Day Trips from Lisbon: Leave the City!
Lisbon is a city that exudes charm and history at every turn. From its picturesque streets and historic landmarks to its vibrant culture and delectable cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Portugal’s capital. But while Lisbon itself is a treasure trove of experiences, the surrounding areas are equally captivating. Taking day trips from Lisbon offers a chance to explore mystical gardens, stunning palaces, and beautiful beaches, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this enchanting region. In this post, I’ll share some of the best day trips from Lisbon that you won’t want to miss.
Sintra: A Fairytale Escape from Lisbon
One of my favorite day trips from Lisbon was to Sintra! If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend visiting. To describe Sintra in a few words does not do it justice. Imagine a mystical fairytale garden. The luxurious structures of buildings like the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and the magnificent Palace of Regaleira are surrounded by lush vegetation.
António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and architect Luigi Manini created this romantic revivalist garden in the late 19th century. Influenced by Gothic, Renaissance, and Symbolist styles, Quinta da Regaleira offers guided tours and audio guides. Tickets start at 12 € (adults), with discounts for Lisboa Card holders. For more information, visit Quinta da Regaleira’s website.
During my visit, I was captivated by the lush greenery and the intricate architecture. Wandering through the gardens felt like stepping into a different world. The guided tour provided fascinating insights into the history and design of the estate, but if you prefer exploring on your own, the audio guide is very informative.
Pena-Palace and Park: A Colorful Escape
Another beautiful trip outside of the city is Parque e Palácio Nacional da Pena. This incredible lush estate is made up of botanical gardens, statues, and architectural masterpieces. One of the most prominent buildings is the Pena Palace, discernible by its striking colors. It is part of the world cultural heritage and has structures from the Romanticism era.
On the day of my visit, I joined a group tour hosted by the hostel I stayed at, which took us to multiple places, including the Pena Palace and gardens. We only had a little less than 2 hours, which was definitely not enough. I was able to visit the palace and capture the mesmerizing structures and vibrant colors on camera. The views over the grounds from the top are breathtaking, and I highly recommend taking some time to explore and take some Instagram-worthy pics.
On my way back to the entrance, I took some of the smaller, less crowded paths and enjoyed the abundance of greenery. If I ever take another day trip, I would definitely try to spend more time there, as there is much more to delve into. For further information and prices, visit Pena Palace’s website (the website also features more parks and attractions).
Cabo da Roca: The Edge of Europe
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in Europe and is a tourist hotspot. The spot offers an amazing view over the Atlantic. Like Sintra and the Pena Palace, this viewpoint is part of the Sintra mountain range and offers beautiful scenery. It is a perfect spot to let the ocean breeze wisp through your hair and take pictures with a stunning background.
Belém: History and Custard Tarts
Belém is a coastal district outside of Lisbon and is known for well-known monuments like the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, as well as the famous custard tarts Pastéis de Belém. Staying in a hostel gives you the option of day trips and free walking tours, which I take advantage of. However, on my trip to Belém, I decided to explore this beautiful part of Lisbon on my own.
Belém is an amazing sight to visit, especially if you are enthralled by 16th-century architecture. Between the beautiful atrium and the impressive church, it is definitely a sight to see. Expect to stand in a long line to get into the monastery, but be aware that you first need to purchase a ticket at the Museu de Marinha. Don’t make the same mistake I did and stand in line for 30 minutes only to realize everyone already had their tickets. Along the riverside, you can take in monuments like the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) and the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos). On my trip, I opted out of viewing the inside of the Belém Tower due to the long line but enjoyed taking in the beautiful park running along the riverside.
To get to Belém from Lisbon, you can take the tram (E15/E18) or the train from the Cais do Sodré train station. I took the train, which only takes about 7 minutes and is less crowded than the tram
Cascais: Sun, Sand and Sea
On my second visit to Lisbon, this time during the summer months, I discovered the charming town of Cascais. Known for its popular beaches, Cascais is a perfect summer destination. The train from Cais do Sodré takes about 40 minutes, offering stunning views of the ocean along the way.
On the way to Cascais, you have the chance to get off at stations like Carcavelos or Estoril to visit some of the beautiful beaches there. If you prefer to stay on the train, you can head straight to one of the main beaches in Cascais. I loved taking a stroll through the town, enjoying its picturesque streets and vibrant atmosphere. While you have shorter walk from the train station in Cascais to the beach (about 3 minutes), it is significantly smaller than the beach in Carcavelos. Here you have around a 15 min walk ahead of you. Both beaches offer a few sun beds for a fee, but most people will bring their own towels and
Just be aware that because of the Atlantic, the water can be really cold. However, when visiting during the summer, the cold temperatures of the sea are very refreshing, especially after climbing so many stairs in the heat to explore Lisbon’s different neighborhoods. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also cross the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and visit beaches in Costa da Caparica or Cova do Vapor. Although I didn’t get to visit these spots on my trip, they are definitely on my list for next time.
For more information on visiting Cascais, including beach recommendations and things to do, check out Cascais Tourism’s website.
Explore More Hidden Gems Around Lisbon
Whether you’re drawn to the fairytale landscapes of Sintra, the vibrant colors of Pena Palace, the historical allure of Belém, or the sun-soaked beaches of Cascais, Lisbon’s surroundings offer something for every traveler. These day trips from Lisbon not only enrich your visit but also provide a deeper connection to Portugal’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Planning a trip to Lisbon soon? Which of these day trips will you add to your itinerary? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear about your adventures!
If you’re looking for more insider tips on Lisbon, check out my detailed guide on Lisbon’s neighborhoods to discover the city’s unique quarters and hidden gems. And for all the food lovers out there, don’t miss my post on the best vegan restaurants in Lisbon, where you can find delicious plant-based dining options.
Happy travels, and see you in Lisbon!