24 Unusual Things to See and Do in Lisbon

To see the top highlights in Lisbon you need at least several days. But if you’re staying longer (or you’re based in Lisbon) you’ll have a perfect opportunity to see some of the lesser-known sights and areas. Whether you’ve got a nose for secret off-the-beaten-path spots, or you’re based in Lisbon and looking for some fun weekend activities, you’ll find there is always more to see and do. I’ve been living in Lisbon for five years now and I’m still discovering new things! Here are 24 unusual things to see and do in Lisbon — what you might call the hidden gems, or simply which are not in the typical top 10 list. Don’t miss my other top things to see in Lisbon for first-time visitors.

1. Take a pastel de nata baking class: If you know anything about Portugal, you surely know about the delicious egg custard tart pastry called the pastel de nata. You may have already tried a few — perhaps even the legendary Pastel de Belém, a version only available at one bakery. But your appreciation of this treat will go far deeper by baking some yourself! With Homecooking Lisbon you can take a workshop that ends with enjoying your own fresh-out-of-the-oven pasteis de nata. It’s a super fun experience and you can book it easily via GetYourGuide.
2. Dine at a secret Chinese restaurant: Did you come to Lisbon to eat Chinese food? Of course not. But once you’ve sampled all the Portuguese cuisine, you may quite enjoy dining at a secret Chinese restaurant, which is an interesting part of immigrant culture in Lisbon. Around Martim Moniz Square exist many speakeasy-style Chinese restaurants, operating inside apartment buildings and sometimes inside the owner’s homes. The staff at a Chinês Clandestino probably won’t speak English or Portuguese, so you’ll have to point at pictures on the menu. You’ll get some affordable home-cooked Chinese food in a dining room-like setting. If you type “illegal Chinese restaurant” into Google, you’ll easily find one, but this one isn’t so hidden or very good. Ask a local instead, or explore the streets and alleys around Martim Moniz Square (especially on the northeast side into Mouraria). Look for Chinese lanterns or find a doorbell with Chinese characters or a note saying ‘restaurant’. Press the buzzer and go inside!
3. Dolphin-watching in the Sado Estuary: Who knew there were dolphins near Lisbon? For the longest time, I certainly didn’t! The Sado Estuary south of Lisbon is home to several shoals of playful bottlenose dolphins. Since this is their permanent territory, you are almost guaranteed to see them on a dolphin watching tour. The boat departs from the town of Setubal, which is easily reached from Lisbon by bus or car. From the deck of the catamaran, you will get great views of the dolphins as well as the Arrábida nature reserve. When I did this trip, we were lucky enough to see the dolphins display hunting behaviour, throwing fish into the air and then catching them. It was quite a magical experience.
4. Visit Queluz National Palace: Portugal has absolutely no shortage of ornate palaces. They’re all over the country, but Queluz is one that’s just outside of central Lisbon. This 18th-century palace was once the royal residence of Queen D. Maria I and her husband Dom Pedro III. It has a Versailles-esque design, featuring glimmering golden ballrooms and historical gardens. It takes an hour or two to visit and chances are you’ll see virtually no tourists there. How to get there: Take the train from Rossio Station to Sintra and get out after 20 minutes at Queluz.
5. Discover the Tapada das Necessidades: Truly a little gem hiding in plain sight, the park is where King Don Joao V went for picnics in the 17th century. Today, the place is a bit neglected, but it has one of the oldest cacti gardens in Europe, a beautiful old circular greenhouse, and phenomenal views of the Lisbon bridge. Even though it’s centrally located between the Alcantara and Estrela neighborhoods, this gorgeous park has a bit of an abandoned feel. It’s great for a walk or to have a picnic with plenty of space.