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Great Places To Visit In And Around Lisbon, Portugal

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • May 2, 2022
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

While there are many European countries to visit, there are very few as unique as Portugal. This breathtaking country sits on the edge of Spain and offers every traveler an experience they will not forget. Many world explorers tend to overlook Portugal, but it is time that we add it as one of our must travel destinations.


When you think about Portugal, what is your first thought? Is it salty fish, blue water, and soccer? While these are all parts of Portuguese culture, it has so much more to discover and enjoy while visiting. Did you know that Portugal is considered the most peaceful country in Europe or that it is the world's largest manufacturer of cork? While there are tons of amazing facts to learn, there are also great places to visit while you are there, including Lisbon and the other great cities that it has to offer.


The image shows a picturesque outdoor cafe or viewpoint overlooking the Alfama district of Lisbon, Portugal. In the foreground, there are tables and chairs set up on a cobbled terrace, behind a railing. Beyond the railing, the view opens up to the densely packed, colorful buildings of Alfama, characterized by their red-tiled roofs. A prominent white-domed church (likely the National Pantheon or São Vicente de Fora Monastery) is visible on the hill in the background, and the Tagus River can be seen in the distance under a clear blue sky.
A Cafe Overlooking Alfama

Alfama

The first place you want to check out in Lisbon is Alfama. This picture-perfect area is full of cobblestone homes, shops, and eateries that any tourist can enjoy. It is also a great place to experience a traditional Fado club. Many of the buildings are still the original architecture. Alfama is home to St. George's Castle, Sé Cathedral, and Feira de Ladra. This beautiful city also has plenty of street art to enjoy. You could spend an entire day simply walking around, taking in the local portraits and visuals. This site is the perfect way to spend a day in Portugal.


The image shows the colorful and iconic Pena Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena) in Sintra, Portugal. The palace is a Romanticist castle, characterized by its vibrant yellow and red facades, intricate architectural details, and a prominent gray dome. It is perched atop a hill, surrounded by lush green trees, offering a panoramic view of the distant landscape and what appears to be a city or town spread out below under a clear sky.
National Palace of Pena

Sinatra

Sinatra is another excellent place to spend a day. This city is so marveled that great British poets, such as Lord Byron, have written about it. The town is outlined with astonishing beautiful rolling hills that are covered in many different types of vegetation. A scene straight out of a storybook. The key attraction here is the National Palace of Pena, a romance resort for Queen Maria II. Once you are finished with this castle, you can make your way to one of the remarkable palaces that call Sinatra home. The best part is that the entire city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


The image displays a scenic view of Praia da Ribeira in Cascais, Portugal. In the foreground, there's a wide sandy beach. Beyond the beach, the charming town of Cascais unfolds with its buildings, some featuring traditional Portuguese architecture with orange-tiled roofs, others more grand with intricate details. The calm waters of the bay stretch out, dotted with boats, and a pier or marina structure is visible in the middle distance. The sky is blue with scattered white clouds, suggesting a pleasant day.
Praia da Ribeira

Cascais

While there you should visit another wonderful seaside town, Cascais. This town is an old finishing town with plenty to offer a traveler. You can visit forts that helped stop pirate attacks! You can also explore places where great leaders would come to vacation. Today it is lined with luxurious resorts that offer the ideal beach experience. Luckily for you, most of the adventure in this town is free or inexpensive.


The image shows the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) in Lisbon, Portugal, a prominent example of Manueline architecture. The grand white stone facade is richly decorated with intricate carvings, including detailed windows and a highly ornate entrance portal on the right. A large dome with a lantern and a bell tower rise above the building. The sky is a clear, deep blue, providing a striking contrast to the white stone. In the foreground, a wide paved area is visible, with a few people walking around, giving a sense of the scale of this impressive historical monument.
Jerónimos Monastery

Belém

The last place to enjoy is the historic waterfront Belém. This town is home to some of Lisbon's most important monuments and museums, including the famous Jerónimos Monastery. This building is a massive tower that looks like it is floating on the Tagus River. A traveler can also enjoy the Discoveries Monument while in Belém. This Monument creates a vivid, powerful picture of what the Age of Discoveries looked like when it happened. The town also offers quiet walks around the river and communities. Do not forget to stop and grab a pastel de nata (Portuguese egg tart pastry), one of the best eats in the entire country, and one of the only places to get them is Belém.


Portugal is the perfect place to enjoy a vacation. This small and peaceful country offers plenty of history, water, and great cities that any traveler can enjoy. It is an inexpensive destination that truly offers something for everyone. If you are ready to discover beautiful Portuguese cities, book a consultation today.

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