Hi. My wife, two sons (ages 22 and 18), and I are flying into Lisbon and out of Madrid over the Christmas break of 2023. I've used points to get all business class seats and was somewhat limited to these flights. I would have preferred to spend all my time in one country. None of us have been to either Portugal or Spain. We have nine nights. I was thinking of dividing them into three nights each in Lisbon, Barcelona, and Madrid. We do like historic sites, museums, nature, and good food. Any thoughts?
Thank you!
Posted by
4971 posts
I would tend toward dividing in half versus in thirds--especially since flying is most likely going to be the means of transport (no easy alternative), but mostly because three nights is such big cities just seems too brief to me. It's a city time of year--enjoy!
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Second the thought of splitting that in two, rather than three. Madrid and Lisbon are both dense with things to see and do—the 9 days might not even leave room for day trips outside of the cities.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thank you for the replies. I usually try to stay in one spot longer than most. It's just how it worked out: I have to fly into Lisbon and out of Madrid. I hate to miss Barcelona altogether, but I can save it for some other time. I will be traveling on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I believe I will find the most to do in Madrid. Is this true?
Posted by
4971 posts
I don't think you will feel shortchanged in any way by Lisbon-Madrid, and I would definitely save Barcelona.
Hopefully someone will come along with info on Christmas time closures and travel, good luck!
Posted by
11570 posts
Madrid is culturally Spanish while Barcelona is Catalan; save Barcelona for another trip. You need more time to include it.
Lisbon and Madrid will both offer you more than enough highlights for your Christmas visit of nine days. We spent nine nights in Lisbon and never ran out of things to do. They both are wonderful cities to explore.
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
492 posts
Skip Barcelona.
Don’t spend your time traveling.
My experiences in Portugal https://www.yelp.com/collection/c4DDuTqoI-3WsEeUfcSH8A/Portugal-2017
We spent 10 days in Lisboa and I have a list of things to do on another 10-day visit.