Overall Verdict – LisbonAlthough both Madrid and Lisbon offer a plethora of sights and activities, Lisbon emerges as the best city due to its blend of historical landmarks, charming neighbourhoods, and vibrant cultural experiences.
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Winner: This one also depends on what you like. For big cities with medieval charm and pristine, relatively empty beaches, Portugal's the winner. For outdoor enthusiasts and art and architecture lovers, Spain wins this round.
How Many Days Do You Need in Madrid? After spending a week in Madrid, we think that 2 days in Madrid is the right amount of time to see the main highlights of the city, though there's PLENTY more to do, see, eat, and drink to fill your time if you're lucky enough to have more.
Three days is the perfect length of time to fully discover Lisbon. Within these three days, you'll be able to explore all the main tourist attractions, experience the vibrant nightlife, sample some delicious foods and create wonderful memories of this amazing city.
If you prefer a more authentic and real city, Madrid is the better choice for you. For quick itineraries where you'll be visiting southern Spain, not only is Madrid better connected via train but is also less daunting since you can experience the city and its sights in one to two days.
Madrid is a great city to visit in and of itself, and even better if you plan on taking some side trips. With its central location in Spain, Madrid provides the perfect base for day trips or weekend getaways.
Cheaper, with more variety, better food, and generally more to do than Barcelona, Madrid gets the top prize for a longer trip. If you're in the south of France and want a quick weekend in Spain and to experience Gaudi's architecture, Barcelona is the one for you.
In fact, just walk into the charming, medieval Alfama neighborhood without a good map, and you could probably spend your week just finding your way out again. (But you'll have a good time doing so.) A week is perfect for Lisbon, especially considering one or two days spent day-tripping.
Yes, Lisbon is walkable. While it has a reputation for being hilly, Lisbon's historic streets are indeed walkable. There is no need to rent a car, just remember to pack some good walking shoes!
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.
The best time to visit Madrid is in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May), when balmy temps blow through the city, making it come alive. But if you don't mind layering up or experiencing a toned down Madrid, visit in the winter when hotels reduce their rates.
Four days is a great amount of time to explore Madrid with plenty of time to see the main sights, eat lots of Tapas, and not feel too rushed sightseeing in Madrid. The Spanish capital is bursting with things to see and do.
The verdict. Deciding which country has the best beaches for you really depends on what you're looking for. Whereas Spain is graced by the warmer waters of the Mediterranean and the chilled-out beach life that comes with it, Portugal benefits from the lively waters of the Atlantic and some truly epic scenery.
So, is Portugal cheaper than Spain? The answer is yes, generally speaking. While the cost of living can vary depending on location and personal preferences, Portugal tends to be slightly cheaper than Spain for accommodation, food, and transportation.