8 Unsusual Things To Do In Lisbon Like The Locals This Summer

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Are you the type of person who enjoys non-touristy activities whenever you’re traveling? I AM! Of course, it’s always nice to visit at least one or two really obvious attractions. But you can usually discover these with one click of a Google button! 

Did you know that Lisbon is home to a growing arts community, which means that there’s always something creative abuzz. Couple this with thousands of people moving to the city, and it’s no surprise that you find the unusual things to do in Lisbon that aren’t just centred around tourists. Instead, they cater to the people who live here who aren’t born in Portugal. 

Discover my Ultimate 1 Day Lisbon Itinerary: A Local’s Guide

This becomes a plus for travelers like you and me who enjoy hunting down and experiencing the wonderful, weird, artsy, and off-the-beaten-track experiences, even if that means an unexpected market filled with all sorts of treasures. 

1. LX Factory: A major creative space 

Home to creatives, artists, entrepreneurs, and foodies, the LX Factory is such a vibe! Once a textile factory, the industrial space has been repurposed. The walls are splashed with street art, and lanes open up to trendy restaurants and cafes. 

Shop for all sorts, from independent labels to vintage stores to galleries. One of the most special stores within LX Factory (and splashed all over the Gram) is Ler Devagar! This bookshop is e.p.i.c. – to say the least. Think two floors of literary bliss, with shelves on shelves, stretching all the way up to the ceiling. It’s also got a cute on-site coffee shop–because don’t all the best bookshops do? 

(You’ll catch me here for hours.) 

A groovy spot for sunset is its LX Rooftop, where you can enjoy sundowners on the top of an abandoned-looking rooftop! 

2. Fronteira Palace: Azulejos tiles paradise

It’s no secret that Portugal is famous for its azulejos tiles, which are most commonly decorated in white and blue prints (but you do find other colors). Not only does Fronteira Palace date back to the 17th century, but to this day, it holds the country’s biggest collection of azulejos tiles that have been “preserved in situ.”

This means that the tiles you see across every wall and building facet have not been removed or added to since the manor’s original construction. A lot of times, famous azulejos tiles are removed from their original place, but not these! 

Guided tours are available, including one of the home’s interiors or a guided tour of the manicured gardens. Apart from the tiles, within the palace also see original furniture and other works of art. It’s one of the unusual things to do in Lisbon, which is a super authentic and historical experience. 

3. Anjos70 Market: The alternative choice 

I am a sucker for a fantastic market (shame, my poor husband). And although Anjos70 Market is a monthly affair, it’s one well worth jotting into your calendars if you DO happen to be here! It typically takes place around mid-month. 

Starting in 2012, it’s built quite the following–both store-wise and for market-goers. It dubs itself as the city’s best “alternative market,” and so the vendors here follow suit. 

I especially love that everything is handmade, one-of-a-kind, and artisanal. Shop for INCREDIBLE vintage clothing and collector’s items, home decor, like wavy candlesticks, crafts, Y2K jewels, ceramics (duh, it’s Lisbon), records/vinyls, old-school typewriters, and so much more cool stuff! 

Lisbon has many markets, but this one has a distinct setting where you know you’re bound to pick up many gems! 

4. FICA Oficina Criativa: Artsy workshops

Throughout this read of the unusual things to do in Lisbon, you might have noticed one common word being used throughout: creative! Honestly, the city just oozes it, and this aspect of Lisbon has definitely grown over the years as the capital has become an expat hub! 

I love how many creative endeavors there are, including hundreds of cool workshops to join! If you’re unsure where to start, check out FICA Oficina Criativa. Instead of offering just one type of class, they have a multitude for you to choose from. 

These include the likes of woodwork, ceramic-making, screen printing, handmade papermaking, botanical printing, and cyanotype photography. They offer them around the city. 

Looking for more hands-on workshops to join in Lisbon? Check out some more of my favorites here, including azulejo painting!

5. Machimbombo: Photobooth time 

I love how popular Polaroid-strip photobooths have become! Whilst you would think otherwise, not everywhere in the world has them, so they really do feel like a novelty. 

I remember when I was last in Florence, Italy, we were walking back from a bar around midnight and spotted one of these booths in the streets. We were in the city for a wedding with our best friends, and all five of us crammed into the booth and got our Polaroid strip. It still sits on my fridge, reminding me of fabulous memories! 

Machimbobo is super fun: a funky bar in neon pinks with a photobooth. During the daytime, pop in for a Nespresso, but as the stars come out to play, so do the people! Expect excellent cocktails as well as food.  

Everything about this spot is playful, so bring the same attitude. 

6. 8 Marvila: Fun comedy nights 

Looking for some cultural pursuits among the unusual things to do in Lison? From comedy sessions to music jams, shopping, or a good cup of coffee with a friend, 8 Marvila is one of the city’s latest cultural hubs. 

(Sometimes, the Anjos70 Market is held here.) 

Set up in the old Abel Pereira da Fonseca wine warehouses, the ambiance here is very cool, with this abandoned, fashionable air to it. During weekdays, it’s not overly busy, but weekends and evenings are when the crowds roll in. Check out their Instagram page to see the latest event happening here.

There are ten F&B outlets, including a gelato shop, cocktail spot, and bakery. Meander between 14 shops and art galleries, including Because Art Matters, Planta Livre, and Archiviosetúbal (for cool upcycled bags and military wear). 

7. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: Calling history and art lovers 

Can you imagine owning such an extensive collection of artwork and items relating to history that it’s enough to fill an entire museum? Named after Calouste Gulbenkian (the collector behind the museum), the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a treasure trove for art aficionados and history buffs. 

Spanning works dating as far back as Ancient Egypt, there truly is so much to marvel over here. I also appreciate the fact that it’s not just paintings on display. Instead, the museum hosts all sorts of relics and artifacts, from Italian coins to panels from caskets in Egypt to Chinese vases to French brass sugar bowls. 

But it’s not just the permanent collections to discover. The venue hosts temporary expos, including fashion shows, talks centred around important events, like World Earth Day, and grand concerts! 

8. Chapitô at Mesa: A Circus? 

Is it a circus? A resaturant? A hidden bar? Actually, a combination of all three! When first entering Chapitô at Mesa, you might assume it’s a really nice restaurant with incredible views overlooking the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge–which it is, and does! 

But walking further behind its doors takes you deeper into another world, one filled with acrobats and Tom-foolery clowns. Not only is the space for wining and dining, but there is a circus school that often puts on shows.  

Technically, there are two spaces here. The panoramic dining room with the river views and then the colorful and a little bit more laid-back patio area, where tables and chairs are placed on cobbled floors, and tenting hangs from above you. 

Covering some of the unusual things to do in Lisbon, we also have some must-try street food recs for Lisbon. Check them out here! Or, experience a port-infused time in Porto–the originators of, well, port! Use this 2-day Porto itinerary to set you off in the right direction. 

Planning on staying in the capital city for a few days and nights? I’ve got you covered! Plow into my ultimate 3-day Lisbon itinerary. Alternatively, head off somewhere completely off the usual track, like Madeira! 

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