Being a public holiday, but also a day of recuperation for many people who partied until morning on New Year’s Eve, Lisbon shuts itself down on New Year’s Day.
Most museums and monuments do not open on 1 January. Shops, supermarkets and shopping centres are closed as well.
But there are exceptions to the rule. Here are a few ideas for things to do if you spend New Year’s Day in Lisbon.
New Year’s Day Activities
Get lost on the narrow the streets of Alfama
Even though you won’t have the chance to visit São Jorge Castle, closed on 1 January, you’ll have Alfama all for yourself. Check out this and a variety of other Lisbon walking itineraries.
Visit the Oceanarium
Open from noon to 6pm on 1 January.
Go to the Wonderland Lisboa
Make the most of the last few days of the Wonderland Lisboa in Parque Eduardo VII above Marquês de Pombal, where you can ice skate and take a ride on the gigantic wheel.
Jump into a freezing ocean
Take the train to Carcavelos for the traditional new year’s dive, then head to Cascais and cycle along the coast to Guincho, making a detour to visit Cabo da Roca and Boca do Inferno.
New Year’s Day After Dark
As night draws in, there’s still plenty to do on New Year’s Day in Lisbon:
Watch the New Year’s Day Concert
The concert by the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra is held at Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) and starts at 5pm.
Spot the Christmas lights
They are still shining on Avenida da Liberdade and in the Baixa and Chiado shopping districts.
Go to the movies
Unlike museums and shops, Lisbon movie theatres are generally open on 1 January, and you can watch films in their original version (in Portugal, we prefer subtitles to dubbing).
Travelling in Lisbon on New Year’s Day
Being a public holiday, public transport runs on 1 January at a reduced frequency.
