How can you possibly decide how many days to spend in Lisbon when it’s one of the most captivating cities in Europe? The city doesn’t have the world renowned landmarks of its more popular counterparts, but it does have plenty of things to keep your interest and make you not want to leave. To enjoy all of those things though, you’ll need a bit of time.
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HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN LISBON?
Four days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Lisbon. This will give you the proper amount of time to explore and enjoy the various neighborhoods that the city has to offer. It will also allow time for a day trip (or half day trip). With this amount of time, you won’t be rushed and will be able to fully explore and enjoy the city. You’ll also have the time to return to a few favorite spots.
One of the benefits of Lisbon is that the main areas that you want to visit are pretty compact and easy to reach. This means that Lisbon is very walkable. With good shoes (despite its many hills) you can cover a lot of ground in those four days.
The only exception being the Belem district which is separated from the rest and any day trips that you might want to take.
Having four days will allow you to explore the city at a nice pace, not feel rushed and not feel like you’ve missed out on a lot once it’s time to leave.
4 DAY LISBON ITINERARY
With four days to spend in Lisbon, you’ll have all the time that you need to see the best of what Lisbon has to offer. This can be covered using public transportation and walking.
Day One
Rua Augusta – noted for its beautiful tiled walkway
Arco da Rua Augusta – architectural marvel and excellent photo op
Praca do Comercio – open ended square with stunning colonnade and great view of the river
Cais das Colunas – pier that once was the entrance to the square, great view
National Museum of Contemporary Art – fabulous collection of highlighting Portuguese artists
Pink Street – famous tourist and Instagram spot
Timeout Market – popular market and food hall features over 30 restaurants
Day Two
Avenue da Liberdade – leafy wide boulevard is the home of luxury boutiques
Restauradores Square – anchored by a towering monument
Praca Dom Pedro IV – beautiful square featuring monument, fountains and places to sit
Santa Justa Lift – popular spot to get a great view of Lisbon and enjoy the architecture
Bertrand Bookstore – the oldest working bookstore in the world
Carmo Convent – the church without a roof is quite the experience
Day Three
Jeronimos Monastary – one of the most stunning structures in Lisbon
Belem Tower – iconic tower sitting in the Tagus River
Pastais de Belem – one of the preeminent places to get the famous Portuguese treats
Day Four
Tram 28 – enjoy a popular attraction and save your feet on your way up to Alfama
Miradouro das Portas do Sol – lookout provides and tremendous view of Lisbon and the river
Miradouro de Santa Luzia – a more intimate lookout with similarly great views
Castelo de Sao Jorge – my personal favorite thing to do in Lisbon, absolutely captivating
Lisbon Cathedral – so much history also great view of Lisbon and Alfama
IF YOU HAVE LESS THAN FOUR DAYS IN LISBON
As you may have noticed, it’s easy to visit Lisbon by neighborhood. The three most popular will likely be Alfama, Belem and Baixa so that’s where you should focus if you’re pressed for time.
There are many incredible attractions within those areas. If you can spend one day in each, that would be a great way to approach your stay in Lisbon.
If you can’t stay for four days I would suggest taking out the half day trip to Sintra and adjusting as needed.
Lisbon has more than enough to cover three days by itself and adding Sintra could be a challenge. It could work, though, if you’re used to traveling at a fast pace.
Whatever you have to change or cut out of your itinerary make sure that these are definitely included as they are must see items:
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Alfama
Praca Dom Pedro IV
Santa Justa Lift
Carmo Convent
Arco da Rua Augusta
Praca do Comercio
If you only have two days in Lisbon, you can use this itinerary. For a one day visit check out this itinerary.
WHY YOU NEED MORE TIME IN LISBON
Keep in mind that you have to leave plenty of time to sample the spectacular food that Lisbon features. This includes the desserts and the treat that it’s most known for, the pasteis de nata. So make time in your itinerary to check out some of the countless great restaurants in Lisbon.
Lisbon is also known for its beautiful tile work whether it’s on the buildings or on the streets. When combined with the hilly, narrow streets, the city has quite the vibe and is very picturesque. You’ll want to have time to relax and enjoy Lisbon’s unique atmosphere. Lisbon isn’t a city to be rushed through if you want to fully appreciate it.
YOUR STAY IN LISBON
How many days you spend in Lisbon will of course depend on your schedule, but if possible make room for four days in this beautiful city. If you’re able to make that work, be sure to check out our detailed guide on how to spend four days in Lisbon, our practical packing guide for your visit as well as our planning guide for Lisbon. Safe travels!
