Lisbon’s Playful Side: 10 Funny Things to Do in the City
Lisbon, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is not just about the serious business of sightseeing. The city has a playful and whimsical side waiting to be discovered. From quirky museums to offbeat experiences, here are 10 funny things to do in Lisbon that will leave you smiling and lighten up your trip.
1. Visit the Puppet Museum:
- Tucked away in the Alfama district, the Puppet Museum (Museu da Marioneta) is a charming place where puppetry takes center stage. Explore the fascinating world of puppets, from traditional marionettes to contemporary creations.
2. Ride the Funiculars:
- Lisbon’s steep hills are home to several funiculars, like the Bica Funicular and the Lavra Funicular. These quaint, century-old vehicles offer both a fun ride and panoramic views of the city.
3. Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour:
- Explore Lisbon’s winding streets and historic neighborhoods in a tuk-tuk. It’s a fun and quirky way to see the city while your driver narrates intriguing stories and facts about Lisbon.
4. Fado Karaoke Night:
- Dive into Lisbon’s soulful music scene by participating in Fado karaoke at local bars. It’s a chance to belt out your favorite tunes, even if you’re not a professional singer.
5. Experience LX Factory:
- LX Factory, a creative hub in a former industrial complex, is known for its funky street art, quirky shops, and cool cafes. It’s a haven for artists and creatives.
6. Try Ginjinha:
- Ginjinha is a traditional Portuguese cherry liqueur. Visit the tiny, historic Ginjinha bars in the city, where you can have a shot served in a chocolate cup.
7. Discover the Bordalo II Street Art:
- The street artist Bordalo II creates amazing sculptures from trash and recycled materials. Take a walking tour to spot his quirky and thought-provoking creations.
8. Lisbon Story Center:
- This interactive museum in Terreiro do Paço lets you journey through Lisbon’s history in a playful way. It combines multimedia exhibits, storytelling, and technology for an immersive experience.
9. Lisbon Under Stars:
- If you visit Lisbon during the summer, don’t miss “Lisbon Under Stars.” It’s a mesmerizing multimedia show that transforms historic sites into a magical, illuminated wonderland.
10. Ride the Tram 28 with a Twist: – Tram 28 is a popular tourist attraction, but for a fun twist, try hopping on at the last stop, Martim Moniz, when it’s less crowded. You’ll have more space to enjoy the bumpy, roller-coaster-like ride through Lisbon’s historic streets.
Lisbon’s playful side is a testament to the city’s ability to surprise and delight its visitors. While you’re exploring its historic sites and enjoying its delicious cuisine, make sure to embrace these quirky and funny experiences that add a touch of whimsy to your Lisbon adventure. Whether it’s riding a funicular, singing Fado karaoke, or discovering street art, you’ll find plenty of laughter and memorable moments in Portugal’s capital city.

Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
