Whether your Lisbon trip is a weekend or an entire week, I’ve got you covered with this guide.
I’ve lived in and traveled around Lisbon and Portugal, and based on my experiences and ongoing visits, I can share what you should see during your stay. The best time to visit Lisbon can also influence your itinerary choices.
You can quickly jump to the section relevant to your stay in Lisbon and get inspired for what to do for your Lisbon itinerary. For a comprehensive list of activities, check out my guide to things to do in Lisbon.
Before you pick your itinerary, make sure you’ve decided where to stay in Lisbon. Your neighborhood makes a big difference.
This guide brings together all my Lisbon itineraries (1–7 days) so you can quickly choose the plan that best fits your trip length and travel style.
How many days should you spend in Lisbon?
It all depends on how much you want to experience. I can’t get enough of Lisbon, so I often stay for 2-3 weeks when I go, but that doesn’t mean you have to.
However, if you’re here for only a weekend, I recommend staying in the city center to make the most of your time. Learning how to navigate Lisbon’s public transport will help you move efficiently between attractions.
If you have 3-5 days, you can take a day trip to see more than just Lisbon, but the right itinerary depends on how many days you have. With extra time, you can also explore Portugal’s wine regions or take a local wine tasting tour – check my Portuguese wine guide for recommendations.
Here is an overview of how many days you should stay, depending on what you want to experience. 👇
| Days | Best For |
|---|---|
| 1 | First-time highlights |
| 2 | Classic neighborhoods + viewpoints |
| 3 | Adds Belém & food experiences |
| 4 | Day trips to Sintra or Cascais |
| 5–7 | Deep dive + day trips |
Most first-time visitors find that 3–4 days is the sweet spot. Consider getting the Lisboa Card for multi-day itineraries to save on attractions and transport. Here is a more detailed guide on how many days to stay in Lisbon.
Lisbon Itineraries
1 Day in Lisbon
Perfect if you only have 24 hours, Alfama, Baixa, viewpoints & iconic eats.
- Baixa + Praça do Comércio
- Alfama streets + tram vibes
- Sunset at a miradouro
2 Days in Lisbon
Classic neighborhoods, viewpoints, and the essential Belém sights.
- Day 1: City center + miradouros
- Day 2: Belém + riverside walk
- Bonus: tram ride & pastel stop
3 Days in Lisbon
The sweet spot, city highlights, Belém, and time for a relaxed food stop.
- Historic center + Alfama
- Belém monuments & museums
- Extra time for food & neighborhoods
4 Days in Lisbon
More neighborhoods, more viewpoints, plus room for a day trip.
- City highlights + hidden gems
- Belém + riverside time
- Optional: Sintra or Cascais
5 Days in Lisbon
A deeper dive with time for museums, cafés, and a day trip.
- More local neighborhoods
- Food spots & market time
- Day trip: Sintra/Cascais
6 Days in Lisbon
Extra time to explore deeper, scenic spots, museums, and local favorites.
- More viewpoints & walks
- Museums + cultural stops
- Day trips without rushing
A Week in Lisbon
The full experience, Lisbon plus easy day trips to Sintra and the coast.
- All major neighborhoods
- Belém + museums + food
- Day trips: Sintra/Cascais coast
Best Lisbon Itineraries by Traveler Type
Based on your trip to Lisbon, my recommendation for the number of days you need and the itinerary has also changed.
Best itinerary for first-timers
If it’s your first time visiting Lisbon, there is so much you can spend your time seeing, but there are some absolute stops you need to make.
I recommend staying at least a weekend, but preferably 3-4 days.
Some things you have to experience are:
- Eat a pastel de nata
- See the Belém tower
- See as many viewpoints as possible
- Try some local Portuguese food
Best itinerary for food lovers
I’m passionate about food, and Lisbon is a mecca of amazing restaurants. If food is a priority, a 4-5 day itinerary gives you time to eat well without burning out.
You have to try as many local spots as possible, but remember, if you’re only here a few days, your stomach might not be super happy with you trying everything. Jokes aside, here are the things I recommend trying:
- Piri-Piri Chicken (at Bonjardim)
- Pastel de Nata (at Manteigaria)
- Bifana (at As Bifanas do Afonso)
- Pao com chorizo (at Bread and Friends)
- Bachalau (at any local Portuguese restaurant)
- Duck rice (at Pica-Pau)
These are must-trys. If you want more ideas, check out my Lisbon food guide.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon in February 2026
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in February and every month thereafter.
It’s based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon for years. I’m sharing many hidden gems.
Looking for weekly Lisbon tips? Check out my Lisbon Newsletter.
Best itinerary with kids
Lisbon is perfect for kids; there are many things to see and experience.
I don’t have kids myself, but I’ve been around Lisbon with some friends’ kids, so here are some suggestions based on that. I recommend at least 3-5 days in Lisbon with kids.
- See the Oceanarium in Parque das Nações
- Experience Belém’s history, including Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and its many museums. The earthquake museum is highly interactive and ideal for children.
- There is a KidZania, a world for kids where they can learn to fly a plane, make their own pizzas, and more.
- Experience Lisbon through the trams.
- Try a Hippotrip, where you can drive on the roads and sail on the Tagus River in the same vehicle; it’s a fun experience.
I have additional suggestions in my guide to visiting Lisbon with kids.
Best itinerary with day trips
Now, if you have 4 or more days in Lisbon, I encourage you to take a day trip to one of the surrounding cities.
Sintra is an obvious choice with beautiful castles and nature, but if you want a more urban vibe, Cascais is excellent with incredible beaches.
Regarding beaches, if you have 6–7 days, you can even add a short overnight trip to the Algarve. It’s some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, and the vibe is incredible, always sunny.
I have a guide to additional day trips from Lisbon.
FAQ
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.
Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.
