Click on the links below for 10 memorable Lisbon things to do:
One of Europe's most romantic and enchanting towns just a 40-minute train ride from central Lisbon. Its impressive concentration of fairytale palaces makes it a destination not to be missed, and although most visit on a day trip (heading straight to the famous Pena Palace), it is also a good idea to stay overnight. Many organized Lisbon sightseeing tours also end up here.
A World Heritage town less than 2 hours away by express bus or car. The highlight is a Roman temple, but more memorable is its chapel of bones or the prehistoric monuments nearby. Although most visitors arrive by car, it's also possible to visit on a bus tour from Lisbon.
A picturesque town and surfer's paradise reached in 40 minutes by train. Known for its beautiful and refreshing Atlantic beaches, it's the most accessible for tourists looking for a day in the sand and sun.
Europe's largest casino and spectacular golf are just 40 minutes away by train. Although usually seen together with Cascais (reached walking down the beachfront boardwalk), it's a destination on its own, whether for gambling at the casino or for the postcard beach Tamariz.
The country's prettiest medieval village is just over one hour away by car. It's a romantic storybook place known as "the wedding present town" for having been a gift of a king to his bride. It's also known for major festivals throughout the year, from the chocolate festival to the medieval market and the "Christmas village". Tourists usually visit on a sightseeing bus tour from Lisbon.
A beautiful rococo palace about 20 minutes away on the Sintra train line. It's a smaller Portuguese version of Versailles, with gardens that are just as impressive as the palace's interior.
One of Europe's biggest palaces, reached by bus (less than 1h30m away). Made famous by Nobel Prize author Jose Saramago's novel "Baltazar and Blimunda," it's also known for one of the finest libraries in Europe.
You'll need a car but you'll want to join most Lisboetas at the beaches of this 30km-long coastline in the summer. Some beaches are crowded, others nearly deserted, some overdeveloped, others wild and pristine. The choice is yours.
Beautiful, wild Mediterranean vegetation by the Atlantic, south of the city, only reached by car but worth it -- not just for the beauty of the natural park but also for one of the Lisbon Coast's most beautiful beaches - the Portinho da Arrábida.
Although Nazare further to the north has all the fame for "the world's biggest waves," this traditional seaside village closer to Lisbon is the original surfing mecca. Just 1h30m away by bus, it was Europe's first designated surfing reserve. Those who don't surf, head here for relaxing days by the Atlantic in the atmosphere of a former fishing village with good seafood restaurants.
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