Lisbon for groups & friends
Seriously, just stop searching, because the answer is... YES! Lisbon is one of the best and trendiest cities in the world! Sunshine, great food and welcoming locals are more than enough reasons to start packing and start planning your visit to Lisbon! If you are a group of friends who like to travel together, a stag or hen party, or even a family, there are plenty of things to do in Lisbon!
From Sightseeing, to Nightlife, Restaurants or Adventure, you have it all in Lisbon. We’ve put together a list of the best to dos and must-knows so you don’t miss out on anything, and plan the perfect Lisbon trip!
Have a fantastic boat trip
If you want to relax after a full day of walking and sightseeing, you can always book a private tour and discover Lisbon from the amazing Tagus River.
Most of Lisbon’s historical area is facing the river, so you will get the chance to sail next to famous attractions and monuments from an incredible and different perspective. Some Boat Tours will even take you to some lovely swimming spots in the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful beaches, and offer barbecue and open bar options if you want a complete experience.
Local Tip: Book your Boat Tour for late afternoon and enjoy an amazing and relaxing sunset with your friends and family!
If you want to book a Private Boat Tour, you can do it directly with us
Enjoy Lisbon’s nightlife
Lisbon is a city of contrasts. Streets that are quiet and sleepy during the day become buzzing and crowded once the sun goes down. And make no mistake: Lisbon’s nightlife is quickly making a name for itself as one of the most exciting, innovative scenes in Europe. Whether you’re looking for cocktail bars, or to dance till the sun comes up, there’s something for everyone.
The main night out areas in Lisbon are the historical Bairro Alto with its small bars, narrow streets and people hanging out in the streets, and the Cais do Sodré area, with its increasingly famous Pink Street and bars all around it.
Local Tip: If you want to hit the discos there are plenty of offers, such as the famous LUX Frágil, Urban Beach, or the trendy BOSQ.
Learn to surf with your friends
Do you and your friends want to try something more than just sightseeing and nightlife? Here is an excellent outdoor activity for you! You and your group can learn how to surf! After all, where can you find a better place to learn, if not in the country with the highest recorded and surfed wave in history? Now, don’t worry, you won’t start your first lesson on an 25 meter (80 feet) wave.
There are excellent surf schools just 20min away from Lisbon. The best surf beaches near Lisbon are Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica and Guincho. Classes are usually 1.5 – 2 hours long and everything is included: equipment, insurance and a certified instructor. Don’t expect to be a pro after one lesson, but this is definitely a well-spent time, enough to make you and your friends wishing for more!
If you want to have fun and learn how to surf, we are happy to help you with booking a surf lesson!
The best rooftop bars in Lisbon
Lisbon was blessed with breathtaking views and endless places to enjoy the sunset. Thanks to our iconic year-round climate, almost all days are good days to go out and enjoy the best Lisbon has to offer
If you want to experience Lisbon’s nightlife and vibes, your starting point must the definitely one of the many rooftop bars in Lisbon. Here, you'll find some of the best cocktails in town, Instagram-worthy views, not to mention a front row seats to the best Sunsets you will ever see! Make the most of your stay in Lisbon, we promise you will not regret it!
Local Tips: For the best Sunset and music we recommend Park Rooftop. For a few drinks and snacks you can try TOPO Martin Moniz or Rio Maravilha.
Famous festivals & events in Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the most exciting and trendiest cities in the World. If sunshine, great food and welcoming locals are not enough reasons for you to start packing, then you will be happy to know that it is also a vibrant city that regularly hosts world-famous events and festivals.
If you want to know all about the best and most famous Events and Festivals in Lisbon, check out the guide we made especially for you!
Local Tip: Be sure to buy tickets in advance as most of these Events and Festivals get sold-out very quickly.
Authentic restaurants for groups
Lisbon is packed with restaurants, which makes it difficult to distinguish the good from the touristic ones. It is also not easy to find authentic restaurants that can fit large groups.
Eat Like a Local: Ramiro, O Cabaças, Solar dos Presuntos, Sea Me
For Large Groups: Príncipe do Calhariz, Time-out Market, Adega do Tagarro, Cervejaria Trindade
If you want to know more about it, check our full article about best and trendiest restaurants in Lisbon.
Local Tip: Avoid the restaurants located in downtown Lisbon as they are mostly touristic. You will find the best ones in Chiado, Bairro Alto or Alfama areas.
Chef at Home experience
Get a break from all the crowded restaurants and tourist traps. Enjoy an amazing traditional meal cooked by someone who has the experience of a lifetime in the kitchen, from the comfort of your apartment!
This experience also has a social side, as this service is provided by 55+ a local social organization that values people over 55 years old, giving them the opportunity to be active and fulfilled! This social organization has the real experts of the typical Portuguese home-cooked food. You get to enjoy a complete meal (Starter, Main course, Wine, Bread and Desert) without leaving the comfort of your home. This is a different and fun family experience that you and your friends will love! It also as the bonus that you will be helping the local community!
To book this service please contact 55+ directly using the following email: info@55mais.pt
Rent a bike and explore the riverfront
Not sure what to do in Lisbon with your friends? On a sunny day, there is nothing better than being by the river in Lisbon riding a bike and enjoying the sun and fresh air!
Stops for a few drinks and ice cream, have lunch, or just enjoy the fantastic views and monuments. Ride below the Lisbon Bridge, watch the boats sailing on the Tejo River, check out the new and trendy MAAT museum, and explore the area next to Bélem Tower. You and your friends will have a great time enjoying this amazing and fun experience!!
If you like more adventure you can replace your bike with a Segway, Go-Kart or an Electric Scooter!
Take a tuk-tuk tour
If you want an easy and fun way to see Lisbon without getting tired of all the walking and hill climbing, then this is definitely for you!
It is pretty easy to find them as they are all around Lisbon city center. They will take you around the historic neighborhoods, up to the city Castle, along the Tagus River, and some can take you as far as Belem, where you get to see the famous Monument of Discoveries, Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Local Tip: Make sure you negotiate the price before you hop in and start your journey. Don’t accept the first offer and always make a counteroffer on your tuk-tuk in Lisbon ride.
Relax at the beach
It might come as a surprise to many visitors who are new to Lisbon, but there are many beautiful beaches close to the city.
The most accessible beach is Praia de Carcavelos with its golden sands, clean sea waters, and excellent facilities. To the west you will find the delightful resort town of Cascais, while Costa da Caparica is south of Lisbon, a 15km coastline of pristine beaches.
During the summer a city break to Lisbon could also include relaxing and sunbathing time on the beaches. For those renting a car or van, there is even the option to visit the famous and award-winning beaches of Comporta and Arrábida.
Local Tip: For the adventurers, there are also plenty of Surf Schools near Lisbon.
If you want to have fun and learn how to surf, we are happy to help you with booking a surf lesson!
Try one of the free Walking Tours
As in any major European city, there are FREE walking tours in Lisbon. The most widely available is simply called “Lisbon Tour”, which will take you around the historic center: Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa. There you will get the chance to see the historical neighborhoods, famous squares such as Rossio and Comercio, go up to the Castle, see some of the best viewpoints, and check out the riverfront. You can also find these tours in Bélem, where you can see some of the major monuments such as Torre de Belém, Mosteriro dos Jerónimos or Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
As always, these tours are only free in theory. But in practice, you’re expected to provide a tip at the end.
Local Tips: Most FREE tours start in Rossio or Camões squares around 09:00 – 10:00 (just look for the colorful umbrellas!)
Visit the trendy LX Factory
Just below Lisbon’s eye-catching Ponte de 25 Abril, you will find the famous and trendy LX Factory. Reborn as a creativity and alternative hub, this place is at the heart of Lisbon’s artistic scene and occupies what was once one of the Portuguese capital’s most prosperous fabric factories.
Today, it’s a collective of independent stores and cafes – some housed in unused shipping containers – that offers an imaginative array of Portuguese authentic goods, from slices of homemade cheesecake to vintage furniture, Portuguese wine and locally made textiles.
Whether you’re looking for interior décor inspiration, urban art, or simply in search of Lisbon best coffees & restaurants, you’ll find it all at LX Factory!!
Local tip: Don’t forget to check out Rio Maravilha rooftop bar, where you will get one of the best views of Lisbon and also an urban art surprise!!
Rent a Segway or GoCar and explore Lisbon
There are many ways for you to explore the historical center, but if you are looking for something different and fun, your best option is without a doubt renting a Segway or a GoCar!
You will get the chance to see the historical neighborhoods, go up to the Castle, stop at some of the best viewpoints, or check out the riverfront, without getting tired of all the walking and hill climbing!
If you want to book this experience just go to any Tour shop in Lisbon downtown and ask for it!
Local tips: To rent a GoCar you must hold a driving license that is valid in Portugal. Also, usually the petrol is included in the price, but just in case, confirm before renting it.
Try the best Portuguese food at Time Out Market Lisboa
This old farmers and fish market, was recently renovated and transformed into the trendy Time Out Market, a busy indoor food market where you can get some of Lisbon’s best dishes, cooked by famous chefs or selected by a panel of Time Out experts! Here you’ll find more than 20 unique restaurants, bars, and lots of cafeteria-style seating, all together under one roof!
Not sure what to choose? Don’t worry! You can wander around the perimeter, looking at what each restaurant has to offer before making your choice.
If you want to know more about Time Out Market, you can check their official website.
Local Tip: Make sure to choose and try a bit of everything!!
Discover Lisbon’s street art
Lisbon is an open-air gallery, not just for its beautiful tile-covered façades and the traditional cobblestone designs, but also for its amazing street art.
The Portuguese capital is now known as one of the cities with the best street art, and some local artists like Vhils and Bordalo II have become true international icons, with pieces of art all over the world. Vhils is known for carving faces on façades, while Bordalo II creates art from trash.
Check the image gallery on the right to see some of the most famous and impressive street art you will find in Lisbon!
Local Tip: Many tour operators have and tuk-tuks also started to offer Lisbon Street Art Tours, so if you ask around you will find one that will guide you through the best and most famous places.
Visit Benfica & Sporting stadiums
Are you and your friends true football fans? If so, you can’t miss the opportunity to see and visit the stadiums of 2 of the most famous football clubs in Portugal!
Buy a ticket and watch a match, book a tour inside the stadium or just buy a gift from their official store and watch it from the outside! Either way you will feel the atmosphere that makes football the number 1 sport in Portugal!
Each of the stadiums is easy to access from downtown Lisbon. You just need to take the metro and in less than 20 minutes are at the stadium.
Local Tip: If you want to buy tickets you can do it via their official websites (Benfica, Sporting)