Start your day by exploring the beautiful Sintra National Palace, also known as Palacio Nacional de Sintra. The palace has roots in the Middle Ages, but the dominating style is Gothic architecture with notable Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.
After the palace, head to the lavish Quinta da Regaleira. The estate is famous for its fascinating, colorful gardens, lovely fountains, enigmatic grottos, and numerous impressive constructions.
Next stop is the Jerónimos Monastery, a 16th-century monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. The building style is Manueline, which presents an ornate maritime-inspired design, heavily influenced by scenes and motifs of the Age of Discovery.
Finish off the day by strolling and appreciating Lisbon’s grandest square, Praça do Comércio. The impressive plaza, the largest in Portugal, boasts rich architecture and heritage, as well as seating options at various cafes and restaurants to enjoy the picturesque views.
One day in Portugal requires a reliable mode of transportation to make the most of your itinerary. Consider renting a car or hiring a private driver for flexible travel and time management. Public transportation options are available, but it may limit your time to visit the recommended sites. An estimated cost of rental car or driver for 1 day is 50 EUR, and average travel time and distance is 80-90 minutes for a round trip from Lisbon.
If you have more time, explore the coastal town of Cascais located to the west of Lisbon, or visit the Belem Tower close to Jerónimos Monastery. If you have less time, you may skip the Praça do Comércio, and spend more time at the Sintra National Palace or Quinta da Regaleira. Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and carry bottled water.
The only significant international airport in Portugal is the Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), located 7 km from the city center. The airport is well-connected with the city via metro, bus, and taxi services, and handles over 25 million passengers annually.