When people think of Portugal, they mainly think of Lisbon and Porto. I’m here to tell you that Portugal is so much more! I’m sure you knew that, but you probably don’t know where to start so let me help you. Here are 6 day trips from Lisbon you can take that I have gone to myself. I will be adding more once I visit more!
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Getting Around Portugal
Buses and trains are the best and most convenient ways to get around the Lisbon area. They’re also really affordable and depending on where you’re going, can run pretty often. The sites you should use and save for your future Lisbon day trips are Redes Expressos and Flixbus for buses and train company for trains. I often use Google Maps to double check times. These will be your handy tools as you navigate Lisbon and Portugal as the bus companies exist around the country.
Planning to work remotely in Lisbon? Here’s a list of laptop friendly cafes in Lisbon.
Now let’s get into the variety of days trips you can take from Lisbon! We’ll start from the closest to the farthest.
Lisbon Day Trips
Belém
Belem is so close to Lisbon that some consider it an extension of the capital city. It’s an easy addition to your itinerary as it’s a quick 20 minute bus ride, 10 minute train ride from Cais do Sodre, or 10 minute taxi ride. If you have a Lisbon card then you can use the public transportation to get there included in what you already paid.
Belem is known as the home of the original Pasteis de Belem which was founded in 1837. It’s popularity has grown so now you can easily grab some to go, pre order or wait in line for a table to eat in.
Belem highlights:
- Pasteis de Belem
- Belem Tower
- Monastery of Jeronimos
- Tropical Botanical Gardens
- MAAT Museum
Almada
Almada is right across the Tagus river and where the 25th of April bridge leads. It’s a quick 20 minute ferry ride from Cais do Sodre. Get to experience more of the typical Portuguese lifestyle for a day in a quieter city. From here you’ll see Lisbon in a new way.
Almada highlights:
- Sanctuary of Christ the King – Portugal
- Cacilhas Lighthouse
- Ginjal Street Art
- Tagus River Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink
Oeiras
Located just a short 25 minutes away from Cais do Sodre is the cute town of Oeiras. It’s usually overlooked for other neighboring towns, but it deserves a visit even if just a half day. It won’t be so full of tourists and you’ll get to see a town with lots more Portuguese residents going about their lives. Will you visit?
Oeiras highlights:
- Oeiras Municipal Garden
- Marques de Pombal Palace and Gardens
- Don Pavili Ice Cream Shop (delicious donut flavor!)
- Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras
Cascais
Located at the end of the Lisbon – Cascais train line lies the beautiful seaside town of Cascais. It’s a perfect day trip during any season, but keep in mind it will be extra busy during the season. Prices will also be higher as it is the high season. From Cais do Sodre it’s a 40 minute train ride which you can use a public transportation card to get onboard.
Cascais highlights:
- Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum
- Citadel of Cascais
- Dolphin watching speedboat tour
- Local surf experience
Sintra
Sintra is a popular Lisbon day trip destination especially for its iconic Pena Palace and the tower at the Quinta da Regaleira. There is so much more to see in this city though! It’s located just 35 minutes on. the train from the Sete Rios station.
I’ll be honest that I did not know how far the distances from the town to the palaces and between them were when I first visited. I’d recommend going early to take advantage of your whole day to see as much as possible. I only had time to visit the gardens and outside of Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle due to poor planning. Don’t be like me!
Sintra highlights:
Setúbal
This smaller city located just under an hour away from the Sete Rios in Lisbon is a great addition to any itinerary. It’s smaller so there’s less to do but I recommend it if you have additional time. If you are able to visit you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Setubal highlights:
- Saint Phillip Fortress
- Bonfim Park
- Church of the former Monastery of Jesus
- Bocage Plaza
- Dolphin Watching Tour
Costa da Caparica
Some of the best Lisbon beaches are technically not in Lisbon, instead they’re across the river in Costa da Caparica. Seeing as they’re not as close as the beaches you’ll find on the Cascais train line, they can take a bit to get to. If you’re only doing it via public transit it can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours. There are multiple beaches but the most crowded will be closer to where the bus drops you off or near.
So why are these beaches popular? They’re wider than the beaches close by, making them more spacious and not as cramped.
Costa da Caparica highlights:
- Surfing lessons
- Windsurfing
- Beach clubs like Tabu Beach Club, Pé Né Beach Club, Casablanca Beach Lounge & more
Évora
Evora was my first home in Portugal and will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s located about an hour and a half east of Lisbon making it a perfect day. Seeing as I spent so much time in this city, I’ve put together a list of things to do in Evora.
My preferred way of getting there and back was always the bus, it is super reliable and on time. Read all the different ways to get there and the cost breakdown.
Evora highlights:
- Roman Temple
- University of Evora
- Cathedral of Evora
- Bone Chapel
Ericeira
This cute seaside town is a must visit if you find yourself with more time and want to explore a popular beach spot. Definitely a place to keep on your radar if you’re a surfer or looking to take surf lessons.
To get here, first you’ll have to head to Campo Grande to grab the bus. If you plan it right you’ll be able to get on the bus that takes an hour, others there are ones that can take up to two hours. The bus is about a 20ish minute walk down towards the center. You could walk or take an Uber/Bolt if you don’t want to walk.
Ericeira highlights:
- Praia do Sul
- Old Town
- Igreja Paroquial de Sao Pedro
- Adega Bar 1987
Related Posts
- Cafes in Lisbon to Work
- Getting from Lisbon to Evora
- Free Things to Do in Evora
- Portugal D7 Visa: Everything You Need to Apply
Which of these cities will you visit first? There are lots of other cities and towns to visit which I’ll add once I’ve had the opportunity to actually go to them. I only like including places I’ve been to so I can give more detailed information. Had you heard of any of these cities before or had the chance to visit them? Tell me which Lisbon day trips you have done in the comments and which ones I should add to this list!
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