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How Many Days In Lisbon For The Perfect Holiday?
Are you planning a trip to the capital of Portugal but you’re unsure of how many days in Lisbon you should spend? I’ve got you covered!
There’s so much to discover in Portugal’s beautiful capital city, from the narrow streets of the historic Alfama neighbourhood, to the trendy harbour area.
I’ve visited Lisbon multiple times and have found that the perfect amount of time to fully experience it is three days. 3 days is a good amount of time to explore the Portuguese capital and do a day or half-day trip.
However, everyone has different preferences and schedules, so I want to explain in detail why I think 3 days is the perfect amount of time and I’ll give you a few examples of itineraries for various lengths of stay.
🤩 Taking a Tuk Tuk Tour is a great way to see the main attractions!
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Determining how many days to visit Lisbon heavily depends on your travelling style. But in my opinion, 3 days in Lisbon is the perfect amount of time. It gives you the chance to explore everything Lisbon has to offer and you can do a day trip to Sintra or Cascais.
For however long you decide to visit Lisbon, I got the best things to do in Lisbon depending on how long you have.
Spending one day in Lisbon
In my opinion, a single day in Lisbon just isn’t enough to explore Lisbon. I really recommend spending more than one day. That being said, it is possible to get a taste of the city’s charm with a thought-through one-day Lisbon itinerary.
If you only have one day, you should start your day early and make sure to book all the entrance tickets to the sight you want to see in advance to avoid waiting in line.
In the morning walk through the narrow streets of Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and immerse yourself in the city’s history. Wander around the labyrinthine streets before heading to the magnificent São Jorge Castle for some stunning city views.
In the afternoon, make your way to the cultural district of Belem. Don’t miss the iconic Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Tower of Belem, and leave some room for a ‘Pastel de Nata’, a local pastry, for dessert.
Remember, this is just a flavor of what Lisbon has to offer, and there’s much more to explore if you can manage a longer stay!
🤩 I love this Tuk Tuk Tour for its local guide!
Spending two days in Lisbon
If you have two days in Lisbon, you can truly dive into the heart of the city and savor its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.
Start your first day in the traditional Alfama district. Wander through its narrow, winding streets, breathe in the history, find the best viewpoint of Lisbon and make your way up to the commanding São Jorge Castle.
🤩 A walking tour is a great idea for a first visit!
After a morning exploring ancient ruins and enjoying panoramic city views, descend into the city center to explore the vibrant area around R. Augusta.
The R. Augusta area in Lisbon offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. The history-rich Praca do Comercio and the majestic Arco da Rua Augusta are must-visits, and the lively atmosphere at night is an experience in itself.
On your second day, venture to the cultural district of Belem, where the iconic Jeronimos Monastery, or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos as it’s called in Portuguese, and the Tower of Belem await.
In the afternoon, head to LX Factory, an innovative cultural space filled with unique boutiques, innovative art installations, and trendy eateries.
Two days in Lisbon allows for a rich, immersive experience, blending the city’s historical roots with its contemporary vibe.
Spending three days in Lisbon
With three days in Lisbon, you can explore the beautiful city as well as get a taste for the surroundings on a day trip.
The first two days can be spent as previously outlined in the 2 days itinerary, immersing yourself in Lisbon’s history, culture, and gastronomy.
On the third day, take the opportunity to venture beyond the city limits with a day trip to Sintra or Cascais.
If you choose Sintra, you’ll marvel at the fairy-tale Pena Palace and wander in the mystical Quinta da Regaleira. It’s super easy to get to Sintra from Lisbon by public transport.
Alternatively, heading to Cascais offers a chance to soak up some sun on the beautiful sandy beaches. However, there are more things to do and see in Cascais than just relaxing at the beaches.
I would only recommend a day trip to Cascais if you visit during the summer months. In the summer months, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Sintra since it’s too crowded in the peak season.
Either choice provides a wonderful contrast to the city and an enriching end to your three-day visit. If you can’t decide between Sintra and Cascais you can take a day tour from Lisbon and visit both.
Spending four days or more in Lisbon
If you’re in Lisbon for four or more days, you have the freedom to explore beyond the city’s borders on each extra day.
It’s also worth spending more time in Lisbon itself. You can look for the best viewpoints, try different coffee shops, appreciate the works of local street artists, go shopping and try to find your favourite vegan restaurant in Lisbon.
If you’re keen on modern architecture visit Parque das Nações just outside Lisbon city center. For nightlife and shopping enthusiasts, the vibrant district of Bairro Alto offers a mix of traditional establishments and contemporary boutiques.
There are also multiple other day trip options from Lisbon:
- In the historic university city of Coimbra you can explore the oldest university in Portugal, admire the stunning Joanina Library and wander around the beautiful University Botanic Garden.
- Step back in time with a visit to the charming medieval town of Óbidos. Here, you can walk along ancient city walls, visit the picturesque Castle of Óbidos, and sample the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha. By the way, Ginjinha makes for a great souvenir from Portugal.
- A day trip to Porto allows you to experience its charming UNESCO world heritage old town, stunning river views, and famous Port wine cellars. However, although a full day in Porto might be enough time to see the main attractions in the city, you can easily spend 3 days in Porto to truly explore the city and the surroundings.
- On a day trip to the Algarve you get to see breathtaking beaches and cliffs, and picturesque coastal towns. But once again, I recommend spending more days in the Algarve than just a day.
When to visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon largely depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re a fan of warm, sunny days perfect for lazy afternoons at the beach, then the summer months (June to August) are your best bet. But be aware that these months also draw the largest crowds, so be prepared for a buzzing city full of tourists.
If you prefer a quieter experience where you can take your time exploring the city, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are ideal. The weather is still pleasant, but the city is less crowded.
That being said, you can always be unlucky with weather. My last visit to Lisbon was in October and it pretty much rained for the entire week of my stay.
Winter is generally mild in Lisbon, but it can still get cold. But if you want to visit in the least touristy season and during the cheapest time of the year, winter in Lisbon is the best time for your visit.
Ultimately, there’s really no wrong time to visit Lisbon – every season has its charm!
Is Lisbon worth visiting?
Without a doubt, Lisbon is worth visiting! This enchanting city effortlessly blends traditional heritage with striking modernism, making it a vibrant and dynamic destination.
From wandering through its narrow, cobbled streets and marveling at the beautifully tiled buildings, to tasting its culinary delights like the famous Pastéis de Nata, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s culture.
Final thoughts: How many days in Lisbon Portugal?
In conclusion, how many days you decide to spend in Lisbon really depends on what you want to get out of your visit.
Whether it’s a quick weekend city break, my recommended 3-day stay, a more leisurely week-long stay, or anything in between, Lisbon promises a memorable experience filled with history, culture, delicious cuisine, and more.
Remember, it’s not about rushing to see everything. Instead, take the time to soak in the city’s charm, stroll through its picturesque streets at your own pace, and savor every moment.
🤩 The best way to see the amazing Lisbon attractions is on a guided tour!
Read more about Lisbon:
- One Day In Lisbon Portugal: Perfect Itinerary
- Epic Two Days In Lisbon: Ultimate Itinerary
- Perfect Sintra Day Trip From Lisbon: Itinerary + Tips
- How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon: Different Ways
- 5 Best Day Tours From Lisbon To Sintra
- Is Sintra Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons
- 11 Incredible Day Trips From Lisbon Portugal
- Best Tours From Lisbon to Algarve
- Day Trip To Porto From Lisbon: Is It Worth It?
- Lisbon and Porto Itinerary: 7 Epic Days in Portugal
- How Many Days In Lisbon For The Perfect Holiday?
- 11 Best Things to Do in Cascais Portugal
- Amazing Day Trip From Lisbon To Cascais by Train
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 10 Days You Won’t Forget
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days
- 15 Best Souvenirs from Portugal to Remember Your Holiday
- Does it Snow in Portugal? Magical Winter in Portugal