12 Things to Do in Lisbon in October

October is a great time to visit Lisbon. Why? Because in addition to international holidays like Halloween, the Portuguese capital hosts other major events this month that hold great cultural significance for the city.

If you’re looking for alternative plans for October or want to experience a unique Lisbon that isn’t available the rest of the year, you’ve picked a great month to visit. My favorite plans include plenty of movies and the occasional night out, but don’t worry—you’ll also have the chance to explore more rural areas around Lisbon.

Lisbon has many great things to offer, and one of them is its food. Of course, you don’t have to go in October to enjoy its cuisine, but if you’re traveling that month, I have good news: the city’s tapas route is taking place. What exactly does it involve? For a very affordable price that includes a drink and a tapa at different venues, you can go on a culinary tour and savor Lisbon.

Actually, the Portuguese call tapas " petiscos," since they’re small dishes meant to be eaten in a single bite. Although there are all kinds, for me the best ones—and the ones you absolutely must try—are the ones with seafood, which is of very high quality in Lisbon.

The October tapas route is a great way to ensure you try different petiscos. Bars in the Portuguese capital often create and cook up new dishes exclusively for this event, aiming to combine the pleasure of sampling tapas and enjoying a few beers while exploring Lisbon; in short, a way to highlight the value of its culture and cuisine. Are you going to miss it?

If it rains on one of the days you’re in Lisbon—which is quite likely if you’re visiting Lisbon (the forecast calls for at least 8 days of rain)—I recommend opting for an indoor activity that will keep you entertained for at least half a day. Where? Book tickets for the Oceanarium. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of life within its 5 million liters of water.

With species from all the world’s oceans, the Lisbon Oceanarium has become one of the city’s top attractions for both children and adults. The best part is that the natural habitats of the marine animals have been beautifully recreated, so beneath its tunnels and in its exhibits, you’ll find penguins, stingrays, and even a sunfish.

A runner always travels with their running shoes… Is that you? Well, you’re in luck because Lisbon hosts its marathon in October. Not only will you have the chance to beat your personal best, but you’ll do so while taking in one of the city’s most beautiful areas: its coastline. That’s right—the 42-kilometer route winds through stunning scenery, starting in Cascais and ending in the heart of the capital.

Every year, thousands of runners—some from all over the world—gather in Lisbon to add another marathon to their list. The good news is that if you’re not up for the full marathon, there are two shorter options: the Half Marathon, which crosses the Vasco da Gama Bridge, and the 10-kilometer Vodafone Race, which crosses the 25 de Abril Bridge.

I won’t sugarcoat it—Lisbon’s hilly terrain is tiring and challenging, but it’s worth it if you’ve trained for it and want to explore the city and its surroundings while running a marathon.

Catholics know that on October 13, 1917, something significant happened at the Shrine of Fátima. On that date, it is said that the “Lady of the Rosary” first appeared before her faithful and then did so on several other occasions, also on the 13th. Since then, it has become very common to visit the shrine on that date. Maybe you’ll see the Virgin!

Whether or not you’re lucky enough to see the Virgin appear before you, this is a must-see if you’re in Lisbon, since it takes about an hour to book a tour to Fátima from Lisbon. That said, I should warn you that because of the significance of that date, you’ll encounter many other pilgrims. Even so, it’s a great opportunity to witness their devotion and explore the sanctuary itself, which is quite beautiful.

The Apparition in Fátima

It was the year 1917 when three shepherd children, Lucia de Jesus, Francisco, and Jacinta Marto, were blessed with an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the village of Fatima. During that first visit, she told them to pray fervently and that they would see her again in a month. When that day arrived, she asked them to build a basilica in her honor.

The Chapel of the Apparitions

It is the most important site and the first to be built. You’ll find an image of the Virgin Mary at the spot where she appeared to the shepherd children; today, this place serves as an altar where pilgrims pray when they arrive in Fátima on foot via one of the four routes.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima

It was built after the chapel to accommodate the large number of faithful who came to see the Virgin. It was designed by Gerard Van Kriechen in the Baroque style, and both the building and the sculptures inside were constructed using Moimento, the region’s most famous stone.

Inside the basilica are also the tombs of the three children who first saw the Virgin.

October marks the start of roasted chestnut season in Lisbon, so you’ll find it hard to resist buying them from the wooden stalls that fill the city. Although November is when the most chestnuts are consumed in Lisbon, October is when the harvest begins, so get ready to try tender, flavorful chestnuts.

When you arrive in Lisbon, you’ll see that everyone loves roasted chestnuts—their aroma wafts through the entire city! Just be careful not to end up buying them from the most expensive stalls with the lowest quality. My advice is to start wandering the streets and, in busy, traditional areas like Largo do Chiado or Rua Augusta, grab a newspaper cone filled with chestnuts.

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy Lisbon? If you’re visiting in October, you’ll get to do just that—and in wonderful weather. During this month, Portugal’s capital has quite pleasant temperatures, even at night (around 16°C), allowing you to experience Lisbon’s nightlife like never before.

The Portuguese capital is famous for its vibrant nightlife. If you feel like dancing to the beat of the music or taking a stroll through the city’s bars, you can do so without getting cold on the street or too hot inside the venues. No matter what kind of party you’re into, after dinner you can choose between having a few beers on a terrace, paying the cover charge at a nightclub, or simply going from bar to bar.

Where to go out? You could say that Lisbon’s nightlife is concentrated in four neighborhoods; which one you choose will depend on your mood, the atmosphere you’re looking for, and your budget.

• Barrio Alto: the students’ favorite and, therefore, the most affordable and modern. Here you’ll find plenty of nightclubs, bars with live music, and an LGBTQ+ scene.
• Docas: In this area, you’ll need to break out your savings and your best outfits, because these spots usually have a dress code.
• Santos and Cais do Sodré: the newest and most alternative spots are in this neighborhood.

If you love surfing, the town of Cascais, very close to Lisbon, is an idyllic destination to enjoy the waves in October. Its reputation is such that for years, one of the most important international surfing championships has been held there during this month. Even if you don’t feel like competing, you can always take a day trip from the Portuguese capital and spend a day surfing.

A few years ago, Cascais—and the rest of the Portuguese Riviera—was known as a tourist destination for the aristocracy, but today it’s a much more modern, surfer-friendly town. October is a month when many water sports enthusiasts come here to take advantage of the waves.

If there’s one beach that surfers are crazy about, it’s Carcavelos, where the locals gather every morning. If you want to join them, you’ll have no trouble—there are several surf schools and shops nearby where you can rent equipment. When you’re done catching waves, remember that Cascais is a fishing village, so you can enjoy delicious dishes at one of its restaurants.

You can also book a surf lesson in Lisbon on the Caparica coast, the ideal spot for this sport thanks to its long stretches of beach and proximity to the Portuguese capital.

The tram is undoubtedly one of the most iconic symbols of the city of Lisbon. Its use as public transportation is vital in the city, but how about enjoying it by taking a sightseeing tour on board?

By booking a tram tour of Lisbon, you’ll have 24 hours to use it and hop on and off as many times as you like. Among the stops along the route, you’ll find some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Alfama neighborhood—which you can view from the Portas do Sol viewpoint—the magnificent São Jorge Castle, and the Santa Justa Elevator, among many other attractions.

Fado is an artistic genre that blends poetry with music and is practiced throughout most of the country. It consists of Afro-Brazilian songs and dances that have been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2011, and if you travel to the Portuguese capital, you’ll be able to experience them in many performances.

If you book tickets to attend a fado concert in Lisbon, you’ll discover one of the greatest treasures of Portuguese culture. You’ll attend a live music concert featuring local singers and guitarists to experience this traditional art form firsthand.

The scariest night of the year also comes to Lisbon. Every October 31, the Portuguese capital celebrates Halloween with numerous themed parties. If you’ll be in the city around that time, don’t forget to bring your best costume and get ready to stay up all night among ghosts, great music, and plans that will keep you up all night.

Lisbon is a city with a vibrant nightlife, and on Halloween, it’s not uncommon to see everyone in costume, hopping from bar to bar and heading to parties. Beyond these, there are other activities and events taking place throughout the city, from trick-or-treating tours (highly recommended if you’re visiting Lisbon with children) to tours exploring Lisbon’s legends and scary stories.

My advice is to enjoy a little bit of everything. When night falls, put on your costume—if you aren’t already wearing one—and book a night tour of Lisbon. The guide will surely be in costume too and will go the extra mile to give you the creeps while explaining the city’s spookiest stories. When you’re done, grab a bite to eat and join the party.

What’s the world like? It’s hard to answer that question, but they say that by attending the International Film Festival held every October in Lisbon, you might get a clearer picture. This event focuses on documentary film and screens movies that portray the most immediate reality.

In addition to the many (and very interesting) films you can see at DocLisboa, this festival is known for having also become a space for debate, reflection, and activism. Without a doubt, it is a clear example of the idea that art can change the world. In total, the festival runs for 11 days, so there is plenty of time for films by different filmmakers and from different countries to be screened and compete in various categories.

If you’re looking for something different to do in Lisbon and want to see documentary premieres that will likely go on to be nominated for major international awards, you can’t miss DocLisboa.

Do you love fashion? The beauty of visiting different cities is seeing how their people adapt to different trends or develop their own style in tune with the place. This happens in Lisbon too, and if you travel in October, you’ll also have the chance to experience it during Fashion Week. During the event, various Portuguese designers showcase their collections in fashion shows that are sometimes open to the public.

Of course, you’ll need to put together your best outfits, because during the week-long Moda Lisboa event, iconic city landmarks like Eduardo VII Park are filled with creativity, elegance, and originality. If you’d like to attend, you can check the event calendar, locations, and whether an invitation is required—or if you can simply drop by during the scheduled hours—on their website.

In addition to its artistic values, this Fashion Week is deeply committed to sustainability, inclusion, and the development of young talent, so you can attend a workshop or conference on the topic. Another aspect that might interest you is that they’re opening a pop-up store where you can buy designs by Portuguese creators.

You’re in luck! October is a pretty pleasant month in Lisbon. Why? Because the temperatures are autumnal—neither too cold nor too hot. Most days you’ll see highs of 23°C, allowing you to stroll through the city without a coat, and lows of 16°C, especially at night.

There’s just one downside: rain is common. About 8 days a month, though in short bursts that won’t stop you from enjoying the city. My advice is to pack a rain jacket instead of an umbrella, which is always bulkier and you’ll only need it for a few hours a day. That said, when the October sun does come out in Lisbon, you’ll need sunglasses—trust me.

Generally speaking, as I’ve mentioned, Lisbon—even though it’s a European capital—is quite affordable, so it’s easy to find flights and hotels at good prices year-round, but especially in October. Since it’s not summer in Lisbon and doesn’t coincide with holidays like Easter or Christmas, the city is quiet—and so are the prices.

My recommendation is always to book everything in advance to get the best deals, but even if you’re planning a weekend in Lisbon at the last minute, you can find flights for around €50 (round-trip) and accommodations at discounted off-season rates. My advice is to take advantage of this to stay in more central and historic areas, such as Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto.