Lisbon is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. But how many days do you really need to explore everything it has to offer? This blog post will give you a rundown of what you can expect to see and do in Lisbon, depending on how many days you have to spend there.
1 day: hit the major sights
Lisbon is a city with a lot to offer visitors. If you only have one day to spend in the city, you can still see some of its most iconic sights. Here are some of the highlights that you won’t want to miss.
Lisbon Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The imposing Gothic structure dates back to the 13th century and is worth a visit for its architecture and history alone. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the resident cats that call the cathedral home.
The Chiado neighborhood is one of Lisbon’s most popular shopping and dining destinations. Stroll through its narrow cobbled streets and window shop at the high-end stores before stopping for a coffee or bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is one of Lisbon’s best vantage points for taking in sweeping views of the city. Head up to this hilltop park early in the morning or just before sunset to make sure you get a good spot. Don’t forget your camera!
If you interested in learning more about Lisbon’s history, pay a visit to São Jorge Castle. Perched atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills, the castle offers stunning views over the city as well as a look into its past with exhibits on its Moorish origins and medieval heyday.
Last but not least, no visit to Lisbon would be complete without spending some time in Alfama – the city’s oldest and most picturesque district. Wander through its winding streets, listen to live Fado music, and stop for a refreshing glass of sangria in one of its many taverns.
2 days: add in a few neighborhoods
Lisbon is a city with a lot to see, and two days is enough time to explore some of the best neighborhoods the city has to offer. Mouraria, the historic neighborhood where fado was born, Bairro Alto with its narrow, winding streets, and Chiado with its shops and cafes, are all worth exploring. On the second day, visitors can head out of the city center to Sintra to see its fairytale castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mouraria is one of Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods. It’s where fado, Portugal’s traditional music, was born. The neighborhood has been undergoing gentrification in recent years, but it still retains its old-world charm. Visitors can wander the narrow streets, pop into small shops and cafes, and learn about the neighborhood’s history.
Bairro Alto is another Lisbon neighborhood worth exploring. It known for its nightlife, but there’s also plenty to do during the day. The streets narrow and winding, making it a great place to get lost in (in a good way). There are plenty of shops and cafes to stop in along the way.
Chiado is one of Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods. It known for its shopping and cafe culture. The area is pedestrian-friendly and there are plenty of things to see and do. Visitors can window shop, people watch from outdoor cafes, or visit some of the area’s museums and churches.
On the second day of their trip, visitors can head out of the city center to Sintra. This town known for its fairytale castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can explore Sintra Castle, Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira.
3 days: explore beyond the city center
Lisbon is a city with plenty to see and do beyond the city center. On the third day of your visit, head to the neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado. Start your day in Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Walk through the narrow streets and take in the views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Then, head to Bairro Alto for some shopping and lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. In the afternoon, stroll through Chiado, Lisbon’s cultural center. Browse the shops and stop for a coffee or a glass of wine at one of the cafes. End your day with a fado performance at one of the bars in this neighborhood.
On day three you should also consider taking a day trip to Sintra. This town is located just outside of Lisbon and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most famous are the Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. If you interested in history and architecture, Sintra a must-see.
Whether you spend three days exploring Lisbon’s neighborhoods or venture out of the city, you’re sure to have a memorable experience
4 days: take a day trip
On the fourth day of your trip to Lisbon, consider taking a day trip to one of the many interesting destinations nearby. Some popular choices include Sintra, Cascais, and Obidos. To make the most of your day trip, it’s important to plan ahead and do some research. Be sure to leave plenty of time to explore your destination thoroughly.
When choosing a destination for your day trip, keep in mind what kind of activities you interested in. If you’re looking for a mix of culture and history, Sintra is an excellent choice. This town is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. For a more relaxed day by the beach, Cascais is a great option. This picturesque town located just outside of Lisbon and known for its beaches and charming streets lined with cafes and shops. Finally, if you interested in exploring a medieval town, Obidos is worth a visit. This small town located about an hour north of Lisbon and known for its well-preserved walls and castles.
No matter which destination you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your day trip from Lisbon. First, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there. Depending on where you’re going, it can take anywhere from an hour to two hours to reach your destination by train or bus. Second, don’t try to pack too much into one day. It’s better to see a few things thoroughly than try to squeeze in too many activities and end up feeling rushed. And finally, be sure to have a good map (or download a offline map on your phone) so that you can easily find your way around without getting lost.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a enjoyable and hassle-free day trip from Lisbon!
5 days: slow down and enjoy the city
On the fifth day of your trip to Lisbon, take your time to explore the city at a leisurely pace. Visit some of the museums or art galleries that you didn’t have time for before. Stroll through some of the parks and gardens. Do some shopping, or simply people-watch in one of the many squares. In the evening, enjoy a performance at one of the many theaters or concert halls.
Lisbon has a lot to offer visitors, and taking your time to explore the city will allow you to really appreciate all it has to offer. If you interested in history and culture, be sure to visit some of the museums on this day. The National Archaeology Museum and the National Tile Museum are both excellent choices. Or, if you prefer art, check out one of Lisbon’s many art galleries, such as the Berardo Museum or the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, Lisbon has plenty of parks and gardens for you to enjoy. The Eduardo VII Park a great option if you want to people-watch, as it often filled with locals enjoying their lunch break or walking their dogs. Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, take a stroll through Jardim Botanico da Universidade de Lisboa. This tranquil garden is perfect for admiring nature and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Shoping in Lisbon
Shopping is also a popular activity in Lisbon, and there are plenty of markets and shops where you can find souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home. For unique items, head to one of Lisbon’s many flea markets, such as Feira da Ladra or Mercado da Ribeira. Or, if you’re looking for something more upscale, stop by Armazens do Chiado or El Corte Ingles department store.
In the evening, enjoy a performance at one of Lisbon’s many theaters or concert halls. The Teatro Nacional de São Carlos is Portugal’s oldest opera house and well worth a visit. Or, if you’re looking for something more modern, check out what’s playing at Teatro Municipal de São Luiz. Whatever your taste in music or theater may be, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Lisbon!
How Many Days is Enough for Lisbon
Lisbon is a city with a lot to see and do. If you only have one day, you can still hit some of the major sights, like the Lisbon Cathedral, the Chiado neighborhood, and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. For a more complete experience, two days is ideal. You can explore beyond the city center and take a day trip or two. If you want to really take your time and enjoy Lisbon at a leisurely pace, five days is ideal.
Lisbon is a city with a lot to see, and two days is enough time to explore some of the best neighborhoods the city has to offer. Mouraria, the historic neighborhood where fado was born, Bairro Alto with its narrow, winding streets, and Chiado with its shops and cafes, are all worth exploring. On the second day, visitors can head out of the city center to Sintra to see its fairytale castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
On the third day of your visit to Lisbon, head to the neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado. Start your day in Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Walk through the narrow streets and take in the views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Then, head to Bairro Alto for some shopping and lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. In the afternoon, stroll through Chiado, Lisbon’s cultural center. Browse the shops and stop for a coffee or a glass of wine at one of the cafes. End your day with a fado performance at one of the bars in this neighborhood. You should also consider taking a day trip to Sintra, located just outside of Lisbon. This town is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Pena Palace and the Castle of
