Portugal 2 Day Itinerary
Title: 2-Day Itinerary for Exploring Portugal
Day 1: Lisbon
Activities:
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Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceânia) - Start your day with a visit to Europe’s largest aquarium, home to various marine species including sharks, penguins, and sea otters. Website
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Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortified tower is a iconic symbol of Lisbon and Portugal. Website
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Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) - Next to the Belem Tower, this monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Portugal’s rich history and architecture. Website
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Alfama District - Explore the old city district with its narrow streets, Fado music, and traditional Portuguese cuisine in restaurants like A Cevicheria or Cantina da Alfama.
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Tram 28 - Take a historic tram ride through Lisbon’s picturesque neighborhoods, including the Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado districts.
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LX Factory - End your day at LX Factory, an innovative creative hub with shops, restaurants, and street art.
Things to know:
- Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Portugal uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency.
- The electrical plugs used are type F (round two-pin), so remember to pack an adapter if needed.
Visa Requirements:
- Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Always check with your local embassy or consulate to confirm requirements. Visa Information
Transportation:
- Lisbon has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, and the metro. A combination of these will help you get around the city easily. Lisbon Transportation
Day 2: Sintra & Cascais
Activities:
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Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) - Visit this colorful, romantic palace located in the Sintra hills. Website
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Quinta da Regaleira - Explore this estate with its mysterious underground tunnels and gardens inspired by various mythologies. Website
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Moors Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) - Visit the ruins of a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of Sintra. Website
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Cascais - After exploring Sintra, head to the coastal town of Cascais for lunch and relaxation on its beautiful beaches.
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Boca do Inferno - On your way back to Lisbon, stop by Boca do Inferno, a stunning cliff formation overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Things to know:
- The best way to reach Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon is by train (Comboios de Portugal). Train Schedules
- The towns of Sintra and Cascais can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, so try to visit early in the day or outside of high season.