Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lisbon?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lisbon?
Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Lisbon during their visit. After all, the picturesque city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the big city activities.
Lisbon is a beautiful and historic capital city that has dramatic hills and a scenic coastal setting. The old city is filled with pastel buildings and wandering streets. There are also tuk tuk tours and many amazing cafes that you can enjoy.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Lisbon? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Lisbon?
Lisbon, a large city brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. So with three days, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the picturesque city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully enjoy the city. If you have three days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
How to spend 3 days in Lisbon
Lisbon is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sintra Private Tour with Pena Palace Admission Ticket from Lisbon ($246)
- Private Tour of Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais with 2 Palaces ($120)
- Experience a magical day in Sintra, Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira and Cabo da Roca from Lisbon ($115)
The culinary scene in Lisbon is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Lisbon Flavours Tuk Tuk Food & Wine Tour ($98)
- Private Full Day Setúbal & Arrábida Wine Tour with Lunch - Lisbon ($126)
- Lisbon Guided Food Tour with Dinner ($71)
Lisbon is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 3H Walking Tour “Best of Lisbon” ($202)
- Lisbon Street Art Walking Tour ($31)
- Belém and Jerónimos Monastery Guided Small Group Walking Tour ($36)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon ($22)
- Lisbon Pub Crawl ($21)
- Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl ($22)
The public transit in Lisbon is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.
In the big city of Lisbon, you'll want to dedicate at least a full day to discovering the unique neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and lively activities that are spread around the city. Don't miss out on visiting some of the city's most unique neighborhoods. It is a city filled with personality, character, and energy.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Day Time / Sunset Boat tour in Lisbon ($44)
- Relaxing Sailboat Cruise along the Tagus ($36)
- Small-Group Sailing Tour on the Tagus River from Lisbon ($41)
Lisbon is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its bright colors and dramatic hills, many people consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many spectacular viewpoints that look out over the city.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 3H Walking Tour “Best of Lisbon” ($202)
- Day Time / Sunset Boat tour in Lisbon ($44)
- Private Tour of Sintra The Glorious Garden of Eden with Pickup ($164)
Is 4 days enough time in Lisbon?
Four days is generally not enough time to experience everything in Lisbon. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, enjoy the city's energy, and dine out at amazing restaurants. To genuinely appreciate the highlights, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for at least 3 or as many as 7 days to immerse themselves fully in the charms of the area. After all, With its wealth of sights and attractions, Lisbon is a top choice for tourists. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.
Lisbon, Portugal
How to spend 4 days in Lisbon
With 4 days in Lisbon, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Lisbon is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Lisbon Hotels to Freeport Outlet ($78)
- Lisbon Full-Day Private Shopping Tour ($82)
- Shopping Tour Lisbon ($240)
Live music is very popular in Lisbon, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sunset Catamaran in Lisbon | Drinks and Music ($36)
- Portuguese Fado Live Music Show in Lisbon ($44)
Is 5 days enough time in Lisbon?
The city of Lisbon boasts plenty of sights and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. Five days is just the right amount of time to see pretty much everything in Lisbon. Most visitors prefer to spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting. Also, Lisbon is popular with families, couples, backpackers, and students which enjoy visiting because the city offers activities specifically for them.
How to spend 5 days in Lisbon
If you have more than 5 days in Lisbon, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Don't miss Castelo de São Jorge during your trip to Lisbon, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Lisbon, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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