Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Lisbon?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Lisbon?
Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Lisbon during their visit. After all, the colorful 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 one or two weeks 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 one week enough time in Lisbon?
One week is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Lisbon, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, enjoy the city's energy, and dine out at amazing restaurants on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Lisbon as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend a week 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 and Cascais Private Tour with Pena Palace Ticket Included ($149)
- Lisboa: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca Coast e Cascais 8h ($60)
- Private Tour Sintra from Lisbon Palaces of Pena & Regaleira ($162)
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:
- Heart of Lisbon Food Tour: Baixa, Chiado & Bairro Alto ($115)
- Lisbon: Catamaran Luxury Sunset and Wine Tour ($41)
- Lisbon off-the-beaten-path Small Group Tour: Sesimbra, Arrabida & Wine Tasting ($81)
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:
- Half Day Historical Walking Tour about the Slave Trade in Lisbon ($38)
- Tuk Tuk Tour in Lisbon's Old Town - Tram 28 ($162)
- Lisbon Roots - Small group Food & Culture Walking Tour w/tastings ($161)
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:
- Lisbon Pub Crawl ($23)
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:
- Sunset sailboat tour in Lisbon with wine and beer ($46)
- LUXURY Catamaran Sunset and Wine cruise ($87)
- The Best Views of Lisbon are from the River ($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:
- Lisbon: Catamaran Luxury Sunset and Wine Tour ($41)
- Half Day Historical Walking Tour about the Slave Trade in Lisbon ($38)
- Sunset sailboat tour in Lisbon with wine and beer ($46)
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:
- Outlet Shopping Freeport from Lisbon ($16)
- Private Personal Stylist Vintage Shopping Tour in Lisbon ($69)
- Shopping Tour made in Portugal ($98)
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 Experience: Lisbon Boat Cruise with Music and a Drink ($40)
- Lisbon: Sunset on board with music & drinks ($18)
- Authentic Alfama Experience: Fado Music and Cultural Walking Tour ($115)
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.
The beautiful beaches await you in Lisbon, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Jeep Tour to Espichel Cape & West Coast Wild Beaches ($115)
- Sunset sailboat tour in Lisbon with wine and beer ($46)
- The Lisbon Kayak Day Tour (transport & picnic at beach) ($80)
As the live music scene is so popular in Lisbon, make sure you spend another evening finding more of the area's best places to take in a show. Often, many of the local venues are near one another, so you can hop from place to place.
After you've explored most of Lisbon, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Tour: Berlenga Grande Island Day Trip from Lisbon ($231)
- Arrabida and Sesimbra Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon with Wine Tasting ($98)
- Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon ($110)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lisbon.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Lisbon?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see everything that Lisbon has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend three to seven days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, the big city activities, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Lisbon, Portugal
How to spend 2 weeks in Lisbon
With 2 weeks in Lisbon, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Because Lisbon offers so many famous sights, landmarks, and museums, you should dedicate at least another day to see the places you haven't seen yet. You can spend multiple days browsing through the city's amazing museums, and some of them are worth a second visit, too.
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.
Even more time is needed here to explore the old town with its many shops, restaurants, landmarks, and charming atmosphere. Find those local spots that are perfect for the local charm and cuisine.
As the live music scene is so popular in Lisbon, make sure you spend another evening finding more of the area's best places to take in a show. Often, many of the local venues are near one another, so you can hop from place to place.
Lisbon is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lisbon.
Because this is a world-class shopping destination, you'll need yet another day to find the best deals. Each area of Lisbon offers a different vibe and atmosphere, and along with it, different styles of shops.
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.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Lisbon. Plenty of amazing options are available.
As the live music scene is so popular in Lisbon, make sure you spend another evening finding more of the area's best places to take in a show. Often, many of the local venues are near one another, so you can hop from place to place.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lisbon.
Because Lisbon offers so many famous sights, landmarks, and museums, you should dedicate at least another day to see the places you haven't seen yet. You can spend multiple days browsing through the city's amazing museums, and some of them are worth a second visit, too.
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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