In case you’re asking what number of days in Lisbon you want, you’re in the fitting place. The capital of Portugal is one in every of Europe’s most gratifying locations, however sizing it up earlier than you’ve been there isn’t essentially straightforward.
The excellent news, relying upon the way you construction your Portugal itinerary, is that you just’ll most likely swing by means of Lisbon twice throughout your journey. In consequence, if you find yourself deciding to spend 3 days in Lisbon—for instance—you can begin with 2 days after you land, then finish with one other earlier than you fly again house.
The place to Keep in Lisbon
Earlier than I dig into the sights and experiences that may assist you to resolve what number of days to spend in Lisbon, let’s discuss lodging. Typically talking, I like to remain in Lisbon’s rapid core: Both in hilltop Alfama, which supplies a few of the metropolis’s greatest views, or in Baixa-Chiado, which is both excessive or low (relying on which “lobe” you keep in) and is the most effective space in Lisbon for eating and nightlife.
In Alfama, I’m of two minds by way of the place to sleep. On the upper finish, Photo voltaic do Castelo is ready in a literal 18th-century mansion, with sweeping views of São Jorge Fortress. Resort Convento do Salvador, in the meantime, is an easier (however nonetheless stylish) property. In Baixa-Chiado, I swear by the Lisboa Pessoa Resort, though there are actually dozens of fantastic choices right here.
What to Do in Lisbon
See the highs and lows of Alfama
I often like to begin my exploration of Lisbon on the waterfront in Praça do Comercio, then stroll (or take a yellow americano road automobile) up the hill into Alfama. Alfama is as filled with “massive” sights like Castelo de São Jorge as it’s small streets to get misplaced strolling down. It’s as a lot about digging into deep tradition like Fado performances as it’s about taking in a few of Lisbon’s most sweeping views (my favourite is from Portas do Sol).
Discover Baixa and Chiado
Subsequent, no matter what number of days in Lisbon you find yourself spending, stroll down into Chiado…or up into Baixa. This multi-level a part of Lisbon can also be multi-pronged by way of the pursuits you may serve right here. There’s one thing for cultural vacationers (Elevador da Santa Justa, constructed by Gustave Eiffel) in addition to foodies and drinkers (TimeOut Market Lisboa or numerous native bars).
In Belem, say a prayer
In case you’re nonetheless in your first day in Lisbon, at this level, head again all the way down to Praça do Comercio—or, if it’s a brand new day, begin there. Experience a road automobile down the river to Belem, the place you may tick a pair gadgets off your Lisbon bucket checklist. I usually suggest beginning on the storied Belem Tower, which stands waterfront with the gorgeous Ponte 25 de April bridge looming within the background, earlier than saying a prayer at Jeronimos Monastery.
Eat an egg tart
Another excuse to spend a while in Belem, no what number of days you keep in Lisbon total? The Pastéis de Belem store, whose egg tarts are an establishment unto themselves. Notice that should you occur to make it all the way down to Belem within the early morning (say, round 8), you may head right here earlier than you do your sightseeing to keep away from the traces which are certain to type later.
Take a day journey to Sintra
It may be troublesome to go away central Lisbon behind, however medieval Sintra is pretty much as good a purpose as any to take action. Whereas most vacationers make a beeline for surreal Pena Nationwide Palace, the regal Quinta da Regaleira can also be value seeing whenever you make your day tour right here, as is the hilltop Castelo dos Mouros. Wish to take a beachier day journey from Lisbon? Cascais could also be calling your identify.
Is Lisbon Price Visiting?
Let me be clear: Lisbon is completely value visiting. It lives as much as each little bit of the hype that’s been constructed up round it, even protecting in thoughts that stated hype has been extraordinarily substantial over the previous decade. It’s most likely in my high 3 favourite capitals in Europe, and is without doubt one of the solely European capitals that simply holds its personal towards each different vacation spot within the nation.
In some methods, the subject of what number of days in Lisbon is superfluous to the town’s worthiness as a vacation spot, and positively as to whether or not you’ll get pleasure from it. Actually, it serves principally to make sure you don’t miss one thing. As a result of regardless of the truth that few vacationers go to Lisbon simply as soon as of their lives, it’s not at all times as straightforward to get again the second or third time.
Different FAQ About Your Journey to Lisbon
Is 5 days in Lisbon an excessive amount of?
5 days in Lisbon just isn’t an excessive amount of should you’ve right-sized what you propose to do there. For instance, whereas 5 days of wall-to-wall museums and castles within the metropolis middle might be extreme, you may break up your exploration of Lisbon’s core with day journeys to Sintra or Cascais. Likewise, 5 days in Lisbon affords you at the very least a full day of wandering, which may additional diversify your itinerary.
Is 2 days sufficient to see Lisbon?
Whether or not 2 days in Lisbon is sufficient relies upon upon the scope of your sightseeing. In case you plan to spend each days in Lisbon’s metropolis middle—one in Alfama and Baixa-Chiado, and one other down the river in Belem—this needs to be adequate. If, however, you additionally wish to take a day journey to Sintra, this may require significantly condensing your exploration of central Lisbon.
Is 7 days too lengthy in Lisbon?
For a conventional sightseeing journey, I’d argue that 7 days in Lisbon might be too lengthy. There’s loads to see and do in and across the metropolis; it additionally begins to mix collectively after a couple of days, for everybody besides essentially the most detail-obsessed explorers. In case you do plan to remain in Lisbon for 7 days, I’d most likely advise renting an Airbnb and “residing” there, as oppose to approaching your journey like a vacationer.
Robert Schrader is a journey author and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications reminiscent of “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the best way. His weblog, Go away Your Day by day Hell, supplies a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays protecting the extra esoteric features of life as a traveler.