The countdown to World Youth Day 2023 has begun, and millions of people around the world are preparing for the biggest international Catholic youth-focused event.

What is World Youth Day?

World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of Catholic youth that takes place every two or three years, organised by the Catholic Church.

Where will World Youth Day 2023 take place?

The next edition of WYD will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2023. This will be the first edition in the post-covid period and seven years after the last edition in Europe, in 2016 in Krakow, Poland.

When is World Youth Day 2023?

The date of the event will run from 1 to 6 August 2023 and is expected to bring together thousands of young Catholics from around the world. World Youth Day 2023 will be presided over by Pope Francis, who will pay a visit to Lisbon, Portugal, to take part in the event.

What will be the activities of World Youth Day 2023?

During World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, participants will have a range of activities to enjoy such as:

1. Participation in masses and prayers, in a moment of deep spirituality and connection with God;
2. Catecheses given by bishops and priests;
3. Workshops such as music, sacred art, theatre, among others;
4. Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima, one of the main destinations for Catholic pilgrimage in Portugal and the world;

5. Moments of conviviality and integration, where young people can share their experiences of life and faith.

The choice of Lisbon to host WYD 2023 aims to promote the Catholic faith in Portugal and attract more young people to the Church. In addition, WYD is an opportunity to show the world the beauty of Portugal: its people, culture and nature.

World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon will be an important moment for young Catholics from all over the world to come together, share their experiences of faith, get to know Portuguese culture and celebrate their religion together.

In addition, WYD 2023 in Lisbon will offer a range of cultural and tourist activities for participants, such as tours of the city of Lisbon, visits to museums and historical monuments, concerts, craft fairs and typical Portuguese cuisine.

If you are thinking of taking part in World Youth Day 2023, find out how you can enjoy the best that Lisbon and Portugal have to offer and do.

Activities to do in Lisbon during WYD 2023

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is located on the west coast of the country, on the estuary of the River Tagus. It is Portugal's most populous city with around 547,000 inhabitants and is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, dynamic urban setting, delicious food and mild climate.

One of Lisbon's main attractions is, therefore, its architecture and monuments. The city has a mixture of styles, from old historical buildings, such as the Castelo de São Jorge and the Torre de Belém, to modern buildings, such as the Centro Cultural de Belém and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Enjoy a helicopter ride and see all these attractions in an aerial experience you won't forget.

Another popular attraction in Lisbon is the food. The city is known for its delicious gastronomy, which includes dishes like bacalhau à Brás codfish and roast chicken or typical sweets like the famous pastel de nata and the drink “ginjinha”. There are many food markets around the city, where you can sample the local cuisine and buy fresh ingredients. Take advantage and enjoy a Port Wine tasting, discovering the secrets of this world-famous delicacy. To close your day, you can attend a Fado show with dinner included.

Lisbon also has a vibrant cultural essence, with many museums, art galleries and theatres. The National Museum of Ancient Art is one of the city's main attractions, with a large collection of Portuguese and European art. The Gulbenkian Museum is also a must-see, with an impressive collection of ancient and contemporary art.

Lisbon is also intensely alive with sports. Don't miss a visit to the Sport Lisboa e Benfica stadium or the Sporting Clube de Portugal stadium.

Want to enjoy green spaces? With plenty of parks and gardens to relax in, Lisbon is a great place for that. The Botanical Garden and the Parque Eduardo VII are two of the most popular parks in the city. In addition, you have the opportunity to visit the Oceanarium and also take part in dolphin watching in the Tagus River.

Overall, Lisbon is a fascinating and an exciting city, full of history, culture and architectural beauty. You can discover the Portuguese capital through a half-day guided tour or even a full-day private tour. If you enjoy walking, you can take a walking tour of the city.

You can also feel the magic of Lisbon at night by taking a tuk-tuk tour, a private night tour or a sunset walking tour.

When it comes to public transport, Lisbon has a comprehensive system, which includes bus, metro and train. Public transport tickets can be bought at kiosks, metro and train stations. Visitors can also choose to buy a rechargeable public transport card, such as the Lisboa Card. In addition, you have the option of a taxi or private transfer.

Regarding accommodation, visitors should book in advance as WYD will attract many visitors to Lisbon. There are many accommodation options, from luxury hotels to hostels, which can be found on online booking sites.

There are also places around Lisbon worth discovering and other religious sites in Portugal that you will certainly enjoy visiting.

Activities around Lisbon during WYD 2023

Évora

Évora is a historic city located in Alentejo, a southern region of Portugal. Throughout its history, the city has become an important religious and cultural centre, reflected in its architecture and cultural heritage. From a religious point of view, Évora is known for its wealth of religious monuments, including the Évora Cathedral, also known as the Sé de Évora, built in Gothic style in the 13th century. The Capela dos Ossos is also a unique and historic tourist site in Portugal. The chapel was built to remind visitors of the fleetingness of life and the importance of living according to Christian teachings.

During World Youth Day 2023, a visit to the Capela dos Ossos can be an opportunity for young Catholics to reflect on mortality and eternal life, as well as experiencing a unique historical site in Portugal.

Tomar

Tomar is a historical city located in the centre of Portugal, about 135 km (north) of Lisbon. The city is known for its rich history, culture and architecture and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The historic centre of Tomar is a maze of narrow, winding streets dotted with historic buildings and monuments. Highlights include the Praça da República, the Convent of Christ, the Church of São João Batista, the Tomar Synagogue (the oldest in Portugal), among others.

The Templar Castle and Convent of the Knights of Christ of Tomar is also one of the most important historical sites in Portugal and an important cultural landmark of the country. Take the opportunity to take a tour of Tomar from Lisbon, and discover the secrets, presence and history of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal, in the city that was once its capital.

Fátima

Fátima is a city located in central Portugal, which became an important Catholic pilgrimage centre due to the apparitions of Nossa Senhora. These apparitions were seen as a miracle by the Catholic Church, which officially recognised them in 1930.

Besides the religious aspect, Fátima is also an important tourist spot in Portugal. The city offers many historical and cultural sites, such as the Sanctuary of Fátima, an essential Catholic pilgrimage destination, considered an important centre of spirituality and devotion, where the faithful can find peace, inspiration and spiritual guidance.

A must-see destination for Catholic believers, you can visit Fátima from Lisbon or Oporto.
 

At WYD 2023, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of Fatima and participate in moments of prayer, celebration and reflection. The visit to the Shrine can be seen as an opportunity for young Catholics to connect with the spirituality and history of the Church, as well as learn more about the importance of devotion and faith in their lives.

Braga

Braga is a city in northern Portugal with a long religious and historical history. Known as the "city of archbishops", Braga is the religious and cultural centre of northern Portugal and is considered one of the oldest cities in the country.

Over the centuries, Braga has continued to be an important religious centre in Portugal, with many historical monuments and buildings, such as Braga Cathedral, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and the Tibães Monastery. Braga is, therefore, a city with a rich religious and cultural history, which played an important role in the formation of the Portuguese identity.

Don't miss the opportunity to discover the most religious of northern Portuguese cities by enjoying a private tour of Braga?

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, in Spain, is the final destination of the pilgrimage route known as the Way of St. James, a tradition that dates back to the 9th century and which attracts thousands of people every year, being one of the greatest religious phenomena in the world, transcending cultural borders.

The truth is that many young Catholics who participate in the Journeys are in the habit of making the pilgrimage to Santiago as an act of devotion and faith. World Youth Day 2019, for example, held in Panama, was attended by many pilgrims who made the Camino de Santiago before arriving at the event. Don't miss the opportunity to take a tour to Santiago de Compostela, and discover one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the World.

Moreover, the route of the Camino de Santiago can be seen as a source of inspiration for young Catholics who will participate in WYD 2023, as pilgrimage is an act of spiritual renewal that involves many challenges and overcoming.

There is plenty to visit and do to enjoy your stay during the World Youth Days 2023. Make this event in Lisbon a memorable experience.