PerkJolt
What cheap things are worth seeing in Lisbon?
Short answer: Most of Lisbon's best sights cost nothing. Hilltop miradouros, Alfama's lanes, Belém's waterfront and church, and the markets give you the city's character for little or no money. Spend your euros on one or two paid sights, not a pass for everything.
The details
1. Miradouros (viewpoints). These are public terraces, so there's no ticket. Good ones to string together are Senhora do Monte, Graça, Portas do Sol, Santa Luzia, São Pedro de Alcântara and Santa Catarina. Senhora do Monte is usually described as the highest of them. Sunset is crowded at the famous ones. Go in the morning for space, or try the quieter terraces.
2. Alfama, Baixa and the Sé. Walking Alfama's lanes, Praça do Comércio and the waterfront costs nothing. The Sé de Lisboa (the cathedral) is typically free to enter the main church, though extras like the cloister usually charge. Check the cathedral's own page for current hours and fees.
3. Belém, done cheaply. The monastery's paid ticket covers the cloister: the full adult price is €18 ≈ $20 (checked Oct 12, 2026). The church is a separate entrance and is typically free. Its listed hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10:30–17:00, and Sundays and religious holidays 14:00–17:00 (checked Oct 12, 2026). The monastery is closed Mondays and on a few holidays (checked Oct 12, 2026). The waterfront and gardens around Belém Tower are free to walk. Only going inside the tower costs money.
4. Markets and creative districts. Feira da Ladra, the flea market, typically runs Tuesdays and Saturdays. LX Factory, under the 25 de Abril Bridge, typically has a Sunday market. Browsing is free at both. Street art around Graça, Mouraria and Intendente is also free. Days and hours change, so check each market's own page.
5. Trams, if you want the ride. Tram 28 is the classic, but on-board tickets are the priciest way to pay. Carris's own 2025 price page listed €3.20 ≈ $3.61 for an on-board tram ticket (checked Oct 12, 2026). Carris revises fares each January, so expect the current figure to differ. Check carris.pt for today's price. A prepaid Navegante card is typically cheaper per ride than paying on board. The card itself costs €0.50 ≈ $0.56 and is valid for one year (checked Oct 12, 2026). Each traveler needs their own card.
6. A free beach day by train. The Cascais line runs from Cais do Sodré along the coast. If you also plan to ride city transport that day, the Carris/Metro/CP 24-hour ticket is €11.40 ≈ $13 (checked Oct 12, 2026). Compare it with loading pay-as-you-go credit before you buy.
Tips
- Use the miradouros as your "attraction budget." Visit three or four at different times of day. That's usually more memorable than one paid viewpoint.
- Go to the Jerónimos church first. If the line for the paid cloister looks long, skip it and keep the €18 ≈ $20.
- Check museum free days. Portugal's national museums and monuments have typically offered free entry on certain days, such as the first Sunday of the month. Resident-only free days are different. Confirm the rule for each museum on museusemonumentos.pt.
- Board Tram 28 at the end of the line, or try Tram 12. You're likelier to get a seat and a quieter ride. Watch your pockets on crowded trams.
- Skip the Santa Justa Lift line if you only want the view. The top platform can often be reached on foot from Largo do Carmo. Check that it's open that day.
- Wear grippy shoes. The calçada (stone paving) is slippery and the hills are steep, especially after rain.
FAQ
Is Lisbon expensive for sightseeing?
Not if you lean on free sights. The miradouros, neighborhood walks, markets and many churches cost nothing. The paid big-ticket sights, like the Jerónimos cloister at €18 ≈ $20 (checked Oct 12, 2026), are where costs add up. Pick one or two.
Is the Lisboa Card worth it for a budget trip?
Usually only if you plan to visit many paid sights in one or two days. Add up the entry fees on your list and compare them with the card price on the official Lisboa Card site. If your plan is mostly miradouros, walking and markets, you probably don't need it.
Is Tram 28 worth it or a tourist trap?
It's scenic but crowded, and on-board fares cost more than prepaid ones. Ride it once if you like trams, ideally from the terminus, and don't plan your day around it. Walking the same neighborhoods is free. Check carris.pt for current fares and any route changes.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Lisbon guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Lisbon guide
More questions about Lisbon
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- Can I use credit cards and Apple Pay in Lisbon or do I need cash?
- Is Porto or the Douro Valley Worth Adding to a Lisbon Trip?
See every question about Lisbon → /answers/lisbon/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Fares, opening hours and free-entry days are the most likely to change. Check carris.pt, cp.pt and museusemonumentos.pt before you go.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.museusemonumentos.pt/pt/museus-e-monumentos/mosteiro-dos-jeronimos-e-capela-de-sao-jeronimo
- https://www.carris.pt/en/discover/new-prices-2025-2/
- https://www.cp.pt/info/en/w/24-hours-ticket