Unusual things to do in Lisbon

Lisbon is a city brimming with surprises, where historic landmarks, hidden gems, and unique cultural experiences await around every corner. While the city’s famous attractions like the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the vibrant Alfama district are must-sees, Lisbon has so much more to offer beyond the typical tourist spots.

Table of Contents

• Unique Cultural Experiences
• Hidden Landmarks and Architectural Wonders
• Unusual Museums and Art Spaces

Unique Cultural Experiences

Lisbon’s vibrant culture goes beyond its famous Fado shows and traditional food. For those looking to experience the city’s culture in a truly unique way, Lisbon offers a range of unconventional activities that capture the spirit of its locals and their creativity.

1. Attend a Traditional Fado Jam Session

While Fado performances are often set in formal restaurants, you can experience this soulful music in a more intimate and spontaneous setting by attending a Fado jam session. These casual gatherings bring together local musicians and singers, offering an authentic experience where you can feel the raw emotion and artistry that defines Fado.

• Location: Various locations in Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, Lisbon
• Hours: Typically held in the evening, around 9:00 PM to midnight; check local listings for schedules
• Cost: Often free with a minimum purchase or cover charge (around €5-€10) at certain venues
• Features: Experience the raw emotion and storytelling that defines this soulful genre, often accompanied by Portuguese guitar and heartfelt vocals. 

2. Dine at a Secret Chinese Restaurant

Lisbon is home to a hidden network of Chinese restaurants that operate in unlikely locations, such as residential buildings. These “illegal” restaurants are known to locals but remain a hidden gem for most tourists. Step into one of these unmarked eateries for a truly unique dining experience, where you’ll find delicious Chinese dishes served in an unassuming, intimate setting. Ask locals in the Martim Moniz area for tips on finding these secret spots.

• Location: Various unmarked locations around Martim Moniz, Lisbon
• Hours: Evening hours, generally from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM; inquire locally for specific times
• Cost: Dishes typically range from €5-€15
• Features: These “illegal” Chinese restaurants operate in hidden locations, like residential buildings, and are beloved by locals. The atmosphere is intimate and informal, offering a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. 

3. Discover Lisbon’s Street Art Scene

Lisbon is a canvas for urban artists, with murals and graffiti adorning walls across the city. Join a guided walking tour to see some of Lisbon’s most impressive works, from large-scale murals to intricate stencil art. The LX Factory and neighborhoods like Bairro Alto and Mouraria are hotspots for street art, where you’ll learn about the stories and artists behind each piece, as well as the social messages they convey.

4. Take a Pastel de Nata Baking Class

Get hands-on with Portugal’s favorite treat by learning how to make pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in a local baking class. These iconic pastries are surprisingly complex to create, and a class led by local bakers will teach you the authentic techniques used to perfect their flaky crusts and creamy centers. It’s a delicious way to connect with Lisbon’s culinary culture, and you’ll leave with the skills to recreate this famous dessert at home.

5. Explore the Workshop of Bordalo II

Bordalo II, a celebrated Portuguese artist known for his environmental activism, creates stunning sculptures from waste materials. Visit his workshop or join a tour that highlights his impactful work scattered across Lisbon. Each piece raises awareness about waste and pollution, transforming discarded materials into colorful, life-sized animal sculptures that are both eye-catching and thought-provoking.

6. Join a Cante Alentejano Performance

Cante Alentejano, a traditional form of choir singing from the Alentejo region, has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Although not as widely known as Fado, this soulful choral tradition is mesmerizing, with deep harmonies and powerful voices. Some cultural centers and events in Lisbon occasionally feature Cante Alentejano performances, providing a rare opportunity to experience this unique and moving tradition.

7. Visit the Doll Hospital (Hospital de Bonecas)

For a quirky cultural experience, visit Lisbon’s Doll Hospital, or Hospital de Bonecas. Founded in 1830, this unusual “hospital” specializes in restoring and repairing dolls of all kinds, from delicate porcelain dolls to stuffed animals. The hospital’s workshop is a fascinating place to explore, filled with doll parts, miniature accessories, and other unique artifacts. It’s a delightful and unexpected way to step into Lisbon’s history and craftsmanship.

• Location: Praça da Figueira 7, 1100-240 Lisbon
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
• Cost: Free to enter; doll repairs vary in price depending on service
• Features: Established in 1830, this workshop repairs and restores dolls of all kinds, with displays of antique dolls, doll parts, and miniature accessories; a quirky cultural experience ideal for those interested in crafts and restoration

Hidden Landmarks and Architectural Wonders

Lisbon’s architectural charm isn’t limited to its well-known monuments; the city also hides intriguing landmarks and architectural gems that offer unique insights into its history and creativity. For travelers who enjoy exploring lesser-known spots, these hidden sites reveal a different side of Lisbon’s architectural heritage.

1. Explore the Aqueduto das Águas Livres (Aqueduct)

Built in the 18th century, the Aqueduto das Águas Livres is a remarkable engineering feat, carrying water over a series of arches that stretch across the Alcântara Valley. Once an essential source of water for the city, it now serves as an intriguing historical site open to visitors. Walking along the aqueduct’s pathway, you’ll enjoy impressive views of Lisbon while marveling at this piece of ancient infrastructure that withstood the 1755 earthquake.

2. Climb to the Top of the 25th of April Bridge

For an adventure with stunning views, take a trip to the top of the 25th of April Bridge, often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate. The Pilar 7 Bridge Experience offers visitors a unique perspective, including an elevator ride up one of the bridge’s pillars to a glass walkway that offers panoramic views of the Tagus River, the Cristo Rei statue, and Lisbon’s skyline. It’s an exhilarating way to see the city from above.

3. Carmo Convent Ruins

The Carmo Convent, partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, stands today as a striking open-air ruin in the heart of Lisbon. Its Gothic arches and roofless nave create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, making it a fascinating spot for history and architecture lovers alike. The site also houses the Carmo Archaeological Museum, where visitors can see artifacts from different periods of Portuguese history.

• Location: Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisbon
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Cost: Adults €5, students €4
• Features: Gothic convent partially destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, with an open-air nave, archaeological museum, and beautiful historical architecture set in the heart of Lisbon

4. Casa do Alentejo

Hidden behind a simple doorway in downtown Lisbon lies Casa do Alentejo, a stunning building with opulent interiors inspired by Moorish design. Originally a 17th-century palace, it now serves as a cultural center celebrating the Alentejo region’s heritage. Inside, you’ll find intricately tiled walls, grand staircases, and ornate wooden ceilings. It’s a hidden treasure that reveals an unexpected side of Lisbon’s architectural influences.

5. The Boca do Vento Elevator

Located in the neighboring town of Almada, the Boca do Vento Elevator provides a hidden yet breathtaking way to view Lisbon’s skyline from across the river. This towering elevator connects the riverside to the clifftop above, where a scenic park awaits. From the top, you’ll enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city, including the 25th of April Bridge and the Tagus River, without the usual tourist crowds.

• Location: Rua do Ginjal 69, Almada (across the river from Lisbon)
• Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Cost: €1 per ride
• Features: Scenic elevator connecting Almada’s riverside to a clifftop park with panoramic views of Lisbon’s skyline, the 25th of April Bridge, and the Tagus River

6. Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse)

Located within Eduardo VII Park, Estufa Fria is a lush greenhouse that offers a tranquil retreat in the middle of the city. Filled with tropical plants, ponds, and waterfalls, it’s an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll. Originally built in the 1930s, this botanical garden features various zones, including a “cold house” and “hot house,” each with a unique selection of plants. It’s an architectural wonder that combines natural beauty with historical charm.

Unusual Museums and Art Spaces

Lisbon’s museum scene goes far beyond traditional art galleries and historical displays. The city is home to several unique museums and art spaces that showcase fascinating aspects of Portuguese culture, unconventional art, and even quirky collections. These destinations offer a refreshing and unusual way to experience Lisbon’s artistic side.

1. Berardo Modern Art Museum

The Berardo Modern Art Museum, located in the Belém Cultural Center, is a must-see for lovers of contemporary art. Admission is free, making it accessible to all who are curious about modern and abstract art. The museum houses works by renowned artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Dalí, alongside pieces by Portuguese artists. It’s a fantastic place to explore Lisbon’s vibrant art scene and appreciate modern artistic movements from around the world.

• Location: Belém Cultural Center, Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisbon
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Cost: Free admission to permanent collections; temporary exhibitions may have additional fees
• Features: Modern and contemporary art museum with works by Picasso, Warhol, Dalí, and prominent Portuguese artists; offers workshops, guided tours, and an on-site café with views of the museum garden

2. Lisbon Earthquake Museum (Quake)

The Lisbon Earthquake Museum, or simply “Quake,” offers an immersive experience dedicated to the city’s most significant historical event: the devastating earthquake of 1755. This interactive museum combines visual effects, storytelling, and a simulated earthquake experience to teach visitors about the event’s impact on Lisbon’s architecture, culture, and future. It’s an engaging way to understand a pivotal moment in Lisbon’s history.

• Location: Rua Cais da Viscondessa, 1200-109 Lisbon
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Cost: Adults €12, children (ages 6-12) €7, family tickets available
• Features: Interactive museum with a 1755 earthquake simulation, multimedia exhibits, storytelling zones, and an engaging experience that highlights Lisbon’s historical resilience

3. Museum of Pharmacy

Tucked away in the Chiado district, the Museum of Pharmacy is an intriguing collection that explores the history of medicine, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare practices. With displays ranging from ancient medical tools to old pharmacy furniture, the museum provides a glimpse into the evolution of medicine through the ages. Its unique exhibits, such as an Egyptian mummified body and a reproduction of a traditional Portuguese pharmacy, make it a hidden gem for history and science enthusiasts.

4. Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum)

The Museu Nacional do Azulejo celebrates one of Portugal’s most iconic art forms: the decorative tile, or azulejo. Located in a former convent, this museum showcases the history and craft of tile-making from the 15th century to modern times. Visitors can admire stunning tile panels, including a famous panoramic tile map of Lisbon, as well as contemporary tile art installations. The museum is a colorful and beautiful way to understand Portuguese design traditions.

5. Museum of Electricity

Located in a former power station on the waterfront, the Museum of Electricity is a fascinating site where industrial history meets interactive exhibits. It showcases the evolution of energy and electricity in Portugal, with large machinery, steam turbines, and hands-on displays. The museum offers a family-friendly experience, blending science and history, and is a great way to see an industrial-era building repurposed into a modern educational space.

6. Underdogs Gallery

Underdogs Gallery is a contemporary art space that showcases emerging Portuguese and international street artists. Founded by famed Portuguese artist Vhils, known for his carved wall portraits, the gallery is dedicated to urban art and creativity. Its exhibitions highlight the vibrancy of Lisbon’s street art scene, and the gallery itself often hosts special events, workshops, and artist residencies. It’s a lively spot for anyone interested in the pulse of modern urban art.