Lisbon and Madrid are the two capital cities on the Iberian Peninsula. Both cities have had massive impacts on history throughout the world. Though they have similar cultures, each city offers its own very unique experience. If you are trying to decide between visiting Lisbon or Madrid, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city you should visit.
Table of Contents
Lisbon or Madrid Overview
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and largest city in Portugal with just over 500,000 people living in the city and a much larger metro area. It has a long history, deeply involved with the sea through being a major port city and a history of colonization throughout the world. It is the second oldest city in Europe, only younger than Athens.
Today the city is known as an incredible coastal city with impressive architecture and landmarks found throughout the city. It is the cheapest capital city in Western Europe which makes it a dream city for most travelers. Lisbon is often referred to as “the San Francisco of Europe” for obvious reasons.
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain with 3.3 million people which also makes it one of the largest cities in the European Union. It has one of the largest economies in Europe and is considered to be one of the most liveable cities in the world. The city has influences from the Moors, Habsburgs, and Spanish culture.
Madrid is home to beautiful architecture, palaces, and plazas as well as expansive city parks. It is home to some of the most famous museums in Europe, like the Prado Museum. Being the capital of Spain, you can expect to experience one of the nightlife scenes in the world.
Things to See
Lisbon
Belém Tower is a fort built in the 16th and even used as a prison. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Praça do Comércio is an impressive public square found near the water’s edge in Lisbon.
The Church of Santa Engrácia, or the National Pantheon, is where many famous Portuguese people are buried.
Parque Eduardo VII is a picturesque city park with views of the city and the bay.
São Jorge Castle is a castle on a hill overlooking the city. It was built in the 8th century with parts of it built in the 1st century.
Madrid
Plaza Mayor is one of the most famous plazas in Madrid and even in Spain.
Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, even though they actually do not live there. It is one of the largest palaces in Europe.
El Retiro Park is a massive public park, full sculptures, gardens, and monuments.
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is the largest bullfighting ring in Spain and the 3rd largest in the world.
The Prado Museum is considered to be one of the greatest art museums in the world.
Food
Lisbon
Besides a lot of mesmerizing views, colonialist history, tourist attractions, warm beaches, and citizens, Lisbon is the home to some very flavorful local cuisines that Portugal has to offer. One of these is the small but plentiful “Pastel de Nata” which is an egg tart that’s frequently dusted with cinnamon and is very rich in history, dating back to the 1800s.
Apart from the tasty cakes, desserts, pastries, and tarts, Lisbon also has some simple sandwiches such as “Bifana” and “Prego” (made of beef and pork). Other must-try foods when you are in the Portuguese capital are traditional foods from the Portuguese cuisine – “Bacalhau“, “Caldo Verde“, “Cataplana de Marisco“, “Cozido“, “Feijoada“, and “Shellfish”, all of which include different types of meat, fish or sausages.
Madrid
Madrid is a city where many different cultures collide so you can find incredible foods from all over the world but there are a few staple cuisines you should try. Bocadillo de Calamares, or fried squid sandwich, is Madrid’s most famous sandwich even though the city isn’t near the ocean. If you go to Madrid when the weather is a little cooler, you should try a traditional pork stew called Cocido Madrileño. Another food you need to try when you visit Madrid is the Churros con Chocolate which is eaten at all times of the day. The hot chocolate you dip the churros in is actual melted chocolate, not what most people would think.
Getting Around
Lisbon
Lisbon is an incredibly beautiful city to be explored on foot. The areas around Praça do Comércio are excellent to see while walking. If you want to see the National Sanctuary of Christ the King or the Lisbon Aquarium, you will want to utilize public transportation. The Viva Viagem Card is a rechargeable card used for most public transportation. Trams and the funicular are traditional forms of getting around the city if you want to truly indulge in the culture. Another great way to get around the city is by riding on the ferries to get a vantage point from the water.
Madrid
With large plazas and wide sidewalks, most of the main attractions in Madrid are best explored on foot. The area between the Royal Palace and El Retiro Park is an excellent area to explore without using public transportation. If you want to visit somewhere like Las Ventas Bullring, you will want to take public transportation. Madrid has one of the largest metro systems in the world so you should definitely utilize it while you’re here. There is also an expansive network of buses that can get you pretty much anywhere you need to go.
Nightlife
Lisbon
Nightlife in Lisbon is much like the nightlife in Spain in regards to knowing how to party. The people here party late into the night and often times don’t go home until the sun is up. Fado houses are restaurants that have live music while you eat and they are very popular places to start a night out in Lisbon. Nightclubs and bars are found throughout the city. The area around Estátua do Duque da Terceira has an abundance of nightlife options including the famous “Pink Street”. Some of the best nightclubs in the city are LuxFrágil (quite expensive), Dock’s Club, Kremlin, Radio-Hotel, and Urban Beach Club.
Madrid
Madrid is up there with the best of the best in regards to its nightlife. It has world-class nightclubs and enough bars to suit any vibe. Anywhere you still in the center of the city will have an abundance of bars you can explore. Many of the university students party in the area of Malasaña. Some of the best nightclubs in Spain are in Madrid. Kapital, Barceló Theatre, and Opium are some of the best places to go clubbing in Madrid. The metro is not open all night so keep that in mind before you travel too far away to go clubbing.
Day Trips
Lisbon
Park and National Palace of Pena is a castle on a hill above the city of Sintra, less than an hour from Lisbon.
Tomar is a historic city built on Roman ruins by the Knights Templar.
The area around Cascais is full of beautiful beaches and is not far from Lisbon.
Madrid
Toledo is a city known for its Arab, Jewish, and Christian influences within its old city walls. It is less than an hour from Madrid.
Salamanca is an ancient city that is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to the 1100s.
Segovia is known for its ancient landmarks like its massive Roman aqueduct which dates back to 100s AD.
With so much to see in this part of Europe, you should consider also visiting Barcelona, Valencia, or Malaga.
Overall
Lisbon and Madrid are two of the largest cities on the Iberian Peninsula. They are both capital cities of cultures/countries that have had major influences throughout the world. Although both cities are relatively inexpensive, Lisbon is the budget traveler’s dream city for being in Western Europe. You also have to decide if you want to be close to the coast and its beaches because Madrid is not close to the coast. If you want to experience a bustling atmosphere is one of Europe’s largest cities, Madrid is the choice for you. The weather in Lisbon is also much milder if you are visiting outside of the summertime. Keep in mind, both cities are truly spectacular.