9 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.

On the 16th (Sat), don't miss a visit to Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco), then wander the streets of Belém Tower, then appreciate the history behind Padrao dos Descobrimentos, and finally meet the residents at Lisbon Oceanarium. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the long history of Jeronimos Monastery, then make a trip to Santa Justa Lift, then take a stroll through Alfama, and finally explore the historical opulence of Castelo de S. Jorge.

To find photos, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Lisbon attractions planner.

Philadelphia, USA to Lisbon is an approximately 11-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of train and flight. Traveling from Philadelphia to Lisbon, you'll lose 5 hours due to the time zone difference. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Philadelphia in February, with highs in Lisbon at 60°F and lows at 46°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Madrid.

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

Madrid is known for museums, nature, shopping, nightlife, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: see the interesting displays at Prado National Museum, explore the world behind art at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, admire the striking features of Royal Palace of Madrid, and admire the local landmark of Plaza de Cibeles.

To see maps, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Madrid online trip itinerary planner .

Getting from Lisbon to Madrid by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Lisbon to Madrid due to the time zone difference. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Lisbon in February: high temperatures in Madrid hover around 52°F and lows are around 37°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) to allow time 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.

Barcelona is known for parks, nightlife, museums, fun & games, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the landmark architecture of Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, stroll through Park Guell, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Barcelona Cathedral, and admire the local landmark of Magic Fountain (Font Magica).

To see more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Barcelona trip itinerary planner .

Getting from Madrid to Barcelona by train takes about 3 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Madrid in February: high temperatures in Barcelona hover around 58°F and lows are around 43°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) early enough to travel back home.