A Guide to Things to Do Near Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city, is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Europe. Located on the Atlantic coast and surrounded by seven hills, Lisbon is brimming with charm, culture, and history. With its cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and spectacular views, Lisbon offers the perfect combination of traditional Portuguese culture with modern amenities. With its mild climate, many outdoor activities are available year-round, making it the ideal destination for a city break or longer stay.

History and Culture

Lisbon has a rich and long history dating back to the Celts. It was an important port city during the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries and was the site of the 1580 Treaty of Lisbon between Spain and Portugal. The city was heavily damaged by a massive earthquake in 1755, but it was rebuilt and modernized over the following decades. Today, Lisbon is still a bustling port city and is known as one of Europe’s most important cities for business and culture.

Lisbon is a city of culture and art, with many museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing the best of Portuguese art, music, and cinema. Its picturesque streets are lined with colorful buildings that are fascinating to explore. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, with seafood being a specialty. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, and music venues offering live entertainment late into the night.

Popular Activities in Lisbon

One of the most popular activities in Lisbon is exploring the city’s many attractions. Visitors can take a tour of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Castelo de Sao Jorge, a medieval castle perched high on one of the city’s seven hills. The Marques de Pombal Square is also a popular spot to visit, with its grand fountains and monuments dedicated to Portuguese royalty. Other popular sights include the Jeronimos Monastery, a 16th-century World Heritage Site; the Belem Tower, a fortified tower on the banks of the Tagus River; and the Lisbon Cathedral, an ancient Gothic church.

Lisbon also has an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. Visitors can wander through the beautiful Botanical Gardens or spend a day at one of the many beaches nearby. There are also several parks with lovely walking trails and plenty of green space to relax in. A popular activity is a day trip to nearby Sintra, a small village filled with beautiful palaces and gardens that is only a short train ride from Lisbon.

Day Trips From Lisbon

Lisbon is ideally situated for day trips to some of Portugal’s most stunning attractions. One popular day trip is to Obidos, a walled village just an hour north of Lisbon that is full of medieval charm. Here visitors can explore cobblestoned streets lined with whitewashed buildings or visit one of the many castles in the area. Another popular day trip from Lisbon is to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Portugal. This beautiful city is full of history and culture with its Roman ruins, medieval churches, and charming little shops.

Touring the Wine Region

Just an hour away from Lisbon lies Portugal’s wine region, where visitors can sample some of the country’s finest vintages. A popular tour is the Douro Valley Wine Tour which takes visitors to some of Portugal’s most beautiful vineyards. The tour includes tastings of some of the local wine varieties as well as a traditional Portuguese lunch. It’s an excellent way to explore Portugal’s stunning countryside and sample some of its finest wines.

Exploring Sintra

Sintra is a small village located just outside Lisbon that has been drawing visitors for centuries. This charming village is full of fairytale-like palaces and gardens as well as several small museums. Visitors can explore the Pena Palace or visit one of the many other palaces in the area, or simply stroll through the cobblestoned streets to admire the colorful houses and take in the stunning views.

Visit Belém Tower

One of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks is Belém Tower. This 16th-century fortification stands tall on the banks of the Tagus River and offers spectacular views over the city. Visitors can explore the interior of this beautiful building which houses a museum with artifacts from Portugal’s Age of Exploration as well as stunning views from its roof terrace. It’s well worth a visit for anyone interested in Lisbon’s history and architecture.

Take a Cruise Along The Tagus River

The Tagus River is Lisbon’s main river and runs through the city offering stunning views from both sides. A popular activity is to take a cruise along this river that takes visitors past some of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks such as Belem Tower or Jeronimos Monastery. There are several companies offering cruises along this river so you can choose one that best suits your interests or budget.

Go Whale Watching

For those looking for something unique to do near Lisbon, whale watching is an excellent option. From December to April, humpback whales migrate through Portugal’s waters offering visitors up close views of these majestic creatures. There are several companies offering whale watching tours from Lisbon that include experienced guides as well as refreshments onboard. It’s a great way to explore Portugal’s beautiful coastline while catching glimpses of whales in their natural habitat.

Book a Tour to Fatima

Fatima is one of Portugal’s most important religious sites and is located about one hour north of Lisbon. Every year millions of pilgrims visit this site to pay their respects at the shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. A tour from Lisbon will include stops at some of Fatima’s most important sites such as the Chapel of Apparitions, the Sanctuary Church, and Fatima’s Basilica. It’s an excellent way to explore this important religious site while learning more about its fascinating history and significance to millions of pilgrims around the world.

Conclusion

Lisbon has something for everyone – from exploring its historic sites to enjoying outdoor activities or indulging in delicious Portuguese cuisine. For those looking for an unforgettable experience, there are plenty of things to do near Lisbon that provide an insight into Portugal’s culture and history while enjoying its stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for an exciting day trip or an unforgettable adventure, there’s something for everyone near Lisbon.