Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Lisbon in March? We moved to Lisbon in 2022 and have had the good fortune to experience life in the city during different parts of the year.
In March in Portugal, the winter weather is starting to recede and spring is most definitely on the horizon.
Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Lisbon in March to help inspire your early spring trip.
What is the weather like in Lisbon in March?
In March in Lisbon the weather is typically starting to warm up and the crowds are still relatively small. The average temperature in March is 15°C (59°F), with highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). There is an average of 6 days of rain in March, but the rain is usually light and sporadic.
If you’re planning on spending time outdoors, be sure to pack a light jacket or sweater, especially if you’ll be out in the evenings. You may also want to bring an umbrella, just in case. But overall, the weather in March is mild and pleasant, making it a great time to explore the Portuguese capital.
Things to do in Lisbon in March in Detail
Let’s explore cool things to do in Lisbon in March in detail. I’ve actually done all of these things in the month of March, so they are tried and tested for this time of year.
1. Attend the Lisbon Travel Expo
It’s March in Lisbon, and spring is just around the corner. The city is coming alive with color and energy, and the perfect way to celebrate is to attend the Lisbon Travel Expo.
The Lisbon Travel Expo is a two-day event held in early March at the Parque das Nações convention center. The expo features representatives from tourism boards from all over the world, as well as local vendors and businesses.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, the Lisbon Travel Expo is a great place to start. You can meet with representatives from different tourism boards to learn about their destinations and get the latest travel information.
You can also sample local foods and wines, and learn about local traditions including the folk character from Trás-os-Montes who runs around hugging girls.
2. Indulge in Tea and Eclairs at L’Eclair
L’Eclair is the place to go for an indulgent afternoon tea and eclairs.
Their eclairs are incredibly decadent, with a variety of artisanal flavors to choose from, like salted caramel with cream and crispy caramel bits, chestnut and vanilla, and a nut-focused eclair with a ganache made with oats, almonds, and roasted hazelnuts.
I’ll admit, L’Eclair is not the most budget-friendly option, with eclairs running between $5 and $6.50 each, but I think it’s worth the splurge. And with prices like that, you can feel comfortable taking up a table and lingering over a cup of tea and a chat with a friend.
You’ll find L’Eclair in Saldanha (that’s the location I visited) but there is also a stall at Time Out Market, one of my favorite European food markets.
3. Walk Along the Tejo River
Another fun thing to do in Lisbon in March is take a stroll along the Tagus River (Tejo in Portuguese) in the city center. Take the Metro to Terreiro do Paço on Praça do Comércio and walk to Cais do Sodré.
Along the way, you’ll find a variety of painted rocks, like a street art exhibit. It takes about 15 minutes to walk between the two metro stations.
We saw stones set up to look like the Pope who would be visiting that summer. We saw a funny little shark and a variety of tall stone towers, including something that looked like a turkey and a tribute to Portuguese football. We even saw a mermaid make an appearance.
Overall, it was a very creative display and worth checking out. This area of the city is a great place to watch the sunset, especially in the winter and spring when the sun sets earlier in the evening.
4. Experiment with New Restaurants
March is also a great time to try some of Lisbon’s amazing restaurants. We went to Lisbon Insiders Dinner Challenge Episode 2 at Tricky’s.
You prepay for a multi-course meal and pay extra for wine or a cocktail. The meal included croaker alimada, sweet cabbage with bulhão pato, rissol with lamb and parsnip, octopus and chickpeas, cockles and seaweed rice, and finally a chocolate mousse.
We also tried a couple of different cocktails, including a negroni Português and an amarguinha sour made with almond liqueur and lemon juice.
The dinner challenge is a fun way to get out and see different parts of Lisbon and try some imaginative Portuguese cuisine. If you’re still feeling thirsty after dinner, head up the street to Musa craft beer bar, like we did, for a little nightcap.
5. Grab a Healthy Dinner at Local
If you’re looking for a healthy dinner option in Lisbon in March, check out Local. They have delicious dishes made with legumes and greens, which pair perfectly with a glass of white wine. As a reward for a healthy main, order a brownie to share for dessert.
Local is a great place in Lisbon to go for a casual meal before heading to a show or movie.
6. Head to an Independent Film
We took the opportunity to check out the Outsiders, an independent American film festival that took place in Lisbon in March.
The great thing about going to the movies in Portugal is that they have subtitles instead of dubbing, so you can follow along even if the original is in English.
We saw The Lovers, a movie starring Debra Winger that is about a couple who have been together for years but are no longer in love. They’re just going through the motions, cheating on each other, and then it all falls apart.
7. Eat at the El Corte Inglés Food Hall
Here’s another fun thing to do in Lisbon in March: head to one of my favorite Lisbon hidden gems, the gourmet floor of El Corte Inglés. Check out Barra Cascabel for some Mexican small plates, like chips and salsa, guacamole, and my favorite, margaritas.
I love coming back to this food hall again and again. There are so many different restaurants to try each time you go. It’s a completely different experience every time, but it’s always filled with great food.
8. Have Dinner with Friends at Degust’AR
Check out Degust’AR with friends for an unforgettable dinner experience in Lisbon in March. They sometimes offer 30% off deals if you book through The Fork.
Enjoy an elegant couvert including fresh bread, different flavored butters, purees, olives, and olive oil. If you’re feeling hungry, why not try a plate of local cheeses?
This restaurant focuses on meat and potatoes more than fish. I ordered the beef and potatoes, which was perfect for this time of year.
Another great choice is the pork smothered in berries. For dessert, the restaurant provided small pastéis de nata with our coffee at the end of the meal.
9. Ride Tram 28 and Take a Walk in Graça
If you’re looking for a great place to take a walk in Lisbon, I think Graça is the place to go. Graça is especially nice in March, when there are fewer tourists. You can even take Lisbon’s famous 28 tram to get there.
Once you’re in Graça, be sure to check out the amazing, albeit crumbling, buildings. They’re architecturally interesting, and there’s some amazing street art to see as well.
Just wander around and see where the day takes you. Graça is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Lisbon for taking a stroll.
10. Sip Wine Al Fresco at o Pif
After you leave Graça, head over to Anjos for a glass of wine at o Pif. If it’s a bit chilly, don’t be put off – sit outside and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant and interesting Lisbon neighborhood.
11. Take a Day Trip by Ferry to Almada
Almada is a fun day trip from Lisbon in March because it affords the opportunity for stunning views of the city, the Tagus River, and the 25th of April Bridge.
The weather in March is typically mild and sunny, making it the perfect time to explore Almada.
There are plenty of things to do in Almada, including visiting the Frigate Dom Fernando II e Glória, the Barracuda Submarine S164, and the Elevador Panorâmico da Boca do Vento.
You can also enjoy seafood at Farol, take a walk along the river, and admire the street art.
Almada is a great option for a day trip from Lisbon, and it is easily accessible by ferry.
12. Enjoy a Warming Brunch at Hygge
If you’re ever in Lisbon in March and it’s raining, I highly recommend spending a cozy morning at Hygge for a warming brunch.
Hygge is one of my favorite coffee shops in Lisbon, and they serve up amazing specialty coffee as well as a wide variety of breakfast and brunch items.
Their homemade cinnamon buns are particularly delicious, and they offer a variety of flavors, including traditional, hazelnut, and chocolate.
13. Sample Indian Dishes at Gurkha
It’s still chilly in Lisbon in March, especially after dark. So why not head to Gurkha Restaurant for some warming Indian food?
Gurkha located just north of Campo Pequeno, and they’ve got a great selection of rich and warming curries, both vegetarian and meaty.
14. Take a Flower Walk with Ice Cream
Spring is in the air in Lisbon at the end of March! Cherry blossoms are starting to bloom, and you’ll see lots of pink trees around the city.
If the weather is nice, I recommend stopping for an ice cream. La Fabbrica near Arco do Cego has amazing ice cream in cups and cones.
I recommend trying some of the fruity flavors to celebrate the start of spring!
15. Sit Outside at Campo Pequeno
I like to sit outside at Campo Pequeno and have a cheap drink in March in Lisbon. 100 Montaditos serves canecas (large beers) and snacks for under 2 euros at certain times of the day.
16. Drink Wine at Linha d’Agua
Check out Linha d’Agua at the top of Lisbon’s Parque Eduardo VII on a weekend in March. You can sit outside and have a glass of wine while you look out over the small pool.
This cafe is super popular in the summer, but if you go in March, you’ll find plenty of space to sit and have a quiet drink and maybe a slice of cake.
17. Spend an Evening in Belém
March is a great time to visit Belém. It’s always a popular tourist destination, but the crowds thin out in the winter and early spring.
If you go on a weekday evening in March, you might even be able to get into the famous Pastéis de Belém without having to wait in line.
This world-renowned pastry shop is worth a visit for the architecture alone. You’ll find fanciful blue and white tiles, stucco ceilings, and historic light fixtures and cabinetry.
We stopped in, bought our pastries, and then ate our pastéis in nearby Jardim Vasco da Gama. From there, we walked into Jardim da Praça do Império. This park is home to impressive Portuguese tilework, sidewalks, fountains, and more.
Jardim da Praça do Império is definitely worth taking a stroll around. The tile sidewalks feature crests from various places around Portugal.
We had an ulterior motive for visiting Belém in March. We had tickets to a concert at the Belém Cultural Center. This venue hosts world-class international acts at relatively affordable prices.
In fact, we saw an orchestra perform here on New Year’s Day. It was one of our favorite things to do in Lisbon in January.
18. Have a Cocktail in Lisbon City Centre
Here’s another fun thing to do in Lisbon in March: take the tram into the city center and find a cocktail bar. We happened to wander into Fáres after our show in Belém and enjoyed a nightcap.
I ordered a cocktail with a juicy piece of lychee. It was called the Tamarind Lychee Whiskey and had Jameson Black Barrel, tamarind paste, lime cane syrup, lychee water, and aquafaba.
My husband had a Middle Eastern mule with in-house infused rum, cardamom, bitters, lime juice, and ginger beer.
Fáres is definitely a great spot for a drink, especially on a weeknight in March when the bar is less crowded.
19. Catch a Silent Film at Culturgest
March is theater and film season for us! We caught a performance of a Portuguese silent film at Culturgest in Lisbon.
The movie was called Os Faroleiros and it was a dark tale of unrequited love and murder along the Portuguese coast. I’m used to silent films being light and comedic, but this one was definitely full of drama and intrigue.
Yes, the film was in Portuguese, and the intertitles were in Portuguese too, but the plot was simple enough that we were able to follow along.
I think Culturgest is a hidden gem in Lisbon. It has a number of art exhibits that change regularly, a cinema, a coffee shop, and more.
It’s worth checking out what’s on the event schedule when you’re visiting Lisbon!
20. Celebrate Spring at Copo de Mar
Check out Copo de Mar to celebrate the end of March and the start of spring! They’ve got new takes on classic Portuguese dishes, with plenty of fish to choose from.
They also have Brazilian flavors, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love. Copo de Mar is the perfect place to spend a weekday evening, enjoying great food and sipping on a bottle of Portuguese wine.
Okay, here are those sections rewritten from a first-person perspective:
21. Enjoy a Theater Performance
I really enjoy going to the theater in Lisbon. However, the language can sometimes be a barrier for original Portuguese productions, even though I’ve found that people in Lisbon generally speak good English.
Despite this potential challenge, I was thrilled when I had the chance to see a touring production of Stomp at the Teatro Tivoli BBVA. It’s great that traveling theater shows, just like films, are often performed in their original language (in this case, English).
I found the Tivoli theater to be a spectacular venue. I enjoyed the performance of Stomp, although it definitely was noisy!
22. Go to a Fado Show
Checking out a Fado show is definitely something I recommend doing in Lisbon in March. Most Fado houses are located in the Alfama district.
Since March is the tail end of the tourist offseason, it’s a good time to go for a less crowded experience, as Fado is a popular activity for visitors. My husband and I booked a table at Parreirinha de Alfama – desde 1929.
A Fado show typically involves enjoying a meal while listening to the soulful music, with everyone being silent during the actual performances.
I felt extremely lucky to be seated right in the center of the restaurant, next to the guitarists, which gave me an amazing view of the fado singer. The guitarist was practically in my lap, making it an incredibly intimate and immersive experience.
I found it amazing to witness this music, which I feel gets at the heart and soul of the Portuguese spirit, up close and personal. Beyond the music, I also found the food at Parreirinha de Alfama to be delicious and plentiful, with traditional Portuguese dishes like chicken stew, a shrimp appetizer, and a pork cheeks course. The meal was perfectly complemented by a bottle of local wine.
23. Relax at a Wine Bar
I always enjoy taking some time to relax with a glass of local Portuguese wine at the wine bars in Lisbon. I happily stumbled upon Cheapwinebar in Alfama.
After quite a bit of walking around the cobbled streets of the neighborhood, I ducked in for a quiet glass of wine to rest my legs. It was the perfect spot to take a break without a lot of advanced planning.
24. Have Brunch in Lapa
Another enjoyable thing I’ve done in Lisbon in March was going out for brunch in Lapa. I tried Liberty, a brunch, coffee, and wine place.
I enjoyed both the savory salmon served on a bed of crispy potatoes and the healthier porridge topped with pistachios and strawberries.
Liberty also serves lovely specialty coffee, and my cappuccino was perfect. If you are looking for coffee in Lisbon, this is a good place to try. I was very happy with the quality of the coffee there.
25. Experience Michelin-Starred Fine Dining
If you’re looking for a splurge in Lisbon in March, I would personally recommend Belcanto, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Chiado.
Since it was the off-season, I was pleased to receive a discount offer and decided to book dinner. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the multi-course tasting menu with the wine pairings.
I thought Belcanto’s signature touch – providing a little half sleeve to wear on your arm as a napkin, referencing the tradition of wiping your mouth with your sleeve at home – was a lovely homey touch.
We savored a spectacular menu that included a variety of elegantly prepared seafood dishes and more. We were also fortunate to get a really good table on the upper floor of the restaurant with a window overlooking the cold kitchen, which allowed us to see some of our dishes being prepared with care and to anticipate when they would be served.
26. Have Dinner with Friends at Frade dos Mares
I find that the weather in Lisbon in March can be a bit unpredictable. If you’re planning a dinner out with friends, be sure to pack waterproof gear. My friends and I learned this the hard way when we got absolutely soaked taking the bus to Frade dos Mares, a seafood restaurant in the Madragoa neighborhood.
We were literally drenched by the time we arrived, but nonetheless, we had a fantastic time catching up. The menu at Frade dos Mares is definitely seafood-focused, and we enjoyed delicious dishes like a shrimp risotto and octopus.
Afterwards, despite the rain, we walked up the street to Musa craft beer bar for a nightcap, huddling under an umbrella outside with a plastic cup of beer since the bar closes fairly early on a Sunday, around 10:30 or so.
27. Enjoy the Views from Parque Eduardo VII
I love visiting the viewpoint at the top of Parque Eduardo VII in March. This area can get very hot and crowded in the summer despite the lack of shade. March is a wonderful time of year to visit, as the crowds are smaller, meaning more space for you to enjoy the vista.
If you go in the morning like we did, you’re likely to be greeted by sunshine and stunning views. You can see down the hill over the park, past Marques de Pombal, along the Avenida da Liberdade, and all the way to the Tejo River.
28. Have Brunch with Friends at Augusto Lisboa
If you’re looking for another great brunch spot in Lisbon, I recommend heading to the Alfama neighborhood to Augusto Lisboa.
The coffee here is fantastic, and they serve up all your brunch favorites, including delicious scrambled eggs with avocado toast.
This place is quite popular, so a pro tip from my experience: either go really early when they open or book a table in advance if you want to avoid waiting in line.
29. Catch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Something unique I enjoyed in Lisbon in March was the St. Patrick’s Day parade. While it normally happens around March 17th, sometimes the weather can be a bit iffy causing the celebrations to be deferred.
This is what happened this year and the festivities were held on March 29th. I loved watching the parade go down Avenida da Liberdade.
There was a Guinness branded bus and a cover band playing U2 songs on the upper deck. I appreciated the chance to experience a bit of Irish craic right here in Lisbon!
30. Indulge in Pizza at Forno d’Oro
For a special dining experience in Lisbon, consider Forno d’Oro, which is rated one of the top 100 pizzerias in the world.
This high-end, award-winning spot is unique because it’s run by a Nepalese Chef, who expertly combines traditional Italian techniques with some fascinating flavors from his home country.
I tried the mortadella pizza with truffles and a pizza served with cured ham, both absolutely delicious. I made sure to save room for their incredibly dense and delicious dark chocolate cake for dessert.
Even though it’s not in a super touristy or central area (it’s located above Marques de Pombal), Forno d’Oro is incredibly popular, so definitely book a table in advance.
They also have a fantastic wine list, from economical local Portuguese wines to more unique and expensive options, like the bottle of Quinta da Leda from the Douro Valley that we splurged on for about €100. You only live once, right?
31. Spend a Weekend in Óbidos
The Óbidos Chocolate Festival is held in March, which is a great excuse to leave Lisbon for a day or a weekend to sample some delicious chocolate in a Medieval setting. The chocolate festival runs for three weekends in March and features a variety of chocolate-themed events, including tastings, workshops, and demonstrations.
Óbidos is full of history and is an incredibly popular day trip destination from Lisbon.
March is the perfect time to visit when you’ll find the walled town is less crowded than it is during the peak tourist season, which runs from April to October. This means you’ll have more space to explore the town’s narrow streets and admire its Medieval architecture.
32. Take a Day Trip to Évora
If you are visiting Lisbon in March, consider taking a day trip to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site located a comfortable one-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Lisbon’s Oriente station.
A trip to Évora offers a chance to step back in time and explore its ancient wonders. You can easily catch a Flixbus with round trip tickets sometimes available for as little as 15 EUR if booked in advance.
Once in Évora, pack a day (or two!) with historical highlights like we did. Marvel at the impressive Roman ruins, including the first-century Templo Romano de Évora. A visit to the majestic Catedral de Évora is a must, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the climb up the tower offers amazing panoramic views.
For a truly unique and memorable experience, don’t miss the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones).
Should you visit Lisbon in March?
As you can see from my experiences, If you’re looking for a fun place to visit in March, Lisbon is a great option. With its mild weather, cultural events, and delicious food, it’s sure to be a memorable trip.
Let me summarize some of the reasons to visit Lisbon in March.
- The weather is mild and sunny, making it a pleasant time to explore the city.
- The crowds are smaller than they are during the peak tourist season.
- There are a number of festivals and events taking place in March, such as the Lisbon Travel Expo, the Outsiders Film Festival, and the Óbidos Chocolate Festival.
Of course, I think Lisbon is worth visiting at any time of year (I did move here, after all…) There are plenty of things to see and do from visiting historical landmarks to exploring its vibrant neighborhoods. Plus, the food is delicious, and you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.
Are you trying to decide what time of year to visit Lisbon? Check out month-by-month ideas based on my personal experience living in Portugal:
- Lisbon in September
- Lisbon in October
- Lisbon in November
- Lisbon for Christmas
- Lisbon in January
- Lisbon in February
- Lisbon in April
- Lisbon in May
- Lisbon in June
- Lisbon in July
- Lisbon in August
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Post Archive
This post has been updated since it was originally written to remove outdated information. I am including the original details below in the post archive to preserve the memories of my experiences. The places below are sadly permanently closed.
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Listen to Live Music at Camones Artes Bar
I was happy to return to Camones Artes Bar in March to see a trio of ladies perform. I enjoyed hearing a variety of acoustic and folksy songs sung with a pleasing harmony.
At Camones Artes Bar, I like being able to have a drink and pizza while sitting at a table to watch really awesome singers perform up close and personal in this intimate venue. I find the quality of the performances to be fantastic and the experience to be excellent value for money.
