Best Things to Do in Lisbon in April 2022

Lisbon is full of unique opportunities and fun events all year round, but in recent years, thanks to the pandemic, many of the events had to be saved for later or were outright cancelled. 2022 seems to be the first year the city can return to normal, and April festivities come with it. So here are the top four events to enjoy in April 2022 in Lisbon.

If you're a lover of films, then you're in luck since two big film festivals are happening in April. The first one is the Italian Film Festival from 1st to 10th April, which focuses on bringing the best from both the new and old Italian cinematography. Since its inception in 2008, it has attracted a large following and has, as a result, imprinted itself onto Lisbon culture. The second is IndieLisboa, or the International Film Festival, the largest film festival in Lisbon.

With over 250 films screened over 11 days between 28th April and 8th May, the festival is packed with over 40 000 visitors and 200 professionals. But this is not as simple as seeing some films. The professionals give masterclasses as part of LisbonTalks. There is a section for kids with animation and documentaries named IndieJúnior, and even a team dedicated solely to music called IndieMusic. And to top it all off, the festival lives well into the small hours through parties of IndieByNight. This annual celebration of culture and art is one of the best things you can experience when you're in Lisbon in April, so don't miss it.

This one is for tennis fans. The Millennium Estoril Open shows the best of the best young tennis players not just from Portugal but from all over the world in competition with one another. Attracting thousands of spectators and commentators to the small town of Estoril just outside of Lisbon, it is one of the liveliest sports events to enjoy in April. If you like seeing perfection on the tennis court, make sure to be there.

This might be a surprising event for people outside the European Union, but it grew in popularity in recent years. Taking place on 18th April, the IDMS is opening wide the doors of most major and minor monuments and sites for anyone who wants to have a look inside. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in the history and culture of Portugal and Lisbon as there will be near endless possibilities to be part of guided tours, relaxing activities, and exhibitions to enjoy. Don't miss out on this event if you have always wanted to see what's behind the facades of some of the city's most critical architecture.

This event is a small paradise for any fans of exotic and classic cars. Between 22nd and 24th April, you can come to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and admire the new cars, old classics, model cars, clothing, memorabilia, and the design of the most beautiful machines on earth. And if you're itching to buy one of these beauties, then there is an auction for cars as well as some of the memorabilia. But this place is not great just for gearheads but kids since there are a few events aimed at younger audiences, and there is even a model train running through the show floor. MotorClassico is just a good time all around.