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Lisbon in June: 20 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat

Discover things to do in Lisbon in June. Find out if a June trip to Lisbon is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Lisbon on the cusp of the summer season.
Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Lisbon in June? We moved to Lisbon in 2022 and have had the good fortune to experience life in the city during different parts of the year.

Early June is festival season in Portugal so expect to find colorful decorations and events happening around Lisbon. Of course, the summer tourist high season is also getting underway and you'll hear lots of American voices on the streets of Lisbon.

Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Lisbon in June to help inspire your early summer trip.

What is the weather like in Lisbon in June?

June is one of the warmest and sunniest months of the year in Lisbon, making it a great time to visit. Temperatures are definitely on the rise as summer begins.

The average temperature in Lisbon in June is 24°C (75°F), with highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F). There is an average of 1 day of rain in June meaning that you are nearly guaranteed to have great weather for your trip.

Colorful flags above one of the arraias in Lisbon in June

Make sure to pack shorts, t-shirts, and bring a bathing suit if you plan to head to the beach.

I strongly suggest that you also bring sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses since the sun can be fierce, especially if you are naturally pale like I am.

Things to do in Lisbon in June at a Glance

Now let's take a look at things to do, see and eat in Lisbon in June at a glance. Each heading is clickable and will take you directly to the item of interest.

Table of Contents

        1. Grab a Coffee and Pastry Outside
        2. Celebrate Festas de Lisboa
        3. Go for a Post Parade Drink
        4. Take a Walk for Ice Cream
        5. Visit MAAT, One of Lisbon's Most Innovative Museums
        6. Splurge on Lunch at Sud Lisboa Terrazzo
        7. Head to the Cherry Festival in Central Portugal
        8. Try a New Lisbon Coffee Shop
        9. Lunch at a Traditional Portuguese Restaurant
        10. Enjoy Tacos and Margaritas in Príncipe Real
        11. Go Out for Dim Sum in Rato
        12. Admire the Views from Miradouro do Largo das Necessidades
        13. Enjoy the Lisbon Social Scene at a Rooftop Bar
        14. Cruise the Tagus River
        15. Visit Estoril
        16. Spend Saturday Evening at Linha D'Agua
        17. Take a Craft Beer Break
        18. Sit Down to Dinner at Thai Garden
        19. Go Local at Copo de Mar
        20. Eat Pizza and Wine at BuonaPizza
        21. Catch a Concert at Gulbenkian Gardens

        Things to do in Lisbon in June in Detail

        Let's explore cool things to do in Lisbon in June in more detail. I've actually done all of these things in the month of June, so they are tried and tested for this time of year.

        1. Grab a Coffee and Pastry Outside

        Lisbon in June is a great time to enjoy al fresco dining. The weather is starting to warm up, but it's not yet too hot. This makes it the perfect time to sit outside at a small local cafe and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

        One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon in June is to order a galão, a coffee with a lot of milk, and a pastel de nata, a custard tart. This combination is the perfect way to start the day.

        Galão and pastel de nata in Lisbon in June 

        The galão is rich and creamy, and the pastel de nata is sweet and flaky. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the combination is both satisfying and delicious.

        There are many great cafes in Lisbon where you can enjoy this breakfast treat. I recommend finding a cafe in a quiet neighborhood, where you can relax and people-watch.

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        2. Celebrate Festas de Lisboa

        Festas de Lisboa is a month-long festival that takes place in Lisbon in June. It is a time for celebration and community, with events and activities taking place all over the city.

        The festival is centered around the popular saints, known as Santos Populares in Portuguese.

        The patron saint of Lisbon is Saint Anthony, or Santo Antonio, and the festivities culminate on the evening of the 12th of June, when a giant parade featuring performers and marchers from neighborhoods across Lisbon promenades down Avenida da Liberdade.

        Collage of pictures from the parade during the Festas de Lisboa in Lisbon in June 

        The entire spectacle takes about 3 hours and once the parade is done, revelers move on to the different neighborhoods for very loud and very fun all night parties.

        We went to see the parade and the spectacle, but we decided not to join the crowds afterwards. We left the parties to the younger people.

        It is important to be aware of the festivals and holidays that take place in Lisbon and other parts of Portugal on different dates for different saints.

        If you plan to visit Lisbon in June, you can either plan to be here specifically for the festivals or try to avoid them if you don't like crowds or potential disruptions.

        The neighborhood parties during Festas de Lisboa are called arraiais. Arraiais are a great opportunity to try traditional Portuguese food and drink, and to experience the local culture. We took time to get a glass of sangria at the arraial on Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Princípe Real.

        Arraias at Príncipe Real in Lisbon in June 

        Another tradition associated with Santo Antonio are the brides of Santo Antonio. 

        It is a special honor to get married in the Church of Saint Anthony in Lisbon, and 12 couples are selected each year to be married on this important saint's day. We later saw the couples in the parade marching down Avenida da Libertade.

        Another tradition associated with the Festas de Lisboa are manjerico (sweet basil) plants. The Manjerico de Santo Antonio is traditionally given by boys to their girlfriends in honor of O Dia do Santo Antonio.

        Apparently Saint Anthony was known as the matchmaker saint. I learned that sweet basil is a difficult plant to maintain and requires quite a bit of care. 

        Our Portuguese teacher at Saudade Language School told us that if you breath directly on the plant, it may die. Just like love, manjerico needs to be nurtured.

        The plants also include a paper carnation and a small flag with a poem written on it. The four line poem has two rhymes.

        We're still taking Portuguese lessons and had the opportunity to write our own poem to Saint Anthony and place it in a manjerico plant.

        If you have the opportunity to take language lessons during your stay in Lisbon, I think it's definitely worthwhile. 

        While the language itself is quite difficult, the chance to interact with locals and to understand a little bit more about the culture is worth it in and of itself.

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        3. Go for a Post Parade Drink

        We left the big parade early and went to Comedouro, an elegant restaurant with a separate bar, instead of going to the neighborhood celebrations afterwards.

        Negroni at Comedouro in Lisbon 

        We were pleased to see that the bar was still open when we arrived around 11:00 p.m. We ordered a cocktail that was a new take on a Negroni and was served in an elegant and heavy cut glass.

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        4. Take a Walk for Ice Cream

        If you're looking for a more relaxing activity, head to Entrecampos, where you'll find Matoli, an ice cream shop that serves gelato made on the premises.

        In June, the temperature starts to rise, so you might want to choose a lighter, fruitier flavor. The shop's owner is from Brazil and is very friendly. We had a nice chat with him and were able to practice our Portuguese a little bit.

        Cup of ice cream from Artesani in Lisbon in June

        Another fun option for ice cream in Lisbon is Artisani, located at the end of Avenida Conde de Valbom. This time, we chose nutty and rich chocolate flavors.

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        5. Visit MAAT, One of Lisbon's Most Innovative Museums

        If you're looking for something fun to do in Lisbon in June, head to the MAAT museum. MAAT stands for Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, and it's located between Lisbon and Belém along the Tejo River.

        Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month, but it can get crowded, so it's best to go early. The museum features a variety of imaginative exhibits, including a recent one called Archipelago by Hervé Di Rosa.

        Di Rosa was a key figure on the French art scene for over 40 years, and his work draws on popular culture, comic books, fantasy films, sci-fi, and rock and punk.
        Hervé Di Rosa exhibit at the MAAT museum in Lisbon in June

        After visiting the MAAT museum, be sure to climb to the roof for stunning views of the city. This reminded us a little bit of the opera house in Oslo, or you can also climb on top and enjoy views of the surrounding area.

        From the top of the MAAT museum, you'll get views of the river, Christ the King statue and April the 25th bridge as well as views down into Belém.

        I think the views are some of the most spectacular in Lisbon on a sunny day. 

        With your MAAT ticket, you can also check out the repurposed power station, Central Tejo, which is part of the museum complex.

        Exterior of the MAAT museum plus scooters in front in Lisbon in June

        It's an iconic example of industrial architecture, and you can explore the historic equipment and see how it was once used interspersed with more modern art exhibits.

        6. Splurge on Lunch at Sud Lisboa Terrazzo

        For lunch, head to Sud Lisboa Terrazzo for delicious food and beautiful views of the river. The prices are eye-wateringly expensive, but I thought it was worth it for the experience. I recommend coming here for Sunday brunch.

        We had a dish of pasta, served with a meat sauce and sprinkled with parmesan cheese and also a quinoa salad which was very elegant. Beautiful bread and dips started off our meal for an additional modest fee.

        Collage of dishes, decor, and views at Sud Lisboa Terrazzo in Lisbon in June 

        Take a moment to climb the stairs and look down upon the chic interior. When we were there, there was a DJ playing an electric violin to keep the crowd entertained. I can just imagine what this place looks like at night.

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        7. Head to the Cherry Festival in Central Portugal

        In June, Portugal celebrates cherries! I took the opportunity to visit the Festa da Cereja in Alcongosta, Portugal as part of a weekend trip to Castelo Branco.

        The festival celebrates the local cherry harvest and features a variety of activities, such as cherry tastings, live music, and traditional Portuguese dancing.

        I had a wonderful time at the festival and learned a lot about the history of the cherry industry in Portugal.

        Street art in Alcongosta Portugal during the Cherry Festival in June

        I started my day by taking a walk on the Rota da Cereja, a trail that leads through the cherry orchards above Alcongosta.

        The views from the trail were amazing and I even got to pick a few cherries right off the trees! After my walk, I headed into town for the festival.

        If you are planning a more extended trip to Lisbon in June, I recommend carving out a few days for the cherry festival if the timing is right.

        If you are only planning to be in Lisbon for a short time, save this activity for next time!

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        8. Try a New Lisbon Coffee Shop

        We found a new specialty coffee shop in Lisbon in June called Acento, between Saldanha and Estefania.

        Decor at Acento coffee shop in Lisbon 

        The cafe has a small seating area but also serves coffee to go. They serve coffee from Portuguese roasters So and Olispo.

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        9. Lunch at a Traditional Portuguese Restaurant

        Another fun thing to do in Lisbon in June is head to lunch at a traditional restaurant. We ordered grilled cuttlefish at A Ladeira in Saldanha.

        Collage of dishes at A Ladeira in Lisbon in June 

        This very simple dish was served with boiled potatoes and green beans. In addition, we sampled a half portion of roasted chicken, serve with rice and french fries.

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        10. Enjoy Tacos and Margaritas in Príncipe Real

        Coyo Taco is another great place to grab a bite to eat in Príncipe Real. The tequila selection is impressive, and they serve refreshing and delicious margaritas.

        Collage of dishes at Coyo Taco in Lisbon in June

        Tacos come in orders of two and are served in corn tortillas. We tried the carnitas and chicken tacos, which were the perfect snack after a walk around the neighborhood.

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        11. Go Out for Dim Sum in Rato

        Dim sum is a great option for a Sunday brunch if you're looking for something a little different. We went with friends to Macau Dim Sum in Rato, near the Amoreiras Mall.

        Basket of steamed dumplings at Macau Dim Sum in Rato 

        We picked a variety of dishes to share, including turnip cake, steamed pork buns, gyoza, and more. If you go for dim sum on a Sunday in June in Lisbon, you can probably skip dinner. We were definitely full after our visit!

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        12. Admire the Views from Miradouro do Largo das Necessidades

        My work enables me to discover new places, which is one of the key foundations of Sidewalk Safari (Work to Live, Live to Travel, Travel for Work!). In June, I had the opportunity to give a talk at a local event.

        I decided to get off the bus one stop early and walk down to the venue from the top of the hill. As I was walking, I passed Miradouro do Largo das Necessidades and was taken aback by the stunning views.

        Fountain and view of April the 25th Bridge from Miradouro do Largo das Necessidades in Lisbon in June

        The viewpoint features a dramatic fountain and is surrounded by a beautiful church. The views of the April 25th Bridge on a beautiful June day were simply breathtaking.

        While you're here, keep an eye out for a beautiful red Lisbon door situated near the corner of the miradouro.

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        13. Enjoy the Lisbon Social Scene at a Rooftop Bar

        Speaking of views, my talk was at Go A rooftop restaurant and bar. I enjoyed a delicious lunch barbecue, gave my talk, learned a lot too, and simply took in the beautiful views of Lisbon on a lovely spring day in June.

        View of Ponte 25 de Abril from Go A Rooftop Bar in Lisbon in June 

        If you have the chance to go for a late afternoon drink or a livelier evening out, I highly recommend Go A rooftop bar if you're visiting Lisbon in June.

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        14. Cruise the Tagus River

        In June, another enjoyable activity in Lisbon is taking a sunset dinner cruise on the river. The conference organizers hired a catamaran for our group, and we enjoyed glasses of wine, risotto, and more while taking in the views of Lisbon during golden hour and sunset.

        Charters and organized boat tours depart from the harbor in the shadow of the April 25th bridge. Our crew stayed within the confines of the river, so the water was very calm and there was no risk of seasickness.

        Collage of pictures from a catamaran cruise on the Tagus River at sunset in Lisbon in June 
        We were able to see Lisbon landmarks like Torre de Belém and the Christ the King statue in Almada, which reminded us of our visit to Brazil and Rio de Janeiro.

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        15. Visit Estoril

        Lisbon's temperatures in June are definitely on the rise, so you might want to consider going to the beach, especially towards the end of the month.

        I had another work event in Estoril, which is most well known for its casino but is also located on the train line between Lisbon and Cascais.

        There are a number of beautiful beaches and beach bars nearby. If you're feeling adventurous, take the train from Lisbon and have a walk around.

        Galao and Pao de Deus Misto at a cafe in Estoril in June

        I enjoyed a coffee (galão) and a pão de Deus misto at the charming Garrett. 

        I watched the sunset with a gin and tonic in hand at Tamariz Summer Club.

        This club, located just above the beach, offers amazing sunset views over Forte da Cruz. I love it when my job gives me the opportunity to explore and experience new places.


        16. Spend Saturday Evening at Linha D'Agua

        On a Saturday evening in June, go to Linha d'Agua in Lisbon. If you're lucky, you'll get one of the Adirondack chairs by the pool with a view of the park.

        Two glasses of wine and apple cake at Linha d'Agua in Lisbon in June 

        Enjoy a glass of wine and a slice of cake for a relaxing early evening excursion.

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        17. Sit Down to Dinner at Thai Garden

        After having a drink at Pavilion, we decided to walk to Alameda to catch the train.

        However, the train was down due to a disruption, so we had to walk home. We decided to have dinner at Thai Garden to break up the walk.

        Dish from Thai Garden in Lisbon 

        Thai Garden is a great place to have spicy curries in a quiet garden setting.

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        18. Go Local at Copo de Mar

        I previously recommended Copo de Mar in my Lisbon month-by-month guides for the winter months, and it turns out that it is also a great choice in June.

        I ordered gazpacho, which was served with spicy ham. Bao buns with chilies were another great appetizer. The grilled fish and shrimp ravioli were also excellent.

        Collage of dishes from Copo de Mar in Lisbon in June 

        We saved room for dessert and tried the rum baba. This is not something I'd usually order but I must say that I did enjoy the boozy cake served with cream, mango, and kiwi.

        Our friendly waiter even treated us to a shot of limoncello. I really appreciate that the staff at the restaurant, even though they spoke perfect English, played along and let us practice our Portuguese.

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        19. Eat Pizza and Wine at BuonaPizza

        It can be quite hot in June in Lisbon, so you might not want to turn on the oven at home. Going out for pizza is a good option in this case. 

        I tried a few times to go to BuonaPizza, but it was always full. I finally managed to get a table at the end of June!
        Collage of dishes at BuonaPizza in Lisbon in June

        We shared a comforting chicken and corn pizza with a soft, fluffy crust, as well as a small plate of stuffed mushrooms covered in pesto and cheese. It was all delicious and comforting.

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        20. Catch a Concert at Gulbenkian Gardens

        June is concert season in Lisbon, kicking off the summer events season. Head to the Gulbenkian Gardens on a weekend evening for free live music performances. 

        You will need to pick up a free ticket at the ticket booth or in the museum, but entry is typically free. If you don't get a ticket, you can still sit off to the side or behind the stage and enjoy the music without any fuss. 
        People at a concert at Gulbenkian Gardens in Lisbon in June

        We saw a couple of singers from Cape Verde and really enjoyed the atmosphere of everyone coming out to enjoy summer after a cold winter season.

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        Should you visit Lisbon in June?

        If you don't mind crowds and if you like boisterous activities, June is a good time to visit Lisbon. If not, consider visiting at another time of year.

        Streamers on a fountain in Lisbon in June

        June definitely heralds the arrival of the summer high tourist season so if you plan to visit Lisbon in June, I recommend coming earlier in the month if you want to avoid peak crowds and costs.

        Are you trying to decide what time of year to visit Lisbon? Check out month-by-month ideas based on my personal experience living in Portugal:

         

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        Post Archive

        This post has been updated since it was originally written to remove outdated information. I am including the original details below in the post archive to preserve the memories of my trip. The places below are sadly permanently closed.

        ***

        Take a Craft Beer Break

        June is the perfect month to enjoy a cold beer in Lisbon. While we love Portuguese wine, a cold beer is the perfect drink for when the weather starts to warm up.

        We visited Papillon, a craft beer bar near Estefania. The bar has a Belgian ambiance and serves a variety of Portuguese craft beers.

        Glasses of beer at Papillon in Lisbon in June 

        We enjoyed a delicious sour beer and a refreshing IPA from Vadia. The bar is not necessarily a place to sit and relax, as the seating is mostly hard wooden benches. However, it is a great place to go for a quick drink.
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        Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog: Lisbon in June: 20 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat
        Lisbon in June: 20 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat
        Discover things to do in Lisbon in June. Find out if a June trip to Lisbon is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Lisbon on the cusp of the summer season.
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