In case you’re asking what number of days in Lisbon you want, you’re in the suitable place. The capital of Portugal is considered one of Europe’s most satisfying 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 simply’ll in all probability swing by 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 dwelling.
The place to Keep in Lisbon
Earlier than I dig into the points of interest and experiences that can enable you resolve what number of days to spend in Lisbon, let’s discuss lodging. Typically talking, I like to remain in Lisbon’s fast core: Both in hilltop Alfama, which offers a number 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 one of the best space in Lisbon for eating and nightlife.
In Alfama, I’m of two minds when it comes to 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 Citadel. 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 wonderful choices right here.
What to Do in Lisbon
See the highs and lows of Alfama
I normally like to start out my exploration of Lisbon on the waterfront in Praça do Comercio, then stroll (or take a yellow americano road automotive) up the hill into Alfama. Alfama is as filled with “huge” points of interest 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 be multi-pronged when it comes to the pursuits you’ll be able to 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 right down to Praça do Comercio—or, if it’s a brand new day, begin there. Trip a road automotive down the river to Belem, the place you’ll be able to tick a pair gadgets off your Lisbon bucket checklist. I sometimes advocate beginning on the storied Belem Tower, which stands waterfront with the beautiful 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 general? The Pastéis de Belem store, whose egg tarts are an establishment unto themselves. Be aware that for those who occur to make it right 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 tough to go away central Lisbon behind, however medieval Sintra is pretty much as good a motive as any to take action. Whereas most vacationers make a beeline for surreal Pena Nationwide Palace, the regal Quinta da Regaleira can be price seeing whenever you make your day tour right here, as is the hilltop Castelo dos Mouros. Need to take a beachier day journey from Lisbon? Cascais could also be calling your title.
Is Lisbon Price Visiting?
Let me be clear: Lisbon is completely price visiting. It lives as much as each little bit of the hype that’s been constructed up round it, even conserving in thoughts that mentioned hype has been extraordinarily substantial over the previous decade. It’s in all probability in my prime 3 favourite capitals in Europe, and is without doubt one of the solely European capitals that simply holds its personal in opposition to 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 take pleasure in it. Actually, it serves largely to make sure you don’t miss one thing. As a result of despite the truth that few vacationers go to Lisbon simply as soon as of their lives, it’s not all the time 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 is just not an excessive amount of for those who’ve right-sized what you intend to do there. For instance, whereas 5 days of wall-to-wall museums and castles within the metropolis middle might be extreme, you’ll be able to break up your exploration of Lisbon’s core with day journeys to Sintra or Cascais. Likewise, 5 days in Lisbon affords you no less than a full day of wandering, which might 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 must be ample. If, then again, you additionally need 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 lots to see and do in and across the metropolis; it additionally begins to mix collectively after just a few days, for everybody besides essentially the most detail-obsessed explorers. In case you do plan to remain in Lisbon for 7 days, I’d in all probability advise renting an Airbnb and “dwelling” 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 way in which. His weblog, Go away Your Each day Hell, offers a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays overlaying the extra esoteric facets of life as a traveler.
