Lisbon is a firm favourite for European travellers, and it’s set to remain so this summer! Its easy accessibility and still-affordable prices for both travel and expenses on the ground are two of its main draws. But you can also add the variety of its neighbourhoods, its monuments, its pretty cobbled streets, its unique atmosphere, and a consistently warm welcome. So, what is there to see and do in a week in Lisbon and the nearby region?
Three days to discover the Portuguese capital…
Explore the Alfama district by wandering through its winding alleyways, peaceful squares, and terraces. Here you can visit St. George’s Castle, enjoying the views from the many viewpoints dotted around this neighbourhood. Also worth seeing are the Santa Maria Maior Cathedral, built in 1147, the National Pantheon, which houses the tombs of the country’s illustrious figures, and the nearby Monastery of São Vicente de Fora. This is also where you can catch Lisbon’s famous tram, the Eléctrico n°28, with its iconic yellow carriages that trundle through the old town.
The Baixa district was rebuilt after a tidal wave and earthquake in 1755. You’ll find many grand squares (including the Praça do Comércio) and wide avenues. A little further on, the Bairro Alto district stands out as the city’s lively and fashionable quarter, with its countless bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops of all kinds, as well as its own cathedral and botanical garden.
In the chic and elegant Chiado district, you can visit the ruins of the Carmo Church, browse the shops on Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett with their historic shopfronts, before visiting the Chiado National Museum of Contemporary Art.
As for the Belém district, it is closely linked to the departure of Vasco da Gama’s caravels for India. You’ll find many sites of interest here: the Museum of Ancient Art, the Navy Museum, the Cultural Centre, and of course, the magnificent Belém Tower.
Don’t forget to explore the Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), so different from the rest of the city with its avant-garde architecture. It includes various interesting venues like the Oceanário, the Portugal Pavilion, the Pavilion of Knowledge and Living Science, the Lisbon Casino, and many more. A cable car will take you on a 1km journey near the Vasco da Gama bridge, at the foot of the eponymous tower.
A manageable, human-scale city rich with countless treasures, of which we have mentioned only a few examples here.
… and four days to explore the surrounding region
The Lisbon region is located in the middle of the country and stretches on either side of the Tagus estuary. It is bordered to the north by the Centre region, to the east by the Alentejo, and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, while its southern boundary is shared between the latter two. North of the Tagus, the landscape is one of hills, while to the south, you’ll find more rugged coastlines and nature reserves. This region is home to about 25% of Portugal’s total population, and it offers many sites to discover, which often leads to quite dense and sometimes difficult traffic.
Besides Lisbon itself, which deserves a visit of several days, you can discover several interesting places in this region. Here are a few examples.
The town of Sintra and its palaces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an unmissable first stop.
Not far from there, Cabo da Roca marks the most westerly point of mainland Europe.
The village of Cascais is also well worth a visit with its typical 19th-century architecture, from the period when it became a seaside resort for Europe’s wealthiest holidaymakers. Today, it remains a very popular seaside spot and a charming fishing port.
Further south, the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park offers a stunning area where the deep green of the mountain vegetation meets the bright white of the limestone cliffs and the deep blue of the ocean.
Peniche, a major fishing port, offers a historic heart worth exploring in addition to its many maritime activities. Offshore, the Berlengas nature reserve, an archipelago of wild beauty, serves as a refuge for many migratory birds.
Back on the coast, Estoril charms visitors with its sandy beaches, its park filled with tropical plants, and its beautiful avenues shaded by palm trees.
In Setúbal, besides taking a dip in the sea, you’ll enjoy visiting the Church of São Julião, the fortress, the museum, the Church of Jesus and the Castle of São Filipe, not to mention the old town.
Finally, surfers can surf to their heart’s content in Sesimbra, a fishing village with a surf spot well-known to enthusiasts.
A region full of treasures that won’t disappoint.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.