Explore Beyond the City Without Breaking the Bank
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities—but ask any local, and they’ll tell you some of the best Portuguese experiences lie just outside city limits. The good news? You don’t need a private car or a luxury budget.
Whether it’s surfing in Cascais, wine tasting in Setúbal, or strolling cobbled lanes in Sintra, there are dozens of cheap day trips from Lisbon locals actually take—and you can too. This guide breaks down the best ones, how to get there, what to see, what to eat, and how to book affordable tours if you’d rather skip the DIY.
1. Sintra: Fairytale Castles Just a Train Ride Away
Why locals love it: Magical palaces, cooler weather, forested hikes
How to get there: 40 minutes by train from Rossio Station (€2.30 one way)
What to Do
- Palácio da Pena—A colorful, hilltop palace that looks straight out of a Disney movie.
- Quinta da Regaleira—secret tunnels, underground towers, and lush gardens.
- Moorish Castle—Stunning views over the region with fewer crowds.
Tip: Book your castle entry online to avoid long queues.
Skip-the-line combo ticket here
What to Eat
- Try Travesseiros (pillow-shaped pastries) at Piriquita, a pastry shop locals love.
- Affordable lunch? Head to Tascantiga for tapas and sangria without the tourist markup.
2. Cascais: Surf, Sun, and Seaside Walks
Why locals love it: Beach-town charm, perfect for relaxing
How to get there: 1 hour by train from Cais do Sodré Station (€2.25 one way)
What to Do
- Lounge at Praia da Rainha or Praia do Guincho
- Walk or bike the Cascais-Estoril promenade
- Visit Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), a dramatic seaside cliff formation
Rent a bike or take a guided cliff walk
What to Eat
- Try a seafood rice or grilled sardines at Marisco na Praça—fair prices and fresh catch.
- Stop for gelato at Santini, a legendary local spot.
3. Setúbal: Wine, Seafood & Secret Beaches
Why locals love it: Less touristy, known for food and wine
How to get there: 50 minutes by train from Lisbon’s Roma-Areeiro Station (€4.60 one way)
What to Do
- Taste local wines at José Maria da Fonseca Winery in nearby Azeitão
- Catch a bus to Praia de Galápos for clear water and fewer crowds
- Explore the Arrábida Natural Park for hiking and ocean views
Book a full-day wine tasting & beach tour
What to Eat
- Setúbal is Portugal’s fried cuttlefish capital. Don’t leave without trying it at Casa Santiago (locals swear by it).
- Pair with a glass of Moscatel de Setúbal, a sweet local wine.
4. Óbidos: A Medieval Town Straight Out of a Movie
Why locals love it: Quiet charm, festivals, local liqueurs
How to get there: 1 hour by Rede Expressos bus (€8.50 each way)
What to Do
- Walk along the castle walls for panoramic views
- Wander cobblestone lanes filled with art, flowers, and handmade goods
- Sip Ginja (cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup—yes, it’s a thing.
Take a guided day trip with wine tasting and transportation included
What to Eat
- Eat at Tasca Torta, a cozy, family-run spot with traditional dishes at reasonable prices.
5. Mafra & Ericeira: Baroque Palaces and Surfer Vibes
Why locals love it: Culture in Mafra, surf and sunsets in Ericeira
How to get there: Bus from Campo Grande or drive (~1 hour total)
What to Do in Mafra
- Visit Palácio Nacional de Mafra, a massive palace-library-monastery complex
- Tour the library’s rare book collection and hidden bat colony (seriously!)
Then head to Ericeira
- Chill at Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, a surfer’s paradise
- Watch the sunset from the cliffs or take a surf lesson
Mafra & Ericeira full-day tour with palace entry
What to Eat
- Grab fresh grilled octopus or clams at Mar d’Areia in Ericeira
- In Mafra, try a Pão com Chouriço (spicy sausage bread) fresh from a wood oven
6. Almada: The Best View of Lisbon (and Amazing Seafood)
Why locals love it: Local eateries, relaxed vibe, and unbeatable views
How to get there: 10-minute ferry from Cais do Sodré (€1.30 one way)
What to Do
- Head to Cristo Rei monument for a Christ the Redeemer-style view over Lisbon
- Walk along Cacilhas for riverside seafood spots and vintage vibes
What to Eat
- Dine at Ponto Final, located right on the edge of the pier—trendy but worth it for the sunset and cataplana.
Reserve your table in advance
7. Costa da Caparica: Lisbon’s Local Beach Break
Why locals love it: Easy escape, long sandy beaches, surf spots
How to get there: 30 minutes by bus from Areeiro or ferry and bus combo
What to Do
- Surf or relax at Praia do Castelo or Praia da Mata
- Walk the wooden boardwalk or rent a bike
- In summer, beach bars come alive with music and dancing
What to Eat
- Eat at O Barbas, a no-frills beachfront spot with epic grilled fish and local prices.
Bonus: Tips for Doing These Trips Cheaply
Use public transport: Portugal’s trains and buses are punctual and cheap
Pack snacks and water to avoid overpriced tourist traps
Combine trips: Sintra in the morning and Cascais in the afternoon is doable
Go mid-week for fewer crowds and cheaper restaurant specials
Look for combo tours: Some operators offer two-in-one experiences at a discount
Lisbon’s charm lies in quiet gardens, hidden alleyways, and local spots. Here are 10 gems showcasing what locals love.
Final Thoughts: Day Trips Without the Tourist Traps
These affordable day trips from Lisbon, which locals love, prove that you don’t need a luxury budget to experience the heart of Portugal. You just need a little planning, a train pass, and an appetite for culture, beaches, or delicious food.
FFrom the palaces of Sintra to the seafood in Setúbal and the surf at Ericeira, these locally loved spots provide a richer, more authentic experience of Portugal—just outside the capital.