Best Things to Do on a Hot Summer Day in Lisbon!
Cool Ideas for Summer Sightseeing on those Sweltering Days in the City…
Lisbon in the summer is gorgeous—sun-drenched rooftops, the magical golden light, sunsets from viewpoints, and long, lazy evenings. But let’s be honest: it gets hot. Whether you're visiting in July or August, or just caught a particularly sunny day, you’ll want to plan your sightseeing with the heat in mind.
Here’s your guide to what to do when it’s hot in Lisbon:
Take the Riverside Ride to Belém (Best Self-Guided Tour for Hot Days)
If you're looking for a breeze, shade, and beautiful views, there's no better choice than cycling along the Tagus River from central Lisbon to Belém. Our Riverside Ride is a self-guided audio bike tour designed to help you beat the heat and soak up the culture at your own pace.
Why it’s perfect for hot weather:
The river breeze keeps you cool.
The flat, shaded bike path is ideal for easy riding.
You can stop for ice cream, shade, or snacks whenever you want.
You’ll discover hidden stories and landmarks most tourists miss.
You’ll pass iconic spots like the MAAT museum, 25th of April Bridge, and Tower of Belém, all while listening to immersive storytelling from a local historian. It’s cultural, active, and way cooler than baking on a city sidewalk.
Search for “Riverside Ride Lisbon” or find it at MythicCityTours.com
Chill Out in Lisbon’s Shady Parks
The coolest place (other than beside the river or at the beach) on a hot day is beneath a tree in one of Lisbon’s many green spaces. My three favourite parks are:
Jardim da Estrela: Lush, quiet, with plenty of shade, hidden corners and kiosks (one right next to a pond) to lounge at
Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian: Usually quiet, lots of flowing water and corners to hide away in, there is also a great museum/gallery and cafe if you need to take a break in the AC.
Eduardo VII Park: Great views of the entire city, breezier than other parks and lots of spots to stretch out under the trees.
Pack a picnic or a book and take a midday siesta like the locals do, or enjoy a cold limonada or cerveja at one of the many outdoor kiosks!
Visit Air-Conditioned Museums
Lisbon has a fantastic art and culture scene, and its museums are a blessing on hot days:
Museu Coleção Berardo (in Belém) – Modern art in a cool, minimalist space.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum – Airy galleries full of beautiful treasures.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) – Right along the riverside route!
Pro tip: Plan your museum stops during peak sun hours (12–3pm) for max comfort.
Go on a hunt for the strangest ice cream flavours in the city…
Everyone has their own opinion about which ice cream spot is the best in the city, but to make your day a little cooler, why not go parlour-hopping and find the weird flavours you could only find in Portugal…
One of the most popular and busiest is gelato from Nannarella: try the Parmeggiano Regianno with rock pear flavour
Bizarro Gelato: your go-to spot for weird flavours! You can even try the tasting menu with 6 or 12 options of very interesting flavours, from pistachio and rosemary to avocado and lime…
Artisani: if you’re more into sorbets, try the passion fruit sorbet with yuzu.
Or if you’d rather something different, why not try a frozen pastel de nata milkshake (yes, it’s a thing).
Cruise on the Tagus River
If you want to take it easy, a Tagus River boat cruise is a relaxing way to beat the heat. Several short scenic trips run throughout the day and offer beautiful views of the city skyline from the water. Or for a cheaper option, consider taking the ferry for 1.70 from Cais de Sodre to Almada on the other side of the river, or from Belem to Trafaria for a fun outting.
Final Thoughts
When the temperature rises in Lisbon, the key is to stay near the water, move at your own pace, and blend activity with rest. That’s why the Riverside Ride self-guided audio tour is one of the best things to do on a hot day—it’s flexible, breezy, and full of stunning riverside charm.
