So, you've visited Belém Tower, taken Tram 28, wandered through Alfama, and watched the sunset from one of Lisbon's famous miradouros. Now what?
One of the best parts about living in Lisbon is discovering the city beyond the typical tourist attractions. Once you have checked the major sights off your list, Lisbon starts to feel less like a destination and more like home.
Whether you're new to the city or have been here for years, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Lisbon while discovering new neighborhoods, meeting people, and making the most of the city's outdoor lifestyle.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Lisbon for expats.
Start Your Day with Yoga or Pilates at LX Portal
Finding a workout routine is one of the best ways to settle into life in a new city. Not only does it help you stay active, but regularly attending classes is also a great way to meet people and build a sense of community.
At LX Portal, we offer a variety of yoga and Pilates classes in English, with options for beginners and experienced students alike. From energizing Vinyasa flows and strength-focused yoga to Mat Pilates, there's something for every mood and fitness level.
If you're new to the studio, our Intro Pass gives you three weeks of unlimited classes for €30 — perfect for trying different instructors and class styles while building a routine.
Only visiting Lisbon or want to try a single class? Our Drop-In Pass is a flexible option that lets you join whenever it fits your schedule.
Follow Your Class with Brunch in Santos
One of the best things about taking a class at LX Portal is that you're just minutes away from some of the best cafés in Santos.
After yoga or Pilates, make a morning of it. Grab a coffee, settle into a sunny terrace, or meet a friend for brunch or lunch. Santos has a relaxed neighborhood feel and plenty of cafés and restaurants to explore, making it the perfect place to slow down after class.
It's an easy way to turn your workout into a full Lisbon experience: move your body, grab a good coffee, and enjoy one of the city's most charming neighborhoods.
Spend an Afternoon People Watching at Jardim da Estrela
When you need a break from the busy streets of Lisbon, head to Jardim da Estrela.
Located across from the beautiful Basílica da Estrela, this leafy park is one of the best places in the city to spend a relaxed afternoon. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafés, bring a book, or simply find a bench and enjoy some people watching.
It's also one of those places that feels especially local. On weekends, you'll find families, friends catching up, musicians, runners, and plenty of people simply enjoying the sunshine.
For expats living in Lisbon, it's the kind of place you can return to again and again.
Take a Long Walk Along the Tagus River
Lisbon is a city best explored on foot, and one of the most scenic walks starts at Praça do Comércio.
From there, follow the river toward Cais do Sodré for an easy waterfront stroll. If you're feeling ambitious, continue west toward Belém.
The route offers plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for a coffee, drink, or bite to eat while enjoying views of the Tagus River.
There's something especially enjoyable about walking without a destination in Lisbon. You might discover a new kiosk, outdoor terrace, or quiet spot along the water that you hadn't noticed before.
Tip: Save this one for a sunny afternoon and give yourself plenty of time to stop along the way.
Escape the City on the Trails at Monsanto Forest Park
Need a break from Lisbon's hills, cobblestone streets, and city traffic?
Head to Monsanto Forest Park.
Often called the "lungs of Lisbon," Monsanto is the perfect place to get outside without leaving the city. The park has trails for walking, running, and exploring, along with viewpoints and open spaces where you can enjoy a completely different side of Lisbon.
It's especially great for expats who miss spending time in nature.
Pack some snacks, bring a friend, and spend a few hours exploring. You might forget you're still in one of Europe's busiest capital cities.
Hunt for One-of-a-Kind Finds at Lisbon's Pop-Up Markets
Lisbon has no shortage of markets, and they're one of the best ways to discover local designers, vintage pieces, handmade goods, art, jewelry, and unique finds you won't see in a typical shopping mall.
Keep an eye out for pop-up markets happening around the city, particularly in:
- Estrela
- Príncipe Real
- Avenida da Liberdade
- The area across from Time Out Market
Markets change throughout the year, which makes them worth revisiting. You never know what you'll find — and they're a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon while supporting local creators and small businesses.
Catch Live Music or Social Dancing at a Lisbon Kiosk
One of the things that makes Lisbon special is how much life happens outdoors.
During the warmer months, kiosks around the city often become gathering places for live music, DJs, dancing, and spontaneous social events.
Keep an eye on the kiosks around Cais do Sodré and Avenida da Liberdade, where you may stumble across everything from live bands to social dancing.
The best part? Many of these events feel wonderfully unplanned. You can be walking home after dinner, hear music in the distance, and suddenly find yourself stopping for a drink and joining a crowd of locals and internationals dancing outside.
Sometimes the best things to do in Lisbon aren't planned at all.
Make Lisbon Feel Like Home
Moving to a new city can be exciting, but it can also take time to build a routine and find your people.
The best way to experience Lisbon as an expat isn't necessarily to visit every attraction. It's finding the places you want to return to.
Your favorite coffee shop. A park bench where you spend Sunday afternoons. A walking route along the river. A market you visit every month. A yoga or Pilates class where the instructor knows your name.
That's when a new city starts to feel like home.
At LX Portal, we love welcoming people from around the world and helping them build healthy routines and connections in Lisbon. Whether you're here for a few months or planning to stay for years, our studio is a place to move, recharge, and meet new people.
Ready to make LX Portal part of your Lisbon routine?
Try our 3-Week Unlimited Intro Pass for €30 and explore our yoga and Pilates classes in English — or join us for a single class with a Drop-In Pass.
See you on the mat!