Portugal is a country with a wonderful climate. Lisbon stays in your memory full of light and brightness when you visit, but it does rain, of course, and if you arrive in the Portuguese capital without good weather on your side, there will always be things you can do.
Some people don't worry in the slightest about bad weather and, after pulling on a plastic poncho, are ready to explore the city on foot. But for those who aren't so keen on that idea, here are 5 ideas for things to do in Lisbon when it's raining:
1. Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa:
The Lisbon Oceanarium is much more than an aquarium — it's one of the most special places in the city, and once you step inside, you won't want the visit to end. So if it's raining, head there, take your time, and sit back to watch the marine species through the enormous "windows" that make you feel like you're swimming among the sharks and rays. This is without a doubt the top recommendation if you're traveling to Lisbon with kids.
2. Explore Lisbon's Museums:
Another perfect plan for a rainy day in Lisbon is visiting its museums. The MUDE (Museum of Design and Fashion) is right in the city center, and admission is free. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses an incredible collection with pieces dating back to 2,000 BC, and if the rain lets up a little, don't miss a stroll through its gardens, complete with a lake and an artificial stream. If you're traveling with family, kids will love the National Coach Museum and the children's science museum Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
3. Hop on a Bus Tour:
This is the most comfortable way to explore Lisbon in the rain: just sit back and take in the city from your dry, comfortable seat. Several routes are available, and you can hop on and off at any stop as many times as you like. It's also a great way to save on transport on those days when the rain takes the charm out of walking around. Book the Lisbon tourist bus here.
4. Settle into a Café or Restaurant:
While the rain passes, sit down, relax, and do a little people watching from the window of a café or restaurant in Lisbon. Besides, the culinary experience is an important part of any trip, and no amount of rain can get in the way of that. Three recommended spots: Pois, café, Kaffehaus Café and Rossio Gastrobar.
5. Go Shopping:
In the center of Lisbon there are hundreds of shops — independent boutiques and well-known chains alike — where you can browse to your heart's content. For rainy days, you might prefer the comfort of staying under a roof, so head to Armazens do Chiado shopping center, right in the city center on Rua Garret, or to the Parque das Naçõesarea, where you'll find the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, with stores, a cinema, and a food court.
Whatever you decide to do, once you head out, watch out for Lisbon's iconic cobblestone pavements— as beautiful as they are, they get very slippery when wet.
If you want discounts on attractions, plus FREE rides on public transport (metro, buses, trains, and Lisbon trams), get a Lisboa Card
There's much more to see in Lisbon, so we recommend checking out this section.
