Lisbon is one of the most romantic destinations on the planet with plenty for couples to do whether you're interested in history, relaxation or adventure. You can just as easily find old-world charm as you can a luxury cruise around the local river.
The culinary scene in Lisbon is quite profound, and you'll also find opportunities to enjoy stunning wine during a tasting. Spectacular viewpoints in the area are a popular destination for travellers looking for romance on a budget. Learn about the many activities you and your partner can enjoy among the best things to do for couples in Lisbon.
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Alfama (Old Lisbon)
Visit the old quarter
- Couples
- Food
- History
Alfama (Old Lisbon) is an iconic part of town and one of the oldest where you and your partner can find narrow streets, winding alleys and endless charm. You'll find a unique atmosphere when you visit, as it was once the city's Arab district. Tightly packed lanes and archways are the norm here.
When you visit, you'll find a variety of historical sites to see including old churches and a castle, while travellers looking for a more romantic experience may want to check out the views from the lofty squares. After dark, you'll find an array of cuisine and cafes to enjoy, including fado houses. It's located south of the town centre near the coast.
Location: Portugal
Map - 2
Jardín Botánico de Ajuda
Check out a historic botanical garden
- Couples
Jardín Botánico de Ajuda is an iconic botanical garden in the city with a wealth of floral diversity and varied vegetation laid out in style. The garden dates back to 1768, making it the first of its kind in the city and the country.
When you visit this garden, you'll find more than 5,000 plant species that not only show off the best of the natural world in Portugal, but also include more exotic plants from Brazil, Cape Verde and Angola. You can see it for yourself in the Ajuda neighbourhood west of the town centre.
Location: Calçada da Ajuda, 1300-011 Lisboa, Portugal
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +351 21 365 3157
Mapphoto by LBM1948 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 3
Basílica da Estrela
See a grand baroque church
- Couples
- History
Basílica da Estrela is an iconic church in town where you'll find a pristine example of baroque and neoclassical architectural styles. The church dates back to the end of 1789, making it more than 2 centuries old, yet its bright-white façade is remarkably well-maintained.
Visiting this church lets you take in one of the most important architectural accomplishments of Queen Maria I's reign where you'll find a massive dome alongside 2 bell towers adorned with statues. See it in person in the Estrela district west of the town centre.
Location: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa, Portugal
Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm
Phone: +351 21 396 0915
Map - 4
Parque Eduardo VII
Explore a mosaic-patterned park
- Couples
Parque Eduardo VII is a brilliant sight to take in, as the park sports a notable mosaic pattern with its bushes and shrubbery while offering floral diversity. You and your partner can venture through to enjoy the stunning designs created more than a century ago to solidify the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance.
Inside the park, you'll find 2 primary areas that house diverse plantlife. The hothouse has exotic plants you may not be able to see anywhere else in Portugal, and certainly not naturally occurring. The greenhouse, on the other hand, is home to more tropical plants with plenty of palms and cacti. It's located just northeast of the town centre south of Azul.
Location: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal
Map - 5
Tagus River sunset cruise
Take in the views from the water
- Couples
A Tagus River sunset cruise lets you enjoy views of the city from the water just as the sun paints the area in orange and red. You and your partner can relax on a leisurely boat ride across the river with the impressive skyline and natural features of the Lisbon area serving as a scenic backdrop.
The crew on these cruises tend to be quite accommodating. It's not uncommon for them to offer insight into some of the places you'll be seeing. Additionally, you'll find delicious wine available on most boats. Several different cruises are available, and they almost all start at the southern harbour.
Location: Portugal
Map - 6
Santa Justa viewpoint
Ride a 19th-century elevator
- Couples
- History
The Santa Justa viewpoint is only accessible via an elevator dating back to the 19th century that lets you and your partner experience an industrial marvel. When you ride the elevator, you'll be taken up almost 148 feet to reach the top viewpoint of this attraction.
From the top, you can check out a viewing platform that lets you take in the scenic sights of central Lisbon. Just be prepared to wait in line, as this elevator is quite popular with travellers. You'll find it in the Baixa district near the centre of town.
Location: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal
Open: Daily from 7 amd to 10.45 pm
Phone: +351 21 413 8679
Map - 7
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Enjoy a serene garden with picturesque views
- Couples
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a city garden that offers an impressive design and statuary alongside stunning views of central Lisbon. The garden mostly features tiles, though there are plenty of green spaces as well alongside a serene fountain.
The views from the garden are absolutely stunning. Past the railed edge, you'll be able to gaze out into a sea of buildings across central Lisbon offering breathtaking views you can enjoy from a comfortable bench. It's located in northern Bairro Alto near the town centre.
Location: R. de São Pedro de Alcântara, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal
Open: 24/7
Map - 8
Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
See a theatre performance
- Couples
- History
- Nightlife
Teatro Nacional de São Carlos is a legendary theatre where you'll find opera and symphony productions among neoclassical architecture and design. It's the home of the Choir of the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos and the Portuguese Symphonic Orchestra.
When you visit this theatre, you'll be greeted with stunning architecture and design in the neoclassical style that dates back to 1793. The main hall is regal and sophisticated, and you'll also find a noble hall and foyer that hold different kinds of events. It's located in the city's historical centre of Chiado.
Location: R. Serpa Pinto 9, 1200-442 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 325 3000
Mapphoto by RickMorais (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Wine tasting
Partake in local wines
- Couples
- Nightlife
Wine tasting in Lisbon is popular thanks to several speciality wines that are made right in the city as well as those that are imported from around the country. A lot of wine bars offer tastings of wines produced from all around Portugal, letting you take in the local flavour.
When you embark on a wine tasting with your partner, you'll often find other treats included in the experience, like cheeses and meat platters. You'll find wine tastings available all across town, but they tend to be more prevalent near the town centre.
Location: Portugal
- 10
Candlelit dinner for 2
Enjoy a romantic dinner
- Couples
- Food
- Nightlife
A candlelit dinner for 2 in Portugal is one of the best ways to finish an evening with delicious food, wine and ambience that you and your partner will love. Romantic dining here is a delight for the senses, with quite a few intimate restaurants available in discreet and isolated locales.
Some of the candlelit dinners here offer a show along with the food, but you and your partner can easily enjoy a place that focuses solely on the food with the fado that highlights Portuguese cuisine more than the music. They're available all over town, but especially in the Alfama neighbourhood.
Location: Portugal