Lisbon in May: 35 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat

Discover things to do in Lisbon in May. Find out if a May trip to Lisbon is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Lisbon in the heart of Spring.

Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Lisbon in May? We moved to Lisbon in 2022 and have had the amazing opportunity to experience life in the city during different parts of the year.

I think that Lisbon is absolutely glorious in May. You'll find tons of outdoor drinking and dining opportunities and you'll be surrounded by colorful blooms to uplift your spirit.

Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Lisbon in May to help inspire your trip to Portugal in the heart of Spring.

What is the Weather Like in Lisbon in May?

I think that May is one of the best times to visit Lisbon. The weather is typically sunny and warm, and the crowds are only starting to build so the level of tourists feels less overwhelming than it might in the summer.

The average temperature in Lisbon in May is 21°C (70°F), with highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 17°C (62°F). There are only 2 days rainy days in May on average so the odds are good that you'll experience nice weather for your Portugal vacation.

While you may want to pack shorts and t-shirts to wear during the day, I recommend still bringing a jacket since it can get cold in the evenings with a cool breeze blowing in from the coast.

Things to do in Lisbon in May at a Glance

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

Table of Contents

1. Walk Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
2. Enjoy Books and Beers at Amo Brewing
3. Sample Pizza and Wine in Ajuda
4. Go to a Film Festival at Culturgest
5. Gorge Yourself on Cherries!
6. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Crush Doughnuts
7. Catch a Concert at Campo Pequeno
8. Take a Flower Walk
9. Enjoy Drinks with a View at Duque Brew Pub
10. Eat Dinner and Admire the Tiles at Cervejaria Trinidade
11. Take in a Puppet Show
12. Enjoy Brunch at Breakfast Lovers in Chiado
13. Go Out for Dinner and Music at Boteco Dona Luzia
14. Catch a Show at Teatro Politeama
15. Enjoy Lisbon’s Wine Bars
16. Get a Sneak Peek at the Festival Decorations
17. Chow on Brunch at Curva
18. Have "Quiosque Time" with a Caneca
19. Attend Open House Lisboa
20. Relax Outside
21. Eat Vegan Portuguese Food at A Minha Avó
22. Go Out for Ice Cream at Gelato Davvero 
23. Take a Walk to Miradouro da Rocha Conde de Óbidos 
24. Enjoy a Bargain Lunch at O Conforto 
25. Feast on Indian Food at O Everest 
26. Attend a Regional Wine Tasting Event 
27. Savor Pizza at Lupita Pizza 
28. Discover a New Coffee Shop like COMOBÅ To Go
29. Opt for a Healthy Lunch at The Happy Salad 
30. Dine on Fresh Fish at Maria Peixeira 
31. Join a Pub Quiz at Defuse Board Games Cafe 
32. Catch a Unique Performance at Teatro Camões 
33. Find Pre-Festas dos Santos Populares Parties 
34. Take a Day Trip to Bacalhôa Buddha Eden
35. Experience Wine Tasting at Quinta do Sanguinhal

Things to do in Lisbon in May in Detail

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

1. Walk Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

Spring is in full swing in Lisbon in May, and there are plenty of cool things to do. One of my favorites is taking a walk through the Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. 

This time of year, the park is full of baby ducks and chicks. I even saw a pair of Egyptian geese with about 10 goslings! This park and Lisbon in general are truly amazing.

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2. Enjoy Books and Beers at Amo Brewing

May is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with a drink. Head to Amo Craft Beer Brewery on Thursday evenings for the Books and Beers Meetup. 

Bring a book to share, or take one from the bin or from another attendee. You'll get some new reading material and make some new friends.

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3. Sample Pizza and Wine in Ajuda

Another great thing to do in Lisbon in May is head to Ajuda. It's not far from Belém. Grab a pizza at DiAmici, then head to the nearby Ervideira wine shop for a tasting. 

Ervideira serves the tasting with plenty of bread, cheese, and charcuterie. In fact, we might have been better off skipping the pizza altogether and just making a meal out of the Alentejo snacks that came with our wine tasting. 

This particular winery specializes in wines that are aged underwater in Alqueva Lake in the eastern Alentejo region.

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4. Go to a Film Festival at Culturgest

Another fun thing to do in Lisbon in May is check out Culturgest. We saw a movie called "The Adults" there as part of an independent film festival. 

And if you're not a Portuguese speaker, don't worry—they show movies with subtitles in Portugal, not dubbed versions. So you can still enjoy a great film, even if you don't speak the language.

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5. Gorge Yourself on Cherries!

Cherry season begins in Portugal in May. Look for early-season cherries at local fruit shops and supermarkets. I would eat cherries every day during the season if I could (and in fact, I may have done just that!) 

The beauty of cherries in Portugal is that they are usually less expensive than in other countries like Switzerland. 

I paid between four and five euros per pound, or between eight and ten euros per kilogram. My colleagues in Switzerland told me that they routinely pay up to 15 Swiss francs per pound.

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6. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Crush Doughnuts

Spring is the time when my sweet tooth comes out in full force. I don't know why, but I'm always craving something sweet in the springtime. So, I made a point of going to Crush Doughnuts, a shop that sells huge and delicious American-style donuts. 

Crush is located across the street from El Cortes Ingles. There's also a location in the Time Out Market (one of my favorite food markets in Europe), but I don't recommend going there in May, since the market is incredibly popular with tourists and will be extremely busy. 

Instead, head to the other location, which is a bit off the beaten path in Saldanha. The donuts are huge and definitely enough for two people to share. 

There are a ton of flavors to choose from, but we tried the peanut butter dream (with peanut butter, chocolate, and caramelized peanuts), the key lime pie (with lime cream and graham crackers), and the passion fruit summer (which definitely felt very Portuguese to us). 

You'll be spoiled for choice at Crush Doughnuts!

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7. Catch a Concert at Campo Pequeno

Campo Pequeno used to be Lisbon's bullring! It's still used for bullfighting sometimes, but it's more often used for concerts now. We saw a Queen tribute band called "god save the Queen" play there, and they were amazing. 

They had so much style and pageantry, I couldn't help but think the performance rivaled that of the historic matadors. 

Check the event schedule and make time for a show at Campo Pequeno. At the very least, you'll have a great excuse to check out the jaw-dropping architecture of the bullring both inside and out.

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8. Take a Flower Walk

Lisbon in May is a sight to behold, with entire streets lined with flowering purple trees. These trees are called Jacaranda Mimosifolia, and they're absolutely stunning. 

If you're looking for a beautiful place to take a walk, I highly recommend following the colors down the streets of Saldanha.

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9. Enjoy Drinks with a View at Duque Brew Pub

Lisbon in May is the perfect time to grab a drink outside. If you're looking for a great spot, check out Duque Brew Pub. It's a bit of a climb up from Praça do Rossio, but the views are worth it. 

They have a great selection of simple, well-crafted beers, including sours, IPAs, blondes, and even an albino or a white stout. Soak up the sun and enjoy a delicious brew at Duque Brew Pub.

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10. Eat Dinner and Admire the Tiles at Cervejaria Trinidade

If you're in the area, check out Cervejaria Trinidade for dinner. This historic brewery and restaurant is located in a former monastery. 

The bar and dining area are covered in historic tiles depicting a variety of scenes, including the elements like wind and fire. I especially liked the display of courting swans and the jaunty historic Portuguese soldiers in period costumes.

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11. Take in a Puppet Show

If you're visiting Lisbon in May, be sure to keep an eye out for festivals and events. We went to see a show at the Teatro São Luiz as part of the Puppet and Marionette Festival. 

The venue was amazing, with stunning painted ceilings, grand chandeliers, and more. The show itself was really imaginative, with both human performers and small and large-scale puppets. 

The show was funny at times, but it also dealt with some serious issues like climate change and the risks of ignoring what's happening around us. 

The great thing about seeing a marionette show is that there's not really any talking, so you don't have to worry about language barriers.

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12. Enjoy Brunch at Breakfast Lovers in Chiado

If you're a brunch fiend, check out Breakfast Lovers, a café in Chiado. While American-style dining might not be your thing if you're visiting Portugal, if you're here for a while, you might want a hearty breakfast like this once in a while. 

Breakfast Lovers has well-crafted coffees and cappuccinos, large plates of eggs, and other freshly made dishes. This place is super popular, so I recommend booking a table. 

We reserved a table and we were seated right by the window, where the line outside could basically stare at us and wish they were us.

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13. Go Out for Dinner and Music at Boteco Dona Luzia

Another cool thing we found in Lisbon in May is Boteco Dona Luzia in Saldanha. This Brazilian cafe has live music almost every night of the week. 

The food can be a bit pricey, but they have drink specials and small plates that I would recommend if I go back. Get some snacks, order a few beers, and enjoy some top-notch music. 

There's a small cover charge (3 EUR per person) to sit inside when the music is playing, but I think it's worth it for a fun night out on a weekday. The night we went, the band was playing popular covers and taking requests. 

Even though the place has Brazilian influences, I ordered my favorite cocktail, a margarita, which was well-made but a bit overpriced. Next time I go, I'll stick with beer.

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14. Catch a Show at Teatro Politeama

Teatro Politeama is worth exploring if you're looking to immerse yourself a bit more in Portuguese culture. We caught "Laura O Musical," about a beloved Portuguese singer and theater actress. 

While performances are typically in Portuguese, some shows offer supertitles in both Portuguese and English, which can help you follow along and get the gist of the story. 

We appreciated the chance to learn about Portuguese history and this famous Portuguese singer. Note: legroom is limited and I found the seats to be pretty uncomfortable, so keep this in mind, especially if you're tall. 

15. Enjoy Lisbon’s Wine Bars

Lisbon has many excellent wine bars, and May is a perfect time to explore them. We enjoyed Antiga Wine Bar, grabbing a table for a glass of wine and a small chicken dish to share. We also visited Nova Wine Bar in Baixa-Chiado, where we had white wine with fresh cheese and bread. 

While both were worth trying, we personally liked the atmosphere at Nova Wine Bar a bit better. It's a fun way to sample different Portuguese wines and enjoy the local scene. 

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16. Get a Sneak Peek at the Festival Decorations

Towards the end of May, take a walk around traditional Lisboetan neighborhoods like Graça. It's a fascinating time because you can see the area starting to gear up for the big June festivals. You'll notice lots of garlands and colorful decorations being strung between the houses and across the neighborhood’s narrow streets.

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17. Chow on Brunch at Curva

If you are looking for a great breakfast or brunch option in May, I can recommend Curva, a café located between Intendente and Graça. 

It's a wonderful place to start your day. We enjoyed scrambled eggs with toast, mushrooms, and stewed tomatoes, served with a well-crafted specialty cappuccino. It's a delightful spot to fuel up before exploring the city.

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18. Have "Quiosque Time" with a Caneca

I consider May to be prime quiosque time in Lisbon. Quiosques are often located in parks or squares and offer drinks and light snacks. We love ordering a refreshing caneca, a large beer, and just sitting outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. It's a simple, relaxing way to soak up the Lisbon atmosphere like the locals do.

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19. Attend Open House Lisboa

A particularly fun and unique event in Lisbon in May is Open House Lisboa. This is a weekend event, usually held in mid-May, where many places of historical interest that aren't typically open to the public become accessible. 

You can often take advantage of docent-led tours. We took the opportunity to visit Mosteiro de Santos-o-Novo, an old monastery with a striking central courtyard. We also visited Secretaria-Geral do Ambiente, located in a 17th-century palace that was once home to a significant newspaper and bore witness to major Portuguese historical events, including the Carnation Revolution. 

Even if the tours are in Portuguese, the opportunity to see historic tile work, gilded chapels, and artifacts is truly special.

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20. Relax Outside

May's gorgeous Spring weather makes it a perfect time to enjoy a snack outside with a glass of wine. The area around Jardim Botto Machado in Graça is lovely for this. 

We had a spectacular time sitting in the sunshine and enjoying creamy hummus and a glass of white Portuguese wine at Tazza in Giro, a vegetarian place. Such a great way to relax and enjoy the ambiance!

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21. Eat Vegan Portuguese Food at A Minha Avó

If you're interested in further exploring Portuguese cuisine with a plant-based twist, seek out A Minha Avó in Picoas. Portuguese food can often be quite meat-heavy, but this restaurant offers vegan takes on classic Portuguese dishes. We were seriously impressed, particularly by the quality of their vegan francesinha.

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22. Go Out for Ice Cream at Gelato Davvero 

Lisbon in May is a great time of year to treat yourself to some ice cream. We discovered Gelato Davvero near Cais do Sodré and were absolutely thrilled to find they had a pinball machine! 

For just 50 cents a play, we spent a good 45 minutes on the Iron Man machine before indulging in a delicious cup of ice cream. 

This ice cream parlour has one outdoor table in a cozy alcove, perfect for people-watching, as well as indoor seating.

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23. Take a Walk to Miradouro da Rocha Conde de Óbidos 

If you enjoy discovering Lisbon's hidden gems on foot, make your way to the Miradouro da Rocha Conde de Óbidos. We stumbled upon it while wandering around the Santos area. 

You'll find an elegant Art Nouveau building with a beautiful white door on a yellow facade, leading to a staircase that takes you up to this viewpoint. It’s a wonderful spot to explore and enjoy the city's unique architecture.

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24. Enjoy a Bargain Lunch at O Conforto 

For an authentic and incredibly affordable Portuguese lunch, seek out O Conforto in the Santos area. This charming "hole in the wall" cafe offers amazing value. 

We had a bottle of wine, bacalhau with potatoes and garlic oil, a whole fresh fish, and coffees, all for less than 20 euros! 

When I asked, the owner assured us it wasn't a mistake, proving it's possible to find delicious, budget-friendly meals in Lisbon.

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25. Feast on Indian Food at O Everest 

For a change of pace, we discovered O Everest for an incredible Indian feast. We loved their vegetarian chickpea dish, delicious naan, rice, and a flavorful chicken curry. It's a fantastic spot for a satisfying dinner after a day of exploring.

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26. Attend a Regional Wine Tasting Event 

Keep an eye out for special events like the Tejo region wine tasting we found in Beato, a neighborhood known for its industrial-chic vibe. For just 10 euros, we got a glass to keep and unlimited tastings from various producers. 

We were especially impressed by the petiscos (small plates) from Taberna ó Balcão, a Michelin-starred restaurant based in Santarém. We tried miso broccolini and little meat sandwiches which were both delicious. These wine tasting events are a great way to sample local wines.

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27. Savor Pizza at Lupita Pizza 

Lisbon has many great food options, and Lupita Pizza is a popular spot that usually has a line out the door. Our pro tip: go at an odd time, like 4:45 PM on a Sunday, to avoid the long wait. 

We enjoyed two delicious pizzas, one with pepperoni and hot peppers, and a white pizza with cucumbers and mozzarella, perfectly paired with craft beers from nearby Musa brewery. 

Lupita is a perfect sunny afternoon activity, especially if you take your leftovers for a walk along the river near Praça do Comércio to burn off the meal.

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28. Discover a New Coffee Shop like COMOBÅ To Go

Lisbon's coffee scene is growing at a rapid pace and we like to try new spots as they open up. We met friends at COMOBÅ To Go in Baixa, which offers a well-crafted, albeit small, cappuccino in a minimalist industrial setting. It's a great place for a quick, quality coffee break.

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29. Opt for a Healthy Lunch at The Happy Salad 

If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy meal, The Happy Salad on R. São Sebastião da Pedreira (near Parque Eduardo VII and El Cortes Inglês) is a new favorite of ours. 

They offer delicious salad bowls or wraps with fresh toppings like falafel, halloumi, and onions, perfect for a filling weekday lunch.

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30. Dine on Fresh Fish at Maria Peixeira 

For a delightful fish dinner during the week, we highly recommend Maria Peixeira, not far from Campo Pequeno. We savored a fantastic risotto with clams and small pieces of fried fish. 

We followed this up with a dessert that had a little bit of everything—meringue, white chocolate, berries, and chocolate chunks. A bottle of vinho Verde was the perfect pre-summer accompaniment to this meal.

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31. Join a Pub Quiz at Defuse Board Games Cafe 

For a fun and engaging evening, head to Defuse, a board games cafe in Saldanha. They host a pub quiz on Wednesday evenings, with topics pre-announced on Instagram or Facebook. 

We went with fellow Gen X-pats, and the quiz on 80s/90s pop culture, money, and advertising slogans was perfectly tailored for us. We won this quiz by a mile! 

It's a super fun way to spend an evening, even if the reward is just bragging rights and a bottle of wine.

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32. Catch a Unique Performance at Teatro Camões 

Immerse yourself in a bespoke cultural experience by looking for unique performances during your visit to Lisbon in May. 

We saw Charlie Chaplin’s only talking film, "The Dictator," accompanied by a live orchestra at Teatro Camões in Parque das Nações. 

We find that movies are elevated with live orchestral accompaniment, making for an unforgettable night out.

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33. Find Pre-Festas dos Santos Populares Parties 

Towards the end of May, Lisbonstarts buzzing in anticipation of the big June festivals. Keep an eye out for pre-parties leading up to the Festas dos Santos Populares. 

We found one near Arco de Cego that featured various Francesinha vendors from Porto. If you try this iconic sandwich, be warned—they are enormous, so consider ordering a half or sharing. It’s a great way to get a taste of the festive atmosphere before June really kicks off.

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34. Take a Day Trip to Bacalhôa Buddha Eden

For a unique day trip from Lisbon, head north to Bombarral, about an hour's drive, to visit Bacalhôa Buddha Eden. This massive oriental garden is a truly impressive sight, filled with a vast diversity of artworks. 

You'll encounter traditional Buddhist sculptures alongside more modern and African-inspired art, including incredible herds of scrap metal animals like elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. Don't miss the aviary with peacocks, the giant Buddhas, and the tranquil pond with vocal frogs. 

The giant reclining Buddha and the electric blue terracotta warriors guarding the lake are particularly striking. Entry is 7 EUR per person. You can opt to add a tourist train ticket for an additional 7 EUR, but we decided to explore on foot. 

There is a small cafe in the gardens, but food options are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. You can easily spend half a day exploring Buddha Eden.

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35. Experience Wine Tasting at Quinta do Sanguinhal

Combine your visit to Buddha Eden with a wine tasting at Quinta do Sanguinhal, just 10 minutes away. This family-run wine house offers a detailed tour where you can see historic wine presses (some incorporated into the dramatic tasting room!), 100-year-old barrels, and even an antique car. 

They also produce aguardente, which I like to think of asPortuguese whiskey. The property boasts a beautiful secluded garden with direct access to the vineyard, offering stunning views of the countryside. 

Our tasting included mini custard tarts and five different wines, from Muscatel to a sweet liquor, providing a delightful immersion into Portuguese winemaking. Wine tasting and tours are by appointment only.

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Should You Visit Lisbon in May?

I think that May is absolutely one of the best times of year in Lisbon. The streets are humming with people and Spring is in full swing with the streets awash in colorful blooms. 

In my mind, May is still "shoulder season" and while the tourist numbers are on the rise, they are not as high as in the height of summer when the kids are off from school. 

Take a walk, dine outside, and sample the good life in Lisbon in May!

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:

Lisbon in September

Lisbon in October

Lisbon in November

Lisbon for Christmas

Lisbon in January

Lisbon in February

Lisbon in March

Lisbon in April

Lisbon in June

Lisbon in July

Lisbon in August

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