Private day trips from Lisbon to places you'll never forget

Lisbon's top attractions include the historic Alfama district with its narrow streets and fado music venues, Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery (both UNESCO World Heritage sites), São Jorge Castle offering panoramic city views, the elegant Praça do Comércio square, the lively Bairro Alto neighborhood, LX Factory creative hub, and various miradouros (viewpoints) showcasing Lisbon's famous seven hills. Don't miss riding the iconic Tram 28 through historic districts.

The best time to visit Lisbon is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant (65-75°F/18-24°C) and tourist crowds are smaller. Summer (June-August) brings hot temperatures but perfect beach weather, while winter offers mild temperatures (around 60°F/15°C), occasional rain, and fewer tourists. Lisbon enjoys around 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a year-round destination.

Popular day trips from Lisbon include the fairytale palaces and gardens of Sintra (especially Pena Palace), the historic walled city of Obidos, beautiful Evora, the coastal town of Nazare, and the religious site of Fatima.

Lisbon offers various transportation options including the historic trams, modern metro system, buses, and funiculars to help navigate the city's hills. The reloadable Viva Viagem card works across all public transportation. Walking is enjoyable in many areas, though comfortable shoes are essential for Lisbon's steep streets and cobblestone pavements. For day trips to places like Sintra or the Alentejo region, Daytrip's private transportation service provides a convenient alternative.

The Euro (€) is the official currency used in Lisbon and throughout Portugal. Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, though smaller cafes and traditional restaurants may prefer cash. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for withdrawals. Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated in restaurants.

Lisbon's culinary specialties include bacalhau (salted cod prepared in numerous ways), pastéis de nata (custard tarts, best tried at Belém), fresh seafood including grilled sardines, caldo verde (kale soup), bifanas (pork sandwiches), and ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur). Meals are often accompanied by vinho verde (young wine) or local Port wine. For a complete food experience, visit the Time Out Market or traditional tascas (small, family-run restaurants).

English is widely spoken in Lisbon, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Portugal has one of the highest English proficiency levels in southern Europe. Most younger Portuguese people speak English well, and many menus, signs, and transportation information are available in English. Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases is appreciated but not necessary for getting around comfortably.

Lisbon is famously built on seven hills, making walking around the city quite strenuous at times. Comfortable shoes are essential, and you should be prepared for steep inclines and many stairs in neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. The city offers various funiculars and elevators (like the Santa Justa Lift) designed to help navigate these elevation changes. Consider planning your sightseeing route to minimize uphill walks, or use public transportation to reach higher viewpoints.