Day Trip Ideas For Your Lisbon Holiday

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Built in 1910, the romantic Jardim Botanico Estufa Fria, or the Estufa Fria Botanical Garden, is one of the most popular spots in the city with tourists and locals alike. It''s many glasshouses and abundant greenery, statues and sculpture collection and pretty fountains make this a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

One of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon is the Castelo de Sao Jorge, the Castle of St George, and you cannot miss it! It looms over the city for all to see as it is situated at the top of the largest of the Lisbon hills. Climb to the top and you can explore the castle and find great views over Lisbon and the coast.

As a coastal city, you are never too far from the ocean when you visit Lisbon. An important trade port for centuries, Lisbon has a rich maritime history and you can find out more about its links to the seas at the Lisbon Maritime Museum, the Museu da Marinha.

A great day out for children is to take a trip to the Oceanarium, filled with interactive exhibits and activities. This modern architectural wonder is home to a wide variety of sea life, marine botanicals and marine birds, and ...
... its aim is to educate everyone about the wonderful marine life around Portugal.

One of the most popular day trips out of Lisbon is to Sintra. There is no better way to explore the surrounding countryside of Lisbon than to take a horse-drawn carriage ride from Sintra, though the winding hills, with 360 degree views, up to the famous architectural splendour of the historic Pena Palace.

If you have been exploring the city on foot for a while, and want to rest your tired legs, then why not pop on to one of the Lisbon Vintage Trams. A relaxing, and cheap, way to climb through the city hills, Tram 28 is the best route around Lisbon as it takes you uphill to the Igreja de Sao Vicente Fora, the famous historic monastery at Graca.

For a spot of shopping and a selection of fine dining establishments, head to the Chiada, or downtown, district of Lisbon. The beautiful squares here are lined with cafes, including the famous A Brasileira, the favoured coffee house of poet Fernando Pessoa. You will find designer shops in this area, alongside small independent boutiques, book stores and more.

You will find a huge and incredibly varied selection of museums around Lisbon. You can find everything from the museum of Portuguese tile mosaics - the Museu do Azulejo - to more traditional modern art collections at the Berardo, and textiles, costumes and fashion history at the Museu Nacional do Traje e da Moda. Bonny Kominek is an experienced travel writer who has travelled extensively around Europe and recommends Octopustravel.com for Lisbon hotels.