Lisbon is an expensive city and it can cost a lot to visit, but travel doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think, and even some of the most expensive destinations in the world have some amazing free sites and activities to keep even the tightest of budgets happy. Check out these 5 free things to see and do in Lisbon.
Portugal is an increasingly expensive country, and as its capital Lisbon is no exception to this rule. But despite the ever growing costs, crowds are still flocking to this stunning city for its history, gorgeous architecture, hot, sunny climate and a surging nightlife. Prices are shooting up rapidly due to its popularity, but these free things to do should help you reign in that budget.
Window Shop And People Watch On The Rua Augusta.
Even if you aren’t there to actually buy anything, it is still well worth heading down to this pedestrianised shopping district. The beautiful architecture just makes it a perfect place to find a perch, sip a coffee and indulge yourself in the atmosphere. A good bit of people watching will help ease the burden of being entertained by all the free artists, street performers and musicians too. It really is a hard life sometimes!
Take A Stroll On The Riverfront.
The Tagus waterfront has really been redeveloped and pedestrianised since my last visit, and it is now a really pleasant stroll from the commercial market right down to Belem. Take a little picnic with you and just enjoy the scenery.
Get Your Fill Of Art.
Art lovers will be over the moon at seeing the Museu Coleao Berardo in Belem, given that there are tons of works from Picasso, Dali, Warhol and many more available to the public for absolutely nothing!
Hit The Beach.
Many tourists tend not to head out to the beaches since a large majority visit Lisbon as a short city break, but if you can it is well worth taking a short train ride out to Caparica, Estoril or Cascais, all of which have great beaches which are perfect for a day out!
Visit The Major Tourist Attractions.
This may sound strange on this list as normally the main tourist spots like the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, the Torre de Belem, the Museu Nacional de Azelujo and Arte Antiga, all charge admission fees and add up to a significant chunk of your budget. But most are free to enter every Sunday! Some other attractions do have different free days, so check beforehand if there is anything specific you want to see.
Lisbon is an amazing city that is still more than worth your time and money, even if costs are shooting up! So get here now while you can and take advantage of these free tips!
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Michael Huxley is a published author, professional adventurer and founder of the travel website, Bemused Backpacker. He has spent the last twenty years travelling to over 100 countries on almost every continent, slowly building Bemused Backpacker into a successful business after leaving a former career in emergency nursing and travel medicine, and continues to travel the world on numerous adventures every year.
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