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How many days do you really need in Lisbon?

So, how many days to explore Lisbon? We always recommend that it takes three days to fully explore Lisbon. This is sufficient to visit all of the characterful districts, experience the nightlife and join a couple of unique activities.



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What I recommend is actually planning for 3 days in Lisbon with one of those days being a day trip to Sintra. That way you are able to stay in one Lisbon Hotel for 3 nights and still do sightseeing out of the city. Afterwards, we highly recommend 2 Days in Porto and visiting some of the best beach towns in Portugal.

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Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south, so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.

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To get a well-rounded experience of Portugal, it makes sense to try to visit both places. Ideally, I'd recommend three or four nights in Lisbon (in order to do a day trip to Sintra) and two nights in Porto. On the shortest itinerary I would plan on two nights in each city. Fly into one city and out of the other.

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If you are lucky enough to spend 5 days in Lisbon you have the chance to get to know the city in depth. And do it calmly, having plenty of time to see and enjoy its monuments and with the possibility of making excursions to the most interesting places in the surroundings.

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While Lisbon is the most expensive city to live in Portugal, it is quite affordable when compared to other countries in western Europe, although, what once was a cheap city has seen its prices creeping up. This said, the cost of living in Lisbon for international students and expats is usually still very affordable.

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In nine to 12 days, you can expect to see a generous chunk of all that Portugal has to offer, from its most sensational cities to sublime vineyards and beaches, on a north-to-south trip.

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Visiting Sintra FAQ. Is Sintra worth visiting? Sintra is one of the most beautiful and most unique places in Portugal and is absolutely worth a visit. With fairytale-like castles and the most enchanting gardens, a visit to Sintra is worth your time even if you are coming from the other side of the world!

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The best time to visit Lisbon is either from March to May or September to October, because the weather is still warm, hotel rates are cheaper and there are fewer crowds than in summer. In those seasons, you might also be able to squeeze in a few beach days. The summer sees hot temperatures and crowded shores.

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For your first trip to Porto, we think three days is ideal. You'll need two days to take in the city's main highlights, and an extra day to explore the nearby Douro Valley. Being a relatively small city, it's possible to pack all of Porto's main attractions into a day (here's our guide on how to do Porto in a day).

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Portugal is cheaper than Italy, particularly when it comes to eating out. Overall, Portugal is a cheaper place to buy and rent property, however some parts of Portugal (like Lisbon) are above average in terms of cost. The cost of living in Italy varies greatly too, with the south usually cheaper than the north.

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Your Lisbon Itinerary: 7 Days in the Portuguese Capital
  1. Day 1: Embrace your inner tourist.
  2. Day 2: Marvel at Calouste Gulbenkian.
  3. Day 3: Visit Belem.
  4. Day 4: Explore the town of Sintra.
  5. Day 5: Adventure with a picnic.
  6. Day 6: Stroll through Lisbon's Botanical Gardens.
  7. Day 7: Discover Lisbon's heritage.
  8. Related Articles.


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Both Lisbon and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lisbon than Barcelona. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination. Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Barcelona.

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Lisbon is, among other things, known for its unique historical center, stunning architecture, colorful azulejos (ceramic tiles), and fantastic food. It also has a fascinating history, filled with rulers, invasions, destructions, and re-constructions. History aside, Lisbon is a fantastic place to visit.

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Yes, Porto can be a day trip from Lisbon. But be prepared, as it will definitely be a long day. Is one day enough in Porto, Portugal? One day is enough to see the main attractions in Porto, but spending two or more days will allow for a deeper exploration of the city and its surroundings.

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