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How many days in Lisbon do I need?
No matter how many days in Lisbon you spend, it’s always worth the visit. Learn more about what you can do here during your stay.
Planning a visit to the Portuguese capital? Lisbon has plenty to offer, from stunning beaches on the Atlantic coast to breathtaking architecture and rich history. Of course, seeing everything the city has to offer would take forever. But how many days in Lisbon do you need to get a good feel for the city? Follow along to find out.
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1-2 days: Enough to get a feel of Lisbon
If you only have one or two days to spare for your trip to Lisbon, it’s still definitely worth a visit. It’s just enough time to visit the main tourist attractions, explore the city center, and try traditional Portuguese cuisine before you leave for your next destination. Here’s a short-stay Lisbon itinerary to help you get the most out of your time here.
Book a walking tour
Walking tours are a great way to learn about the city and see some of its main highlights. Having a local guide show you around relieves the stress of figuring out where to go and what to do. There are even some free walking tours available if you visit Lisbon on a tight budget.
Most tours take a few hours, so you can even fit multiple tours in a short trip, allowing you to explore different parts of the city.
Try local cuisine
Food is one of the best ways to learn about any country and its culture. Portugal is no exception. Try bacalhau (salted cod), polvo à lagareiro (octopus cooked in olive oil and garlic), pastéis de nata (custard tart), arroz de marisco (seafood soup) or any other local favorites.
The food in Portugal is fresh and delicious, so sample as much as you can while you’re here instead of resorting to the same stuff you eat at home.
Explore on your own
You won’t get to see all the tourist attractions in just a day trip. When tight on time, it’s always a good idea to explore the historic town center. The old town itself is stunning, and there are plenty of tourist attractions within walking distance from one another.
Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle), the Roman theatre, the Lisbon Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, the Santa Justa lift, the National Palace, and plenty of museums are all minutes away on foot.
While there are plenty of things to see and do in the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal, you probably won’t have the time to do so on such a short trip. So, getting the most out of the old town is most likely your best bet.
| Holafly tip: You can get a Lisbon tourist card to get better deals on top attractions, restaurants, and transportation in the city. |
3 days: Enough to explore the city
A three-day trip is one of the most popular visit durations for Lisbon. It’s just about enough time to explore the main attractions in the city, though you should expect to have quite a busy schedule if you want to see as much as possible. Public transportation in the city is well-developed, so you can explore the outskirts a bit without having to rent a car.
All of the suggestions above still stan. You should definitely spend a day or two exploring the old town and its surroundings, but the extra time gives you more freedom to move around. Here are some suggestions for things to do while you’re here.
Pena Palace
The Pena Palace is located in the Sintra municipality just outside of Lisbon. It’s one of the most stunning castles in the country and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. It can take up to a couple of hours to get to from the city center using public transportation, but it’s easily worth the time.
Built on top of a mountain, Pena Palace overlooks the entire city, and the views from the top on a clear day are simply breathtaking. The palace itself is a stunning example of Romanticist architecture inside and out. Once there, take some time to explore the surrounding park as well. Visiting the Pena Palace is a full-day trip, but you should definitely have it on your itinerary.
Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho)
The Pink Street was formerly known as Lisbon’s red light district. And while it no longer functions as such, the spirit of its past very much remains. It’s a place that typically comes to life at night, making it perfect for after you’re done with the daily activities.
Enjoy a burlesque show, have a cocktail with an inappropriate name, enjoy local culinary delights, or simply sip on delicious Portuguese wine and enjoy the vibrant city at night. The Pink Street is located right in the city center, so you can get there in just about 30 minutes from the Lisbon Airport metro station.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia are large open terraces known for offering some of the best views in Lisbon. Both of them are located right next to one another, and since they offer different view angles, it’s a good idea to spend some time at both when exploring Lisbon.
The terraces offer a great way to relax and rest your feet from walking the winding cobblestone streets.
5 days: Take it slow and drink it in
Spending five days in Lisbon is a great option if you want to experience the city at a leisurely pace instead of having to rush from one place to another. Whether it’s your first trip to Portugal or you’re coming back for more, it simply allows you to sit back and relax a little more than you usually would.
Hit the beach
Lisbon is located right on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. And while Portugal is best known for its charming streets and stunning architecture, there’s definitely no shortage of beautiful beaches surrounding the city.
Praia de Adraga, Tamariz Beach, and Galapinhos Beach are some of the most popular in the area. The sandy beaches and turquoise waters surrounded by towering cliffs are sure to elevate your amazing trip to Lisbon.
Book a food tour
We’ve already mentioned how food is an important part of any culture. With more time on your hands, consider booking a food tour to truly learn about Portuguese history and culture through its cuisine.
A guided tour will take you to the best food spots and hidden gems in the city. So you can dine like a true local instead of trying trendy restaurants that cater to tourists.
It must be said that everything mentioned above is a mere suggestion. Lisbon has it all, from rich history and ancient art to a vibrant nightlife, from stunning beaches to steep hills and lush mountains. You’re bound to have a great time whenever you visit Portugal, no matter how much time you can spend here.
Stay connected in Lisbon with Holafly
Having reliable mobile internet is a must when exploring major cities such as Lisbon. It allows you to use Google Maps on the go to navigate the city and discover new attractions, or use translator apps to communicate with the locals. On top of that, you never have to worry about finding free WiFi for basic things like getting on social media or staying in touch with family and friends back home.
All Holafly eSIMs offer unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and hotspot sharing, making it one of the best eSIMs for Lisbon. Simply get your eSIM for Portugal, activate it within minutes, and enjoy having a non-stop connection wherever you go.
If you’re planning to roam the world for a while longer, Holafly Connect might be an even better option for you. It’s a monthly eSIM subscription service that provides coverage in 170+ destinations worldwide, including Portugal. This makes Holafly Connect the perfect mobile internet solution for digital nomads in Portugal or frequent travelers.
Choose between 10 GB, 25 GB, or unlimited data plans that range from $39.90 to $64.90/month, use the service for as long as you like, and cancel when you no longer need it. No long-term contracts or commitments needed.
Count memories, not data
Never lose connection with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
