Lisbon and Rome both offer unique and enticing experiences, but which one should you choose for your city break or holiday?

We recognise the difficulty in making this decision. While there is abundant information available on both destinations, clear guidance on which city better aligns with your travel preferences is often hard to find.
This article aims to provide an impartial comparison,and hopefully help you to choose the best city to visit.

The article is structured into several sections, each of which can be directly accessed through the following links:
• Introduction to the cities
• Scores and ratings
• Which one should I, friends, or family visit?
• When to visit and weather
• Who is the city suited for?
• The perfect 48hours (with map)
• Tourism details (where to stay? airport details?)

No city can rival Rome’s historic and religious importance. The city is a living museum, with iconic landmarks and monuments, all intern-connected by grand avenues and charming side streets.

It maybe historical, but is far from a stagnant relic, Rome is a vivacious and chaotic city, led by emotions and the heart. Delicious food, late nights and socialising are the priorities for Rome, and keep the eternal city as one of Europe’s most popular cities.
There are flaws to Rome, often the result of political mismanagement, but gloss over these you will adore your time in Rome.

Lisbon is a progressive and liberal city, which still retains its rich seafaring history and distinctive Portuguese heritage. The city effortlessly blends history, vibrant culture and exciting nightlife into one charismatic tourist destination.

Lisbon is a city of compact variety; you can get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the Alfama district, be wowed by the grandeur of the plazas in Baixa or join the hipsters and fashionistas in the Principe Real. Close to the city are glorious sandy beaches, and Lisbon boasts one of the finest climates in Europe. This is an amazing city, which you must visit.

The number 28 tram passing the Se cathedral in Lisbon

The Trevi Fountain, Rome

Do you agree with us? Why not provide your own scores for Lisbon here

Summary
Where would I journey for a personal escape?
Lisbon
Where would I send my parents for a memorable visit?
Lisbon
Where's the ideal destination for my adventurous 19-year-old cousin?
Lisbon
Where should my food-obsessed friend indulge their culinary passions?
Rome
Note: The above comparisons are weather-independent and are based on travel during the most opportune times of the year. Details about the ideal travel seasons are elaborated upon later in this article.

In the sections that follow, you'll find a comprehensive comparison between these two fascinating cities. This includes recommendations on the duration of stay, the best times to visit, and tailored 48-hour itineraries for each city.
The final segment delves into practicalities for your travels, such as the best airport to fly into, the optimal districts for your accommodation, and insider tips, for when you come to explore the city.

We hope that you find all of this information useful, in planning your next exciting trip!

Lisbon is a diverse and exciting city that you’ll need at least three days to fully see.
Many visitors also include Sintra as part of their stay, but at a minimum, but we recommend spending at least two full days in Lisbon itself.

If you are fortunate enough to have a longer stay, there are many enjoyable day trips, including the palaces of Sintra, the beach resorts of Cascais or the historic towns of Obidos and Evora.

In the summer, you could also visit the beautiful beaches along the Cascais or Costa Caparica coastlines. Best of all, these day trips can all be reached via the inexpensive public transportation.
Related articles: 3 days in Lisbon – 48 hours in Lisbon

Considering the sheer number of outstanding tourist attractions Rome can be seen within two days, but there can be long queues for the Sistine Chapel, Saint Pauls Basilica and the Colosseum. Three days allows for a more enjoyable visit to Rome. Day trips could include the Roman ruins of Ostia Antica or the historic town Tivoli. Rome has excellent intercity trains and it is possible to visit Florence or Naples, or even Pompeii (2hours by train) as day trips.

A tourist cruise boat passing beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge in Lisbon

The Vatican is a city state within Rome

Most visitors head to Rome in the hot, humid and crowded summer months of July and August. Early spring or autumn are a much better time of year, and provides a much more agreeable climate, without the throngs of tourists.

To truly avoid the crowds, consider November to March, but there is always the slight chance of rain and it can be chilly. Even if it does rain, head indoors for a long lunch.

The recommended time to visit Lisbon is in the late spring and early autumn, when the city is sunny and warm, but without the summertime crowds.

Lisbon is subject to the pressures of over-tourism at times, most notably being incredibly crowded during the summer months in the popular tourist areas, such as the Belem district and Sintra.

Due to the increased popularity of Lisbon, it is becoming a year-round destination, however, be warned that the winter months can be wet and cool.

Our favourite time of year to visit Lisbon is during the first two weeks of June, when the whole city celebrates the Santos Populares festivals with street parties and traditional dances.

Lisbon has a wide appeal; there are cultural sights, a buzzing nightlife and a blossoming artisan scene. The city will appeal to young or old, either for a cultural trip or as a fun weekend away.

In the summer (May-Sep) the beaches make for a really good extension to your trip and are easily accessible from the city. There is little to fault Lisbon and most visitors leave with fond memories of the city.

Rome’s appeal is ageless and timeless. It is no matter if you are going there for the perfect Instagram post of the Colosseum or on a religious pilgrim to the Vatican, the city will not disappoint.
Sadly, the years of austerity and political mismanagement are starting to wear through Rome, with an unkept and unloved mentality decaying around the edges of the city.

The Arco di Costantino, Rome

There are beautiful beaches only a short train ride away from the centre of Lisbon

Rome in 48 hours
Below is an interactive map for 48 hours in Rome; day 1 is highlighted in green and day 2 in yellow, with optional sights in grey.

Begin at the icon of Rome, the Colosseum, but also explore the Foro Romano with its many excellent Roman ruins. On the way to the historic centre of Rome passes the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, with its amazing viewpoint.

For the afternoon explore the charismatic centre of Rome, taking in the Piazza Navona, the Fontana di Trevi and Piazza Colonna and the Pantheon.

For the evening head to the Trastevere district on the western banks of the Tiber, for bars, late food and lively experience.

Start early on the second day to avoid the queues for the Sistine Chapel and Saint Paul’s Basilica. From the Vatican City, follow the River Tiber past the Castel Sant'Angelo, Mausoleo di Augusto to the Piazza del Popolo. For the afternoon explore the Villa Borghese park, before heading down the Via del Babuino, past the Spanish steps and into the Trevi district for a delicious meal. Before finishing in Rome part take in the tradition of passeggiata, an evening stroll wearing your finest clothes.

Rome has to be visited at least once in your life and a city break is the ideal opportunity. Rome is served by two airports; Leonardo da Vinci (regular airlines) and Ciampino (low-cost airline), and there are regular train services from both to central Rome. There is plenty of flight capacity and reasonable prices can be found year-round.

Roman has numerous hotels, and accommodation options, but the common complaint is the relaxed approach to maintenance and upkeep. Rome is a destination to check all hotel/room reviews before booking.

For your first visit, you would want to be based in the tourist square, with Villa Borghese park in the north, Termini train station to the east, the Colosseum to the south and Vatican City to the west. Rome is an enjoyable and easy city to explore, and all of the main attractions are in this tourist square.

Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome

Lisbon is cool and fashionable, and has suddenly exploded on to the travel industry/market. If your friends have recently been, they will be raving about, but if you’re the first to visit, you’ll soon be passionately encouraging them to go in the future.

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The nightlife of Lisbon is exciting, vibrant and with a pleasant mix of locals and foreigners. Lisbon specialises in stylish, intimate bars, which are found throughout the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts. At the weekend the revellers of Bairro Alto spill out on the streets, where at 2am everyone heads downhill to the nightclubs of Cais de Sodre and Pink Street, a recently transformed red light district. Lisbon nightlife has much more of a focus on socialising than drinking excessively, as the Portuguese tend not to be big drinkers but love to chat!

Being a cosmopolitan city, Rome obviously has good nightlife, but nightlife is never the main reason to visit the city. Trastevere is always an enjoyable area, with it’s vibrant mix of bars and late-night cafes. On the opposite side of the Tiber, the area around Campo De Fiori is popular with tourists and locals alike. Rome nightlife has a large focus on being seen, and looking your finest. Nothing summarises this more than the tradition of passeggiata, when in the early evening, all ages don their finest (or new clothes) to stroll through the historic centre drinking wine and socialising with one another.

The standout museum of Lisbon is the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, with its vast, private collection of art and antiquaries. The Portuguese national gallery and museum is the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, and has an equally varied collection. Both museums are outstanding and are rarely busy, with peaceful ambience for enjoying the art and exhibits Lisbon also has some fascinating niche museums, such as the National Tile Museum (specialising is painted Azulejo tiles) and the Museu Nacional dos Coches, with the world’s largest collection of horse-drawn carriages.

The city of Rome is one museum, there is no need to head inside when there is so much history out on the streets. Michelangelo’s frescos in the Sistine Chapel may not be in a frame, but are some of the most powerful pieces of art. Museo e Galleria Borghese, has an extensive collection of classic art and sculptures, while the Maxxi is the contemporary art museum, and is housed in a striking ultra-modern building. For something quirky, visit VIGAMUS, the video game museum of Rome.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome

Top 5 Lisbon, No.1:
The Alfama district, a delightful maze of medieval streets which climb from the Tejo Estuary up to the castle

The culinary experience of Lisbon is rapidly evolving and improving, gone are the days when a meal had to include bread, white rice and chips. Bacalhau (salted cold fish) is always a favourite of Lisbon, with its many different ways to serve; from Bacalhau Assado (lightly roasted) to the delicious Bacalhau à bras (potato crisps, scrambled eggs and Bacalhau). Lisbon is also famed for its café culture savouries, cakes and sweet pastries. Dinning in Lisbon is a mixed affair, there can be unexplained long waits or elusive serving staff, while other locations have attentive and enthusiastic staff. The evening meal is never rushed.

Lisbon always attracts a lot of solo travellers, as it is a comparatively safe destination with a lot of sights and activities. There is a large freelance and digital nomad working community, who will be seen frequently working in the cafes and bars. As there are so many transient workers and solo travellers, it is common and the norm to see people eating alone. The nightlife is very social, and the city is generally safe.

You have to see Rome at least once in your life and even if you have to go it solo travel then go for it. The city is safe and all of the major attractions are relatively close together. As Rome is a romantic city, with a passion for food and meals, eating out along can sometimes be made to feel a little awkward.