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33 incredible and easy day trips from Lisbon
Think you’ve seen all Lisbon has to offer? Wait until you explore the gems just beyond its borders. I moved to Lisbon in 2021, and I love exploring Portugal. I have taken many day trips from Lisbon by now, and there is always something new to discover.
In this guide, I will inspire you with places to see and things to do, while also explaining how to get there and which tours are available.
I have rented cars, joined tours, taken trains, and buses to visit cities, towns and places in nature. I’ve already compiled over 30 places for you to visit, and there will be many more in the years to come! Some of my favourites so far are Tomar, Berlengas Islands, the Buddha Eden Garden and Setúbal.
With these, you can easily plan and schedule an incredible day trip from Lisbon yourself. Whether you travel solo, with your partner, or with your family, I’m sure there is something for everyone.
What to expect from day trips outside Lisbon
Since I moved to Lisbon, I’ve taken many trips to places around the Portuguese capital. I have selected my favourite places so that you can discover more about Portugal too! Some areas are more accessible than others, and I have added travel information for each location. Discover hidden gems and well-known attractions near Lisbon!
Incredible day trips from Lisbon
1. Sintra
The number one day trip from Lisbon is the magical town of Sintra! Sintra is known for its palaces and the Moorish castle, and there is a lot to see in one day! I recommend visiting 2 to a maximum of 3 sights per day, as more will be too rushed and exhausting.
The most popular palace is Palácio da Pena, which is located on a high hill in the Sintra Mountains. The former royal summer retreat offers spectacular views and is one of the UNESCO sites in the village. Palácio Nacional da Pena is one of the seven wonders of Portugal, and there are more on this list!
Another incredible spot is Quinta da Regaleira, near the town’s historic centre. Quinta da Regaleira is known for the Initiation Well, which has hidden tunnels and enchanting gardens. Other attractions include Monserrate Palace, Biester Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Sintra National Palace.
How to reach Sintra? It takes only 40 minutes from Lisbon by train, taxi or guided tour. If you want to try some local delicacies, you can try the famous travesseiros and queijadas de Sintra.
👉 Book a day tour, including Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca and Cascais!
2. Azenhas do Mar
Sintra contains a lot more than palaces and stunning gardens! You can discover coastal villages from the town centre, such as Praia das Maçãs and Azenhas do Mar. This small village is much loved because of its natural pool! So bring swimwear for a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Azenhas do Mar means Watermills of the Sea, and you can still see remnants of former mills. The restaurant offers delicious seafood such as a cataplana, grilled sardines, fried cuttlefish or bacalhau à brás.
How do you reach Azenhas do Mar? The coastal town is more challenging to reach by public transport, and it will take over two hours one way. Thankfully, there are some excursions to the village, and you’ll see much more on this day trip from Lisbon! It takes about one hour to reach Azenhas do Mar by car or taxi.
3. Cascais
Many daytrippers travel to Cascais from Lisbon for the day. It’s a picturesque village with beaches, many restaurants and shops. Enjoy an afternoon on Praia da Ribeira de Cascais or visit the beautiful Parque Marechal Carmona.
Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais is a great place to explore if you like history. You can also walk by the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães and Santa Maria House Museum, where you will find the most beautiful corner of Cascais.
If you have time, you can rent bicycles and visit the cliffs of Boca do Inferno and the beach Praia do Guincho. You can also enjoy the Portuguese Riviera and discover nearby beaches in Oeiras and Estoril.
The coastal town is easy to reach by train from Cais de Sodré station and takes only 40 minutes. You can also take a taxi, but there can be some traffic along the way.
👉 Book a guided tour to Cascais, including a visit to a Sintra palace and Cabo da Roca!
4. Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The cape is located in the Sintra mountain range and is an excellent spot for nature lovers. Cape Roca is 140 meters high, and the rock formations offer incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. On the cliffs, you can see a lighthouse and a stone monument. There is also a small cafe and a souvenir shop.
If you stay a bit longer, you can discover some incredible nature hikes nearby. Walk towards Ursa Beach, for example! Or walk even further to Praia da Adraga. The sunset is magical along the coast. Just remember it can be windy, and a super jacket might be needed.
You can reach the cape by public transport from Sintra town or Cascais. There is also a large car park, so driving here is another option. The journey takes around one hour from the capital.
👉 Enjoy your Lisbon day trip, including a Sintra palace and a visit to Cascais!
5. Sintra beaches
The Sintra beaches are amazing if you want to enjoy a beach holiday in Portugal! Praia da Ursa is one of the most beautiful but also the hardest to reach. It will take around 30 to 45 minutes on foot from the road. It’s a stunning hike, and the beach is one of my favourites!
The nearby Praia da Adraga is easier to reach, and you can park your car near the sand. The same goes for Praia Grande and Praia Pequena do Rodízio. Locals love Praia das Maçãs, and you can get to this beach by historic tram from Sintra town.
To fully enjoy a beach day, driving is the easiest option. You can also book a taxi from Lisbon, and the travel time is around one hour.
6. Aldeia da Mata Pequena
From rugged coastal landscapes, it’s time for rural backdrops. One of the cutest villages near Lisbon must be Aldeia da Mata Pequena. It’s a true hidden gem and, therefore, great if you want to leave the tourist hotspots behind for some time!
The tiny village contains several colourful houses. These were completely restored in 1998, and you can find them all in the same street. You’ll find a traditional laundrette at the end of the street, and you can visit some farm animals on the other side. Cuteness overload is guaranteed!
Some guided tours stop in the village, but it is easiest to explore if you rent a car.
👉 Do you want to spend the night here? Many houses in Aldeia da Mata Pequena have been transformed into B&Bs!
7. Mafra
When you drive from Lisbon to Ericeira, you’ll see an enormous palace along the way. It’s the Palace of Mafra, which includes incredibly decorated rooms and a library. The palace contains Baroque, Italianised Neoclassical, and Rococo styles, and the 200-metre-long façade is a real eye-catcher. Inside, you’ll discover the royal history in the many halls and the Basilica.
Next to the palace, you can visit the garden Jardim do Cerco and the town has a lovely vibe. Hidden gem tip: visit Tapada Nacional de Mafra. You’ll spot a deer in the beautiful park!
Mafra is located only 45 minutes north of Lisbon, and the city is easily accessible by car. There is also a bus service leaving from Campo Grande bus station.
8. Ericeira
Ericeira is a much-loved surf town and a fishing town with a rich history. It’s one of the best places to enjoy fresh fish, and the small town has some fantastic seafood restaurants. Enjoy a walk along the cobbled streets and discover the churches in the historic center.
Ericeira is officially a World Surfing Reserve, and the town boasts some of the best beaches to catch the waves. Even if you don’t surf, beaches like Praia dos Pescadores and Praia da Foz do Lizandro are fantastic for a beach day. The small city is also a popular spot for yoga and wellness retreats.
You can take a bus from Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon or rent a car to visit Ericeria. The drive is only 40 minutes from Lisbon!
9. Peniche
Another stunning place along the coast is Peniche! Enjoy beaches like Praia do Portinho da Areia Sul and Praia do Portinho da Areia do Norte for swimming and surfing. Praia dos Supertubos is one of these great surf spots, and Praia da Cova da Alfarroba leads all the way to Baleal.
Peniche is great for some coastal hikes, and you can discover the lighthouse at Cabo Carvoeiro. If you’re looking for a great meal, check out the harbour, where most restaurants are located.
The drive to Peniche from Lisbon takes around 1,5 hours. There is a direct Flixbus service from Oriente station in the capital.
👉 Discover the many dolphins that live on the coast of Peniche!
10. Berlengas Islands
The harbour in Peniche is great for eating, but there is another reason to visit! From here, boats depart to the Berlengas Nature Reserve. This is a group of three small islands in the Atlantic Ocean where you can even stay the night! In summer, there are daily ferries to the island for an adventurous day out!
The islands are pretty small, and the Fortress of St. John the Baptist on Berlenga Grande is the biggest highlight. You can also walk up to the lighthouse of Berlenga.
If you like snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking and bird watching, Berlengas is amazing! There is also an option for canoeing and kayaking. You can book a round trip to islands, but also add a cave tour, guided tour, or snorkelling tour.
👉 Book a day trip from Lisbon to Berlengas!
11. Alcobaça
Mosteiro de Alcobaça is another one of the seven wonders of Portugal. The town is located an hour and a head north of Lisbon, and the Alcobaça Monastery is one of the best attractions in this small town.
It was built in the 12th century for the Order of Cistercians. You can visit the church for free, but seeing the monastery is kind of a must. I find it much quieter than the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon and even more beautiful!
It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1989, and there are plenty more sights in Alcobaça that can fill your day. Walk to the ruins of Castelo de Alcobaça for a great view, visit the Jardim do Amor or enjoy the wine museum Museu do Vinho de Alcobaça.
👉 There are private tours to Alcobaça in combination with Batalha, Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos!
12. Caldas da Rainha
Visiting Caldas da Rainha is great is great if you love pottery! The so-called Louça das Caldas come in many shapes and forms, often as fruits and vegetables. Parque Dom Carlos I is a stunning garden for a walk, and you can even visit the Museu José Malhoa inside the park.
Fun fact: Caldas da Rainha translates to Queen’s Hot Springs or Queen’s Baths. Queen Leonor founded the city, as the locals used the healing waters for rheumatism and arthritis. The Thermal Hospital is the oldest purpose-built institution in the world and is still open today!
👉 You can reach Caldas da Rainha by car, bus, and train in just over an hour from Lisbon. Combine a visit to Caldas da Rainha with Óbidos and Nazaré during a small group tour!
13. Torres Vedras
Torres Vedras is a pretty sleepy town, and it’s not that popular for a day trip from Lisbon. You can visit the Castelo de Torres Vedras overlooking the city or discover the nearby Forte de São Vicente. There is, however, one time of year when Torres Vedras turns into a bustling city.
Carnaval in Portugal is THE time to visit Torres Vedras. The floats are full of satire, and men dress like women (matrafonas). The cabeçudos are dolls with giant heads, and there are parades in the evening and during the day. The Carnaval in Torres Vedras stretches out over several days, and you’ll need a ticket to enter.
👉 Are you planning to visit Torres Vedras during Carnaval? There are a limited amount of hotels, and you’ll need to book on time!
14. Nazaré
One of the more popular day trips from Lisbon is Nazaré. This is mostly because of the giant waves the town is known for! Praia do Norte is a paradise for professional surfers in the winter months. Waves can reach well over 20 meters, and the annual WSL Nazare Big Wave Challenge is incredible to watch!
There is, however, more to see in the charming fishing town! Discover the fish drying in the sun at Praia da Nazaré, Admire the colourful fishing boats, take the Nazaré Funicular to the beautiful viewpoint at Sítio da Nazaré or discover the church Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré.
Nazaré is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and you can reach the fishing town in an hour and a half by car or FlixBus.
👉 A visit to Nazaré is included in many day tours from Lisbon.
15. Óbidos
The third of the seven wonders of Portugal is located in the historic center of Óbidos. The medieval castle Castelo de Óbidos can be seen already from the motorway, and the town has a characteristic medieval atmosphere. There is even an annual Medieval Festival!
Unfortunately, Castelo de Óbidos is not open to the public, but you can stay the night in the stunning pousada! The old town has many more incredible spots, and you can even walk along the city walls. You have the best views of Óbidos and its surroundings from the medieval walls.
Óbidos has many whitewashed houses in the narrow cobblestone streets. And Rua Direita is great for souvenir shopping. You’ll also see an alcoholic drink served in a chocolate cup. It’s the Ginjinha de Óbidos, a sour cherry liqueur made from ginjeira berries.
👉 Óbidos is one of the best day trips from Lisbon, and there are plenty of excursions available! You can also reach the town by bus or car in just over an hour, so you can enjoy the Ginjinha de Óbidos in a chocolate cup in real life.
16. Batalha
Another great day trip from Lisbon is to Batalha. The city’s name translates to battle, and you can even visit the museum Fundação Batalha de Aljubarrota to learn more about that history. The museum is located 3 kilometres from the city centre.
The highlight is the Mosteiro da Batalha. It is a must-see if you like Portuguese history and religious architecture. The Batalha Monastery is another of the seven wonders, and you’ll see the Unfinished Chapel and the tomb of King João I.
Batalha is located 1,5 hours north of Lisbon and is easiest reached by car or guided tour. Rede Expressos operates a bus service from Sete Rios in Lisbon to Batalha.
👇 Discover excursions to the Batalha Monastery!
17. Fátima
Fátima is one of the most important catholic pilgrimage sites in the world! Legend says three young children witnessed the appearance of the Virgin Mary in 1917. You can now visit the Chapel of the Apparition at this spot.
The children saw this miracle on the 13th day between May and October. The Miracle of Fátima, which occurred on October 13th of that same year, was witnessed by over 70.000 people!
Millions of pilgrims visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima each year. But even when you’re not religious, Fátima is an incredible place to visit. See the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, light a candle and visit the tombs of all three shepherds.
👉 Excursions to Óbidos and Nazaré often include a pit stop in Fátima!
18. Buddha Eden Garden
If you love to travel off the beaten path, this one is for you! Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is the largest oriental garden in Europe, and it’s only an hour’s drive from Lisbon. The Buddha Eden Garden is also known as the Peace Garden, and it was created when the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan were destroyed.
The Buddha Eden Garden in Portugal is a fantastic day trip if you enjoy plants and art. The 35 hectares of land are filled with statues, buddhas, Xian Terracotta Warriors, sculptures of African animals and more. The Pagoda Lake is located in the middle of all this beauty.
👉 Buddha Eden is easiest to reach by car. There is also a small group tour or a private tour from Lisbon!
19. Tomar
One of the best day trips for history lovers is the city of Tomar. It’s the city of the Knights Templar, and one of its main attractions is the Convent of Christ. Tomar Castle was founded in 1160, and the Convent of Christ is located within the castle walls. The Convent of Christ has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is a must-see when visiting Tomar.
After visiting both sights, you can continue to the city park at Mata Nacional dos Sete. The Seven Hills National Forest is an incredible hiking spot where you can see the ancient aqueduct Aqueduto dos Pegões up close.
Highlights in the old town include Praça da República, Parque do Mouchão, Igreja de São João Baptista, the Tomar Synagogue, and the Matchbox Museum Museu dos Fósforos.
👉 Book your tour to dive into the world of the Knights Templar!
20. Almourol Castle
On the way to Tomar, you can stop at one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal! The Castle of Almourol is located in the middle of the Tagus River at Praia do Ribatejo. The medieval castle was built on a small island, and the Knights Templar rebuilt the original structure.
After the extinction of the Order of the Knights Templar, Castelo de Almourol was abandoned. But nowadays it’s open again to the public! You can step onboard a small boat in Vila Nova da Barquinha or in Arripiado to reach this beauty!
👇 The easiest way to reach Almourol Castle is by car, and some tours to Tomar stop at Castelo de Almourol.
21. Coimbra
Did you know Lisbon was not always the capital of Portugal? Between 1143 and 1255, Coimbra was the capital, and the city has an enormously rich history! Coimbra City is mostly known for its university, where you can see the famous Biblioteca Joanina. Other highlights are the square Paço das Escolas, the Science Museum, and the Academic Museum.
After seeing Coimbra University, you can check out the botanical garden. The Cabinet of Curiosities is a hidden gem in the city, but well worth a visit! The old town has cobblestone streets, ancient gates, and a stunning Old Cathedral.
On the other side of the Mondego River, visiting the archaeological site and the ruins at Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha is great! You can combine this with the new Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova and the St Francis Convent.
👉 It takes around 2 hours to get to Coimbra, so an organized tour will be the most relaxing way to see all the city’s sites. You can also reach Coimbra by car, bus, and train from Lisbon.
22. Aveiro
Even further away is the city of Aveiro. If you also visit Porto during your holiday, you might want to do a day trip from Porto instead, but if you’re stuck for time, go for it!
Aveiro is known for its canals, and the best way to explore the town is by taking a trip on a traditional Moliceiro boat. The colourful vessels run straight through Aveiro’s historical centre, and some tours include a trip to the lagoons.
If you have time, check out the salt production along the Ria de Aveiro or even visit the outdoor salt spa! You can also enjoy the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and ceramic tiles if you prefer to stay in town.
👇 Instead of a day trip, you can add Aveiro as a stop on your way to Porto. These transfers are a great way to see many towns between Lisbon and Porto.
23. Costa da Caparica
The Costa da Caparica is much closer to Lisbon and one of the best day trips for visiting the beach. Enjoy a summer retreat on the south side of the Tagus River and discover beaches like Praia de São João, Praia do Tarquínio-Paraíso, Praia do Dragão Vermelho and Praia Nova.
There are great surfing spots here along the Atlantic coast, and the pristine beaches are perfect for swimming. There are many facilities, such as restaurants, toilets and showers. The town itself contains many restaurants and shops as well.
If you’re looking for a more remote spot, Praia da Fonte da Telha and Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira are fantastic! The latter is also great for kids, as they can play in the lagoon’s shallow waters.
Buses depart from Areeiro in Lisbon and arrive at the Costa da Caparica town centre. There are buses to southern beaches too, but a car would be easier to get there. You can also take a taxi from Lisbon.
24. Cabo Espichel
Further south from Costa da Caparica, you come across another famous cape. Cabo Espicel is much quieter than Cabo da Roca, but the views are just as phenomenal. Besides a lighthouse, you can also visit the pilgrimage sanctuary Santuario de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel from 1701. The complex consists of several buildings, including a church.
Another unique site at Cabo Espichel are the dinosaur footprints! These are from 65 to 145 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. When you walk along the coast, you can discover two rows of tracks!
25. Azeitão
Attention to all the wine lovers out there! Azeitão is a small village, but it will definitely leave an impression on food and wine enthusiasts! Azeitão is near the Arrábida Mountains, which are filled with vineyards.
Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca is a great place to visit, where you can see the cellars and gardens. Other highlights are Quinta Palácio Bacalhôa and Quinta de Alcube. You can reach all these spots within 45 minutes from Lisbon.
👇 Book an excursion to a wine cellar with wine tasting!
26. Sesimbra
If you want to visit a lovely coastal town south of Lisbon, Sesimbra is great! Many lovely restaurants along the waterfront offer fresh seafood and local delicacies. Praia do Ouro and Praia da Califórnia are great for swimming, and many watersports are available.
If you want to do something cultural, you can visit Castelo de Sesimbra. Sesimbra Castle is free to enter and offers incredible city and coastline views. You can reach Sesimbra by bus (1,5 hours), car (45 minutes), or with a tour guide.
👉 Enjoy a kayaking trip of the coast in Sesimbra to enjoy the coastline of Arrábida Natural Park!
27. Arrábida Natural Park
If you want to escape the city bustle for the day, Arrábida Natural Park is amazing! I love driving on the same windy roads as James Bond once did in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and the views from the N379-1 are stunning! The crystal clear waters and the sandy beaches are a paradise!
Serra da Arrábida is fantastic for hiking and has some incredible beaches! If you can, hike to Praia dos Penedos. Beaches like Praia do Creiro, and Praia de Galapinhos are more accessible. A break in Portinho da Arrábida is great for lunch, and there are a few restaurants along the water.
28. Setúbal
Setúbal is one of the larger cities south of Lisbon and a great spot to stay if you want to enjoy the landscape of Arrábida Natural Park longer. Mercado do Livramento is one of the liveliest markets to visit in Portugal, And the views from Forte de São Filipe are fantastic!
There is also a lot to see, and the town’s historic center contains sights such as Praça de Bocage, the Church of the former Monastery of Jesus and the museum shop Mercearia Confiança de Troino.
You can reach Setúbal by train from Lisbon from Sete-Rios Station. You can also take the ferry from Terreiro do Paço to the south bank of Barreiro to take the train from there.
👉 Join a dolphin-watching tour from Setúbal to see the unique creatures that live in the Sado Estuary!
29. Sado Estuary
Bird watchers will enjoy visiting the Sado Estuary. The River Sado is 175 kilometres long and ends in the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve before it joins the Atlantic Ocean. The estuary contains marshlands, sand banks, and salt pans, which birds love!
There are no tours to the Sado Estuary and it’s easiest to reach by car, This way you can visit the Mourisca Water Mill which is a small museum. Around the watermill are some hiking grounds and bird hides.
👉 Contact MiraSado for boat trips to see the many birds in their natural habitat!
30. Palmela
Palmela is a small village near Setúbal, and the village is mainly known as a wine-producing town. It is, however, Castelo de Palmela that will steal the show! Palmela Castle is incredibly beautiful, and the views from the castle are even more impressive!
It sits high on a hill, and you can climb the castle walls for free. You can also visit the Convent and Church of Santiago de Palmela and even spend the night here in the beautiful pousada!
👉 Book a night in Pousada Castelo Palmela for incredible views over Arrábida Nature Park
31. Comporta
From Setúbal, it is also easy to continue your travels to Troia. You can take a ferry from the harbour, and you can even bring your rental car if needed! You can drive further south from Troia to one of the most stunning beaches: Praia da Comporta.
Comporta is a fantastic spot for relaxation, and you will find many boutique hotels and yoga retreats in this area. Besides the beach, the landscape consists of dunes, pine forests and salt marshes. You can also rent bicycles and explore the rice fields!
👉 Go horse riding in the pine forest and explore the beach on horseback!
32. Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve
When you want to stay closer to Lisbon, you can also go birdwatching at the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve! You’ll spot flamingos and many other species! Don’t forget your binoculars!
The easiest way to explore the estuary is by taking a boat tour from Parque das Nações. You can also take the train to Vila Franca de Xira and rent a bike to enjoy a day in nature. If you have a car, it will be very easy to get around the wetlands, too.
👉 Join the Nature Reserve Birdwatching Boat Tour from Lisbon!
33. Évora
I probably saved the best for last, as Évora is a real gem! The UNESCO city is located 1.5 hours from Lisbon, and you can reach it by bus, car, excursion or by train from the train station Estação do Oriente. Évora Cathedral is a must-see, and you can even climb the roof! It is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal! And the Roman Temple of Évora next door dates from the 1st century A.D.!
Continue your explorations in the cobbled streets of Évora and enjoy lunch at Praça do Giraldo. The Alentejo region, where the city is located, is known for its wines, so enjoy a glass with your food or visit a nearby vineyard for a tasting. Another city highlight to visit is Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with thousands of human bones!
When renting a car or booking a tour, you can also visit the ancient megaliths in the Alentejo landscape. Cromeleque dos Almendres is the largest and contains menhirs dating back to the 6th millennium B.C! You can also visit the Gruta do Escoural (by appointment only) to witness Paleolithic-era rock art!
Transport for your Lisbon day trips
As you can see, many destinations can be reached by public transportation, and for some, a car might be easiest. Below, you´ll find some additional information for travelling around Lisbon.
Renting a car in Lisbon
Renting a car in Portugal will give you all the freedom to create your own plans and itineraries. You can rent a car in the city centre or rent a vehicle at Lisbon Airport. There are toll roads in Portugal, and your car should have an automatic toll tracker. Vehicles with automatic transmission are scarce, so booking in time is important if you prefer an automatic!
I always rent with DiscoverCars. Their website allows me to compare prices with additional extras, and they work with trusted brands. Paying a little more for companies like Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar is often worth it, as there are no surprises afterwards.
Bus transport from Lisbon
Several bus companies are operating from Lisbon. Rede Expressos offers many routes, and you can book online. I often travel with FlixBus as their rates are incredibly cheap, and the service is punctual. Busbud is also great for booking bus tickets.
Trains from Lisbon
Trains in Portugal are operated by Comboios de Portugal, or CP for short. The largest train stations in Lisbon are Oriente, Sete Rios, and Santa Apolónia. You can book tickets online a couple of months in advance. I also often use the Omio app to book trains in Portugal.
Organised tours from Lisbon
Organised tours are excellent if you want to relax and not worry about transport and bus times! Everything is included, and hotel pick-up is often available. I use two companies in Portugal: GetYourGuide and Viator. Both offer group excursions as well as private tours.
Where To Stay In Lisbon?
Lisbon is a great city with many highlights and spots to visit. But the capital is also a great starting point to discover more places in Portugal! Three to five days is ideal for a Lisbon city trip. Staying longer is great for visiting other towns, cities and natural parks nearby. I selected some great hotels for you to stay in for your trip!
📍Budget Option: Avenue Hostel & Suites offers dormitories, rooms, suites and studios near Marquês de Pombal Square. There is a shared kitchen, but there are many affordable restaurants nearby!
📍Mid-Range Option: Selina Secret Garden Lisbon is much loved by solo travellers and couples. The rooms are stylish, and you can enjoy a dip in the pool!
📍Luxury Option: A stay at Torel Palace Lisbon is like a dream come true! You’re close to the city centre, and you have the best views over Lisbon from the hill! Enjoy the swimming pool, gardens, and the super tasty buffet breakfast!
FAQ
Is Porto worth a day trip from Lisbon?
It takes a minimum of 3 hours to reach Porto from Lisbon, so you will spend 6 hours travelling to see only a little bit of Porto. To see most sights, you will need a minimum of 2-3 days in Porto, and I would advise against a day tour, although it is possible.
Can you do an Algarve day trip from Lisbon?
From Lisbon, it´s a three-hour drive to the Algarve. The region is big, and you’ll need a week to visit the beautiful beaches and coastal towns. In one day, you’ll not be able to see a lot.
What is the most popular day trip from Lisbon?
Sintra and Cascais are some of the most popular day excursions from Lisbon, followed by Nazaré, Óbidos, Fátima and Évora.
Conclusion
Many Lisbon day trips are possible, and many are well worth visiting! If you like towns and cities, places like Nazaré, Cascais, and Évora are amazing! When you like castles and palaces, consider a day trip to Sintra, Mafra, Tomar or Óbidos.
Religious sites in Fátima, Batalha and Alcobaça are incredible even if you’re not religious. Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to Arrábida Nature Park, Berlenga Islands, or the Sado Estuary. What destinations would you like to add to your Lisbon itinerary? Let me know in the comments!
Other beautiful cities and sights north of Lisbon:
- 10 amazing tips for what to do in Óbidos Portugal
- Watch the Nazaré big waves in Portugal; Things to know before you go!
- Buddha Eden; The largest, most beautiful oriental garden in Europe
- Discover the stunning Mafra National Palace
- Lisbon to Ericeira: A local guide to Portugal’s favourite surf town
- 10 Things to do in Caldas da Rainha
- 15 things to do in Tomar
- Visiting Fátima, Portugal: What you need to know
- Visit or stay at Aldeia da Mata Pequena in Portugal’s stunning countryside
- Stunning nature at Berlengas, Portugal + 8 things to do
- Celebrate the amazing Carnaval Torres Vedras in Portugal
Beautiful places south of Lisbon
- Things to do at Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, a natural paradise
- Discover the Sado River and estuary for a day of bird and dolphin watching
- Cabo Espichel: stunning views, a lighthouse, the sanctuary and ancient dinosaur tracks!
- Visit the stunning Sesimbra Castle, the place to overlook the Setúbal peninsula
- 25 Beautiful and best things to do in Setúbal
- From Lisbon to Évora, discover 20+ things to do
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