Lisbon has long been a sought-after destination for holidaymakers – whether taking advantage of the amazing golf resorts or just seeking a European city break. From its quaint cobblestone streets to buzzing nightlife, there is something for everyone in Portugal’s capital.
Only got a few days to play with? You’ll be pleased to know Lisbon works well for short breaks. Most of its most popular neighbourhoods sit close together, with public transportation making it easy to stretch a little further without losing half your day in transit.
You can dip in for a couple of days as part of a wider Portugal trip, stay longer and build a Lisbon golf holiday, or simply pop across for a weekend break. The choice is yours.
How many days should you book in Lisbon?
For most travellers, three to four days tends to strike a good balance. It gives you time to explore the main districts, and see a few of the well-known sights. If you want to squeeze in a round, you should still have time for to try one of the amazing golf courses without everything feeling too tight.
If golf is a big part of your holiday planning, stretching to five days or more is advised. Courses around Lisbon are spread out along the coast and slightly inland, so while none are especially difficult to reach, you will appreciate having a bit more breathing room between tee times and city plans.
Two days can work, but it usually feels like a stop within a larger Portugal golf holiday rather than the main event. A week, on the other hand, allows you to combine the city with some of the most loved courses in the region, and maybe a day trip or two that takes you beyond Lisbon itself.
What to see in Lisbon in two days
Two days in Lisbon is enough to get a feel for the place, even if it’s not in-depth. It works best if you treat it as a highlight reel.
- Day 1: Start in Baixa, which is flat by Lisbon standards and easy to walk. From there, head towards Alfama for the older streets and viewpoints, then up to São Jorge Castle for a wider view across the city.
- Day 2: On the second day, head west to Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. They sit close together, so you can cover both without too much planning. Add in a walk along the river and a stop for the iconic Portuguese pastel de nata, and there you have a full but manageable day.
If you are trying to include golf, splitting the time into one day on the course and one day in the city is probably the best approach.
What to do in Lisbon for three days
With three days in Lisbon, the pace changes slightly. You are no longer trying to squeeze everything into two tight blocks, so you can be a bit more selective.
- Day 1: Day one can still be dedicated to the central sights, but you might branch out into areas like LX Factory, which has a different feel from the historic districts.
- Day 2: Day two can be built around golf. Courses such as Quinta da Marinha Golf Course or Oitavos Dunes Golf Course are within reach of the city and offer a coastal setting that feels quite removed from the centre.
- Day 3: Use the extra day to go beyond Lisbon itself. A trip to Sintra works well here, as you are not trying to squeeze it into an already full schedule. You can take your time visiting places like Pena Palace or simply walking through the town, then return to Lisbon in the evening without feeling rushed.
What to do in Lisbon for four days
Four days gives you room to slow things down, which is often when Lisbon starts to feel more interesting.
You can still cover the main sights, but there is time to go further afield. A full day in Sintra, including places like Pena Palace, is more comfortable when it’s not squeezed into a half-day trip.
Alternatively, you could spend time along the coast in Cascais or even head slightly further to quieter beaches.
For golfers, this is where the trip starts to open up. Two rounds become realistic without feeling rushed, and you can choose courses that are a little further out. Penha Longa Resort, for example, combines golf with a setting that feels quite different from the coastal courses.
There is also space for the less obvious parts of Lisbon, smaller viewpoints, neighbourhood cafés, or simply time to wander without a fixed plan. It does not sound like much, but it changes the tone of the trip quite a bit.
Best golf itinerary for Lisbon golf holidays
A five to seven-day trip is where Lisbon really comes alive as a golf destination. You can build a proper itinerary without constantly checking the clock.
A typical plan might look something like this:
Day 1: Arrival and settling in
Arrive in Lisbon, check into your accommodation, and keep the day light. A short walk around the centre is enough.
Day 2: First round near Cascais
Play at Oitavos Dunes Golf Course. It is one of the more distinctive courses in the area, and starting here sets a strong tone for the trip.
Day 3: City day
Spend a full day in Lisbon, covering the main districts and landmarks without rushing between them.
Day 4: Second round
Head to Quinta da Marinha Golf Course. It is nearby, so logistics are straightforward, and it pairs well with Oitavos without feeling repetitive.
Day 5: Sintra and golf combination
Play at Penha Longa Resort, then spend time exploring Sintra afterwards if you still have the energy.
Day 6: Optional round or rest day
This can go either way. You could add another course such as Praia D’El Rey Golf Course, which sits further north, or take a slower day along the coast.
Day 7: Departure
Keep it simple, perhaps with a final walk or a relaxed morning before heading home.
Planning tips for a Lisbon golf trip
A few practical points tend to make a difference. Booking tee times in advance is advisable, especially in peak season.
Travel between courses is usually easiest by car or pre-arranged transfers, as public transport does not always line up neatly with tee times. Grouping rounds by location, for example, playing Cascais courses back-to-back, can save time without making the schedule feel rigid.
There is a tendency to try and fit in as many courses as possible. In practice, leaving a bit of space between rounds often leads to a better trip. Lisbon works well when it is not over planned, and that applies just as much to golf as it does to everything else.
If you would like help planning your Lisbon golf trip, get in touch with our team and we can put together an itinerary that fits your schedule.
