Lisbon Layover Guide (LIS)

Best Live Fado Show in Lisbon: ‘Fado in Chiado’ Tickets

Experience the live ‘Fado in Chiado’ show that combines nostalgia, Portuguese pride, and hope, in a musical style epitomized by Amália Rodrigues. Enjoy a 50-minute performance featuring 2 singers, 2 guitarists, and discover the music that expresses the true soul of Lisbon. So good it was declared part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO due to its cultural importance and unique style. » book this tour

Lisbon Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Enjoy the freedom of hop-on and hop-off buses running four routes all over Lisbon and Cascais in a double-decker bus with a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket, complete with audio guide. Choose from audio guides in 14 different languages. Explore the cities and their various sites with 4 different routes that provide you with options to see what you want at your own pace. Stop off at all the best shopping boulevards and center. Either see the iconic Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower or visit the animals at the Lisbon Zoo and the sea creatures of the Lisbon Oceanarium. Whatever your choice is, this tour makes it possible. » book this tour

Sintra – Cascais: 6-Hour Electric Bike Tour from Lisbon

Explore the mysterious and romantic Sintra on an electric bike as you cycle through the village. Meet in the center of Lisbon and head to Sintra by train with your guide. Take in Sinatra’s mountainous and stunning landscapes and palaces without breaking a sweat. Admire the National Palace of Sintra and the magical Quinta da Regaleira. The tour includes a return to Lisbon through the astonishing town of Cascais. » book this tour

Tram 28

Probably the most famous tour to take in Lisbon, the Tram 28. The vintage yellow tram takes you through the center of the city while catching views of some of Lisbon’s finest attractions. This famed ride has been in operation for several decades and offers you the value of bus tours with just one ride. Make sure to check it off your bucket list of things to do in the city.

Time required: An hour.

Airport to here: 18 minutes via taxi and 49 minutes via public transport.

Visit Sintra

19th century Castles, Royal palaces, luxury dining halls, estates, gardens and villas are a couple of luxuries the UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site brags of. The Romanticist architecture of the wealthiest municipality in Portugal which sits amidst the mountains of the moon makes for a very picturesque view. It always comes up as a recommendation by Portuguese locals for you to visit. Take a day tour through the mountains and witness the rich beautiful nature of this town. A place worth documenting for your travel gallery.

Time required: Full day.

Airport to here: 23 minutes by taxi and 59 minutes via public transport.

Lisbon Oceanarium

A highly recommended family-oriented place to visit is the Lisbon Oceanarium which exhibits an extended collection of sea life. It is the biggest aquarium in Europe that attracts a million and counting visitors annually. The large indoor aquarium which is curated in the replica of an open ocean exhibits species including penguins and seagulls, otters and sharks, octopuses, seahorses and a rare moonfish. Makes for a great family day out.

Time required: 2-3 hours.

Airport to here: 9 minutes via taxi and 21 minutes via public transport.

Lisbon Story Center

To learn and appreciate the story and history of Lisbon, this museum takes you through a 60-minute interactive journey from the makings of the town to its current place. It employs the use of an audio guide, films, photos and art that depict Lisbon through the times. Another important place to check off your bucket list while you’re in the city.

Time required: 1-2 hours.

Airport to here: 22 minutes via taxi and 35 minutes via public transport.

Águas Livres Aqueduct

Another wonder and landmark of Lisbon, the Águas Livres Aqueduct is historic proof of 18th-century exemplary architecture engineering. At the Lisbon Story Center, you learn extensively on the events that led to the construction of the aqueduct. In 1731 King John V sought to have the aqueduct constructed as a system to bring the city of Lisbon good drinking water as a result of lacking good drinking water sources. Make sure to not miss the Museu da Água (Water Museum) that sits close to it.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 14 minutes via taxi and 44 minutes via public transport.

Mercado Da Ribeira

You’ve most likely come across a Time Out magazine online, in bookstores or friend’s shelf or on a coffee table. In 2014 the founders of the Lisbon edition of the magazine won a concession to take over the famous market after it fell out of business following relocation and was abandoned. They revived the market assembling revered chefs and restaurants to occupy the stalls to make into the gourmet food place it is today. You can find the best cuisines and local ingredients here and are open for brunch, lunch and dinner. These are very tasty Time Out verified foods to try while in the city.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 19 minutes via taxi and 32 minutes via public transport.

See The Head Of Diogo Alves

The Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon University possesses a well-preserved head of Diogo Alves, Portugal’s first serial killer who was condemned to death by hanging in 1841. For several years since then, his head has been preserved for posterity in a flask for scientific research and has since become a tourist attraction of some sort.

Time required: 30 minutes.

Airport to here: 6 minutes via taxi and 16 minutes via public transport.