From romantic hill towns and surfing day trips from Lisbon to emerging art spots and heritage sites. Explore destinations outside the Portuguese capital, like Sintra, Évora, Óbidos, Cascais, Porto, Lagos, and Peniche, all less than two or three hours away.
Although Lisbon is an incredible collection of experiences in and of itself, many different day trip options in the surrounding areas are sure to enhance your Portuguese experience. Did you know that Lisbon’s location is one of its unique benefits? It’s close to some of the most stunning and intriguing getaway areas.
Choose one of these seven fantastic day trip destinations if you’d like to take a break from meandering through Lisbon’s hilly, cobblestoned streets.
Explore beyond the Portuguese capital with any of these incredible day trips less than two hours away. They range from surfing adventures and charming hill towns to emerging art locations and historical sites. Therefore, if possible, take a car, a bus, or a train, and make sure you get to these nearby locations as soon as possible. They’re just as breathtaking as the capital.
Searching for the best Lisbon day trips? You’ve come to the right spot. The top 7-day tours from Lisbon, Portugal, are all listed here.
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7 Best Day Trips From Lisbon
Sintra
KEY INFO
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the train from Rossio Station in Lisbon to Sintra. |
| ⏰ Travel Time | 40 minutes |
Let’s begin with Sintra, a charming and romantic place that is a popular day trip from Lisbon. The small town, surrounded by ostentatious palaces and situated in lush mountains, is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites and an estate with a long history of esotericism and secret rituals.
The most iconic feature of Sintra is its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, particularly the vibrant Pena Palace, which is above a hill and visible from all over the town. Both Quinta da Regaleira, with its magical gardens and maze-like network of hidden tunnels, and the Moorish Castle, with its stunning views of the surroundings, are must-sees. Additionally, there is the Pena National Palace, also known as the Palácio Nacional de Sintra or Sintra National Palace.
The charming town of Sintra is just 25 km west of the Portuguese capital. It is about an hour away by public transportation or 30 minutes by car.
An enthusiastic traveler, Sandra advises, “No visit to Sintra is complete without stopping for the traditional pastries, regardless of where you eat lunch. Casa Piriquita has been baking queijadas de Sintra, or small sweets, and travesseiros, the famous pastry, since 1862.”
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Évora
KEY INFO
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the train from Lisbon’s Oriente Station to Évora. |
| ⏰ Travel Time | 1h30min |
Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, fits the typical image of the center-south due to its characteristic whitewashed houses with yellow baseboards. However, sunny Évora is a great place to take a fun day trip from Lisbon. It offers great food, wine, and ancient Roman sites. This city has plenty of history and charm to offer visitors, and it’s only a 90-minute drive or train ride from Lisbon.
Évora is home to numerous landmarks that have been preserved over more than twenty centuries and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, the ruins of Roman rule include the city walls, temples, and other structures.
The 15th century saw the city take off as monasteries, cathedrals, and royal residences appeared everywhere. One such structure is the long Aqueduct located right outside the city walls.
Explore it, find its secret corners, and allow its allure to charm you.
Óbidos
KEY INFO
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the bus from Campo Grande station to Óbidos. |
| ⏰ Travel Time | 1h15min |
The medieval walled town of Óbidos is a fantastic day tour from the Portuguese capital. Situated inside the town walls, it’s an ideal location to relish the allure of a bygone era.
The small medieval town of Óbidos is a short drive (about 85 km or 53 mi) north of Lisbon. Although public transport options exist, the trip could take two to three hours depending on where in Lisbon you leave from. Taking a tour from Lisbon is an additional choice.
Óbidos’s castle is yet another remarkable feature. Though it is now a hotel, you can still explore the exterior and take in the views of the castle.
Explore the narrow alleys filled with artisan shops, and don’t forget to taste the famous Ginja liqueur in a chocolate cup.
Cascais
KEY INFO
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the train from Cais do Sodré station to Cascais. |
| ⏰ Travel Time | 45 minutes |
Cascais is a seaside town that effortlessly combines the chic and the charming, and it’s only 30 km (or about 19 miles) from Lisbon. This formerly sleepy fishing village is now a bustling, sophisticated resort town, and it’s only a short 45-minute train ride from Lisbon along the coast.
Cascais provides an enjoyable mix of beaches, viewpoints, museums, shopping, and restaurants, and it’s easy to get to and explore.
In addition, make sure you look at the breathtaking Boca do Inferno, a striking chasm situated in the seaside cliffs near Cascais.
This picturesque town offers a perfect escape for those seeking seaside relaxation and cultural exploration.
Kate, an enthusiastic traveler, recommends – “See the Old Town, go to a few beaches (Praia da Rainha is small but very picturesque), and visit one of Cascais’ museums (the Castro Guimarães Museum is my personal favorite).”
Porto
KEY INFO
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Oriente terminals to Porto |
| ⏰ Travel Time | 3 hours |
Portugal’s second-biggest city, Porto, is a wonderful day tour destination from Lisbon. So, how far is Porto from Lisbon? The distance between the two cities is less than 320 km (200 miles), and it takes slightly less time by train or just over 3 hours by car to get there.
In addition, the city’s architecture and bridges rank it among the most beautiful in all of Europe. The city also provides a large selection of activities.
The exterior blue murals of the Igreja do Carmo make it an interesting church in addition to its interior.
Getting a view of the city is just another fantastic thing to do in Porto. The Torre dos Clerigos is a suitable location for that. You can take in a breathtaking view of everything Porto has to offer from there.
To fully enjoy this lovely city’s charm and attractions, it is recommended to spend at least 2 to 3 days exploring it. However, one of Lisbon’s best weekend trips is to Porto.
Lagos
KEY INFO
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Oriente terminals to Lagos. |
| ⏰ Travel Time | 3 hours |
Lagos is a small town on Portugal’s famous Algarve coast. The little port town has a lengthy history, which makes it well known. The old town walls can be seen everywhere in Lagos. As you stroll around the town, you’ll also come across little statues, the Lagos Castle, and other small historic structures.
Visitors can relax on beautiful sandy beaches, explore sea caves by boat, and enjoy the lively nightlife in the bustling town center.
Less than three hours separate Lisbon and Lagos by car, and the trip is well worth the time. Further, if you want to see more of the Algarve, like the breathtaking Benagil caves, Lagos is a great place to start your exploration!
Peniche
KEY INFO
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus terminal to Peniche. |
| ⏰ Travel Time | 1h30min |
The lovely town of Peniche, which protrudes into the Atlantic Ocean, is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Lisbon. The trip from Lisbon takes about one and a half hours.
Peniche, located on a peninsula along the Silver Coast, can be reached by car, bus, or an organized tour.
The beautiful city is an attractive day trip from Lisbon and is known for its gorgeous coastline, beaches ideal for surfing, and delicious seafood.
With its unique blend of maritime history, surf culture, and seaside charm, Peniche offers a distinctive and dynamic experience for travelers seeking a coastal escape in Portugal.
Travelers looking for a beach getaway in Portugal will find Peniche to be a distinctive and dynamic experience with its unique blend of maritime history, surf culture, and seaside charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular Lisbon day trips?
Popular Lisbon Portugal day trips include Sintra, Cascais, Obidos, Setubal, Evora, Nazaré, Sesimbra, Tomar, Mafra, Ericeira, and the Cristo Rei statue with Costa da Caparica.
What are the top five activities that are must do in Lisbon?
The top five must-do activities in Lisbon are exploring the historic Alfama neighborhood, visiting the iconic Belem Tower, checking out the street art in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, relaxing in the Jardim da Estrela park, and visiting the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga on Sundays before 2 pm.
What to do in Lisbon for a day to experience its history and culture?
To experience Lisbon’s history and culture in a day, consider visiting the following attractions: Castelo de S. Jorge, Belém Tower, Jardim da Estrela, Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, and the National Pantheon.
Can you recommend family-friendly things to do near Lisbon, Portugal?
Family-friendly activities near Lisbon, Portugal, include visiting Parque Eduardo VII, Castelo de S. Jorge, Jardim da Torre de Belém, the Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Old Alfama Square, and the Oceanário de Lisboa.
What are some cool places to visit in Lisbon that showcase the city’s culinary scene?
Some cool places to visit in Lisbon that showcase the city’s culinary scene include Nicolau Lisboa for al fresco brunch, Gambrinus for a taste of Portuguese history, Prado for modern Portuguese cuisine, Tasca da Esquina for Portuguese classics with a contemporary twist, and Cervejaria Ramiro for exceptionally fresh seafood in an iconic setting.
