Summer is the best time of year to travel because of the good weather, longer days, and greater range of outdoor activities. It is one of the times of the year when Portugal receives the most tourists, including in its capital.

The city of Lisbon is ideal for having a good time during the warmer season, with a very pleasant climate, an impressive historical and cultural wealth, and a wide variety of events taking place throughout the three months.

Come and discover what you can do in Lisbon in the summer of 2024.

Lisbon outdoors

Discover Lisbon's green spaces

After a full day walking around the city, resting in one of Lisbon's many parks and gardens can be tempting. Recover your energy by relaxing in one of Lisbon's free green spaces: Monsanto, Jardim Gulbenkian, Jardim da Cerca da Graça, and Quinta das Conchas. Right in the city center, you'll find Eduardo VII Park, one of Lisbon's largest, which contains a greenhouse and tropical plants.

Cycling

Walking around the City of the Seven Hills may not be an easy task, especially on the hottest days. But don't let that stop you from exploring Lisbon's charming city. With the help of a bicycle, ride along the flat cycle path that connects the center in Cais do Sodré and the historic district of Belém. If you're more adventurous, take on the tempting challenge of riding up and down the city streets on an electric bike. But if your natural side is speaking louder, take an electric bike ride from the center of Lisbon to the Monsanto Forest, known as the "lungs of Lisbon".   

Riverside walks and activities on the Tejo River

Visiting Lisbon and seeing the Tejo River is a must. Taking a stroll along the banks of the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula is one of the most popular activities for tourists and residents alike, as the beauty of the Tejo is breathtaking. There are several places you can choose to do this. If you want to see the river from a higher perspective to better appreciate it, take the cable cars at Parque das Nações. And if you prefer to navigate its waters, you can embark on a sailing boat trip or a charming sunset cruise. It's also possible to spot dolphins in the Tejo River on board a catamaran.    

Going to the beach

When you visit Lisbon, include a day or more at the beach in your plans. All you must do is catch the train at Cais do Sodré, which will take you to wonderful beaches. If you prefer a more personalized and comfortable service, you can opt for a private transfer, which will take you from Lisbon to Costa da Caparica. In less than an hour, you'll have your feet in the sand and the smell of the sea wafting through your nose. Some suggestions: Carcavelos Beach (Cascais), Santo Amaro Beach (Oeiras), São Pedro Beach (Cascais), or Infante Beach (Costa da Caparica).

And why not book a surf lesson on the Costa da Caparica, away from the noise and bustle of the city?

Aerial activities

Want to add a dash of adrenaline to your stay in Lisbon? See the city from the air! You can choose to take a helicopter tour of the Belém Route, the Atlantic Route, the Discoveries Route, the Estoril and Cascais Route, the Sintra Royal Route, or if you want to take advantage of as many perspectives as possible, take a walking, boating, and helicopter tour of Lisbon. Being a pilot for a day is another possible option that could satisfy your hunger for adventure.

Watching the sunset

This one is already a classic for a perfect end to the day in Lisbon. Watching the sunset and delighting in the shades of orange that cover the sky is undoubtedly a dazzling spectacle, no matter how many times you've seen it. You can watch the sunset from the city's various viewpoints, which provide the ideal backdrop, such as the Portas do Sol Viewpoint, the Graça Viewpoint, the Senhora do Monte Viewpoint, the Torel Viewpoint, the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint, or the Parque Eduardo VII Viewpoint. If you want, you can book a tuk-tuk ride that will take you to the viewpoints, passing through Bairro Alto and downtown Lisbon.  

Evening Activities

After exploring Lisbon during the day, don't think you've seen everything there is to see. At night, the Portuguese capital takes on a new life, with some very appealing places and attractions. Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré are two of Lisbon's most emblematic neighborhoods, known for their vibrant nightlife and bohemian atmosphere. Both offer a variety of options, from bars and clubs to restaurants and live music venues. But if you prefer a more traditional experience, enjoy dinner while watching a fado show or take a nighttime walking tour of the city.

Summer Festivals in Lisbon, 2024

Popular Saints: St. Anthony and St. Peter

If you visit Lisbon in June, don't be surprised to see the streets fully decorated, and with a lot of movement. From June 12 to 13, Saint Anthony is celebrated, a traditional festival of great importance to the people of Lisbon. The authenticity of the city's neighborhoods, its people, and their way of life is shown most intensely during this time, with local parties and arraiais taking place throughout the month.  

The smell of sardines invades Lisbon's traditional neighborhoods, and the popular pimba music that can be heard on every corner invites you to dance.

A few days later, Saint Peter is celebrated on the 29th, with great tradition in places like Sintra and Évora, but also in Lisbon. Just like Saint Anthony, there's no shortage of typical Portuguese dishes, music, and attractions.

Concerts/music festivals

Summer that is summer must include concerts and music festivals. That artist or band you've been longing to see is now very close to setting foot on Portuguese soil, and they'll be bringing with them the songs whose lyrics you know by heart.

Look at the following information on some of the concerts and festivals taking place in and around Lisbon in this summer of 2024:

J Balvin (Passeio Marítimo de Algés, June 1)

Rock in Rio Lisboa (Parque Tejo, Lisbon, June 15, 16, 22, and 23), with names such as Scorpions, Evanescence, Ed Sheeran, and Doja Cat

Olivia Rodrigo (MEO Arena, Lisbon, June 22 and 23)

Cool Jazz (Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, Cascais, from July 9 to 31), with names like Chaka Khan, Dino D'Santiago, MARO, and Jamie Cullum

Nos Alive (Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Oeiras, July 11-13), with names like Arcade Fire, The Smashing Pumpkins, Dua Lipa, and Pearl Jam

Super Bock Super Rock (Herdade do Cabeço de Flauta, Meco, from July 18 to 20), with names like Måneskin, Royal Blood, 21 Savage, and Slow J

Travis Scott (Meo Arena, Lisbon, August 2)

Meo Kalorama (Parque da Bela Vista, Lisbon, August 29-31), with names like Massive Attack, Sam Smith, LCD Soundsystem, and Jungle

Other festivals

In addition to music, Lisbon offers a diverse range of festivals and fairs covering other areas such as cinema, theater, handicrafts, or gastronomy.  Look at the following information on some of the festivals and fairs taking place in Lisbon this summer.

Indie Lisboa (cinema, May 23 to June 2):

For lovers of the seventh art, the Portuguese film festival Indie Lisboa can be a good opportunity to discover works of independent cinema that are little known to the public.

FIA - International Craft Fair (June 29 to July 7):

Good food and lots of handicrafts will not be missed at the International Handicraft Fair.

Festival TODOS (theater, September 1-11):

The TODOS festival is a project linked to contemporary performing arts, with the purpose of celebrating Lisbon as an intercultural city, encouraging interaction between different cultures. 

Recommended visits in Lisbon

Lisbon is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, urban dynamics, delicious food, and mild climate.

Lisbon's main attractions are therefore its architecture and monuments. The city has a mixture of styles, from the Gothic, for example, with the Castel of Saint Jorge, and the Manueline, with the Belém Tower, to the contemporary, visible in the Cultural Center of Belém, or the modernist, with the 25 de Abril Bridge. It also has very picturesque neighborhoods such as Alfama, Mouraria, or Graça, with narrow streets and small squares bustling with local life. If you like, you can take a tuk-tuk tour of Lisbon's most iconic neighborhoods.

Another popular attraction in Lisbon is the food. The city is known for its delicious gastronomy, which includes dishes such as bacalhau à Brás and roast chicken or typical sweets such as the famous pastel de nata and the drink ginjinha. There are many food markets around the city where you can try the local cuisine and buy fresh ingredients, such as the Ribeira Market (Time Out Market), the Campo de Ourique Market, or the Alvalade Market. Take part in a cooking workshop and visit a Lisbon market. Afterward, enjoy a Port wine tasting and discover the secrets of this world-famous delicacy. To round off your day, you can attend a fado show with dinner included.

Lisbon has a vibrant cultural scene, with many museums, art galleries, and theaters. The National Museum of Ancient Art is one of the city's main attractions, with a large collection of Portuguese and European art. The Gulbenkian Museum is also a must-see, with an impressive collection of ancient and contemporary art. The Coliseum of Lisboa, one of the city's most emblematic concert halls, could not be left out of this list, due to its rich history and importance as a cultural and entertainment center.

The Portuguese capital also thrives on sport. Don't miss a visit to the Sport Lisboa e Benfica stadium or the Sporting Clube de Portugal stadium.

You can also experience the magic of Lisbon at night by taking a tuk-tuk ride or a sunset walk.

Overall, Lisbon is a fascinating and exciting city, full of history, culture, and architectural beauty. You can discover the Portuguese capital on a half-day guided tour or even a full-day private tour. If you like walking, you can also take a walking tour of the city.

Recommended visits around Lisbon

Estoril and Cascais

Estoril and Cascais are two of the most charming and sophisticated towns on the Lisbon coast, located about 25 to 30 km west of the capital. The former, known for its glamour and elegance, has the well-known Casino do Estoril, popular beaches such as Tamariz Beach, the Estoril Golf Club, and the Estoril Autodrome.

Also very popular, Cascais is a prestigious seaside resort with popular beaches such as Rainha Beach and Guincho Beach. Its historic center and citadel are also worth a visit. To get to know Cascais better, you can take a sightseeing bus from Lisbon.

Sintra

Sintra is a charming town located about 30 km northwest of Lisbon, known for its stunning natural landscapes and its historical and cultural heritage. It is full of palaces, castles, and lush gardens, such as the Sintra National Palace, the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira. Take the opportunity to go on a full-day or afternoon tour of Sintra. Be sure to visit Quinta da Regaleira and take part in a wine tasting. If you prefer the full package, explore Sintra and visit Cascais, Belém, and Lisbon.

Comporta

Comporta is the perfect coastal retreat for those seeking tranquility. It is 120 km south of Lisbon. Some of its main attractions are its beautiful beaches, such as Comporta Beach, Pego Beach, or Carvalhal Beach, but also its rice paddies, the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, and traditional villages, like Carvalhal and Brejos. Enjoy a wine tour of the Arrábida and Comporta region, which includes a horse ride along the beach.

Évora and the Alentejo Coast

Évora is the capital of Alentejo, the southern region of Portugal. Over the centuries, the city has become an important historical and cultural center, with its architecture and cultural heritage. Here you'll find the Roman Temple, the Évora Cathedral, and the peculiar Chapel of Bones.

The Alentejo Coast is one of Portugal's most unspoiled areas, due to its varied wildlife and coastal landscapes. Much of its territory is part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Its beaches are quiet and incomparably beautiful, such as Zambujeira do Mar Beach and Vila Nova de Milfontes Beach. Take the opportunity to visit the coastal towns of Alentejo.

Tomar

Tomar is a historic city located in central Portugal, about 135 km north of Lisbon. It is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Its historic center is a maze of narrow, winding streets dotted with historic buildings and monuments. Highlights include the Praça da República, the Convent of Christ, the Church of Saint John Baptist, and the Tomar Synagogue. Take the opportunity to go on an excursion to Tomar from Lisbon and discover the secrets, presence, and history of the Knights Templar in Portugal, in the city that was once their capital in the ancient kingdom.

Fátima

Fátima is a city in central Portugal that has become an important Catholic pilgrimage center due to the apparitions of Our Lady. In addition to the religious aspect, Fátima is also an important tourist spot in Portugal. The city offers many places worth visiting, such as the Sanctuary of Fátima, an essential Catholic pilgrimage destination, considered an important center of spirituality and devotion. An unmissable destination for Catholic believers, you can visit Fátima from Lisbon. If you prefer, you can explore Fátima and 3 other towns on the same day.

There is plenty to see and do to make the most of your stay in Lisbon. Visit the Living Tours Lisbon agency for more information and activities. Make this trip a memorable experience.

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