21 Unusual Things to do in Lisbon [2025]

Lisbon is Portugal’s soulful capital, where sunlight dances across colorful tiled façades and history intertwines with a modern, creative energy. Beyond the iconic trams and pastel de nata, there are countless unusual things to do in Lisbon that reveal the city’s quirky, artistic, and sometimes secretive side. From wandering through hidden street art alleys and sipping ginjinha at tiny hole-in-the-wall bars to exploring abandoned rooftops, secret supper clubs, and immersive theater, Lisbon rewards curiosity at every turn.

With its dramatic hills, riverside promenades, and proximity to Portugal’s wild Atlantic coastline, the city is the perfect starting point for discovering the country in a more adventurous way. Whether you’re strolling historic neighborhoods, camping atop rugged cliffs, or joining a graffiti workshop led by a local artist, Lisbon’s unique experiences combine culture, creativity, and fun in ways that will make your visit unforgettable.

Here are 21 unusual things to do in Lisbon that will make your visit unforgettable.

1. Hunt for Street Art in Hidden Alleys

Lisbon is a living art gallery, with some of Europe’s best street art tucked away in unexpected corners. Wander through Mouraria and Marvila to discover massive murals and tiny stencil works, each telling a story of politics, culture, or local pride. The government has even designated official “urban art galleries,” making it easy to spot work from world-renowned artists like Vhils.

2. Catch a Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Perched high above the city, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is one of Lisbon’s most breathtaking viewpoints—and still less crowded than the popular São Pedro de Alcântara. From here, you can see the castle, the river, and rooftops tumbling down the hills in every direction.

Pro tip: On the way, stop by POP, a charming shop dedicated to artisanal products from Portugal where you can even pick up a takeaway picnic basket and natural wine to bring along. Watching the sun sink into the Atlantic with a glass in hand is a Lisbon memory you won’t forget.

3. Camp by the Ocean in a Siesta Camper

Lisbon isn’t just a city—it’s the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip in Portugal. Within minutes you can be cruising the wild Atlantic coastline, where rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and sleepy surf towns beg for a campervan stopover. From here, the whole of Portugal unfolds before you: head north toward Sintra’s mystical forests, south to the sun-drenched Algarve, or inland through wine country and medieval villages. With a Siesta Camper, Lisbon becomes your gateway to adventure, giving you total freedom to follow the road wherever it leads.

Explore Portugal’s coastlines, mountains, and hidden gems in comfort with Siesta Campers

4. Try a Secret Supper Club

Lisbon’s supper clubs are tucked away in homes or old taverns, where locals cook multi-course meals for small groups of guests. It’s intimate, unforgettable, and a chance to meet people from all over the world around a single table.

5. Ride the Lavra Funicular

Most visitors line up for Tram 28, but Lisbon’s oldest funicular, Lavra, remains a hidden gem. Built in 1884, it still clanks up the steep Calçada do Lavra at a snail’s pace, passing pastel-painted homes and flower-filled balconies. It’s a charming slice of history that feels more authentic than the tourist-packed routes.

6. Explore the Roman Galleries Beneath the Streets

Few realize that Lisbon sits atop Roman ruins, hidden beneath the Baixa district. Once a year, archaeologists open the Roman galleries under Rua da Prata, leading visitors through vaulted stone chambers and ancient aqueducts. Tickets sell out fast, so plan ahead if you want a rare glimpse into the city’s buried past and your chance to experience one of the most unusual things to do in Lisbon.

7. Picnic in Jardim do Torel

High above Avenida da Liberdade lies Jardim do Torel, one of Lisbon’s best-kept secrets. This leafy park has hammocks, fountains, and benches with sweeping views over the valley below. Bring a picnic, linger at sunset, and enjoy a quiet break from the city buzz.

8. Try to Escape

Step into Lisbon’s Game Over Escape Room for an adrenaline-pumping, mind-bending experience. Each room is meticulously themed, packed with puzzles, secret compartments, and clever traps that require teamwork, wit, and a bit of daring to escape. Whether you’re with friends or family, it’s an unforgettable way to challenge your problem-solving skills while exploring inventive, immersive environments designed to make every minute thrilling.

9. Get Lost in Marvila

Marvila, once Lisbon’s warehouse district, has transformed into one of the city’s coolest creative hubs. At its heart is 8 Marvila, a sprawling cultural space that mixes art exhibitions, food pop-ups, music events, and co-working energy under one roof. Around it, the neighborhood buzzes with craft breweries, street art, and design studios—making Marvila the perfect place to soak up Lisbon’s cutting-edge, creative spirit.

8 Marvila

10. Discover the Greenhouses of Estufa Fria

In Eduardo VII Park lies Estufa Fria, a hidden jungle of exotic plants, waterfalls, and stone walkways. It’s a quiet oasis where you can wander among tropical ferns without ever leaving the city center.

11. Enjoy a Very Unusual Dinner at Palácio do Grilo

Step into Lisbon’s elegant past with a night at Palácio do Grilo, where history, architecture, and gastronomy collide. The palace hosts immersive dinner shows that combine theatrical performances with a carefully curated multi-course Portuguese meal. As you dine beneath ornate ceilings and period décor, actors bring stories of Lisbon’s history and legends to life, creating a unique evening that engages all your senses—perfect for culture lovers looking for something truly extraordinary.

12. Climb the Abandoned Panoramic de Monsanto

In the middle of Lisbon’s “Green Lung” lies an abandoned restaurant with one of the city’s best views. The Panoramic de Monsanto is covered in graffiti and feels like a post-apocalyptic movie set. Climb to the top for a 360° panorama that stretches from the Atlantic coast to the rolling hills beyond the city.

13. Experience A Morte do Corvo Immersive Theater

Step into the underground art scene with A Morte do Corvo (“The Death of the Crow”), an avant-garde theater performance staged in a former industrial space in Marvila. Part immersive play, part surreal dreamscape, and surely one of the most unusual things to do in Lisbon.

The show unfolds around you as actors move through different rooms, pulling the audience into the story with whispered dialogues, dance, and haunting soundscapes. Inspired by Lisbon’s history and Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven, it’s raw, experimental, and deeply atmospheric—an unforgettable night where you’re not just watching theater, you’re living inside it.

A Morte do Corvo

14. Explore Lisbon by Bike from Cais do Sodré

Rent a bicycle near Cais do Sodré and follow the scenic riverside cycle path toward Belém, passing vibrant street art, modern architecture, and the bustling waterfront along the way. For the adventurous, the path continues all the way to Cascais, hugging the wild Atlantic coastline with dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches. When your legs are ready for a break, simply hop on the train back to Lisbon—making it a flexible, fun, and unforgettable way to explore the city and beyond.

15. Visit the Quake Museum

Step inside Lisbon’s most unique museum and relive the dramatic story of the 1755 earthquake that reshaped the city. Through state-of-the-art simulations, interactive exhibits, and storytelling, the Quake Museum brings history to life in a way that feels thrilling and unforgettable. It’s both educational and entertaining—perfect for anyone curious about the forces that built (and rebuilt) Lisbon.

16. Find the Smallest Bookstore in the World

Simão’s Bookstore, just a few steps from São Domingos Church, measures barely three square meters. Yet somehow it squeezes in thousands of titles, with books stacked to the ceiling and spilling onto the street. The owner happily recommends rare finds if you can manage to squeeze inside.

17. Browse Feira da Ladra Flea Market

Held every Tuesday and Saturday in Alfama, Feira da Ladra is Lisbon’s oldest flea market. Stalls brim with antiques, vintage clothing, vinyl records, and quirky souvenirs. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a lively place to people-watch and soak in the city’s bohemian vibe.

Feira da Ladra

18. Create Legal Street Art with a Professional Artist

Get hands-on with Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene and join a workshop led by a professional graffiti artist. You’ll learn techniques for spray painting, stenciling, and mural design while creating your own piece on designated legal walls. It’s a rare opportunity to explore your creativity, understand the city’s urban art culture, and leave a personal mark on Lisbon’s streets—legally and safely.

19. Listen to Live Music on the Steps of Boutique Taberna

Experience Lisbon’s vibrant music scene at Boutique Taberna, where local musicians often perform on the steps outside this cozy eatery. Grab a glass of wine or a small plate, find a spot on the steps, and soak up the soulful sounds of fado, jazz, or contemporary tunes in an intimate, open-air setting. It’s a casual yet unforgettable way to connect with Lisbon’s local culture, mingle with residents, and enjoy music in a truly authentic atmosphere.

20. Sail Along the Tejo River

See Lisbon from a completely different perspective by taking a sailing tour along the Tejo River. As you glide past the city’s iconic bridges, pastel-colored façades, and historic waterfront, the skyline unfolds like a living postcard. Many tours offer sunset options, complete with local wine and small bites, letting you relax on deck while the golden light turns the river into liquid gold. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a refreshing escape from the bustling streets of the city.

21. Discover Lisbon’s Secret Urban Winery

Adega Belém, set in a converted car repair shop in the neighborhood of Belém, is Lisbon’s only urban winery. Grapes are brought in from nearby vineyards, then crushed and bottled right in the city. You can taste their wines on site and learn how winemaking thrives in the most unusual of places.

Why Lisbon is Even Better with Siesta Campers

Lisbon is a city of contrasts: ancient ruins sit beside modern art hubs, and within 30 minutes you can swap cobbled alleys for wild Atlantic beaches. With Siesta Campers, you can embrace all sides of Lisbon—explore its quirks by day, then retreat to a clifftop, a riverside, or a forest campsite by night. Lisbon’s year-round sunshine makes camping here not just possible but magical.