13 Romantic Things to Do in Lisbon For Couples

13 best things to do in Lisbon for couples

1. Climb up to one of the many miradouros of Lisbon

In Portuguese, “miradouro” translates to “viewpoint,” and Lisbon boasts an abundance of them. Sharing a view of Lisbon under your feet with your loved one is one of the most romantic things to do in Lisbon. No matter if you come for sunset or during the peak hours.

These viewpoints often attract artists and musicians that add a charming ambiance and make your experience even more romantic. Just imagine admiring the sights of Lisbon with a special someone as the live music whispers in your ears.

The most popular viewpoints in Lisbon are:

• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro da Graça
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

If you are looking for less popular options with fantastic views and don’t want to deal with crowds in Lisbon, I am sure you will love one of these:

• Miradouro de Santa Catarina
• Miradouro do Monte Agudo
• Miradouro de Santo Estêvão

My favorite is Miradouro de Santo Amaro, one of the best hidden gems in Lisbon. It is located further away from the main landmarks, so you won’t find many tourists around. 

2. Candlelight Concerts in Lisbon

Candlelight concerts in Lisbon offer a unique musical experience, featuring performances by talented musicians in beautiful, candle-lit settings. This is one of the best Lisbon date ideas and a great experience for couples who share a love for music.

These events cover a wide range of musical genres, from classical to contemporary, including tributes to famous bands like Coldplay, Queen, and ABBA. If you are flexible with your dates or you live in Lisbon, I am sure you will find your musical preference.

And can we talk about venues? Concerts are hosted in some of the most beautiful palaces in Lisbon which is a great bonus. Currently, you can pick between Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora and the Altis Grand Hotel, but they change the location constantly.

A few years back when I first went to Candlelight Concert, it was hosted at Sciences Academy of Lisbon. Even after all this time, I still cherish those memories from the concert and I want you to experience the same.

Depending on the show and location, the prices vary between 15-50 euros. You can see upcoming events and buy your tickets here.

3. Explore the hidden gems of Lisbon

Let’s be honest, dealing with crowds and trying to navigate through the masses of people is far from romantic, so I suggest you get off the popular route and explore the hidden gems instead.

When we first moved to Lisbon, we would often grab our camera and wander around for hours. Eventually, it became our little ritual as we both share a love for photography and Lisbon. As you can imagine, after years of living in Lisbon, I have an extensive list of secret spots.

—> click here to discover the best-hidden gems in Lisbon

4. Sunset river cruise on the Tagus River

It is hard to imagine something more romantic than a sunset river cruise on the Tagus River. This offers a new perspective of popular sights as the sun colors the panorama for picture-perfect views.

This Sailing cruise from Lisbon offers a private experience that is perfect for couples. You can enjoy your privacy as you spend a romantic evening together. There will be 2 staff members on the boat, but that won’t disturb your experience.

If you are looking for more affordable romantic experiences, this Sailing Tour is one of the top-rated tours in Lisbon. A small group of 12 people offers an intimate atmosphere and Portuguese wine included in the tour is just a cherry on the cake.

No matter which one you choose, these are some of the best things to do in Lisbon for couples and I am sure you will love to share this experience with a special someone.

5. Eat your way through Portuguese cuisine

Food has a unique power to unite people. For couples, food is often part of the celebration or date night and Portuguese cuisine shouldn’t exception.

Seafood is definitely the highlight of Portuguese cuisine and you can’t leave Lisbon without trying Polvo à Lagareiro, Caldeirada or Cataplana de Marisco. However, my top choice is Dourada Grelhada or Sardinhas Assadas during the hot months of the year.

Codfish also known as Bacalhau is the most popular option on the menu and there are 365 different ways to cook it – one for every day of the year. Popular meat dishes include Cozido, Bitoque, and Arroz de pato.

Portuguese Olives and Tremoços are a perfect snack that goes perfectly with local wine and can be enjoyed in most outdoor cafes in Lisbon.

When it comes to sweets, pastel de nada does not need an introduction. But did you know it tastes even better when shared with someone special? Trust me on this one!

Some of the top romantic restaurants in Lisbon are Palácio Chiado, SUD Lisboa, Café do Paço, and Restaurante Tágide. Ponto Final is another great place with a fantastic view, however, it is located outside of Lisbon.

6. Enjoy live music or one of the Speakeasy bars in Lisbon

Want to have a fun night out, but don’t want to dance in packed clubs? Here are some other fun activities in Lisbon for couples with great music and drinks.

O Bom O Mau e O Vilão is a popular place that offers live music in the heart of Lisbon. If you are looking for a local atmosphere, head to Camones – Artes Bar instead. And in case you want to relax with a glass of wine, go to Café Dias on a Thursday evening.

You should also follow Out Jazz, which offers live Jazz performances for free. It is a great opportunity if you want to plan a Lisbon date night on a budget. Click here to follow their page and discover their next free event in Lisbon.

When it comes to bars and cocktails, I am sure you would like to discover some lesser-known options in the city, so you will love these speakeasy bars in Lisbon. Our top recommendations are Red Frog Speakeasy, Foxtrot, and Procópio Bar.

7. Stay at one of the most romantic hotels in Lisbon

Sometimes hotel can make or break the entire trip, this is why I recommend that you pick one of the most romantic hotels in Lisbon. Especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a romantic getaway.

Imagine staying in a beautifully designed suite with stunning views of the city, enjoying intimate dinners at a rooftop restaurant, or relaxing in a private spa. Romantic Lisbon hotels can easily make it happen.

Click here to discover the most romantic hotels in Lisbon!

8. Visit one of the many rooftop bars

Visiting rooftops with beautiful views and seeing the sun set over Lisbon is another romantic couple activity in Lisbon. If you have already seen all the miradouros, it is a good idea to move on to the rooftops and discover different perspectives of your favorite city.

Lisbon is located on seven hills which means that there are plenty of opportunities for rooftop bars with fantastic views, but what are the most romantic places in Lisbon for couples?

Terraço Chill-Out Limão located on the top of H10 Duque de Loulé Hotel is a little hidden gem in the Marqués de Pombal area. It still offers an intimate atmosphere, great views, and an extensive cocktail list.

Topo Chiado is another great option that offers a laid-back atmosphere and fantastic views. The privileged location near Carmo Convent provides an amazing view of Santa Justa, Rossio, and the skyline of Lisbon.

Memmo Hotel Bar is another great recommendation for couples. It is located in one of the most romantic hotels in Lisbon, so it is perfect for a Lisbon date night, even if you are not a guest at the Memmo Hotel.

9. Listen to Fado

Fado, which means “fate” in Portuguese, is a form of storytelling that reflects the profound emotions of life, love, and loss. Originating in the early 19th century, Fado has become an iconic symbol and one of the best things to do in Lisbon.

When enjoying Fado music, you have two options. You can listen to face while having drinks and petiscos, which is an affordable choice. Alternatively, you can have a full dinner with live music, which is a more expensive option.

Sometimes performance is included with your meal and sometimes you need to pay an additional fee and get a separate bill for your food. Nowadays, many tourist traps host fado shows but offer low-quality food or overpriced menus.

If you are looking for a local fado experience, head to Devagar Devagarinho. This restaurant hosts Fado shows every Wednesday and Friday, but the seats are limited, so reservation is a must. Limited space adds a romantic touch to the whole experience.

Another great alternative is O Corrido – Casa de Fado. This restaurant offers a set menu for 20 euros and a fado performance for 30 euros. Drinks are not included. However, don’t get discouraged by the set menu, because it is one of the best-rated fado houses in Lisbon.

Tasca do Chico is definitely the most popular place if you are looking for petiscos and drinks as you enjoy the sound of fado. Fado is free as the restaurant hosts new rising stars. However, the place is very small and it fills up quickly, so it is not easy to get a table at the Tasca do Chico.

Real Fado Concert is a great alternative if you are solely looking for a performance and don’t care about food & drinks. The location of the concert makes it even more special and you can choose between EmbaiXada, Pavilhão Chinês, or Reservatório da Patriarcal.

Prices vary from 20-30 euros and the show lasts one hour. I personally have seen Real Fado at the EmbaiXada and it was a 10/10 star experience. You can find upcoming events and buy your tickets here.

10. Stroll one of many parks in Lisbon

Despite the limited space, Lisbon has several green areas where people can hang out and chill. Planning a romantic picnic or simply walking around is one of the best things to do in Lisbon for couples.

Jardim da Estrela is a little urban park located right in front of the iconic basilica. Compared to the Parque Eduardo VII has a more laid-back and local atmosphere. In the park, there is also the British cemetery with the picturesque St. George Church. 

Jardim do Torel is another charming urban park located in central Lisbon. Tourists usually miss this place but it offers a fantastic view of Lisbon.

Parque Florestal de Monsanto is the biggest park in Lisbon and the real lung of the city. In this little forest, you can enjoy a lot of free activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, or picnics. It is perfect for all the active couples looking for entertainment.

Other parks worth mentioning are Jardim da Cerca da Graça, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, and the Park Necessidades.

11. Go to a Cabaret Show

If you want to spice things up, you will love shows at the Maxime Restaurante-Bar. Maxime is a place where the magic of classic cabaret comes to life through a mix of different shows. Here, you can enjoy cabaret, burlesque, and circus performances that are both nostalgic and fresh. 

We visited Maxime to see their burlesque show and have been big fans ever since, so naturally had to share it with you. They honor the tradition of cabaret but add modern touches that appeal to today’s audiences.

In addition to cabaret and burlesque, Maxime features circus and stand-up comedy that brings laughter and joy. And you can enjoy the show with a fabulous dinner as well. Click here to find upcoming events and enjoy one of the most fun things to do in Lisbon for couples.

12. Open-air cinema

During the warm summer nights, you can leave the comfy couch and plan a fun night movie night under the stars. This is one of the best things to do in Lisbon for couples and I am sure you will want to add it to your date ideas.

Nowadays many different companies are hosting open-air cinemas, so you have a wide variety of movies. Also, most of these cinemas are hosted in wonderful locations that make this experience even more special.

Cine Society is one of the most popular open-air cinemas in Lisbon as it has shortly taken over social media. The tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you plan in advance. Another great alternative we recommend is Black Cat Cinema.

13. Romantic Lisbon Tuk Tuk tour

Let’s be honest, you can’t visit Portugal and miss the main attractions in Lisbon. But I believe you don’t want to run around trying to tick off every landmark, right? It is a good reason to jump on a Tuk Tuk and explore Lisbon in comfort.

This Lisbon Tuk Tuk tour is perfectly suitable for couples and designed to explore the most romantic places in Lisbon. In a short period, you can see the best of Lisbon as your guide takes care of the rest.

Tuk Tuk experience is such an iconic way to explore Lisbon and should be added to your Lisbon regardless, but this romantic tour is one of the cute things to do in Lisbon for couples. Don’t miss it!

Final thoughts…

This is the end of the most romantic things to do in Lisbon for couples and I am sure that you have plenty of Lisbon date ideas. No matter if you are a local, expat, or a tourist.

I would love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment below. If you need further help with planning, check out these Lisbon travel tips, hotel recommendations, or food guides.