There are various ways to enjoy a fun-filled Lisbon experience. Outdoorsy tourists enjoy Lisbon's offerings for nature lovers, such as exploring its dramatic ocean-side cliffs, beaches, and majestic mountains, while others hop to the best restaurants in Lisbon to sample Portuguese cuisine. However, nothing beats the joy of witnessing the city's hidden gems that allow travelers to appreciate this place even more. Like every travel destination, the Portuguese capital has its alluring share of secret spots that dazzle tourists - enough to enjoy spending a day in Lisbon or an entire week-long vacation. From museums to quirky boutiques, these off-the-beaten-path spots in Lisbon are unmissable.

10 Ler Devagar Bookstore

The Ler Devagar Livraria draws bibliophiles into its charming environment with a book and coffee in hand. With thousands of books and numerous sitting places, this bookstore is a book lover’s dream come true. When taking a break from reading, readers refill their coffee mugs at the coffee shop.

Besides cozying up with books, art lovers come here to check out the art exhibitions in the gallery. Additionally, the mechanical installations of the former industrial textile factory and the flying bicycles on the ceiling add to its quirky and artistic features.

9 Museu Do Fado

The Fado Museum is an interactive place for music lovers to explore the Fado music genre, from its development to its cultural and social impact in Portugal. One of the many things to do in Portugal that are off the beaten path, this multilingual audio guide experience allows visitors to delve into Fado’s history by listening to recordings and learning about the singers and composers behind the songs.

After the tour, music lovers see an informative video at the auditorium or head to the themed shop to browse or buy Fado books and music. If visiting on Saturday, one can watch a short Fado show hosted by the museum.

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8 Convento De São Pedro De Alcântara

Dating back to the 17th century, the Convento de São Pedro de Alcântara is near the popular Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Principe Real. On the outside, this convent has a dull white facade, but when explorers enter its premises, they are amazed by traditional Portuguese tiles portraying religious scenes.

Art lovers also marvel at the religious paintings on the chapel walls as architecture enthusiasts study its Baroque design and marble floors. Admission to this peaceful chapel is free, making it one of the various free things to do in Lisbon for visitors on a shoestring budget. But those who want English, French, or Portuguese guided tours pay a small fee.

7 Livraria Do Simão

Lisbon hosts Livraria do Simão, one of the tiniest bookstores in the world that's among the unique sights in Lisbon. This bookstore is so tight that only one person fits inside it at a time. The store was once a tobacco shop, but the current owner, Simão, took over and turned it into a bookshop.

Despite its size, the bookshop has approximately 4,000 books in languages such as Portuguese, English, Spanish, Chinese, and Italian. Book lovers interested in Portuguese literature can find books written by Eça de Queirós, Fernando Pessoa, and Camões, among others.

Related: 10 Unique Sights To Check Out When In Lisbon

6 Miradouro Da Graça

Lisbon has over 30 miradouros or viewpoints boasting panoramic views of the laid-back city. But despite their spectacular views, the large numbers of tourists can be quite a turn-off. The Miradouro da Graça is less touristy, with a unique blend of dramatic views and local Graça flavor.

From this viewpoint, travelers admire the beauty of Alfama and Bairro Alto from the comfort of the available sitting places as they enjoy refreshments from the kiosk café. The best time to visit is at dusk when the sun’s golden rays fall on the city.

5 Cemitério Do Alto De São João

Thrill seekers head to the Cemitério do Alto de São João for a spooky walk between tombs with Art Deco and Nouveau architectural styles. The eerie feeling goes a notch higher when they pass by graveyards with fascinating but wrenched doors, where coffins draped with netlike sheets are visible.

But the northeastern side of the cemetery has elaborate tombs that look like tiny mansions with blue tiles. History buffs looking for Portuguese history have several war memorial sites to explore on the northern side.

Related: Discover The Incredible Hidden Gems In Algarve, Portugal

4 Basilica Da Estrela

Basilica da Estrela is a neoclassical church with the tomb of Queen Maria I in Estrela, Lisbon. The church’s facade has saint statues, while the tower rewards tourists with stunning views of Lisbon, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and Jardim de Estrela.

The spacious interior of the church captivates visitors with black, pink, and grey marble, especially when the light fills the dome. Opposite the church is the magical Jardim de Estrela park, where locals and tourists alike stroll around or unwind.

3 Jardim Do Torel

Also known as the hidden garden, Jardim do Torel offers expansive views of central Lisbon and Avenida da Liberdade. This park has a pond adorned with a 1700s mermaid sculpture, where local people come in summer to cool off and enjoy live music in the evenings. Additionally, the benches and shade provide relief from the sun.

If visiting with kids, the park has two playgrounds. Lovebirds also find it a romantic quiet place to stroll around with their loved ones or sit on the benches as they revel in the impressive views.

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2 Palace Of The Marquesses Of Fronteira

Constructed in 1640 for D. Jaoa Mascarenhas, the Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira is one of Portugal’s finest mansions. Although it takes effort to reach the palace, the Italian-inspired garden decorated with blue tiles and a terrace with Greek gods are worth the hassle.

Visitors explore the palace to see the Room of Battles portraying scenes of the Portuguese war of independence. However, explorers should arrive early for interior guided tours, which are only available from 11 am to 12 pm.

1 Museu Nacional De Azulejo

For centuries, tiles or "azulejos" in Portuguese have been an integral part of designing houses, churches, and even street art in Portugal. It is, therefore, no surprise why the National Tiles Museum is present to showcase one of the most distinctive cultures in Portuguese architectural designs.

The museum boasts tile exhibits in chronological order from the 16th-century Moorish-inspired styles to the impressionistic designs of the 20th century. But the most outstanding exhibit in this secret Lisbon gem is the 75-foot-long tile displaying Portugal's capital before the 1755 earthquake wrecked it.