Ways to Start the Year Off Right in Lisbon: Activities, Events and Workshops to Inspire Your New Year's Resolutions

Lisbon, with its vibrant energy, cultural diversity and mild climate, is the perfect place to start the year off on the right foot. Whether you want to take up a new hobby, learn something new or get involved in activities that promote well-being, the city offers plenty of options to turn your New Year's resolutions into reality. Below, we highlight some of the best ways to start 2025 in Lisbon.

Attend Creative Workshops

The Portuguese capital is a hub of creativity and art, with several workshop options that can be a great way to start the year by developing new skills.

  • Photography Workshop: If you've always wanted to learn how to capture the city in all its beauty, Lisbon offers several photography workshops. From sessions focused on urban landscapes to street photography courses, you can start the year discovering this art.
  • Painting and Ceramics Workshops: For those looking to explore their artistic ability, creative workshops range from painting to ceramic modeling. An opportunity for relaxation and self-expression.
  • Creative Cooking: Starting the year on a healthier diet or even learning new recipes can be an excellent resolution. Choosing healthy cooking courses or pastry workshops can help you achieve this goal.

Adopt an Active Lifestyle

If one of your New Year's goals is to improve your health and well-being, Lisbon has plenty of options to help you stay focused.

  • Walks and Outdoor Strolls: Take advantage of the city's wonderful green areas, such as Parque Eduardo VII, Jardim da Estrela or the viewpoints, for outdoor walks. You can also join organized walking groups that promote physical activity and social interaction.
  • Running Events and Marathons: For sports lovers, there are several running events and marathons in the city throughout the year - they're a great opportunity to stay motivated.

Attend Cultural Events

Lisbon is known for its rich cultural scene, with events that attract tourists and locals all year round.

  • Fado fests: If you want to get more involved in Portuguese culture, a visit to one of the city's many fado clubs can be a lovely way to start the year with a dose of tradition. Many of these venues offer fado evenings with dinner and live music.
  • Art Exhibitions and Museums: There is no shortage of exhibitions in Lisbon throughout the year, whether at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) or the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Taking advantage of the exhibitions can be a way of starting the year by connecting with culture and art.

Do Local Tourism and Explore the City

  • Guided Tours: Taking part in a guided tour of historic neighborhoods such as Alfama, Baixa, or Belém can be a great way to learn more about the local history and culture. Choosing a tramcar or an hop on hop off bus tour is a pleasant way to start the year exploring the city.
  • Boat trips on the Tagus: A great way to start the year in a calm and refreshing way is to take a boat trip on the Tagus River. The tour offers breathtaking views of the city and is an excellent way to relax.

Explore the gastronomy and bars

Lisbon is famous for its delicious and varied gastronomy, and starting the year by exploring the local cuisine can be an excellent experience for the palate, as well as fulfilling your food-related New Year's resolutions.

  • Markets and Gastronomic Fairs: Visiting markets such as Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) or Mercado de Campo de Ourique offers a rich variety of food options, ideal for those who want to explore new flavors or adopt a healthier diet.
  • Sustainable Cafés and Restaurants: If the 2025 resolution involves making more sustainable choices, Lisbon has a growing offer of restaurants and cafés with a focus on sustainability, such as Fauna & Flora or O Botanista, which offer delicious and healthy options.

Participate in Volunteering Activities

For those who want to start the year with the purpose of helping others, volunteering is an excellent way to begin new practices of generosity and empathy. There are several organizations in Lisbon that seek volunteers for causes such as food, support for the homeless, environmental protection and more.

Personal Planning and Organization

If one of your resolutions is to be more organized, Lisbon offers events and workshops to help with this process. From productivity workshops to personal organization events, you can start the year by acquiring tools to keep your projects on track.


Lisbon offers a variety of events, activities and workshops that can align with your New Year's resolutions, whether it's to get involved in new cultural experiences, adopt a healthier lifestyle or develop new skills. The city is always on the move, and the options are practically endless, ensuring that 2025 gets off to an inspiring start full of positive energy.