8 days in Lisbon, Madrid & Barcelona Itinerary

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Lisbon: Sintra (Park and National Palace of Pena & Quinta da Regaleira) and Centro Historico de Cascais (in Cascais). The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to Belém Tower, step into the grandiose world of Castelo de S. Jorge, wander the streets of Bairro Alto, and stop by Alfama.

To find photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Lisbon trip planner.

Barcelona, Spain to Lisbon is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Western European Standard Time is minus 1 hour. In October, daytime highs in Lisbon are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Madrid.

Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage, lively nightlife, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Take a break from Madrid with a short trip to Catedral Primada in Toledo, about 1 hour away. There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Prado National Museum, see the interesting displays at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, steep yourself in history at Plaza Mayor, and don't miss a visit to Puerta del Sol.

To find ratings, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Madrid online tour itinerary planner.

You can fly from Lisbon to Madrid in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Lisbon to Madrid is 1 hour. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Lisbon in October since evenings lows in Madrid dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) early enough to take a train to Barcelona.

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sat): admire the landmark architecture of Casa Mila - La Pedrera, admire the striking features of Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, then admire the striking features of Casa Batllo, and finally ponder the design of The Magic Fountain. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Sun): stroll around Parc Guell, see where the action happens at Camp Nou, and then wander the streets of El Barri Gòtic.

For more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Barcelona trip itinerary app.

You can take a train from Madrid to Barcelona in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Madrid in October, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 18°C in Barcelona. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.