Our guides are always being asked about the best things to do in every city where they offer their services, including free walking tours in Lisbon.
We’ve used a lot of their advice to compile this list of fun and interesting activities to enjoy in Lisbon throughout the month of January.
Even though it’s cold outside, there’s still plenty to see and do in this historic city. In order to give you a wide range of options, our list will include free activities, family fun, and evening events.
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
A free walking tour is mostly a guided tour where you don’t have yo buy the tickets. But, at the end of the tour, you pay what you want to the guide to show gratitude.
Winter in Lisbon brings a unique charm to its streets, making a free walking tour an excellent choice. The crisp air and softer winter light cast the city's historic architecture in a beautiful glow.
You'll find fewer tourists and more opportunities while walking through the city. So, you will get more chances to interact with local guides and residents.
These tours become more personal and insightful, allowing you to uncover Lisbon's hidden stories and winter traditions.
Wrapped in your warm coat, you'll experience the city's cafes and street art from a cozy, intimate perspective, making each step a memorable part of your journey.
- Availability: Daily, with multiple tour times
- Duration: 2-3 hours, perfect for a winter morning or afternoon
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2. See Swan Lake
Watching Swan Lake in Lisbon during January is a magical winter experience.
The ballet, set in a grand, warmly-lit theater, offers a luxurious escape from the chilly outside world.
As the dancers perform this timeless tale, you're not just watching a ballet; you're being wrapped in a blanket of cultural richness.
The freezing month of January adds to the atmosphere, making each leap and pirouette seem even more enchanting.
It's an ideal way to spend a winter evening, immersing yourself in the arts while the city outside is embraced by the quiet of winter.
- Availability: Limited winter dates, adding to its exclusivity
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours, a perfect evening activity
- Ticket Prices: Starting from $80/person. Varying tiers, offering options for different budgets.
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3. Attend an SL Benfica Match
There's nothing quite like the energy of a football match, and attending an SL Benfica game in winter adds an extra layer of excitement.
In the cooler months, the camaraderie in the stadium feels even warmer. Fans come together, united, sharing the thrill of the game, making it an exhilarating winter activity.
Wrapped in scarves and jackets, cheering for each moment on the field, you're not just a spectator; you're part of a passionate community.
It's a perfect way to experience Lisbon's love for football and feel the city's heartbeat, even on a chilly winter day.
- Availability: Matches scheduled throughout the winter
- Duration: About 90 minutes of game time, plus pre-game excitement
- Ticket Prices: Vary by seating and game
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4. Learn How to Make Pastel de Nata
On a cold January day in Lisbon, what could be better than warming up by baking the iconic Pastel de Nata?
In this baking class, you not only learn a beloved local recipe but also get to enjoy the warmth of a kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and vanilla filling the air.
It's a cozy, hands-on experience, perfect for those looking to connect with Portuguese culture on a more personal level.
Plus, savoring your freshly baked pastries at the end is a delightful treat, making this activity a must-do for any winter visitor.
- Availability: Classes available throughout January
- Duration: Around 2 hours, ideal for a winter afternoon
- Ticket Prices: Adult / €50 | Children / €40
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5. Enjoy the Nightlife of Barrio Alto
Barrio Alto transforms as the sun sets, especially in January's winter nights. The cool, crisp air is filled with the sounds of music and laughter spilling from cozy bars and clubs.
The chill outside contrasts with the warm, welcoming atmosphere indoors, where locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy Lisbon's vibrant nightlife.
In Barrio Alto, the winter weather doesn't dampen spirits; it adds to the neighborhood's charm, encouraging people to gather, share stories, and enjoy the lively scene.
It's the perfect way to experience the city's pulse, wrapped in the unique energy of a Lisbon winter night.
- Availability: Nightly, with peak activity on weekends
- Duration: From evening till late at night
- Ticket Prices: Free entry to most venues, with varied drink prices
6. Celebrate Three Kings Day With Bolo Rei
Three Kings Day in Lisbon is a cultural experience you won't forget, especially when celebrated with a slice of Bolo Rei.
This traditional Portuguese cake, rich with dried fruits and nuts, symbolizes the festivity of the season.
Participating in this celebration connects you with a deep-rooted Portuguese tradition, offering a taste of local life during the winter months.
The festival atmosphere, combined with the delicious flavors of Bolo Rei, creates a sense of warmth and community, making it a truly special way to celebrate the holiday in Lisbon's winter.
- Availability: Celebrated on January 6th
- Duration: Day-long festivities
- Ticket Prices: Free public events, cost of Bolo Rei varies by bakery
7. Go to the Banksy Museum
Visiting the Banksy Museum in Lisbon offers a unique escape into the world of a mysterious street artist.
During the winter months, this indoor experience becomes particularly appealing.
As you walk through the immersive displays, you'll be enveloped in the provocative and often humorous art of Banksy.
The museum is a perfect retreat from the chilly weather outside, allowing you to delve into a modern art experience that's both thought-provoking and entertaining.
It's an opportunity to see world-renowned pieces up close, making for an unforgettable winter day in Lisbon.
- Availability: Open daily
- Duration: Typically 1-2 hours, ideal for a winter day
- Ticket Prices: Student, Senior / €8 | Adult / €12
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8. Take a Day Trip
A day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is a magical winter journey.
The cooler weather and misty air add to Sintra's fairy-tale ambiance, with its lush forests and stunning palaces like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
Winter often means fewer tourists, allowing for a more tranquil exploration of Sintra's enchanting sites.
The town, with its rich history and picturesque scenery, is a must-visit, providing a delightful contrast to the urban vibe of Lisbon.
- Availability: Tours available daily
- Duration: Full day
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Porto, with its unique charm, is another excellent day trip from Lisbon.
In winter, the city takes on a different character, with the Douro River and historic Ribeira district offering a serene backdrop.
Visiting Porto's famous wine cellars or taking a leisurely walk through its cobbled streets provides a cozy winter experience.
The city's rich culture and history are evident at every turn, making it an enriching day trip option during the colder months.
- Availability: Tours available daily
- Duration: Full day
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9. Enjoy a Wine Tasting Session
A wine tasting session in Lisbon is an inviting winter activity, especially when the weather outside is less than ideal.
Inside a cozy venue, you'll get to sample a selection of Portugal's finest wines, learning about their unique flavors and the regions they come from.
This experience is not just about tasting wine; it's a journey through Portugal's rich wine culture, shared by knowledgeable hosts.
It's a delightful way to spend an hour, warming up from the inside out with each sip of exquisite Portuguese wine.
- Availability: Offered daily
- Duration: About 1 hour, perfect for a winter evening
- Ticket Prices: Adult / €19
- Book Your Tour or Learn More
10. Walk Through Jardim Botanico
January brings a unique charm to Jardim Botanico in Lisbon.
The garden, though quieter this time of year, is still a beautiful oasis in the city.
Strolling through the botanical garden in January allows you to appreciate the serene side of nature, with fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere.
The winter flora, dew-covered plants, and crisp air create a tranquil environment, perfect for a reflective walk or a break from the bustling city life.
It's a refreshing way to enjoy Lisbon's natural beauty during the winter month.
- Availability: Open throughout January
- Duration: Flexible, usually 1-2 hours
- Ticket Prices: €5 per person
11. Go Shopping at LX Factory
January is the ideal time for shopping at LX Factory in Lisbon. This time of year, the shops often offer significant discounts, making it a haven for savvy shoppers.
LX Factory isn't just a shopping destination; it's a vibrant cultural hub where you can find everything from unique handcrafted goods to trendy fashion items.
Wandering through this creative space in the cool January air, you'll discover an eclectic mix of shops and galleries, each offering something special.
It's the perfect way to spend a winter day, exploring and indulging in Lisbon's contemporary shopping scene.
- Availability: Open daily in January
- Duration: Spend as much time as you like, typically a few hours
- Ticket Prices: Free entry, varied prices for shopping
12. Visit the Immersivus Gallery
The Immersivus Gallery in Lisbon offers a captivating indoor activity for January.
As the city experiences cooler temperatures, the gallery provides a warm sanctuary filled with immersive art experiences.
It's a place where art, technology, and creativity merge to create stunning visual displays.
Visiting in January means you can enjoy these exhibits with fewer crowds, allowing for a more personal and intimate experience.
The gallery is an ideal destination for art lovers and those seeking a unique way to spend a winter day in Lisbon.
- Availability: Open daily in January
- Duration: Around 30 mins, perfect for a winter day activity
- Ticket Prices: €12
- Book Your Tour or Learn More
