What to do in Lisbon on a rainy day!Tings LisbonThe best One Star Hotel in Lisbon

What to do in Lisbon on a rainy days

Lisbon has the highest average temperature, most sunny hours and lowest rainfall in Europe. Its only on very few occasions the weather looks like this. But when it does its the city still has a lot to offer. So don’t panic 🙂

I have to admit it – most destinations are best when it doesn’t rain.

Fortunately Lisbon is the city in Europe with most sunny days and lowest rainfall. So sunny, blue and warm days are the most common.

But on rare occasions travelers find themselves caught in all day rain – and on very rare occasions several days in a row.

Like these days where – all others than people living in Portugal (the country desperately needs the rain) will find the weather forecast for the next days depressing.

What do you do in a City where one of the best thing to do is walking up and down the hills, looking at beautiful houses and buildings, sipping coffee and wine at one of Lisbon many Quiosques or just chilling in the sun by the Tejo river.

In principles just go through all Lisbon Guides and pick the museums, palaces, churches, galleries and all other indoor options you prefer, combine them with serious eateries and pimp the program up with power-shopping in-between.

But since its raining why not take advantage of the situation and spend the time you ‘win’ because of the limited outdoor possibilities to check out the more exotic possibilities Lisbon offers. Or and dwell longer time with things you really like instead of stressing around to check out all the must see Tourist sights. A lot of these places you do not understand why are interesting when you see them …

I have asked a few friends about what to recommend when we have all day rain in Lisbon.

Enjoy

Thomas

A handfull of recommendations

#1: Stay Underground - explore Lisbon's Metro Art

The world's first underground railway in London used tiles to decorate the platforms of its stations. The Portuguese cultural tradition of azulejos tile panels is well represented in Lisbon's traditions and reflects the ornate decoration of the city's churches and mosaic-like calçada pavements.

If you are interested in modern art or it is a rainy day take a trip around the Lisbon metro using a Lisboa Card, (which is also valid on Lisbon buses, trams and elevators) or a Viva Viagem card, to see some of the finest contemporary civic art and architecture in Europe.

Portugal Visitor An Artguide to Lisbon's Metro

#2: Spend a few hours with Hieronymus Bosch

The Museu National de Art Antiga is Portugal's "national gallery". It opened in 1884 in a 17th-century palace with beautiful terraces with fantastic Tejo view.

One more time - don't stress. Its still raining!

So instead immerse yourself in MNAA's most significant works. Like these three master pieces: Hieronymus Bosch's: Temptation of Saint Anthony, Albrecht Dürer's: Saint Jerome and Nuno Gonçalves 15th century masterpiece: Panels of St. Vincent.

Maybe the best Art Destination in Lisbon

Museu National de Art Antiga A mapped guide to Padle Venues in Lisbon

#3: Indoor Padle

Lisbon is a walking town. So prepare yourself for a lot of exercise. One of the problem on rainy days is that walking is limited - and so are the exercise.

And due to the weather you probably eat more than usual. So if you need to move and burn calories why not enjoy a few hours of Indoor Paddling?

Urban Sports Club A mapped guide to Padle Venues in Lisbon

#4: Seek shelter in Casa do Alentejo

The Palace is a difficult to explain.

In the early twentieth century the Palace was leased to a company that transformed a part of it to Lisbon's first casino.

Most travellers just pass by this anonymous Palace on the way to a popular tourist sight.
But remember: its raining - so you have the time to chill around and enjoy the fantastic settings: the walls, panels, furniture, balconies, lamps...

One of our favorite spots.

Casa do Alentejo A hidden gem for a rainy day

#5: Take a round trip with tram #28

Tram #28 is on most people's bucket list.

On most days the line of tourists waiting to get a seat so long that it can take an hour or longer to get in. Except for two occasions.

At night time AND when it rains.
Both occasions that make the trip on this popular tram something special.

TogA's Travel Guide We love the tram #28

#6: Get tipsy from excellent portwines

Located in a prestigious area within the historic district of Alfama, next to Chafariz del Rei, the first ever public fountain in Lisbon dating back to 1487, Taylor’s Port wine shop and tasting room showcases a wide range of our Ports and is the first of its kind in Lisbon.

This recently opened space includes a shop on the ground floor and three tasting rooms on the first floor.

There are 15 wines available to try in the tasting room, starting at 5 euros.

Casa do Alentejo A hidden gem for a rainy day

#7: Eat, eat & eat

We all have to eat. So if you are a food lover like us – why not use the rain as an excuse to increase you meal to an experience that involves the family in the activities OR expand your meal to a food & shopping experience OR use your meal to challenge your tasting buds.

Here are 3 ideas based on our own experience:

Spend time in a food market and let each family member decide a dish from the numerous food stalls.

All gude books highlights the Time Out Market. We never go there. We always go to the less touristic Mercado de Campo de Ourique.

Mercado de Campo de Ourique

Experience Portugal's Colonial past at the Asian food court at Martim Moniz.

Forget the rain during a food travel through Asia: Pho Ga for starter, Nori, Sashimi etc for main and Sticky Rice w Mango for dessert.

Lisbon's Illegal Chinese Restaurants

Enjoy a Gourmet Experience at Corto Ingles' 7th floor.

In the commercial goumet shops you find a selection of food, wine. smoke, chocolates etc in qualities yo don't find in other parts of Lisbon. Expensive and exclusive. But it is possible to enjoy it all at modest prices as well