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Top of the best Lisbon day trips

Are you planning a trip to Lisbon and want to discover everything this city has to offer? Wait no more! Read below my suggestions for the best Lisbon day trips. Apart from these suggestions I’ll give you others to discover destinations outside Lisbon.

Best Lisbon day trips

Discovering Lisbon on foot

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The first activities I have for you will take you on a discovery of the Portuguese capital on magnificent walks through historic quarters like Alfama and Chiado. Enjoy the magnificent views from the best viewpoints of the city and admire some of the most beautiful monuments. In addition to the beauty of the city, there is nothing like discovering the amazing gastronomy that distinguishes this city.

I begin by suggesting a 3-hour gastronomic tour that will take you to places away from the crowds and that will bring you closer to the authenticity of the inhabitants of Lisbon. Try various typical snacks and wines from the region at different stops and discover more about the culture and history of this beautiful city in the company of an experienced guide who will make this adventure unforgettable!

In another 4-hour gastronomic tour, you will have the possibility to visit other points of interest such as Chiado. Naturally, during this gastronomic experience, you will have stops where you will enjoy the famous pastel de nata (also known as pastel de Belém), regional wine and much more.

pastel-de-nata-portugal

Information: by clicking on the links in this article or on the photos, you will automatically be put in contact with the company that offers each activity. Just choose the dates you want and enter your details for the reservation to be validated.

As an alternative to the above mentioned activities, you can choose this late afternoon walking tour through the historic quarters of Alfama and Baixa and enjoy a magnificent dinner in a fado house that will give you the possibility to watch live this musical genre so unique and special.

atividades no Porto - day trips in Porto - activités à Porto

Venture out for a unique 8-hour experience where you will discover Lisbon in one of the most complete activities there is. Start with a visit to the beautiful castle Castelo de São Jorge to enjoy views of the historic city centre. Next, stroll through the Alfama quarter and the beautiful narrow streets. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch next to the Tagus river.

But to make this activity even more special, know that you will have the opportunity to board a boat in order to admire the capital from a unique perspective, from Tagus river. Don’t miss this opportunity!

castelo-de-sao-jorge-lisboa-portugal

Discovering Lisbon by tuk-tuk

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There are several ways to explore the Portuguese capital and below I suggest some tuk-tuk rides that you can’t miss.

The first tuk-tuk ride that I suggest is one that will take you to discover Lisbon’s beautiful historic quarters. On this pleasant two-hour guided tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the historic centre, where Lisbon was born, once occupied by Romans and Moors.

Discover the genuine quarters of Alfama, Chiado and Bairro Alto and, along the way, admire the narrow streets and points of interest you can’t miss like the cathedral, the National Pantheon and the monastery Mosteiro São Vicente de Fora. Also know that you will have stops at the best viewpoints that offer magnificent views over the city.

Do you want to visit Belém and discover the place where some of the great Portuguese navigators set sail? If that’s the case, book this activity and go on a tuk-tuk two-hour ride through time to the Portuguese Discoveries.

In Belém, you will have the opportunity to discover the landmarks of Lisbon, the monastery Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the tower Torre de Belém, both listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. There are other points of interest that you cannot miss, but know that this tour will be even more wonderful after tasting the famous Portuguese egg tart pastry pastéis de Belém.

mosteiro-dos-jeronimos-lisboa-portugal

For an even more complete experience, book this six hour activity. In addition to the sites mentioned above, make a stop to enjoy a tasty lunch (not included) – the guide knows the best restaurants so don’t miss this opportunity!

Cruise activities in Tagus river

With a duration of 2 hours, sail the waters of Tagus river aboard a luxury sailboat. Discover the historic part of the city of Lisbon through a different perspective where you can admire monuments built during the time of the Portuguese discoveries, such as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém, both listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Don’t miss this and much more in a unique and memorable trip!

Alternatively, choose this activity for a two-hour private tour through the waters of Tagus river that were once used by ships that set sail in search of new worlds. In this activity, that can be carried out with a maximum of 10 people, take the opportunity to admire some monuments, churches and bridges.

To make your stay one to remember, board a luxury sailboat and admire part of downtown Baixa Pombalina and Belém as well as its points of interest. However, what will make this tour unforgettable is the fact that it is done in the late afternoon, when you can enjoy a magnificent sunset while enjoying snacks and good wine.

Best tours and activities outside Lisbon

Many people book activities to explore the surroundings of the Portuguese capital. This is due to some factors, the most important of which are the fact that they do not need to hire a car to travel to certain places and because they are guided by people who know the surroundings like no one else.

Below, find out my suggestions for discovering fantastic places, very close to Lisbon!

Before you go explore other locations, take the opportunity to book this activity and know the two Tagus river banks, always with fabulous views over the Portuguese capital. Start in Belém, where you can admire Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Afterwards, head to one of Lisbon’s most recent viewpoints, located right in the 25 de Abril bridge, the Pilar 7 viewpoint, where you can also enjoy a virtual reality experience.

Next, cross the bridge and discover the south bank of Tagus river, where you will literally reach the top of this experience, the National Sanctuary of Cristo Rei. There, you can climb to the top of the statue’s pedestal, which welcomes Lisbon’s visitors with open arms, and enjoy the magnificent views that extend for several kilometres in all directions. A must see!

Discovering Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

Sintra - Portugal

After visiting Lisbon, I recommend that on one of your next tours you visit the beautiful towns of Sintra and Cascais. When booking this activity, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a complete tour that will show you some of the must-see wonders of this region.

Start with the beautiful palace Palácio Nacional de Queluz, visit the historic centre of Sintra with a unique cultural landscape, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Next, you’ll go up to the old castle Castelo dos Mouros and the idyllic palace Palácio Nacional da Pena. Finally, go to Cape Roca, the westernmost point in Europe and end this activity with a stroll in the beautiful streets of Cascais. Worth it!

Alternatively, choose this 8-hour long activity. Go directly from Lisbon to the historic centre of Sintra where you will have the opportunity to stroll, have lunch and go to Pena National Palace. In the afternoon, continue to Cape Roca, then admire the beach Praia do Guincho and the Boca do Inferno cliffs before your visit to Cascais.

If you prefer, you can also book a private guided tour. If you choose this activity, know that, in addition to some of the places mentioned above, you will also have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Quinta da Regaleira, a place full of magic and mysticism and, without a doubt, one of the landmarks of this region.

quinta-da-regaleira-sintra-portugal

Contrary to the previous activities, this activity has as its main objective showing you the beaches of Sintra and Cascais. Start your adventure at the historic centre of Sintra, then go to the beautiful villages of Colares and Azenhas do Mar.

You can also discover the wonderful beaches of this region such as the Praia Grande, where you can admire the dinosaur footprints, the Praia Pequena and the Praia da Adraga. You’ll have the opportunity to escape the most touristy places thanks to the jeep that’ll take you to places only a few know. A must!

Discovering Arrábida Natural Park and Sado Estuary

Departing from Lisbon, this activity is 8 hours long and will take you across the beautiful Tagus river with the objective of showing you new landscapes, dominated by the fantastic Arrábida Natural Park, one of the most beautiful natural parks in Portugal. But the tour will become even more memorable when you visit a wine estate where you can taste the wonderful wines of this region!

For a more intimate experience, which you can do with your family and / or friends, choose one private 8-hour tour. Discover the south bank of Tagus river and, more specifically, the beautiful landscapes of Serra da Arrábida, including the idyllic beaches that are found there. The icing on the cake will be when you embark on a catamaran and set out in search of dolphins that inhabit the waters of Sado Estuary.

As an alternative, choose this 8-hour tour! Cross the bridge and make your first stop at the beautiful town of Palmela where you can admire the castle, a presence in the landscape for several centuries. Make other stops in Serra da Arrábida like Portinho da Arrábida, some wineries where you can savour the magnificent wine from this region and take the opportunity to discover Sesimbra and its beautiful castle.

End this magnificent day with a visit to the marvellous sanctuary Santuário Nacional de Cristo Rei where you can admire the breathtaking views over the Tagus river and the Portuguese capital.

If you want to discover the wonders of the coastline in the Arrábida Natural Park in an original way, do this 8 hour activity. The highlight will be when you go on a boat tour and explore this place where you will discover beaches and caves only accessible by sea. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful dolphins, one of the great attractions specially for children.

Another destinations and activities outside Lisbon

On this 8-hour tour to Alentejo, one of the destinations will be the marvellous city of Évora, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

This is a true “city-museum” and there are many points of interest that you will find there like Sé Catedral de Évora, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Portugal, the magnificent Roman Temple, the chapel Capela dos Ossos (located in the church Igreja de São Francisco), the aqueduct Aqueduto da Água de Prata. You can also admire the beautiful streets leading to the busy square Praça do Giraldo.

But the trip does not end in Évora! You will also visit the town of Monsaraz, stroll through the narrow streets, admire the walls and enjoy fantastic views over the great reservoir of Alqueva. Undoubtedly, a very complete activity that will show you the best Alentejo has to offer.

Monsaraz - Alentejo - Portugal

Alternatively, you can book this tour in which you will have more time to discover the fantastic city of Évora and its monuments. In addition, know that the first stop in Alentejo will be made at the Cromeleque dos Almendres, a megalithic monument older than Stonehenge. To end the day, nothing like a tasting of the best Alentejo olive oils – it’s not by chance that this region is the largest olive oil producer in the country.

North of Lisbon and less than an hour away, discover three fantastic destinations: Mafra, Ericeira and Queluz. In this 8-hour private tour, make the first stop in the town of Mafra. There, you will have the opportunity to admire one of the most recent Portuguese locations listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the majestic Mafra National Palace! Among other points of interest, discover the basilica and admire one of the most beautiful and rich libraries in the world.

The next stop, Ericeira, is just 10 km away from Mafra. This town stands out from all others because it is the only world surf reserve on the European continent. Enjoy the magnificent maritime landscape that this place offers and take a stroll along the waterfront.

Finally, discover Queluz National Palace. There, you can stroll around the wonderful gardens that embellish this 18th century palace and admire the beautiful statues. Undoubtedly, an activity you must try!

Take the opportunity and travel back in time to the origins of Portugal with a tour to the land of the Knights Templar. Start this unique experience with a visit to the castle of Almourol, a 12th century castle located on an island in the middle of Tagus river.

Continue to the beautiful town of Constância, located just 6 km away and from there head north to the magnificent city of Tomar. This was considered the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal and there you will find a beautiful historic centre as well as the magnificent castle and Convent of Christ, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Book this 9-hour experience and travel back in time!

For a complete, 8-hour long experience, I suggest you book this activity that will take you to Nazaré, the paradise of giant wave surfers! You can also take the opportunity to explore the beautiful medieval town of Óbidos where you can walk through the narrow streets and, of course, try the famous liqueur ginjinha de Óbidos.

Obidos - Portugal

In addition to the locations mentioned above, Óbidos and Nazaré, discover two monuments listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, the Monastery of Alcobaça and the Monastery of Batalha, true wonders of the Portuguese architecture with several centuries of history.

This tour will also take you to the biggest Catholic pilgrimage site in Portugal and one of the biggest in the world, Santuário de Fátima. At this sanctuary, you can admire the beautiful basilicas of Nossa Senhora do Rosário and Santíssima Trindade and live a unique atmosphere of Christian devotion.

Santuario de Fatima - Portugal

Alternatively, choose this activity to spend more time in Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos. Even though there is one less destination, this is an activity with an estimated duration of 9 hours in which you can learn more about the history, culture and religion of each of the locations.

nazare-portugal

Departing from Lisbon, discover one of the best preserved natural treasures in Portugal in this wonderful experience in Berlengas, an archipelago located a few kilometres away from Peniche.

On this tour, lasting 8 to 10 hours, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the trails of the Berlenga Grande island and discover historical sites such as the São João Baptista Fort. In addition, you can also choose to discover the caves of the archipelago on a kayak or boat with a transparent bottom for you to admire the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

forte-de-sao-joao-baptista-das-berlengas-peniche

Transfers from Lisbon’s airport

To conclude, if you’re visiting Lisbon and are looking for transportation to your accommodation, discover here the available transfers:

Lisbon airport – Lisbon historic centre

Lisbon airport – Sesimbra

Lisbon airport – Caparica

Lisbon airport – Cascais / Sintra

Information: all links to these activities in Lisbon and surrounding area are affiliate links to local companies, that is, if you book one of the mentioned activities, I will receive a small commission. You won’t pay more for accessing these links.

Are you going to visit Lisbon? Then don’t hesitate to book your hotel room, your car or the best activities by clicking the links below. This way you are helping me in the development of my blog and I’ll be able to offer you free tips and travel guides so that you can better prepare your visit to Portugal. Thank you!

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