it the perfect place to escape the tourist crowds and be among the locals.
It’s one of the oldest covered markets in Lisbon and has been around since the 1930s. It has stalls of fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, fish and meat, as well as some excellent restaurants.
Make sure to go to Hummusbar Lisboa where they serve incredible Middle Eastern dishes like hummus bowls, shakshuka and pita sandwiches.
You should also try Churrasquinho do Bairro restaurant while you’re here. It serves chicken with a side of fries to die for! Once you are done, make sure to take a stroll through the neighborhood.
Fun fact: the famous 28 tram starts in this neighborhood, so if that is on your bucket list, make sure to jump on at this stop. Or, for a more unique experience, take a tuk tuk ride along the same route!
9. Cantinho do Vintage
Who doesn’t love a good vintage shop? The Cantinho do Vintage is a huge warehouse filled with amazing finds. It spans more than 9,000 square meters and 3 different floors.
Once you enter, prepare to be amazed by the thousands of vintage items. This market consists mainly of furniture but has a few little knick-knacks as well.
Some people say that the prices are a little high, but if you are looking for authentic vintage finds, you’ll love it here.
10. Palacio Marques De Fronteira
Palacio Marques De Fronteira is a 17th-century palace and is privately owned by the Marquesses of Fronteira.
Inside, you’ll find traditional azulejo tiling, furniture and paintings. The main rooms you won’t want to miss are the Room of the Battles, the dining room and the chapel.
Once you are done exploring inside the palace, head out to the garden where you’ll find lush greenery and a pond that’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful azulejo you’ve ever seen – definitely an Instagrammable spot.
This Palace is located just outside the Parque Florestal de Monsanto, which is the largest green area in Lisbon.
11. Panorâmico De Monsanto
Speaking of the Parque Florestal de Monsanto, this next place is located right in the middle of it. The Panorâmico De Monsanto is where the locals go to get away from the tourists.
This now abandoned building used to be a high-end restaurant in the 1960s. Now, it’s abandoned and covered in colorful art, tiles and graffiti.
In the center of the building, there’s a staircase that leads up to the roof. From up here, you’ll get one of the best views of Lisbon.
Outside of the main structure, the art continues with brightly painted abandoned cars and abstract sculptures.
12. Estufa Fria
Estufa Fria, which translates to cold greenhouse, is located in the very popular Parque Eduardo VII right on the edge of the park’s lake.
This greenhouse first opened in the 1930s and features more than 300 different plants coming from almost every continent on earth.
The Estufa Fria expanded in 1975 and now has not only a cold greenhouse but also a hot greenhouse (estufa quente) and a sweet greenhouse (estufa doce).
The cold greenhouse has plants like azaleas and camellias, which need a cooler climate to survive. The hot greenhouse has plants that need hot weather, like coffee and mangifera (aka mango).
And the sweet greenhouse has succulent plants such as cacti and aloe.
13. Amoreiras 360° Panoramic View
More viewpoints, anyone?
The Amoreiras 360° Panoramic View is an open-air rooftop viewing platform on top of the Amoreiras shopping center. It is one of the highest viewing platforms in Lisbon at 174 meters (570 feet) and offers one of the best 360° panoramic views.
It only costs €5 to get to the viewpoint and is definitely worth it. The rooftop has plenty of seating, and the telescopes are free to use.
If you are in Lisbon during the winter months, you can go up close to closing time and see the sun set over the city. Note that entrance stops 30 minutes before closing time.
14. Chapitô à Mesa
Chapitô à Mesa is a restaurant in the Alfama neighborhood, high up in the hills of Lisbon. It has amazing views of the city and delicious local dishes.
Some of the best dishes here are the grilled octopus, piri piri chicken and steak. Make sure to make a reservation or show up right at opening to ensure you get a seat with a view.
From the restaurant, you can see the river, bridge and charming rooftops.
15. A Ginjinha
A Ginjinha is a historic bar in the heart of Lisbon that serves a local favorite, ginjinha. Ginjinha is a cherry-like liqueur that’s made by combining ginja berries with alcohol.
Then add in some sugar and a few other ingredients to concoct this tasty, local drink.
The bar opened in 1840 and has been run by the same family for more than 5 generations. So, if you’re looking for a local place run by true Lisboetas, A Ginjinha is the place for you.
If you prefer beer, wine or cocktails, think twice before coming here. This bar serves ginjinha and ginjinha only.
16. Pavilhão Chinês
Had enough ginjinha? Go on over to Pavilhão Chinês.
This bar is in an old grocery store from 1901 and has five rooms that are decorated like a museum.
If you are a history buff, collector of vintage toys/dolls, or simply love unique and original places, then grab a seat, buy a drink, and be prepared to be amazed.
This bar was opened in 1986 by a man named Luis Pinto Coelho. He was looking for the perfect place to display his over 4,000-piece miniatures collection.
So, he bought the grocery store, turned it into a bar, and filled it to the brim with all his collectibles and oddities.
17. Jardim do Torel
Jardim do Torel is a park in the Pena neighborhood where you can relax and enjoy views of the city below. It also has a pool with a sandy beach in summer.
This secret little park is one of the prettiest in Lisbon and is the perfect place for families. You can spend the day tanning while your kids play in the pool, which has sand scattered around it to make it look like an urban beach.
In the afternoon, you can spread out a blanket and have a picnic.
You can reach this area via the Elevador do Lavra or by Rua do Telhal. Get there early, though, because it fills up quickly in the summer!
Fun fact: the Lavra elevador or funicular is the oldest in Lisbon.
18. The Lisbon Earthquake Experience | Quake
This interactive museum will transport you back to the most devastating natural disaster of Lisbon’s history – the 1755 earthquake.
During this historic earthquake, 12,000 to 50,000 people lost their lives. Visitors can walk the virtual streets and experience Lisbon, before the earthquake simulator goes into effect and destroys it before your very eyes.
Learn the science of earthquakes and the history of the Lisboetas while walking the streets of medieval Portugal in this incredible museum.
👉 Visit the Lisbon Earthquake Museum
19. Telecabine de Lisboa
The Telecabine de Lisboa takes you on a gondola ride along the shore of the Tagus River. It’s in the Parque das Nações neighborhood in the northeast of Lisbon.
As you ride the gondola you can see the Vasco da Gama Bridge – the largest bridge in Lisbon and the second-longest bridge in Europe.
Built for the 1989 Lisbon World Expo, it features 40 glass gondolas with 360° panoramic views over Lisbon, and runs parallel to the river. You’ll also get views of the Camões Theatre and the Lisbon Oceanarium from up above.
20. Lisbon Oceanarium
Speaking of the Lisbon Oceanarium, if you love marine life, then you’re in luck.
This aquarium has more than 15,000 marine creatures representing 500+ species. It is also one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe.
Some of the highlights of the aquarium are the penguins, sharks, stingrays, seahorses, octopuses, jellyfish and the main attraction – the giant sunfish. They also have flora and fauna such as kelp, coral and algae.
You can expect to take at least a full day here, walking around and seeing all of the amazing sea life.
21. Hospital de Bonecas (Doll Hospital)
Founded in 1830, this historical doll hospital offers repair services for vintage and modern dolls. It also has an affordable museum with 4,000+ ancient and new dolls to admire.
The giant doll village in the storefront window will definitely catch your eye as you walk by it, and that’s just the beginning! Upon entering the store, you will be greeted by thousands of dolls and doll parts.
If you are a lover of dolls then make sure to go here. As for me, I avoid this place like the plague because I’ve seen too many doll-focused horror movies!
22. Fado Vadio (Street Fado)
If you love graffiti, street art and urban art, then you’ll love this little street (or should I say stairway with LOTS of stairs.)
This place is one of the most Instagrammable spots in all of Lisbon, and for a good reason.
The main piece of art on this street is the “Fado Vadio” mural. Fado is a genre of music that originated in Lisbon. The mural shows all of the major fado musicians from over the years painted on the wall.
23. Museu do Aljube – Resistance and Freedom
This museum is all about Portugal’s fight for democracy. In the years 1926 to 1974, Portugal was governed by a dictatorship. Here, the resistance of that dictatorship is shown.
The building that the museum is in was a political prison during the time of the dictatorship. It stopped being a prison in 1965. In 2015, it was opened as a museum showing the plight of the imprisoned and giving them the recognition they deserve.
24. Jardim da Estrela
This park is lined with rows of trees, has a playground for kids, and has lots of grass where you can lay out and rest. It’s a public park, so it’s free to get into.
This park is also right next to the Basilica of Estrela as well as a British cemetery. It’s in the Estrela neighborhood and is just a short bus or tram ride from the center.
It is also just walking distance (albeit up a steep hill) to the neighborhood of Campo de Ourique.
25. The Crypt of Saint Anthony
This crypt is inside of the Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon. It’s said that Saint Anthony was born in this exact location on August 15, 1195.
In the crypt, you can see a traditional Portuguese tile panel depicting the time when Pope John Paul II visited here in 1982. The outside and inside of the church building combine neoclassical as well as baroque styles of architecture.
26. Arco da Rua Augusto
Last on the list, we head back to the city center to the Arco da Rua Augusto. This incredible archway is known as the gateway to Lisbon.
The arc is located in the Praça do Comércio and overlooks this vast public square. The arc was built in 1875 and symbolizes Lisbon’s recovery from the 1755 earthquake and tsunami.
Although the Arc is beautiful to look at from the outside, many people don’t know that you can pay to go up to the top to get a bird’ s-eye view of the Praça do Comércio. Be aware that there is no elevator though — you’ll need to take the stairs!
27. Portuguese Goan Cooking Class
For a unique experience, take a unique cooking class! Take a short ferry ride from Lisbon over to Alameda, where Paula will meet you to guide you to her apartment.
In Paula’s kitchen, she’ll teach you to make several Portuguese and Portuguese-Goan dishes that you’ll enjoy together.
Insider Tips for Discovering Lisbon
Now that you know some of the best hidden gems in Lisbon, you’re probably wondering if there are some insider tips that you need to know to get the most out of your visit to Lisbon. Of course there are! Here are some of my top tips from a local:
Bring Your Walking Shoes
The biggest tip I always give people is to bring comfortable shoes. Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills. Expect to walk up and down all day, so you’ll need to have comfortable, non-slip shoes to get you through.
Also, make sure to leave the high heels at home. Cobblestones and high heels don’t work well together.
Consider Shoulder Seasons
Lisbon is a year-round destination. The best time to visit is not in the summertime (if you can avoid it). Personally, I love the shoulder seasons, which include May-June and September-October.
But if you want to come in the winter, that’s possible too. Just make sure to pack some nice warm clothes and some rain gear.
Pack Wisely
When exploring Lisbon, always keep a light jacket or sweater with you, even in the warmer months. The city’s proximity to the ocean means that evenings can bring a cool breeze, especially in areas like Belém or along the Tagus River.
Stay Alert
Lisbon is generally a safe city, so you can relax and enjoy your visit without too much worry.
However, like in any popular tourist destination, it’s wise to stay alert for pickpocketing, particularly in crowded or tourist-heavy areas such as the famous Tram 28 route.
Always keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
Get Outside of the City
Don’t just stay in Lisbon – take a Lisbon day trip! Yes, the city is beautiful, but it is also so close to so many different places.
Obviously, many people end up going to Sintra, but other places to check out include Ericeira, Costa da Caparica, Setubal, and Arrabida National Park – this is the best place from which to take an outdoor adventure from Lisbon.
Don’t Rent a Car
Uber is safe and cheap, and there is a metro system as well. Do not rent a car to explore Lisbon, as driving in the city can be confusing.
Mind Your Money
And the last tip is to always check your bill. Be careful about the couverts, which are the small little nibbles people bring to your table once you sit down.
That bread is not free, my friend. And once the bill comes, tipping is not necessary but if you can leave a euro or two that is appreciated.
Final Thoughts: Hidden Gems Lisbon
Each of these hidden gems in Lisbon offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of the city. Remember, the true magic of this city lies in its ability to blend the old with the new, creating an atmosphere that’s both timeless and dynamic.
So take your time, wander off the beaten path, and let Lisbon reveal its many wonders to you in its own charming way.
Whether it’s through the flavors of local cuisine, the echoes of Fado music, or the warmth of its people, Lisbon promises an unforgettable experience.
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Author bio: Yvonne is a Canadian who calls Portugal home (at least part-time). She’s been living in the country since 2020. She owns a small house in rural Portugal and loves to write about the beauty of Portugal travel on her blog, nowinportugal.com.
