How Many Days Should You Spend in Lisbon? + Time Optimization Tips

Struggling to figure out exactly how many days in Lisbon you need without either rushing through the seven famous hills or running out of things to do?

Planning can feel overwhelming when you’re weighing limited vacation days against a budget and wondering if you have time to squeeze in a day trip to Sintra on top of everything else.

Having explored Lisbon solo in September 2021, I was worried I’d struggle to fit it all in, but what I found was a city that doesn’t require rushing from place to place. In fact, sitting down with a glass of sangria or snacking on a pastéis de nata is all part of the experience.

As someone who’s used to action-packed schedules, this was quite the change for me.

Whether you’re a history lover looking to learn about the Age of Discovery or someone who just wants to experience Lisbon without spending a fortune, this guide answers the real question first-timers ask: how many days should you spend in Lisbon?

I’ve broken it down by days—2, 3, 4, and 5—based on what I actually did, with the best experiences first, so you hit the top Lisbon highlights no matter how much time you have.

There’s also a calculator you can use to mix and match sites and get an estimate of how many days you’ll need.

The Ideal Length of Stay in Lisbon

The short and sweet answer when deciding how many days in Lisbon—at least 3 days if you’re a first-time visitor.

With 72 hours, you’ll be able to see the top sites of Lisbon and even have time to eat its most famous dishes without running from place to place.

If you’re quick, you may even be able to get in a day trip to Sintra.

However, I recommend at least a day and a half in Sintra as it’s a popular location and long lines means you may not be able to cover as much of the town as you’d like.

I went shortly after the pandemic, and while Sintra was pretty empty then, I still didn’t get everything done in a day.

The big consideration for Lisbon is your level of mobility.

Due to Lisbon’s seven hills, some sites are quite a trek uphill, which may slow you down.

If you’re a slow traveler or have any physical impediments, four days in Lisbon may be a better option.

I spent about 3.5 days in Lisbon (not including a day and a half in Sintra) and found it just about perfect.

Those traveling solo through Lisbon may be able to do 2 or 2.5 days, but 3 is the sweet spot for me.

How to Optimize Your Time

However many days you choose, here’s how to make the most of your time in Lisbon.

The Uber-Up, Walk-Down Method

Lisbon’s neighborhoods are built on hills—the Alfama, Graça, Mouraria, Bairro Alto—and they are steep.

Before I went to Lisbon, I was aware of them, but having just lost 75 lbs over COVID, I mistakenly thought they’d be easy.

I was SO wrong!

After feeling like dying on the first day, I implemented this trick to save myself some effort.

The key is to start your mornings by Ubering (or taking public transport) to the top of wherever you’re headed, then spending your day walking downhill toward the waterfront.

How do you know what’s at the top? If it’s furthest inland, it’s likely higher up.

This method is kinder to your knees, it’s cheap (Ubers run €3–7 in the city), and it means you arrive at your first attraction of the day fresh instead of sweaty and exhausted.

Shoulder Season Benefits

What is shoulder season?

It’s the months around the busy (peak) season when attractions are still open, but the crowds aren’t quite there yet or have just left.

Traveling during these times can save you both money and time, as you’ll avoid the crowds.

The shoulder season in Lisbon is March–May and September–October.

Visiting during these windows means you’ll experience pleasant weather without the crush of summer crowds, and accommodation prices are noticeably lower than in July and August.

I visited in September 2021 and found many of the attractions wonderfully quiet—at places like the Carmo Convent and Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, I practically had rooms to myself.

Now, I will say, I think it was extra empty at this time because it was 2021, but shoulder season is still leagues better in terms of tourism numbers, no matter the year.

The temperature was warm but very comfortable, even on the uphill stretches.

Peak season (June–August) brings heat, crowds, and higher prices. It’s still a great time to go, but expect to wait at popular spots and pay more for accommodation.

The Lisboa Card

When planning how many days in Lisbon, you’ll want to look into the Lisboa Card.

It covers 51 museums and monuments, offers skip-the-line access at 12 of them, and includes unlimited use of Lisbon’s public transit—metro, buses, trams, and funiculars.

It also covers some aspects of day trips to places like Sintra, but since those are only discounts rather than covering admission costs completely, you’ll get more bang for your buck by using it solely in Lisbon.

The Card comes in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour options.

All in all, it saved me €54.40!

Check out my savings calculator for the Lisboa card to see how much you’ll save.

🎟️ Get the Lisboa Card: GetYourGuide (GYG is my preferred option, as their cancellation policy is often more flexible than the official site)

Book Ahead

Lisbon is becoming increasingly popular, and some of its best spots now require advance tickets or timed entry.

The Monument to the Discoveries, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Tower of Belém can get backed up quickly in summer.

The Sintra palaces—especially Pena Palace—will turn you away without an advance ticket.

I recommend booking through GetYourGuide because their tours often include a guide and skip-the-line entry (their cancellation policy is also excellent).

This means you don’t have to queue, and having an expert walk you around the city or through a museum will save you a lot of time, as they’ll be far more knowledgeable than a first-time visitor.

Centrally Located Accommodations

Staying close to a metro station in Lisbon is worth prioritizing if you’re looking to save money and steps.

The metro is clean, efficient, and cheap, and it connects all the major neighborhoods (it’s even free if you get the Lisboa Card).

Staying in or near Pena or the Alfama neighborhoods puts you within easy reach of almost everything on this list—without paying the premium of being right in the center (Baixa/Chiado) itself (which, charming as it is, is costly).

I stayed at Quinta Colina by Shiadu in the Pena neighborhood, and I adored the views.

Unfortunately, that meant it was uphill, but the price point, lovely staff, comfy and safe room, and free breakfast made the trek worth it.

For more extensive details on where to stay in Lisbon, check out my guide, which also includes where I’d avoid.

2 Days in Lisbon—Just the Highlights

Two days in Lisbon isn’t a lot, but it’s enough to see the highlights if you hustle!

In my opinion, 2 days is not enough to see Lisbon in all its grandeur, but if I had to on this ‘how many days in Lisbon’ guide, this is what I’d recommend seeing.

Day 1: Belém Neighborhood

Start in the Belém section of the city so you can hit the top monuments as they are all within a short walking distance of one another.

• Tower of Belém
  • It’s rather small, so lines to get in can take up to 90 minutes, which is why you’re starting the day here.
    • ⏳ Duration: 45 minutes-1 hour inside (+ typical 30-45 minute wait)
• Monument to the Discoveries
  • A very short walk from the Tower, the real allure is on the exterior, but you can go inside to take the elevator to the top for panoramic views, like the Tower of Belém. However, they only allow so many in at a time, so waits can be long.
    • ⏳ Duration: 30 minutes inside (+ possible 30 minute wait)
• Jerónimos Monastery
  • Mere steps away is the Jerónimos Monastery, which is one of the most breathtaking buildings I’ve ever walked through.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
• Pastéis de Belém (Snack)
  • If you’re interested in visiting the original 1837 pastry shop where Pastéis de Belém were created, now is the time, as it’s right here.
    • ⏳ Duration: 15-30 minutes
• National Archaeology Museum
  • Even as a history buff/archeology fan, I wasn’t too wowed by this place, but if you’re looking to fill time while in Belém, it’s an option as it’s right next door to the Jerónimos Monastery.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1 hour

Day 2: West Lisbon Sites

We’re moving a bit further toward central Lisbon now, but still not quite there.

Some of these, such as the Ajuda National Palace, are among my favorites, but if you’re not keen on palaces, skip the first two attractions on this one (LX Factory is a bit far out if you’re not already heading in that direction) and pair the rest of the day with options from day 3, since that’ll be in the heart of Lisbon.

• Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
  • This was one of my favorite things I did in all of Lisbon—and most visitors completely skip it. The Ajuda National Palace was the official royal residence in the second half of the 19th century, and because it’s off most tourists’ radar, it was wonderfully uncrowded when I visited.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1–2 hours
• LX Factory (Lunch)
  • LX Factory is a 19th-century industrial complex in the Alcântara neighborhood that’s been converted into a creative hub—trendy shops, international restaurants, bars, and art. Go for lunch, or if shopping is your thing, this is worth the trip on its own.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1-3 hours (depending on if you are eating and/or shopping)
• Igreja de São Roque
  • Igreja de São Roque is Lisbon’s richest Catholic church, and the Chapel of St. John the Baptist inside is reportedly the most expensive chapel ever built in Europe.
    • ⏳ Duration: 15 for the chapel, 30-45 if you’re visiting the museum (skippable in my opinion as the real showstopper is the chapel)
• Carmo Archaeology Museum
  • If you go on a clear day (let’s be real, it’s Portugal, they have excellent weather, which is one of the many reasons to visit Lisbon), it’s really magical with the Gothic naves completely open to the sky. Here you can see funerary monuments, tile panels, weapons, mummies, and more.
    • ⏳ Duration: 30-45 minutes

3 Days in Lisbon—For the First-Timers

With another day, here’s what I’d add to my itinerary.

This is where the trip starts to feel a bit more relaxing, with three days in Lisbon, you have built-in time to chill and savor the moment instead of sprinting through the city.

• Praça do Comércio
  • The Rua Augusta Arch—a stone triumphal arch built to commemorate Lisbon’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake—anchors the square on one end, while the Tagus River opens up on the other. It’s a beautiful place to grab a coffee, wander, or simply take it all in. I’d go early morning or at sunset for the best light.
    • ⏳ Duration: 30 minutes (longer if you stop to eat or drink)
• Lisbon Story Centre
  • Next to the tourist office at Praça do Comércio, the Lisbon Story Centre is an interactive museum that walks you through Lisbon’s history in chronological order. It’s a bit geared toward families, but I walked away with a lot of useful info on the city that enriched the rest of my visit.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1 hour
• Livraria Bertrand
  • Declared the world’s oldest operating bookstore by the Guinness World Records (founded 1732). A great spot to grab a postcard stamped with their logo (just make sure you have the right postage, unlike me) or do a sweep of the store for your new favorite novel.
    • ⏳ Duration: 15–30 minutes (longer if you shop)
• Pink Street
  • The famous pink-painted street, once a place of ill repute, is now a hub for bars, restaurants, nightlife, and of course, the Instagram pic! Just cruise through here for your photo and move along.
    • ⏳ Duration: 15 minutes (longer if you stop to eat or drink)
• Time Out Market (Lunch)
  • The Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré is a beautiful 19th-century iron market building that gathers some of Lisbon’s best chefs and food stalls under one roof. I liked it so much that I went twice during my 3 days in Lisbon. Inside, head straight to Manteigaria for the pastéis de nata—they’re better than the famous original in Belém. Then tour the other stalls for a more comprehensive lunch.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1-1.5 hours
• Panteão Nacional (National Pantheon)
  • The National Pantheon is considered the most beautiful Baroque building in the city—its interior, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, is lined with colored marble, and it was originally built as a church before being converted into the resting place of important Portuguese figures. But the real highlight is the view from the rooftop terrace, which is one of the best lookout points in all of Lisbon.
  • Note: There is no elevator to the top of the dome. If stairs are a concern, you can visit the base level, but the terrace view is the real draw.
    • ⏳ Duration: 30 minutes

4 Days in Lisbon—Day Trip to Sintra

If you have a fourth day in Lisbon, spend it in Sintra.

I spent a day and a half there—overnight—but it’s absolutely doable as a day trip (if you’re selective with what you do) since it’s only about 30–40 minutes away by train from Rossio station.

Sintra is UNESCO-protected and genuinely one of the most magical places I’ve ever been, even compared to my larger Spain and Portugal trip.

Here are the highlights of what I’d recommend you cover in a day.

• Pena Palace
  • Wildly colorful and ornate, Ferdinand II transformed it from a monastery into something that looks equal parts Moorish fortress and fairy tale. Chalet of the Countess of Edla (in Pena’s grounds) looks straight out of a Grimm’s story.
    • ⏳ Duration: 3—4 hours (can make it a shorter, 1-1.5 hours, if not exploring the grounds)
• Quinta da Regaleira
  • With an underground initiation well allegedly used in Templar Knight ceremonies and an imposing facade that looks straight out of a movie, it was one of my favorites to visit.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1.5—2 hours
• Monserrate Palace
  • I loved the colorful ceilings in the main hall, the intricate wood carvings, and the long galleries between. As a less popular option, I also had this place to myself for the most part.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1—2 hours

There is a ton more to see in Sintra, but these are the three that astonished me.

A firm warning I cannot stress enough: book palace tickets in advance. Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira both enforce timed entry, and they sell out quickly. Don’t risk showing up without tickets!

Also, do factor in time on the bus between these, as even though Sintra is small, it does take time to get from place to place, especially on the windy roads.

5 Days in Lisbon: Is That Too Much?

Five days gives you room to slow down, sip some sangria, revisit a neighborhood you loved, and add a few things you might have skipped earlier.

These picks I enjoyed, just not as much as the sites listed earlier on this ‘how many days in Lisbon’ guide.

• Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)
  • I’m a bit ‘eh’ on the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. I can appreciate the artistry, but I didn’t personally need to see an entire museum devoted to tiles. That said, I’m still including it—because Portugal is known for its azulejos, and the former Madre de Deus Convent that houses it was actually the most interesting part for me.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1—2 hours
• Landeau Chocolate
  • After trying both Landeau and the aptly named O Melhor do Mundo, my vote goes to Landeau. The cake is creamy like a chocolate mousse with a dense, rich bottom layer.
    • ⏳ Duration: 30 minutes
• Praça do Rossio
  • Known as the heart of Lisbon, this central plaza features Portuguese mosaic cobblestones, elegant fountains, and a statue—plus the nearby Santa Justa Lift.
    • ⏳ Duration: 15—30 minutes
• Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau
  • Famous for its Codfish Cake filled with Serra da Estrela PDO Cheese (and served with a glass of port wine), it’s a genuinely unique Lisbon experience. At around €15—not cheap, but I’ve yet to find it elsewhere.
    • ⏳ Duration: 30—45 minutes
• Bar Terraço de Santa Luzia
  • Besides the National Pantheon, this was my favorite view in all of Lisbon. Grab a glass of sangria and sit on the terrace overlooking the city. The food and service are a little ‘eh,’ but the view more than makes up for it. It’s small and fills up, so be prepared to wait for a table.
    • ⏳ Duration: 1—1.5 hours
• Ginjinha
  • Try this thick, cherry-flavored liqueur served in small bars throughout Lisbon. A line of people is usually waiting for their serving, so go with some patience.
    • ⏳ Duration: 30 minutes

What to Do in Lisbon with More Time

• São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge): A Moorish hilltop castle with panoramic views over the city. I didn’t visit because it was closed when I was there, but I’d definitely add it to my list if I returned simply for the uniqueness!
• Money Museum: A quirky, interactive museum where you can virtually mint a coin and print a banknote with your own face. I enjoyed it, though I probably wouldn’t have sought it out unprompted. I merely visited as it was covered by the Lisboa Card at the time.

My How Many Days in Lisbon Calculator

Please note that this calculator doesn’t include transit time between sites, nor does it account for your meal times (unless you select something like the Time Out Market) or bathroom breaks.

It is meant merely as a simple estimate, so make sure to factor in those other timings (and anything else you may need) into your schedule.

FAQs

Related Lisbon Travel Guides

• 22 Best Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal (My Budget Picks)
• Is Lisbon Portugal Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons It’s Perfect for Solo Travelers
• 3 Days in Lisbon Portugal: My Affordable Itinerary + Map
• Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travelers? My Top Safety Tips
• Is the Lisboa Card Worth It? Yes, Here’s My Honest Review
• Lisbon Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide for Women Traveling Alone
• Where to Stay in Lisbon Portugal: My Favorite Budget Options
• How Many Days in Lisbon: Simple Calculator for First-Timers
• 2-Day Lisbon Itinerary: Budget-Friendly Plan for a Weekend in Portugal’s Capital

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