Couples Casual Getaway to Lisbon, Portugal

Upon arrival in Lisbon, after a long period of travel, you’re likely to want to check in to your accommodations swiftly before taking in the sights and sounds of this incredible city. Grab an Uber or try the local ride service, Bolt, to pick you up from the airport. After settling in to your hotel, grab a traditional snack of sweet pastel de nata or a savory bifana and an exotic local drink of ginjinha from any of the quiosques along your path and explore the countless options for dinner on your first night.

Getting your bearings in Lisbon is fun as its encompassing barrios, each with a distinct character, make for diverse atmospheres to explore. From the historic Alfama district to the party vibes in the former dockside of Cais do Sodre neighborhood, stroll through narrow streets, often adorned with colorful graffiti juxtaposed with the antiqued architecture and handcrafted tiles. It's never boring. As you search for a great dinner spot, keep in mind that locals tend to eat in the later hours of the evening from eight to 10 pm, keeping the nightlife running into the early morning hours. If you’re looking to beat the crowd of locals and tourists alike, I recommend having dinner a little earlier, supplemented with a late night snack from a street vendor serving tasty treats. Otherwise, reservations to your desired eatery are highly recommended.

Pro tip: Get the Navegante Card, or Viva Viagem, from a kiosk on arrival at the airport. It’s the cheapest way to use public transport — either bus or train — in and around Lisbon.

Taking in a country's storied history and colorful culture is always a highlight of any trip abroad and, in Lisbon, there is no shortage of either. With countless museums and historical landmarks to see, all within walking distance of the city center, you can spend a whole day exploring the past.

Start your day just west of the city, where a pair of UNESCO World Heritage sites are located; you just cannot miss these. Torre de Belem is a medieval fortification along the Tagus River with gorgeous views that are bound to give you the perfect backdrop for a cute couples' photo. A short walk away is the famous Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, where you can explore an old monastery known for its beautiful Manueline architecture.

Looking for something more modern? Just down the street, you can check out the MAAT for an exploration of Portuguese art, architecture and technology. Or visit the MAC for modern and contemporary art exhibitions, featuring such greats as Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol.

Continue your day by heading east and finding some great museums dedicated to Portuguese culture. The Museo Nacional do Azulejo is one of the most iconic options, presenting a unique collection of tiles and offering a fascinating look into the artistry of the traditional Portuguese ceramics. You will also find the Museu do Fado, which highlights the poignant and soulful style of Fado, including the history, evolution and key figures of the musical art form.

Complete your trip into the past by catching the sunset from any number of miradouros around the city, the best being at Castelo de Sao Jorge. These hilltop vistas offer unique views of Lisbon and the surrounding areas. It's the perfect place for a romantic end to a full day.

A short 35-minute train ride away lies the charming beachside town of Cascais. Known for sandy beaches and upscale atmosphere, it combines a rich maritime history with modern sophistication, offering scenic seaside walks and fine dining options.

If you arrive early, start the day with a breakfast from Cafe Galeria House of Wonders, a delicious vegetarian spot with colorful charm and rooftop seating. After fueling up, take time to wander the cobblestone streets and admire the beautifully-tiled buildings, popping in and out of the local shops. If you need a break from all the walking, take a seat and relax in Parque Marechal Carmona. It’s a colorful garden full of shady spots to rest and watch people and peacocks wander about.

As the day carries on, slip off your shoes and walk along either the wide and wavy Praia do Guincho or the calm and quiet Praia da Rainha. Both beaches offer plenty of local eats with great views for lunch. Before catching your train and heading back, make your way to Boca de Inferno before the sun sets to take some photos at golden hour to memorialize your trip.

Your day wouldn’t be complete without getting ice cream at Santini, a legendary gelato shop known for its rich, creamy flavors and high-quality ingredients. Established in 1949, it’s a local favorite and offers a wide range of classic and unique flavors. Another great option is Gelados Artisani, which is loved for its artisanal ice creams made with fresh, natural ingredients. Both spots are perfect for enjoying a treat while strolling through the charming streets of Cascais.

Pro tip: Catch the train in Cais do Sodré, and ride the left side of the train to Cascais for the best views of the coast.

Sintra is a great destination to visit for the day. It's only 45 minutes by train from the Rossio station in central Lisbon. Here you will find some of the most spectacular palaces nestled in the lush Portuguese hillsides.

Start the day by spending a few hours at the iconic and colorful Palacio da Pena, followed by the Moorish Castle’s ancient beauty then take a break for lunch. Spend your afternoon taking a spiral staircase into the enchanting Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira or admire the intricate architecture of Palacio de Monserrate. This collection of sites offers a deep look into the rich history and architectural heritage of Portugal. I recommend getting your tickets online and in advance to keep your day running smoothly.

After an adventurous day on foot, take a load off and indulge in some homemade Portuguese dishes before taking the train back to your hotel. Try Cantinho Gourmet, a cozy eatery that's a favorite among locals for the quality and value. Or head to Tascantiga for a wide range of traditional tapas in a more casual setting.

Pro tip: Wait and get off the train at Sintra, not Portela de Sintra.

Want to see the tallest waves in the world? Well, start your day off early by taking an Uber or Bolt to catch the Flix Bus to Nazare at the Sete Rios or Oriente bus terminals. It’s a comfortable two-hour ride, which is usually air-conditioned with reclining seats.

Once you arrive at the Nazare bus terminal, make your way to the beach by foot or again by Uber or Bolt. Grab a bite at any seaside cafe before taking in the sites. Nazare is known for its massive waves. To get the perfect shot of these iconic waves, I would recommend checking out Farol da Nazare. You can take the funicular to the top, but the best route is the uphill walk overlooking the beach below, which features a swing halfway up with stunning picturesque views.

After you’ve made your way back down, head over to the Mercado Municipal de Nazare. Here you can find tons of local produce, seafood and local crafts. It’s a great place to pick up some local flavors and souvenirs.

Don’t leave without trying the unbelievable local seafood at one of the many restaurants nearby. Taberna d’Adelia is a beachside dream with a rustic ambiance and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Or try the locally-owned Restaurante Mili for a cozy relaxed meal, featuring some of the best chicken curry around.

Pro tip: Check the weather and be sure to secure Flix Bus tickets in advance.

Lisbon is known for its continually evolving art scene and countless murals or street art adorning the city and surrounding barrios. Look for murals as you explore the area surrounding your hotel or specifically seek out famed local artists’ work such as, Vhils, PichiAvo, Bordalo II, Os Gemeos and Shepard Fairly (Obey). This is a great self-guided day of exploration or you can book a guided tour with local experts guaranteeing you spot the most iconic works around.

After a day of visual stimulation, engage your sense of sound with an intimate musical experience at one of the many Fado Houses scattered throughout Lisbon. Fado is the expressive music of the Portuguese and it's focused on themes including longing, fate and nostalgia, what they call saudade. Check out A Severa in Barrio Alto for an elevated Fado experience, including traditional cuisine and plenty of wine.

Top off your last day with a raucous night out in Cais do Sodré. Wander the former seedy dockside streets where you can dance with strangers, make new friends and drink one to many cocktails as you bid farewell to the enchanting charms of Lisbon and its people.

As your last day in Lisbon begins, take time to appreciate all you have seen and experienced over these last few days.

Check those final boxes and grab some souvenirs for your loved ones from any of the shops you saw while exploring all week. Check out LX Factory, if you haven’t already, near the 25 de Abril Bridge and grab another bite at your favorite spot before a good nights rest for your long journey home.