Secret Spots in Lisbon: Crowd-Free Attractions Most Tourists Miss
It is no secret that Lisbon itself is no longer a hidden gem, and is experiencing a huge boom in tourism, with good reason! Lisbon is packed with stunning sites, beautiful architecture, history, and Portuguese charm and people are flocking to Portugal’s capital city to see it all.
With that, can come long lines and crowds at Lisbon’s most popular sites and attractions, but there are luckily still some hidden gems in Lisbon that are yet to make it to TikTok or the travel guides.
After four years exploring this magical city, I have ticked off most of the top attractions and uncovered many postcard-perfect things to do in Lisbon that are still unspoiled by crowds.
This list is ever growing, as I stumble upon more of Lisbon’s best kept secrets, but these are my current favorites that you will love too.
At the bottom of this page, you will find an interactive map with all these sites to help plan your Lisbon crowd-free visit!
Estrela Basilica
The Estrela Basilica or the Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is a minor basilica and ancient carmelite convent in Lisbon, Portugal
🗺️Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa
🕰️Daily 9a-1p, 3p-7:45p
💶To climb to the dome and roof: Adult 5€ Child 1€
Basilica Estrela is one of the most awe-inspiring religious sites in Lisbon but is often overshadowed by the Lisbon Cathedral and other churches and cathedrals closer to the main tourist areas.
Situated just across from Jardim da Estrela, the Basilica is a striking architecturally, with a grand and ornate interior, but what makes this basilica truly amazing is the access to the roof and dome which offer breathtaking views, both outdoors and inside the basilica.
I have been to this Lisbon hidden gem 3 times, and have either been the only person there, or in very little company, making it the perfect Lisbon site to enjoy without crowds.
Chapel Santo Amaro
🗺️Calçada Santo Amaro 21, 1300-515 Lisboa
🕰️Tues-Fri 2p-7:30p
💶Free
A true hidden gem, this Renaissance chapel dates from 1549 and is dedicated to St. Maurus. It stands at the top of a hill, from where there’s a beautiful view of 25 de Abril Bridge. The chapel itself is wow-worthy with its intricate tile work and ornate alter (I didn’t take photos inside as there were people praying). The terrace offers incredible views and feels like a private space due to the lack of visitors.
The chapel is located near LX Factory (on the way to Belem from Lisbon City Center) and is absolutely worth a visit.
Igreja de São Vicente de Fora
🗺️Largo de São Vicente, 1100-472 Lisboa
🕰️Daily 10a-6p
💶8€
🌐Home - Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora (mosteirodesaovicentedefora.com)
The Monastery of São Vicente is closely linked to the service of the Bishop of Lisbon. Sharing its patron saint – Saint Vincent – with the Patriarchate of Lisbon, the building currently houses the services of the Diocesan chancery and it is the place where the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon administers the Diocese and welcomes those who seek it. In addition to the Diocesan chancery, administrative services and the Patriarchal Court, the Monastery also houses a museum that seeks to document and highlight the most important moments in the history and legacy of the Patriarchate of Lisbon.
It took me way too long to actually go inside this incredible Monastery, and it quickly became one of my favorite sites in Lisbon. On the two occasions I have visited this Lisbon hidden gem, I have been the only one there, or in very little company.
The architecture, tile work, and detail are more and more awe inspiring at every turn. Here, you will find some of the most incredible tile work in the city.
Prazeres Cemetery Lisbon
🗺️Praça São João Bosco 568, 1350-295 Lisboa
🕰️Daily 9a-5p
💶Free
The largest cemetery in Lisbon, with imposing mausoleums & elaborate baroque tombstones.
A cemetery may seem and odd recommendation, but Prazares is home to the most striking architecture and views of the city. The cemetery is open and welcoming to visitors and the chapel on the grounds holds a small gallery of photos taken on site.
While you may see a (small) handful of other tourists here, it remains a lesser-known site, and you are assured a peaceful and uninterrupted visit.
Águas Livres Aqueduct
The Águas Livres Aqueduct is a historic aqueduct in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. It is one of the most remarkable examples of 18th-century Portuguese engineering. The main course of the aqueduct covers 18 km, but the whole network of canals reaches nearly 58 km. -Wikipedia
🗺️Calçada da Quintinha 6, 1070-225 Lisboa
🕰️Tues-Sun 10a-5:30p, Mon- Closed
💶€4
If you looked out the window on a clear day when flying in to Lisbon, you may have noticed the beautiful Águas Livres Aqueduct snaking through the city. But you may not know that you can walk across it to take in magnificent views of Lisbon.
It took me a few years of visiting Lisbon to learn this, and when I finally went I was the only one there! Even local friends didn’t know you could walk over the Lisbon Aquedeuct, so this one truly is a hidden gem… and one you will likely have entirely to yourself.
Museo De Azulejos Lisbonne
💶10€
🗺️R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, Portugal
🕰️10a-6p (Closed Mondays)
🌐http://www.museudoazulejo.pt/
Not quite as hidden as it once was, the Lisbon Tile Museum, is certainly still an underrated gem and one many visitors miss when coming to Lisbon.
Housed in an old convent, the Museo De Azulejos has much more to offer than I expected. The building alone is worth the visit, and the attached Madre de Deus church was an unexpected surprise.
A visit could easily be condensed to an hour, or spread out to several hours.
Museu Nacional do Traje e da Moda
🗺️Largo Júlio Castilho, 1600-483 Lisboa
🕰️Daily 10a-1p, 2p-6p
💶5€ , garden 3€
A true hidden gem, ‘The Museu Nacional do Traje e da Moda is located in Monteiro-Mor Palace, in Lisbon, Portugal. It has a collection of more than 33,000 items, which includes mainly masculine and feminine costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries’. The collection is stunning and beautifully curated, but the palace it is housed in is worth the visit alone. A bit outside the city center, but easily accessible via tram or bus (or Uber/Bolt).
I spent over 2 hours taking in this amazing collection and the garden and saw two other visitors the entire time.
The museum is surrounded by a charming garden that backs up to Parque Botanico do Monteiro-Mor.
Mercado Campo de Ourique
🗺️R. Coelho da Rocha 104, 1350-075 Lisboa, Portugal
🥬 Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly
🕰️check for hours as they vary
It pains me to share this market because it is still a lesser-known oasis, especially in comparison to the madness that can be Time Out Market, but I am hopeful that its location will keep it quiet and enjoyable. Located a bit outside the city center, and quite uphill, this Lisbon market is a true gem with a little bit of everything from full meals, savory bites, sweet treats, a fresh market, bar and a really cool vibe.
With free Wi-Fi, This Lisbon market is a great place to get some work done, or to meet up with friends and have a bite and a drink…. especially during happy hour, which features 1 and 2€ beers.
In Almada
Sanctuary of Christ the King (Cristo Rei)
🗺️Alto do Pragal, Av. Christ the King, 2800-058 Almada
💶 Grounds and terrace are free. To ascend the statue
The Sanctuary of Christ the King is a Catholic monument and shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ overlooking the city of Lisbon situated in Almada, in Portugal. It was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, after the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon visited that monument.
Entering the grounds and surrounding areas, which are wonderfully manicured and offer incredible views, is free.
Inside the Sanctuary is a chapel, as well as an elevator that takes you up (almost all the way; there are 59 steps to go once you exit the elevator) to an observatory. The cost to go up the elevator is 6€ per adult. On a clear day, views from the terrace can span 25km!
The Sanctuary can be reached by (uphill) walk, or Uber/Bolt from the Ferry.
Jardim do Rio
Between the Almada cliffs and the River Tagus, the Jardim do Rio is a large and refreshing space, ideal for a pleasant stroll along the Ginjal pier, or simply to relax on the grass next to the Tagus. The panoramic elevator at Boca do Vento provides access to the garden from the viewpoint, offering visitors an exemplary view over Lisbon and the riverside area of Almada.
-Camara Municipal de Almada
🗺️Sítio do Olho de Boi, 2800-205 Almada
Can’t get a reservations at Ponto Final? Or looking for something a bit more casual and cost effective? Head to nearby Jardim do Rio!
Just beyond Ponto Final, at the base of The Boca do Vento panoramic elevator, Jardim do Rio is the perfect spot to have a picnic or enjoy a bottle of vine and take in the views. Here you will find many locals and in-the-know tourists enjoying the sunsets in the evenings.
⭐Pro Tip: Bolt and Uber Eats will deliver to the park.
Lisbon Hidden Gems
I came to Portugal 4 years ago & fell in love.
Since then, I spend half the year in Portugal, exploring the country like both a local & a curious traveler—sharing insights on popular spots, gems, & where to eat, wander, & soak in the magic of everyday Portuguese life.
For my complete Foodie Guide to Lisbon, click image above!
For your Complete Guide to Lisbon’s Miradouros, click image above
