Sunday in Lisbon starts lazily, in a mix of people returning home after a Saturday night out partying and others going on their morning run by the Tagus River. A lot of the stores are closed and cafés typically open later.

Lisbon is indeed busy on Sundays, but the nature of the "bustle" changes compared to weekdays. While the central business districts may be quieter, tourist hubs like Belém, Baixa, and Alfama remain very crowded. Most major monuments and museums, such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the National Coach Museum, are open on Sundays, often drawing large crowds because Sunday morning has historically been a time for free or discounted entry for residents (though policies for tourists vary). Shopping malls like Centro Colombo remain open late, but smaller traditional street shops in residential neighborhoods might close. Public transport runs on a reduced Sunday schedule, but popular routes like Tram 28 stay packed. It is a popular day for locals to enjoy long lunches at riverside restaurants, so booking a table in advance is highly recommended if you plan to dine in popular areas.