Are you wondering how many days you need in Lisbon to make the most of your trip? Here’s an honest answer to help you decide how long to stay in Portugal’s capital!
So, you’ve decided to visit Lisbon but still aren’t sure how many days you should stay in the city? Don’t worry, I’m here to help!
The first thing you should know is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Ultimately, the length of your stay will depend on what kind of trip you’re looking for, your interests and travel style.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ll tell you all about these topics so you can make the best choice when it comes to how many days you need in Lisbon.
Index
1. What to consider when deciding how many days to spend in Lisbon?
Choosing how many days to spend in a new city is not an easy task. When I first started traveling, sometimes I wished I had more time in one specific place. Others, I’d feel like my time would have been better spent in my next destination.
Now, I’ve learned to always take into consideration some key factors when deciding how long to spend in one city. And now I’ll share them with you:
Arrival and departure times
If you arrive late at night or must catch your flight very early in the morning, you won’t be able to do much these days. It’s better to plan for a shorter stay and only consider your full days in the city to maximize your sightseeing opportunities.
Where you’re staying
The location of your hotel is another crucial aspect. If you’re staying in the central region, it’s much easier to visit the main attractions in less time. However, central locations tend to have higher prices.
So, if possible, try to find a balance between convenience and budget when choosing your accommodation.
Personal interests
Of course, don’t forget to take into consideration your personal interests when deciding the duration of your trip.
Think about what you enjoy the most when traveling. Is it the museums and historical sites? Or do you prefer shopping, visiting beaches, hiking, or going on food tours? Determining your priorities will definitely help you find an answer to how many days you need in Lisbon.
Transportation
Transportation is also essential to optimize your time during your visit. If you plan on walking, it will take you more time to get to all the attractions you want to visit. If you’re short on time, you can rely on public transportation (bus and metro), taxi and Uber.
Time of the year
You also want to consider the time of the year of your trip. If you’re going in the Winter, for example, you won’t need extra days to go to the beach. If you’re going in the Summer, you should keep in mind that attractions will be busier, and so on.
Budget
Last but not least, plan the duration of your trip according to your budget. It’s possible to visit Lisbon in 1-2 days if your budget is limited. If not, you can spend more time exploring the city and immersing yourself in Lisbon’s charm.
2. How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Generally speaking, I recommend staying 3-4 days in Lisbon. This will give you plenty of time to visit the highlights without feeling rushed, spend a few hours in Belém and go on a half-day trip to Sintra.
How many days in Lisbon for first timers?
While there’s so much to see and do in Lisbon, I’d recommend staying around 3 days for first-time visitors. It may not seem like a lot, but trust me, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the highlights of the city and soak in its unique atmosphere.
First, you’ll want two full days to explore the attractions in the neighborhoods of Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto, as well as some of the main miradouros (viewpoints) in the city, such as Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro da Graça.
I highly recommend going on a half-day trip to Sintra, where you’ll visit the magical and colorful Pena Palace. Then, you’ll spend half a day exploring Belém, where you’ll find the gorgeous Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, and taste the most delicious pastéis de nata, a traditional custard tart, at Pastéis de Belém.
How many days in Lisbon just to see the highlights?
If you’re short on time and just want to cross Lisbon off your bucket list, it’s possible to see the main tourist attractions in just one day. But prepare yourself for a very busy and fast-paced day!
I’d recommend starting the day at Castelo de São Jorge, then exploring the neighborhood of Alfama before heading to the attractions in Baixa-Chiado and Bairro Alto.
If you can, add a second day to visit Belém (you won’t want to miss the Jerónimos Monastery) and go on a half day-trip to Sintra.
How many days in Lisbon for history and art enthusiasts?
If you love visiting museums and historical sites, you’re in for a treat in Lisbon! After all, this is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with a rich cultural heritage and lively art scene.
To make the most of your cultural trip, I’d recommend staying at least 4 days. That way, you’ll be able to explore Lisbon’s impressive array of museums, such as:
- National Tile Museum
- National Museum of Ancient Art
- National Museum of Costume and Fashion
- National Museum of Contemporary Art
- National Coach Museum
- Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
- Belém Cultural Center
- Museum of the Orient
- José Saramago Foundation
- Fado Museum
You should also take your time to explore Lisbon’s narrow cobblestone streets and historical attractions, like Castelo de São Jorge and the Alfama neighborhood, Carmo Convent, Elevador da Justa (and these are just a few options!).
If you have more than 4 days available, consider visiting nearby towns such as the medieval Óbidos or the Roman ruins and Chapel of Bones in Évora.
How many days in Lisbon for a relaxing beach vacation?
When it comes to visiting the beautiful beaches near Lisbon, you’ll want to plan for at least 4 days. Why? Because there are just so many stunning spots waiting for you to explore!
Some of the nearest beaches from Lisbon are Praia de Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica and Praia da Conceição, but there are a lot of other options. It’s worth taking your time to get to know them.
And if you’re willing to venture a bit further, you can visit some beaches in the Algarve. Either way, there’s no shortage of beautiful sandy beaches for you to sunbathe and relax.
How many days in Lisbon for slow travelers?
For the slow traveler, I’d recommend staying at least 5 days. This will allow you to explore the highlights of the city at your own pace, enjoying each of them to the fullest.
With this timeframe, you can easily pick two attractions a day and still have plenty of time to wander aimlessly through the streets, stop at cafes and enjoy leisurely meals.
It’s also possible to go on one (or more) daytrip. My recommendations are Sintra, Évora and/or Cascais.
Conclusion
When it comes to Lisbon, there’s no wrong answer to how many days you should spend there. In the end, it all depends on your travel style and preferences.
In my opinion, you should stay at least 2 days to really get a taste of the Portuguese lifestyle. Or, even better, spend 3 or more days exploring this captivating city. I’m sure you won’t regret it!
