Discover things to do in Lisbon in July. Find out if a July trip to Lisbon is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Lisbon in summer.
Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Lisbon in July? We moved to Lisbon in 2022 and have had the good fortune to experience life in the city during different parts of the year.
Lisbon is absolutely buzzing in July! The sun is shining, the city is alive with energy, and there's something exciting happening around every corner. Are you wondering what makes Lisbon so special in July?
Let's explore some of the amazing things you can see, do, and eat in this vibrant city during this fantastic time of year to help inspire your own trip to Portugal at this time of year.
All of the suggestions are based on my personal experience exploring my adopted city in July.
Soak in the Sun and Explore Lisbon's Hidden Gems
July is the perfect time to experience Lisbon's beautiful weather and explore its charming neighborhoods. The sun is usually shining, making it ideal for strolling around and discovering hidden gems.
Escape the Crowds
While popular areas like Baixa-Chiado and Alfama will be bustling with tourists, consider heading to Arroios, Anjos, and Intendente for a more authentic Portuguese experience. I personally love the vibrant street art and trendy cafes in these neighborhoods!
Embrace Lisbon's Local Life
Take a walk through Campo de Ourique, a charming local neighborhood away from the tourist crowds. You'll find a lovely city park perfect for a relaxing afternoon, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and quaint local shops.
Discover Architectural Delights in Lisbon
Stroll from Arco de Cego to Campo Pequeno, admiring the diverse architecture, from Manueline to Art Deco. And don't forget your camera – Lisbon has some of the most amazing doors in the world, many adorned with beautiful Portuguese tiles, also known as azulejos!
Door photography is my other slightly weird hobby. I cannot confirm or deny that the doors of Lisbon were one of the key reasons we decided to move here 😅
Savor Delicious Food and Drinks
Get ready for a culinary adventure! Lisbon in July (and any time of year, actually) offers a fantastic selection of food and drinks to tantalize your taste buds.
Cool Down with Local Brews
Head to Marvila, an up-and-coming area that's home to several craft breweries, like Dois Corvos and Fermentage. What's more refreshing than a cold craft beer on a hot July afternoon in Lisbon?
There's also a hip market at 8 Marvila, located inside a dilapidated warehouse. Here, you'll find art galleries, hip clothing shops, and various places to eat and drink – it's definitely worth browsing if you're in the area for the breweries. I was also delighted to spot a couple of examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Marvila.
Experience Michelin-Star Vegetarian Cuisine
For a truly special dining experience, book a table at Encanto, a Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant by renowned Portuguese chef José Avillez. Their multi-course tasting menu is a not too heavy: perfect for a summer evening.
Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Treat
If you're looking for something more casual, head to 100 Monteditos in Campo Pequeno. Their outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a cold beer (for less than two euros!) and a quick bite while soaking up Lisbon's summer sun.
But be warned – the pigeons here are quite bold and won't hesitate to snatch your snacks if you're not careful!
Cool Down with Some Gelato
Nothing beats a scoop of ice cream or gelato on a hot July day in Lisbon. While finding gelato isn't hard, venturing slightly off the beaten path can lead to special finds. Matoli Gelato in Entrecampos is a great spot to seek out.
They craft seasonal flavors, and a lovely strawberry or cherry gelato is the perfect summer refreshment. It's also a wonderful activity to combine with a visit to the Pimenta Palace gardens near Campo Grande.
Taste Modern Italian
For a delicious dinner, we really enjoyed Tozzi Forneria Moderna in Saldanha. Our foodie friends recommended it, and it didn't disappoint! I particularly enjoyed a spicy pizza there, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and jalapenos. Perfect for a summer evening.
Experience High-End Fusion Cuisine
If you're looking for a unique spot in Lisbon for a special occasion, Salta is definitely worth the trip. This restaurant, located uphill from Marques de Pombal, features high-end Asian and Brazilian Fusion cuisine.
The cocktails here were especially noteworthy. We celebrated my husband's birthday at Salta and really enjoyed our meal.
Indulge in Mexican Flavors
I don't know about you, but hot weather makes a delicious margarita completely irresistible! We headed to CARNAL in Chiado for some fantastic high-end tacos and margaritas.
The setting is really cool, with black and white painted wood carvings hanging from the ceiling adding to the ambiance. Grab a pair of tacos or try the guacamole served with pork crackling.
Embrace the City's Vibrant Energy
Lisbon comes alive in July with a plethora of events and activities. From live music to outdoor markets, there's something for everyone em Lisboa no verão (in Lisbon in the summer).
Experience Local Markets
Immerse yourself in the local culture at one of Lisbon's street markets. You'll find unique handmade crafts, clothing, and maybe even some antique treasures.
I'm particularly fond of the market near Arco do Cego – they have stunning colorful glass vessels that I think would be amazing to brighten up a garden space.
Find Your Rhythm at a Festival
July is a fantastic time to catch a festival in Lisbon. If you're a jazz enthusiast, take a day trip to Cascais for the Cascais Jazz Festival. I was lucky enough to see Lionel Richie there last year – he put on an unforgettable show under the stars near the sea!
Enjoy Open-Air Entertainment
Look out for open-air concerts and movies throughout the city. I recently watched a Broadway musical montage at the Jardim do Torel – the sunset backdrop was absolutely stunning!
Admire Lisbon's Mosaic Sidewalks
Taking an early morning walk is a fantastic summer activity, and since July is usually dry, it's the perfect time to take pictures of Lisbon's beautiful mosaic sidewalks. If you walk down Avenida da Liberdade, you'll find a variety of spectacular patterns.
Don't forget to explore the smaller green spaces too; the little square parks in residential areas are also prime territory for finding lovely and imaginative calçadas portuguesas.
Browse and Graze at LX Factory
For a fun summer outing, LX Factory in Alcântara is always a great choice. I particularly enjoy browsing the bookstore which is located in an airy warehouse. You can easily combine shopping here with something to drink or a bite to eat for a perfect afternoon.
Take a Break from the City Buzz
Sometimes, you need a little escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Luckily, Lisbon has plenty of options for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Relax in Jardim da Estrela
Escape the July heat in one of Lisbon's many beautiful parks. Jardim da Estrela, with its historic gazebo, is an excellent spot to unwind and soak in the tranquil ambiance. You'll find locals enjoying the shade, reading books, or exercising.
Wander Shady Paths
The Gulbenkian Gardens are another super shady spot and a genuine Lisbon hidden gem. Lisbon can get above 30°C in the summer, so finding shade is a must.
At The Gulbenkian, you can wander down various paths through the woods or even into a bamboo forest. Keep an eye out – you might spot some ducks or Egyptian geese! I love immersing myself in nature here, especially in the early morning when it's quieter.
Discover The Gardens at Pimenta Palace
Get lost in the enchanting gardens of Pimenta Palace. I especially love the sculpture garden featuring the whimsical ceramic works of renowned Portuguese sculptor, Bordallo Pinheiro.
Pro-tip: if you have time on your Portugal itinerary to go beyond Lisbon, head to Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha. In Caldas you'll find a fascinating museum covering the life and works of Bordallo Pinheiro.
Find Tranquility in a Rebuilt Medieval Convent
Visit the Igreja da Graça. Originally build in the 13th century, this church with sweeping views over the city was rebuilt over the centuries after fire and earthquakes brought it down.
This medieval convent is known for its stunning marble and tile work. Miradouro da Graça, the viewpoint outside the church, is the main attraction here but the cool interior offers a welcome respite from the July heat.
Seek out Real Quinta das Necessidades
Last July, I stumbled upon a park that feels like a real Lisbon hidden gem. Real Quinta das Necessidades is located between Estrela, Alcântara, and Campo de Ourique and it's a delightful park for an afternoon stroll. We explored a cactus garden, marveled at various distressed stone structures, and found welcome shade from the heat.
We were totally surprised and delighted to find a bunch of preening chickens and roosters running around the park! It was very peaceful, with very few people around, making it great for photography.
Before you enter the park near Miradouro do Largo das Necessidades, check out the viewpoints for lovely vistas over the river Tejo and the April 25th bridge. This viewpoint is much less crowded in the summer than the ones in Graça and Principe Real.
Venture Beyond the City Limits
Lisbon is a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding area. Consider a day trip to experience the region's diverse offerings.
Explore the Coast
Hop on a train to Cascais, a popular seaside town popular with rich residents and expats. Stroll along the breezy coast, explore the town's architecture, and soak in the sun.
Hike to a Historic Fort
While you're in Cascais, take a taxi to Farol do Cabo Raso and embark on a scenic coastal walk back to town. You'll encounter stunning photo opportunities and even a historic fort, Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos.
Embrace Beach Life
Join the locals and head to the beach! Costa Caparica, accessible by public bus, offers a fantastic stretch of coastline with various beach clubs and a walking path.
Rent a beach chair for the day or bring a beach blanket and sit in the sand. Take a swim or just dip your toes in the water.
Remember to bring water and snacks, as food options can be limited as you venture further from the town.
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There you have it. Lisbon in July is a feast for the senses. From exploring local neighborhoods to indulging in delicious food and drinks, there's something to delight every traveler.
Yes, you will have company since this is the height of the tourist season in Portugal, but there are ways to escape the crowds and have a unique summer adventure.
Still trying to decide when to visit Lisbon. Check out our month-by-month recommendations.
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