Things to do in Lisbon & how to get there on a budget

Lisbon, Portugal’s sun-kissed capital, is a city of hills and pastel-coloured façades. Rich in history, culture, food, and viewpoints, it’s an ideal place for a relaxed but cultured stay.

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, a maze of cobbled streets, winding staircases, and intimate corners. It’s the perfect place to wander, get lost, and soak up the character of the city. Locals and visitors alike often recommend watching the sunset from a viewpoint like Senhora do Monte or São Pedro de Alcântara.

Perched high above Lisbon, Castelo de São Jorge offers panoramic views across the city and the Tagus River. It has a rich history, from ancient fortifications to royal residences.

A trip to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without heading to Belém, a riverside district steeped in maritime history:

• Belém Tower (Torre de Belém): This iconic 16th-century fortress once guarded the Tagus and now stands as a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.

• Pastéis de Belém: Taste the original pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in Belém at the historic bakery, a must for any foodie!

Lisbon is famous for its decorative tilework. To really appreciate this art, make your way to the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo), housed in a beautifully restored convent.

Walk along the riverfront to Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s grand riverside square. Then, head to the Rua Augusta Arch, a triumphal arch that commemorates the city’s rebuilding after the 1755 earthquake, the top offers a great vantage point.

Hop on one of Lisbon’s historic funiculars or trams for a charming ride up its steep hills. For example, the Elevador da Glória connects Restauradores Square with Bairro Alto. Tram 28 is legendary, winding through Alfama, Baixa, Graça, and beyond.

Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge to Alcântara and find LX Factory, a creative hub in a repurposed industrial zone. It’s full of street art, concept shops, design studios, and laid-back cafés, great for shopping, relaxing, or catching a sunset.

Don’t miss eating bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines, bifanas (pork sandwiches), and of course, pastel de nata. For a diverse food experience, check out the Time Out Market, where top chefs and local vendors gather under one roof. Also, try local street food or sit down in small tavernas in Bairro Alto, Alfama, or Chiado for dinner with a view.

Lisbon is a great launchpad for day trips:

• Sintra: Just a short ride away, with fairy-tale palaces, lush gardens, and dramatic cliffs.

• Cascais: A charming coastal town, ideal if you want ocean breezes and a slower pace.

Take some downtime in Lisbon’s parks: for example, Jardim da Estrela (Estrela Garden) is a lovely 19th-century garden, perfect for a picnic or a peaceful break.

Here’s where things get especially interesting: Imoova, the world's largest relocation marketplace for vehicles, offers campervans, cars, and motorhomes for extremely low rates, we're talking €1 per day!

Imoova works with rental companies like Indie Campers and Roadsurfer to move vehicles that need to be repositioned.

These deals are a trade-off: you drive the vehicle from point A to point B for a low daily rate because the rental company needs to move that vehicle.

Travellers can save significantly on these relocations compared to standard campervan hire.

Things to know:

• You will need to budget for fuel costs, tolls, and campsites.

• Like with a normal vehicle rental, you will need to pay a bond which acts as your insurance and is refundable at drop off.

• Because these are one-way relocations, your trip planning needs to match the available route and timeframe.

Getting Around: Lisbon is very hilly. Wear comfortable shoes, and take advantage of public transport (trams, funiculars, buses).

Best Time to Go: Spring and autumn are ideal, warm but not scorching, and less crowded.

Safety: Lisbon is generally safe, but as with any city, keep an eye on belongings, especially in crowded tram or tourist areas.

Language: Portuguese is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Budgeting: Use city cards or Lisboa Card if you plan to visit many attractions; it can save money.

Right now, Imoova have 100's of campervans that need to be relocated to Lisbon. You could depart from Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin, Bilbao, Barcelona & more. Take advantage of Europe's budget airlines like Easyjet & Ryanair along with Imoova's budget campervans for a cheap adventure!