10 Things to Do in Lisbon in the summer

Are you going to Lisbon this summer? I’m so jealous! It’s a wonderful time of year when people take to the streets to celebrate the good weather and the city’s culture.

Although summer heat can reach high temperatures, there’s always a way to beat the heat by taking advantage of all there is to see and do in Lisbon. I’ve put together a list of my favorite things to do so you can enjoy them too.

On those sunny Lisbon summer afternoons, I promise you there’s no better plan than a cruise on the Tagus. Once you board and start gliding along the river, watching the sunset’s glow paint the banks, you’ll understand why I say that. The views are much better in daylight, which is why this experience is so much more enjoyable during the summer months. Plus, the gentle breeze on deck is a welcome relief on the hottest days.

The boat will take a route so you can see Cristo Rei, the Jerónimos Monastery, or the Belém Tower, one of the most famous attractions in the Belém neighborhood. Plus, to make this tour even more refreshing, it usually includes a drink on board. Take the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine!

Be careful—since it’s summer, the sun can be dangerous, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen and even a visor. If you book the sunset tour, check the temperatures and bring a light jacket just in case.

Who doesn’t want to celebrate carnival all year round? The good news is that if you travel to Lisbon in the summer, you can celebrate it for practically the entire month of June. The good weather, the music, the colors… The city turns into one big party during the feasts of Saint Peter, Saint John, and Saint Anthony. The celebrations of these three patron saints come together in the so-called Festas dos Santos Populares. You won’t want to miss them!

The most important day—or rather, night—is June 12. That’s when the grand parade takes place along Avenida Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s largest and most central avenues. Get ready to enjoy dancing, bonfires, street parties, and barbecues until the wee hours of the morning.

Stroll through Lisbon and discover its color

Lisbon’s different neighborhoods are decorated to try to win the annual contest, so don’t miss the chance to stroll through them all and pick your favorite. Each area also has its own music groups and dance routines, which can also win a coveted prize.

The traditions of the Festas

If there’s one dish you absolutely must try during Lisbon’s summer, it’s grilled sardines—legend has it that Saint Anthony used them to feed an Italian village. This patron saint isn’t just the city’s—he’s also the patron of newlyweds, which is why you’ll see many couples on the streets on June 12, as it’s a day when many weddings are held simultaneously.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of Portuguese culture and the meaning behind all these celebrations, this season is one of the best times to take a guided tour of the capital. You’re sure to enjoy the festivities much more if you understand your surroundings better.

Summer in Lisbon is lived on the streets—there’s no doubt about it—which is why the BaixAnima festival takes place over the course of three months. Acrobatics, circus acts, sports, dance, music, theater… In short, the city’s neighborhoods are filled with art thanks to this festival. The best part is that all these shows, which take place on weekends from July to September, are free.

The downtown area of the Portuguese capital, especially the Baixa neighborhood near Rua Augusta, is where the BaixAnima Street Festival is held. Although you can find all kinds of performances, my favorites are the circus acts.

I don’t know about you, but to me, summer smells like the beach, so if you’re in Lisbon, you have to escape to Cascais. It’s very easy to do with an organized tour from Lisbon, something I recommend so you can focus solely on enjoying a relaxing visit to this town’s Atlantic beaches. Just 40 minutes from the capital, Cascais is part of the famous Portuguese Riviera, where white-sand beaches and turquoise waters create the perfect summer setting.

Years ago, this town was exclusively for the wealthy, and glamour mingled with the waves of the Atlantic. Today, it’s a destination open to everyone with affordable prices. That said, if you’re planning to stay overnight, book a hotel in advance because they fill up in the summer.

Beyond taking a dip when the heat becomes unbearable in the city, it’s also very common to see surfers or simply people strolling along the boardwalk. My advice is to spend at least one day there and discover one of my favorite beaches (and that of many Portuguese people): Praia da Rainha. It’s close to the train station and is beautiful, perfect for relaxing.

If you haven’t been to Lisbon yet, you might be surprised by the size of the nightspots. Why do I say that? Because they’re actually quite small. That means Lisbon’s nightlife mostly takes place on terraces and in the streets. In winter, this can be a bit of a challenge due to the cold, but in summer it’s a real treat. At night, the temperatures drop just enough so you don’t swelter but can still enjoy the atmosphere.

In addition to the nightclubs in Cais do Sodré, the best bars are in Bairro Alto and Alfama, where you can also catch live, open-air fado concerts. That said, you can also find spots with more mainstream music. Just don’t go too early, because in the summer you have to wait until almost midnight for the locals to start partying.

Temperatures in Lisbon during the summer months can reach 35°C, and in the middle of the day, climbing the city’s many hills might not seem like a good idea. When the heat makes it hard to explore the city on foot, have you thought about booking a Lisbon sightseeing bus? They’re air-conditioned and a great way to get from one place to another comfortably.

Although the heat in Lisbon isn’t always unbearable, there may be times when it prevents you from fully enjoying your trip, especially if you have to walk in the sun. To avoid this, I recommend getting tickets for a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus. From the upper deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lisbon, and since the bus is moving, you’ll feel the breeze on your face and won’t feel the heat as much.

The best part is undoubtedly that these buses connect the city’s most important landmarks, such as Praça do Comércio, the Belém Tower, and Eduardo VII Park. Because even though everything is more or less close by in Lisbon, its hills can be challenging on the hottest days—you’ll see.

From June to September, Lisbon fills with music as the city hosts the best festivals. You’ve surely heard of Rock in Rio, which takes place in early summer, but there are many others that find the perfect climate and atmosphere in the Portuguese capital to bring music and art to the streets, such as:

. NOS’ Alive: held during the first days of July, its lineup brings together major bands and world-renowned singers. A few years ago, The Weeknd performed there, as have Metallica and Ryan Adams.
. Super Bock Super Rock: Are you more into rock? This festival takes place every July in Parque das Nações, featuring big-name rock acts like The Strokes and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It has a very cosmopolitan and urban vibe, so expect to see plenty of new acts and discover different bands.
. Jazz Festivals: plural because, yes, in the summer Lisbon is all about jazz. First up is the Cool Jazz Fest in July, which takes place in Lisbon’s most beautiful parks and also features blues and funk concerts. Later, in August, Jazz em Agosto takes center stage, with a much more summery and Portuguese vibe.
. Sumol Summer Fest: in late June and early July, for about two days, the Ericeira Campground, near Cascais, puts the spotlight on surfing and DJs spinning tunes all day long.
. Festas do Mar de Cascais: go beyond just music. While concerts by local artists certainly play a major role, the city also fills with street markets, crafts, and fireworks to light up the summer nights in August.

There’s something about summer that makes a picnic the best plan for lunch (or dinner). Lisbon also has many parks and green spaces, making it a favorite activity for both locals and visitors. My advice isn’t just to head to a place like Cerca da Graça, but to take the opportunity to buy fresh, traditional, and high-quality food at one of Lisbon’s markets.

One of my favorite parks is Eduardo VII Park; it’s the largest in the city and offers plenty of space, including a picnic area. Many people go there at midday to enjoy the cool breeze of nature. If you’re traveling to Lisbon with children, you might want to visit Jardim da Estrela, which has a playground.

What food should you bring? If you don’t mind getting up early to buy fresh bread and fruit, head to Mercado da Ribeira. And to try the delicious and famous Portuguese preserves, head to Conserveira de Lisboa. You’ll see how you’ll leave with the perfect menu for the day.

One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon when summer arrives is to listen to music outdoors, which is very easy with the series of concerts at Jardim Da Estrela. Mainly during July and August, shows are held at the iron bandstand in this park.

Also known as Guerra Junqueiro, this garden is located in the center of Lisbon, serving as its great green lung. If you attend one of its summer concerts (tickets go on sale on its website as the dates approach), I recommend arriving early to have time to stroll through it. Why? Because it’s home to many exotic plants, as well as peacocks and swans. It also features numerous sculptures, making it almost like a museum in the middle of nature.

If you want to return from Lisbon with a nice tan, take advantage of the sun that shines on its viewpoints in the summer. In addition to incredible views, many of these spots have terraces for sunbathing. In fact, some even have hammocks you can rent, like at the Portas do Sol lounge.

I’m not going to lie—going at midday can be stifling, as the sun beats down directly. My advice is to take advantage of the afternoon hours to soak up some rays as the sun sets; at the same time, you’re sure to be able to take incredible photos from the heights, with all of Lisbon at your feet and enviable light.

If you don’t feel like climbing Lisbon’s hills, you can always sunbathe on the banks of the Tagus. Specifically, I recommend the Ribeira Das Naus area, which turns into a landscaped beach during the summer months.

With temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C, very little chance of rain, and up to 15 hours of daylight a day, Lisbon is the perfect destination to enjoy the Mediterranean summer. That said, the weather can be somewhat stifling and very dry, especially in August. However, the city’s lively atmosphere during these months and all the outdoor activities on offer make it well worth the visit.

If you’re planning to visit Lisbon during these months, keep in mind that the heat will be intense, though you’ll understand better than ever why it’s considered “the city of light.” Lisboners and tourists alike take to the streets during the summer, especially at night, when temperatures drop and become more pleasant.

One thing you definitely won’t need is an umbrella, as the chances of rain are minimal. Otherwise, remember that temperatures can reach up to 35°C, so pack summer clothes like skirts, shorts, and sleeveless shirts. Of course, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap or hat.

Although the weather is quite hot, it cools down a bit at night. You won’t need warm clothes, but you will want a light jacket to put on after sunset.