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Travel Budget for Lisbon Visit Lisbon on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Lisbon Costs

• Lisbon Hotel Prices
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Lisbon
• Best Hotels for One Week in Lisbon
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• Best Party Hotels in Lisbon
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• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Lisbon
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• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Lisbon
• Best Luxury Hotels in Lisbon
• Best Cheap Hotels in Lisbon
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• Is Lisbon Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Lisbon cost?
• Is Lisbon Worth Visiting?
• Portugal Costs
• Madeira Islands
• Northern Portugal
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• Southern Portugal
• How much does it cost to travel to Lisbon? (Average Daily Cost)
• Lisbon trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Lisbon expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Lisbon?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Lisbon?

You should plan to spend around $142 (€131) per day on your vacation in Lisbon. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $46 (€42) on meals
• $26 (€24) on local transportation
• $127 (€117) on hotels

A one week trip to Lisbon for two people costs, on average, $1,986 (€1,833) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 142 € 131
• One Week Per person $ 993 € 916
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,986 € 1,833
• One Month Per person $ 4,255 € 3,928
• One Week For a couple $ 1,986 € 1,833
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 3,971 € 3,666
• One Month For a couple $ 8,510 € 7,855

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lisbon cost?

A one week trip to Lisbon usually costs around $993 (€916) for one person and $1,986 (€1,833) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Lisbon on average costs around $1,986 (€1,833) for one person and $3,971 (€3,666) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lisbon will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Lisbon on average costs around $4,255 (€3,928) for one person and $8,510 (€7,855) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Lisbon has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Lisbon are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lisbon is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Galway or Porvoo.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lisbon Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Lisbon?

The average Lisbon trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lisbon travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Lisbon

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Lisbon is $63 (€58). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Lisbon is $127 (€117). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 63 € 58
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 127 € 117

Hotel Prices in Lisbon

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Lisbon based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $109. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Casa C'Alma Lisbon Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 89
• Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 141

Transportation Budget in Lisbon

The cost of a taxi ride in Lisbon is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $26 (€24) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lisbon.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 26 € 24

Recommended Services

• Lisbon Airport Private Transfer to Setubal | Sesimbra Viator $ 34
• Lisbon surf day with transfer Viator $ 71

Flights to Lisbon

Rental cars in lisbon, what did other people spend on transportation in lisbon.

Typical prices for Transportation in Lisbon are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Lisbon, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi Ride € 6.50

Food Budget in Lisbon

While meal prices in Lisbon can vary, the average cost of food in Lisbon is $46 (€42) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Lisbon should cost around $18 (€17) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Lisbon is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 46 € 42

Recommended

• Lisbon: Guided Walking Food Tour Viator $ 75
• Heart of Lisbon Food Tour: Baixa, Chiado & Bairro Alto Viator $ 108

What did other people spend on Food in Lisbon?

Typical prices for Food in Lisbon are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Lisbon, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Coffee € 2.50

Entertainment Budget in Lisbon

Entertainment and activities in Lisbon typically cost an average of $26 (€24) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 26 € 24

Recommended Activities

• Sintra Private Tour from Lisbon Full-Day Viator $ 120
• Tour of the Knights Templar's of Tomar in private tour Viator $ 126

Tips and Handouts Budget in Lisbon

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Lisbon is $4.73 (€4.37) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Lisbon is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 4.73 € 4.37

Alcohol Budget in Lisbon

The average person spends about $20 (€18) on alcoholic beverages in Lisbon per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 20 € 18
• Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide Viator $ 43
• Lisbon Pub Crawl Viator $ 22

Water Budget in Lisbon

On average, people spend $1.35 (€1.25) on bottled water in Lisbon per day. The public water in Lisbon is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.35 € 1.25

Related Articles

Lisbon on a budget.

Neighborhoods

Food and dining, transportation, more related articles.

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

13 Essential Tips for Traveling to Lisbon on a Budget

Last Updated on: 19th September 2021, 01:02 pm

Lisbon is one of Europe’s hottest destinations, and I’m not just talking about the weather (around 300 days of sunshine every year!).

The beautiful Portuguese capital is renowned for its many historic landmarks, including the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the São Jorge Castle, but also a colorful culture.

Despite its popularity, Lisbon remains a very affordable city for travelers to explore on a shoestring, with lots of affordable restaurants and accommodation, and there are masses of great things to do in Lisbon that are free or cheap.

This guide provides some useful tips for budget Lisbon travel, as well as taking you through some of the must-sees and must-dos. So if you’re looking to travel Lisbon on a budget, here’s what you need to know. 

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Where to stay in Lisbon on a Budget

The most expensive neighborhoods to stay in are Chiado and Príncipe Real. It’s a very walkable city, however, so if you opt for budget accommodation in Lisbon you can still get to these lovely areas quickly.

Baixa, for instance, is next to Chiado, and the accommodation there tends to be far easier on the wallet.

Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, is also one of the cheapest to stay in. There are many simple but comfortable hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to be found among these winding, steep streets.

Expect to pay between €40 and €80 per night for decent budget hotels in Lisbon, although if you’re prepared to stay in less-popular areas a bit further from the city center, there is no shortage of cheaper options.

If you’re being very savvy with the cash, a bed in a hostel dorm room is typically around €20. Sant Jordi is one of the best hostels in Lisbon , especially for solo travellers. It has a chic style and lively atmosphere whilst still allowing you to sleep well at night.

Tips for Visiting Lisbon on a Budget

These are things you need to know to have the best budget trip to Lisbon possible!

Accommodation

If you’re traveling on a shoestring then staying in hostels is a handy way to keep within your budget.

Many Lisbon hostels will offer complimentary WiFi and breakfasts and may also provide fun little extras such as guided walking tours, bike rental or port wine-tasting.

Food and Drink

Lisbon locals eat out all the time, and once you escape the more touristy areas you can eat very well for under €10.

The Time Out Market in Cais do Sodre offers affordable dishes from some of Lisbon’s best restaurants all under one roof.

A small, chilled glass of Sagres or Super Bock, the main Portuguese beers, is perfect fuel for sightseeing. It will usually cost around €1 – ask for an imperial.

Transportation

Purchase a 24-hour public transport ticket from a metro station, for around €6.40, and it covers all trams, buses and metro services.

Single tram tickets alone usually cost around €3 so this is a great budget travel idea for Lisbon. Getting around on foot is easy, but Lisbon is a city built on seven hills and can be hard going especially in summer.

By staying in hostels, making your own meals, and using public transport or walking wherever possible, you should be able to enjoy a really satisfying stay in Lisbon for as little as €40 per day.

Free and cheap things to do in Lisbon

You don’t need to blow your budget on expensive attractions when in Lisbon, because there are so many fantastic things to do here that are either free or cheap.

One good tip to remember is that you can buy a ‘Lisbon Card’ for €20 which covers 24 hours, and gives benefits including free public transport, free entry to many of the best attractions in Lisbon, and even free train travel to popular nearby destinations Cascais and Sintra.

There are many stunning beaches along Lisbon’s Atlantic coast, several of which you can easily be reached by bus or train.

Among the most popular are the small beach in glamourous Estoril, 20 minutes by train and foot from central Lisbon, and Guincho, which takes an hour with a train to Cascais and then a short bus journey.

Guincho is world-famous for surfing and wind-surfing, and it has a great little restaurant.

The beaches along the Costa da Caparica are slightly harder to reach without a car, involving ferry or train and then a bus, but they are worth the effort.

Beloved by locals, these golden stretches of sand are virtually unknown by foreign tourists, and they promise lovely views of Lisbon across the Tagus River.

One of the big pleasures of wandering the Portuguese capital on foot is the amount of awesome street art. Some artists have made good use of the distinctively patterned pavement tiles, while others have painted gigantic murals across entire buildings.

Vhils is among the best-known street artists in Portugal, chiseling deep into brick and plaster walls to create eye-catching portraits that look almost as though they are exploding into life.

Sweetly melancholic fado music is one of the cultural icons of Lisbon, and while many of the fado bars tend to be both overpriced and not especially authentic, you can usually find a good show by asking the locals where they would go.

There are plenty of free fado bars around the city, and some will offer traditional Portuguese food as well. Keep a lookout for tascas with Fado Vadio, which is sung by amateur performers.

Portuguese Custard Tarts

Pasteis de Nata, or Portuguese custard tarts, are a delicious local delicacy in Lisbon. Some people will queue for literally hours outside the famous pasteleria near the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém for a taste.

But you can find just as good pasteis de nata in cafes across Lisbon, and you can pick up a box of them for only a few euros. They make for mouth-watering snacks and also a fab gift idea.

São Jorge Castle

For the best views in Lisbon, take the legendary 28 tram up to the ancient São Jorge Castle and a walk around the well-preserved walls and fortifications. Entry is just €10, or €5 for students.

After leaving the castle you can either take the tram back down or follow my advice and walk through the spidery streets of the historic Alfama neighbourhood. Miradouros (the name for viewpoints in Lisbon) abound, and you will pass endless cafes, tascas, and shops selling beautiful tiles, while local residents shout greetings to each other between balconies strung with washing.

Lisbon has some absolutely gorgeous parks. The Jardim de Estrela is huge, and a very popular spot for locals. It’s close to the Basilica and also convenient for the 28 tram up to the castle.

Alternatively, try the Estua Fria – the Greenhouse – which boasts plants and trees from all over the world. It’s a very tranquil place, perfect if you’ve overdone it on the sightseeing, with babbling brooks and lots of shady spots. The entry is €3.10 but free on Sundays.

The National Coach Museum is the most prestigious museum in Lisbon, with an unrivalled collection of horse-drawn coaches throughout history.

You can also find contemporary art at the Coleção Berardo Museum in Belém, and the National Tile Museum in the Madre de Deus Convent, which showcases some superb azulejo (traditional Portuguese tilework).

Most museums in Lisbon cost just a few euros to enter, but many of them are free if you’ve already purchased the Lisbon Card. Some may also have free admission days at various points in the year.

Belém landmarks

The riverside neighborhood of Belém is home to several of the best-known landmarks in Lisbon.

There is the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, the sail-shaped Discoveries Monument, a nod to Portugal’s legendary seafaring past, and the 16th century Belém Tower, where many of these intrepid explorers would board their ships.

Most Belém landmarks cost just a handful of euros to enter, but you can also admire them from outside, completely free of charge. And of course, this being Lisbon you’re never far from a cafe selling a cool glass of beer.

Read Next:  7 Sensational Things to Do in Belem: Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites & More

That’s all of my top tips for a budget trip to Lisbon, have a safe trip!

This Lisbon budget travel guide comes to us from from Kieren, a 20-something-year-old from Wales with a passion for adventure and backpacking. He’s spent time Interrailing through Europe and backpacking Southeast Asia with plenty more on the bucket list. Kieren shares tips and travel guides over at Got My Backpack .

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to Portugal

Along with sunglasses and sunscreen, make sure to pack these:

The   Lonely Planet Portugal   guidebook for your trip. It can be hard to find big, international guidebooks once you land (or they’ll be way overpriced). Get yours ahead of time, either a hard copy or on a Kindle.

An Unlocked  Cell Phone   so that you can use a Portuguese sim card while here to help navigate public transportation and when you’re on the road.

A  Backup Charging Bank .  This is for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie. The mountains can drain your battery since it will take more power to continually check for signals where the signal gets spotty.

A  Great Day Bag   so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc). 

My current favorite is the  Pacsafe Citysafe ,  which is especially great for tourist destinations because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets plus RFID technology to keep your credit card digits safe. 

It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day.

A Pair of Comfortable Closed-Toed Walking Shoes .  I use  boots like these  or  like these .  Pack hiking shoes if you’re planning on hiking. Otherwise, any closed-toed shoes will work. This itinerary is packed and you’ll be on your feet a lot. Make sure to take care of them!

More Portugal Travel Resources

I adore Portugal! Here are the best Portugal resources on my blog.

​​ 7 Lovely Lisbon Souvenirs & Gifts You Need in Your Suitcase!

​ 7 Sensational Things to Do in Belem: Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites & More ​​​

​ 13 Essential Tips for Traveling to Lisbon on a Budget ​​​​​​

​ The Best Things to do in Porto, Portugal ​​​

​​ 10 Things You Need to Know to Visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal ​​​

The Perfect 4 Days in Madeira Itinerary

Portugal Country Guides

​ 30 Perfect Portugal Quotes for Captions & Statuses

​​ 51 Giggle-Inducing Portugal Puns for Portugal Instagram Captions & Statuses ​​​ ​​​

Included in these Round-Ups

​​ 27 of the Best Wine Countries in the World for Your Bucket List!

​ 27 Stunning Places to Visit in September in Europe for a Late Summer Getaway

​ 27 of the Best Opera Houses in Europe for a Perfect Night Out ​​​

​ 25 Most Underrated Cities in Europe for a Fabulous Vacation without the Crowds

​ The 50 Most Beautiful Castles in the World and the Pictures to Prove It

11 Stunning Catholic Monasteries Everyone Should See

Before You Leave for Portugal – Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Make sure you have a valid  Travel Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road.

I use  World Nomads  for my long trips to Europe, and I happily recommend them.

It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging out in big cities like Lisbon where tourists can be the victims of pickpockets or beaches like in the Algarve or on Madeira where there’s more risk of an accident.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance, and I happily recommend them.  

If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Get a Travel Insurance Quote for Your Trip

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Lisbon on a Budget: A Travel Guide to Portugal’s Capital

By: Author James Cave

Posted on Last updated: September 19, 2023

Lisbon has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and it’s not surprising why: the weather is excellent, the food is great, and it’s incredibly cheap.

That last bit is starting to change, unfortunately. It’s still the most affordable Western European capital city to visit.

Still, the sheer number of visitors coming to Lisbon has led to increased accommodation costs and restaurant prices.

The bargains are still there, but you must look harder to find them. This guide will make that process a lot easier.

Table of Contents

How to eat on a budget

How to drink on a budget, how to see a fado show on a budget, how to learn portuguese on a budget, how to sleep on a budget, how to visit the sights on a budget, how to enjoy a day’s cycling on a budget, lisbon on a budget.

Although it’s possible to get a decent main meal in Lisbon for around €10 ($12), eating out for even less is possible.

The general advice applies here: avoid the touristy areas, such as Baixa, Belém, and Chiado.

In these parts of town, lunch and dinner will typically cost more than €10 ($12), and the quality will be much lower.

The best advice for finding a cheap place to eat is to avoid restaurants and go to a pastelaria instead.

A pastelaria is what you or I might call a café, but most tourists don’t know that they usually serve a main meal (prato do dia) as well.

If you see the menu written on a paper tablecloth and sellotaped to the window, then bingo!

You’ve found yourself a local joint, and prices will be much more reasonable. You might even get three courses and a drink for less than €10 ($12).

You can almost get all your meals in pastelarias and cafés: cake or pastel de nata and coffee in the morning, your main meal at lunchtime and in the evening, and a bifana to soak up those late-night drinks.

If you’re trying to keep to a budget, consider going to one of the low-cost .come restaurants.

This Portuguese cafeteria-style chain is popular with office workers and serves reasonably good food for incredibly low prices: around €4 ($5) for lunch.

The menu changes, but there are a few constants, like the Francesinha , Porto’s version of a Croque Madame.

With ham, sliced sausage, steak, melted cheese, a fried egg, and a tomato and beer sauce, this monstrous sandwich will keep you full for a few hours.

If you want to drink on a budget, head to the Bairro Alto after around 9 p.m.

You’ll find countless bars here, most of which will serve cheap wine, beer, and caipirinhas. The deeper you go, the cheaper the drinks tend to be.

It’s possible to get a caipirinha for as little as €1-2 ($1-2), but be warned: you get what you pay for, and the same goes for the wine.

A beer typically costs around €1 ($1) here, and if you’re drinking on the cheap, it’s a lot more reliable.

The cheaper caipirinhas tend to use very low-quality cachaça and lots and lots of sugar. If you’re going to drink one, move up into the €3-4 ($3-4) bracket. Your liver will thank you.

Fado is a traditional style of Portuguese music. It’s soulful and incredibly moving, and I highly recommend you see it when you visit Lisbon.

Unfortunately, fado shows can be expensive as they usually include dinner: €25-50 ($29-59) per person.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the dinner were good, but you can get a better dinner elsewhere.

Clube de Fado is one of Lisbon’s most popular fado spots, both with locals and tourists. It’s one of the few fado houses that lets you turn up after dinner and pay for drinks.

Alternatively, A Tasca do Chico in the Bairro Alto has free shows on Monday and Wednesday nights.

Part of the fun of visiting a new city is gaining a bit of the language.

European Portuguese is probably not a language you have come across before. Many travelers are unfamiliar with Portuguese.

A quick Portuguese lesson will give you some of the basics and help you to avoid making common faux pas, like pronouncing Portuguese words in Spanish.

Spain is Portugal’s old enemy, and they don’t like to be reminded of their sword-wielding neighbors.

There are quite a few free resources online and paid Portuguese courses , but perhaps the easiest option is to go to a language class.

Oasis Hostel in Lisbon runs a free Portuguese class on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

If you’ve studied the free resources and are looking for something more in-depth, the English-Portuguese meetup group has weekly meet-ups where they speak 45 minutes in English and 45 minutes in Portuguese.

Although accommodation prices in Lisbon have gone up in the past few years, some excellent budget options are still available.

A dorm room in one of the following hostels will cost €12 ($14) or less per night:

• Urban Garden Hostel
• Brickoven Palaca
• Hub New Lisbon Hostel
• Shiado Hostel

If you want a little more privacy, the following rooms on Airbnb all cost between €15 ($17) and €22 ($26) per night:

• Fado Room Graca
• Portuguese tiles room
• In front of Pasteis de Belem

Touring a city’s attractions can be costly, even if you buy a City Pass.

Thankfully, many of Lisbon’s attractions are free on the first Sunday of the month, including:

• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
• Torre de Belém
• Museu Nacional do Azulejo

If you’re not in Lisbon for the first Sunday of the month, you can still go to the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian for free any other Sunday and the Coleccao Berardo museum on any day of the week.

Although there’s plenty to see and do in Lisbon, it’s also nice to get out of the city. And, after all those budget francesinhas and caipirinhas, you’ll probably be in the mood to exercise .

The municipal council in Cascais, located 45 minutes from Lisbon, offers free bike hire (all you need to do is show your ID). You can follow the 10 km purpose-built bike path from Cascais to Praia de Guincho.

Although there are beaches closer to Lisbon, like Estoril and Cascais, this takes you a little further out of the city and away from the crowds of tourists.

So there you go — €12 ($14) or so for a place to crash, less than €5 ($6) for lunch, €1 ($1) for a beer, free Portuguese lessons, free museum entry, a free cycling day trip, and a free fado show. Your bank balance will be pleased when you leave Lisbon!

James writes for Portugalist , a blog dedicated to Portugal and all things Portuguese. He has spent time living in Lisbon, the Algarve, and the North of Portugal and, when he's not in Portugal, he's usually tracking down the best Portuguese restaurants, bar, and experiences in other cities.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

• G Adventures for small group tours.
• Hostelworld for booking hostels.

Traveler Destiny

How To Travel to Lisbon on a Budget [Complete Guide]

Are you planning to visit Lisbon but you don’t have a lot of money to spend? Well, traveling is only costly sometimes. So, don’t be worried. This article will explore how to visit Lisbon on a Budget. Let’s dive right into our Lisbon travel guide on a budget!

Why You Should Visit Lisbon

Lisbon is a city present between the hills and the Atlantic Ocean. It has vibrant streets with a unique cultural influence and exquisite architecture. Those who visit Lisbon find the essence of Portugal at its best.

Over the years, Lisbon has become quite a tourist attraction, and prices for accommodation have skyrocketed. But there are still amazing ways to have fun on your Lisbon tour, exploring unique places and experiencing exciting adventures that can still be done on a budget.

Choose the Best Time to Travel

Most people visit Lisbon during the high season, and this results in high flight rates and inconvenience due to traffic and overcrowded tourist spots. Hence, choosing the right time to visit Lisbon matters a lot.

The Best Time to Travel to Lisbon

You don’t want to fight the crowds to grab your flight tickets or accommodations in Lisbon. Nobody wants that. Try traveling in spring or autumn to avoid this hassle. On average, fewer people visit Lisbon during this time, so the atmosphere around that time is relatively peaceful.

The second benefit of visiting in spring and autumn is the weather. The weather is moderately warm, and you can explore beautiful tourist places without being too hot to the point where you just want to get back to the hotel.

The Most Economical Time to Visit Lisbon

January and February are the cheapest months to visit Lisbon. Everything is more affordable in these cold months, from flight tickets and hotel accommodations to traveling expenses and even food.

Most people visit Lisbon in Summer, so you will find higher rates in the summer, but winter months like January and February are the cheapest. You can still see somewhere between April and October if you want to get warmer weather. 

Let’s Find Cheap Flights

The first and foremost way to find cheap flights to Lisbon is to buy them a few weeks or months in advance. Consider buying your tickets at least 4 weeks before your tour. This will give you some time to research the cheapest flights, and you will find competitive rates.

Choose to travel in months when fewer people travel to Lisbon. Mainly January and February are the cheapest months when flights are less packed to charge you high rates.

Traveling Inside Lisbon: Use Public Transport

The cheapest way to discover Lisbon is on foot. To keep the transportation costs under your budget, choose public transport instead of renting a car or taxi.

Ride Lisbon Metro

Lisbon metro is economical, peaceful, and the fastest way to travel across the city. The Lisbon metro has four lines with four different colors to identify.

• Blue line 

Traveling via the metro is the best way to explore Lisbon city. You need a Viva Viagem Card to travel. Details for this card are given at the end of this section. Service hours for the Lisbon metro are 06:30 am to 1 am, and one trip will set you back at just €1.5.

Ride the Bus

Traveling via bus can be more scenic compared to the metro. The bus will take you to where the metro and trams can’t. With 172 routes, you will find bus stops all around the city. Most of the time, maps and timetables are posted at bus stops.

Major bus lines run from 5 am to 11 pm daily. The interval between two consecutive buses on a stop is 15 to 20 minutes. Traveling via bus is economical and handy for a low-budget city tour.

Ride the Tram

If you want to experience how the people in the past used to travel in Lisbon, ride the tram. This is one of the most iconic tourist attractions the city has to offer and a great place to snap some incredible photos. While most of the trams have been replaced by the metro, there are still six old-school tram systems still functional, especially in hilly areas where the metro is not available.

Ride Lisbon’s Commuter Train System

Another way to have an economical and budget-friendly ride in Lisbon is to travel via the commuter train line system. This system has five lines crossing toward greater Lisbon. This is a fun way to have a 40 to 45 minutes short tour around Lisbon. The commuter train systems’ service hours vary but primarily run from 6 am to 1 am.

Ride Lsibon’s Ferry System

Ferries connect Lisbon to the Tejo South Bank. If you are up to traveling across the river, traveling via ferries is a fun way to commute. Transtejo operates these ferries. Want a smooth ride over water? You must try Libson’s ferry system.

Buy a Viva Viagem Card

You will have to buy a Viva Viagem card for €0.5, and this fee is non-refundable and can be purchased and loaded at any metro station in cash or using a card. 

The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels and Restaurants in Lisbon

After getting cheap flights and economical transportation, another hurdle in your traveling dreams – is food and accommodation. Let’s check out some of the best places to sleep and eat in Lisbon and how you can save money doing it!

Advance Reservations Without Extra Charges

As with the flights, hotel reservations will also help you get the maximum discount and cheapest rates. When you travel in the months suggested above, you will automatically have affordable rates as fewer people are visiting the city.

Some of the Affordable Hotels to Stay in Lisbon

Here are some of the best affordable hotels with the best reviews.

ibis Lisboa Centro Saldanha

Ibis Lisboa Centro Saldanha is one of Lisbon’s most affordable and peaceful hotels. It is newly renovated and is situated in the center of the city. You will have markets, shops, and restaurants, everything a few steps ahead. So, staying at the ibis will save you most of the traveling cost.

Pátria Hotel

Pátria Hotel comes second in popularity among visitors. The hotel offers all the amenities, and it is a 15-minute distance from Marques de Pombal Square. 

Safety Lisbon Bairro Alto

If you want to be even closer to the tourist attractions on foot, then you should consider staying in the iconic neighborhood of Bairro Alto. Safety Lisbon Bairro Alto has partnered with walking tour guides and let you explore the fantastic spots on foot. Customers often call this hotel a hidden gem with a good ambiance and a small garden.

Eat Within Budget on Your Visit to Lisbon

Though you will find numerous spots to eat in Lisbon, the following three are the top picks for affordable and tasty treats.

Ze da Mouraria 

Located at two different spots, one in Mouria and the other in Campo Martires, this restaurant offers you the best taste of Lisbon at a low price. The former branch is open for lunch only, and the latter is for dinner only.

Rosa da Rua – Enjoy a Buffet

Want to eat till you can’t move an inch? Rosa de Rua offers a buffet service to its customer with various dishes at an economical price. The food, service, and ambiance are perfect for dinner with your beloved.

Tascas: The Traditional Portuguese Low-Cost Dinners

If you want to taste traditional Portuguese food, Tascas are the places to visit. These are low-cost and simple restaurants that can be found all throughout Lisbon and Portugal. They are some of the best places to find the most affordable traditional Portuguese food. 

Most Tascas often have daily dishes, and we recommend trying those. You can even try Superbock, the king of Portuguese beers and by far one of the best European beers around. 

Prefer Free or Low-Cost Tourist Attractions

There are numerous places in Lisbon that you can explore on foot. Similarly, many tourist spots are free or low-cost. Below is the list of some of the budget-friendly or free tourist attractions in Lisbon:

• Iconic Alfama and Bairro Alto
• Free Fado Show
• Feira de Ladra
• Colorful Pink Street
• Praca do Comercio
• Lisbon Cathedral
• Jeronimos Monastery

Lisbon remains one of the best low-cost destinations in Western Europe, and while prices have increased over the last few years, there are still ways of visiting without spending a fortune. We hope this guide has helped you plan your next trip to Lisbon!

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Lisbon on a Budget: 25 Ways to Save on Your Trip

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Planning a trip to Lisbon on a budget IS possible. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and it’s surprisingly affordable compared to other capital cities in Western Europe.

Here you’ll find things to do in Lisbon on a budget and how to save money on the price of Lisbon attractions.

If you’re planning on backpacking through Europe and staying at hostels, then this post is probably not for you.

Although you may these tips helpful, this post is written for those who want to travel comfortably, see all the sights, and eat all the food while getting the most bang for their buck.

My husband, sister and I traveled to Portugal together in December for 7 nights (5 nights in Lisbon and 2 nights in Porto). This also included a daytrip to Sintra, which is a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon.

We spent a grand total of $1,272. 35 Canadian dollars per person . This is approximately $969.66 USD per person.

Table of Contents

Here’s a quick breakdown of our Portugal spending:

(All prices are listed in Canadian dollars).

Flights – $678.88 per person We flew direct from Toronto to Lisbon with Airtransat. I used some of my credit card points to save money on flights.

Side Note : I use my credit card to pay for groceries, entertainment, dining out, transportation and so on.

I set a reminder to pay it off in full each week so I can track my spending and make sure I am staying within my monthly budget. I have never paid interest on my credit card because I always pay it off in full.

Airbnb – $0 per person We used Airbnb for our travel accommodations in both Lisbon and Porto. We booked a 2-bedroom apartment which gave us plenty of room as a group of 3 people.

I used my Airbnb credits to cover the cost. Without the credit, the total cost of our 7 nights in Portugal would have been $340 per person.

Transportation – $130.43 per person This included public transportation, uber rides, and train rides. Lisbon public transport is the cheapest way to get around to each attraction.

Food & Drinks – $285.26 per person There are many cheap eats in Lisbon! We saved money by only eating at one sit-down restaurant per day.

We also ate at local mom and pop restaurants which are cheaper than touristy restaurants. Lisbon aclohol prices are pretty affordable too.

Sightseeing – $125.78 per person We visited all the major paid attractions in Lisbon, Sintra and Porto. Using the Lisboa Card helped us save a lot of money.

Gifts – $52 per person We didn’t do much shopping because we prioritized sightseeing and dining out for this trip.

To help you plan the best trip ever to Lisbon, I’ve put together these money-saving tips so you can travel to Lisbon on a budget. It includes things to do in Lisbon, a review of the Lisbon travel card, and what you can do in Lisbon for free!

Related Posts:

• 15 silly mistakes to avoid making in Lisbon
• My Lisboa Card review: Is it worth it?

What do I need to know about traveling to Lisbon, Portugal?

Best time to go : The spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are the best months to visit Lisbon. This is when the weather is warm and hotel rates are slighlty cheaper.

Best area to stay : The city center is the best area to stay since that’s where most of the main landmarks and attractions are located. However, there are tons of different neighborhoods in Lisbon where tourists can easily explore the city on foot.

Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade are the best neighorhoods to stay for first-timers. If you’re traveling on a budget, then check out accommodations in Baixa and Barrio Alto .

Best way to get around : The best way to get around Lisbon is on foot or by public transport. Keep in mind that there are tons of hills in Lisbon, so if you want to catch your breath, hop on the tram, bus or metro.

If you prefer to be comfortable and relax, you can ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour , which is a great way to get familiar with Lisbon for first-timers.

Top 5 things to do in Lisbon : Oceanário de Lisboa , Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), Castelo de S. Jorge , Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, and Torre de Belém (Belém Tower).

What’s Lisbon known for? Lisbon is famous for its beautiful and ornate architecture and traditional fado music. It’s also well known for its nightlife and spectacular hilltop vistas in Alfama and at St. George’s Castle.

1. Save money on attractions with the Lisboa Card

Just because you’re visiting Lisbon on a budget doesn’t mean that you need to skip its paid attractions.

That would be a shame because Lisbon has some of the most unique attractions in Europe, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém).

The best way to save money on Lisbon’s paid attractions is to use the Lisboa Card (Lisbon Card).

We used the Lisboa Card, which helped us easily plan our itinerary and visit all the top attractions in the city for cheap. With the Lisboa Card, we saved time, money, and enjoyed stress-free sightseeing.

PRO TIP:  Buy the pass online to save time and hassle. Plus, you can take advantage of online discounts. To purchase your Libsoa Card,  click here  to go to the official website.

What’s included in the Lisboa Card?

✓ Pick from  26 Lisbon attractions ✓ Valid for up to 72 hours ✓  Free unlimited travel  by public transport ✓ Exclusive discounts on visits, tours, shopping and nightlife

This Lisboa Card is a pre-paid sightseeing card that can be used to get FREE entry to the city’s top attractions, including  Jerónimos Monastery ,  Belém Tower ,  Santa Justa Elevator .

Plus, you can use the Lisboa Card to get   free entry to 26 other attractions , museums, monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Once you’ve bought the Lisboa Card, you can visit as many attractions as you want. The more sights you visit, the more money you’ll save!

The card also includes FREE unlimited travel by public transport (bus, tram, metro, elevators and funiculars).

It also includes free travel on CP train lines to Sintra and Cascais, which are popular daytrip destinations.

Simply choose which pass duration you want to buy (24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours).  You can  click here  to purchase your Lisboa Card from their official website.

2. Take advantage of free things to do in Lisbon

If you’re on a really tight budget, you’re in luck because Lisbon has plenty of fun things to do for free. This makes it easy to visit Lisbon on a budget!

The city is spread out over seven hills, which means there are lots of spots to enjoy stunning views of Lisbon. Just look for a sign that says “miradouro” to find viewpoints all over the city.

I recommend checking out Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina . These viewpoints are all FREE to visit.

If you’re using the Lisboa Card , you can find incredible viewpoints at Elevador de Santa Justa, Rua Augusta Arch and Monument of the Discoveries.

Another popular area to check out is Rua Nova do Carvalho (commonly known as the Pink Street ). This is a trendy spot in the city for nightlife.

3. Explore the different neighborhoods in the city

Lisbon is home to many vibrant and exciting neighborhoods. You can easily explore them on foot or take a ride on the tram. The most popular neighborhoods to check out are Chaido, Baixa, Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belém.

Here you’ll find markets, shops, gardens, monuments, street art, beautiful architecture, and more! This is a fun activity for those who want to visit Lisbon on a budget.

4. Ride the famous 28 tram

Riding the 28 tram in Lisbon is one of the most popular things to do. And it only costs a few euros to hop on board.

Just make sure to avoid riding the tram during peak hours when the locals rely on it for their daily commute.

This tram is popular because it passes through some of Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods such as Alfama and Baixa.

It provides one of the best tours of the capital since you can check out popular tourist attractions along the route.

PRO TIP: If you’re using the Lisboa Card , you can ride the 28 tram for FREE.

5. Check out Museu Berardo on Saturdays

The Berardo Collection Museum is a museum of modern and contemporary art in Belém, a popular neighborhood in Lisbon.

Here you’ll find works from artists like Picasso, Duchamp, Andy Warhol, among others. This is definitely a must-visit museum for art lovers.

On Saturdays, you can visit this art museum for free. If you’re using the Lisboa Card , you can save 30% off admission any day of the week.

6. Visit the oldest bookstore in the world

Did you know that the oldest bookstore in the world can be found in Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood? Bertrand Chiado was recognized in 2011 by the Guinness Book as the oldest bookstore in the world still in operation.

The bookstore was founded in 1732 by two brothers from France. Its original location was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, so they had to rebuild it elsewhere.

You can find the latest bestsellers here along with some classics (both in English and Portuguese).

7. Take a day trip to Sintra

Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon and worth checking out. Yes, it does involve spending a little money to take the train there (a quick 40-minute ride), but it can be very affordable.

PRO TRIP: If you’re using the Lisboa Card , you can take the train for FREE to Sintra.

Once you arrive in Sintra , you’ll see many tuk tuks and tour guides waiting to take tourists to the popular attractions. This can be a good option if you’re looking for a more intimate experience.

However, a cheaper option is to get a Hop-On Hop-Off ticket for the 434 Bus. This bus will take you around the entire loop between the historic center of Sintra and Pena Palace . It’s cheaper than paying for two single tickets.

PRO TIP: During the summer months (high-season travel time), the 434 Bus can get quite busy. I recommend catching the bus from the train station and going straight to Pena Palace to get a head start. Then you can return to the historic center of Sintra in the afternoon to have lunch.

If you do decide to visit Sintra, you can get a slight discount by purchasing your attraction tickets together. For example, if you combine two attractions you can save 5% off admission.

My favorite attraction in Sintra is Quinta da Regaleira . This was one of the most unique places I have ever seen with wells, caves, hidden tunnels and more. I enjoyed it more than Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.

8. Listen to fado for free

Fado is a type of Portuguese singing that is popular in pubs and cafes. It’s a symbol of Portuguese culture and tradition, which makes this a must-do activity while you’re visiting Lisbon.

While popular fado shows can be epensive, you can actually listen to free fado shows in Lisbon. If you’re on a budget, look for tascas with Fado Vadio , which is fado sang by amateur singers.

Below are some popular places to check out free fado in Lisbon:

• Tasca do Chico – Fado shows start every night at around 8:00pm. If you don’t have a reservation, arrive early as it gets quite busy.
• Tasca do Jaime – Every weekend in the afternoon (usually after lunch), you can listen to locals and amateur singers.
• Solidó – During dinner, you can enjoy a free fado show that starts at around 8:00pm.

If you want to see a professional fado show, below are the best ones in Lisbon:

• Lisbon: ‘Fado in Chiado’ Live Show Tickets
• Lisbon: Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner
• Authentic Fado Experience

9. Compare hotel prices and book early

If you decide to stay in a hotel, I recommend checking prices early to compare costs. This will also help you get the hotel you want for your selected travel dates, especially if you’re traveling during the high season.

Below are the best affordable hotels in Lisbon:

• 1908 Lisboa Hotel
• Hotel Hotel – Member of Design Hotels
• Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show
• Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel
• Lisbon São Bento Hotel
• Palácio das Especiarias
• Browns Boutique Hotel
• Vila Garden Guesthouse
• Casa Balthazar
• Palacio Ramalhete
• Casa do Patio by Shiadu

Ready to plan your adventure to Lisbon? See what hotel deals are available in the area thanks to Booking.com

10. Visit in the off-season

We traveled to Lisbon in the middle of December. The temperature was mild, we only experienced one day of rain during our week-long trip.

This time of year was quiet, which was perfect for visiting popular tourist attractions in Lisbon on a budget.

It was also exciting because we got to see Lisbon decorated for Christmas. Plus, travel accommodations were affordable.

Visiting in the off-season can help you save money and provide a nicer experience than dealing with busy summer crowds.

May, June and September are the best times of year to visit Lisbon.

July and August are the high season. While you can still enjoy a trip to Lisbon in the summer months, the temperatures can get quite hot which can make for a sweaty and overpriced vacation.

11. Bring your walking shoes

Lisbon is a very walkable city. It’s easy to walk to all the main tourist attractions. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.

There are lots of hills and cobblestone roads in Lisbon, which can get quite slippery in the rain.

If you enjoy exploring the city on foot, consider checking out of one Lisbon’s free walking tours. This is an affordable way to get familiar with your surroundings and travel around Lisbon on a budget.

12. Use Lisbon’s public transportation

Lisbon has a decent public transportation system that can easily take you to all the major tourist attractions.

If you’re using the Lisboa Card , you’ll get FREE unlimited travel by public transport (bus, tram, metro, elevators and funiculars). It also includes free travel on CP train lines to Sintra and Cascais, which are popular daytrip destinations.

If you’re not using the Lisboa Card, considering getting a 1 Day Ticket (24 hours). This is valid for unlimited journeys on Carris, Metro and CP (Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja and Sado lines), during 24 hours following the first validation.

You also have the option of getting a Zapping card , which is a prepaid travel credit that can be used on various operators. The cost of each journey will be deducted from your card balance.

13. Check taxi and Uber costs

Taxi and Uber are reasonably priced in Lisbon compared to other capital cities. Just keep in mind though, you’ll be charged extra for luggage when taking a taxi. In this case, riding an Uber may be cheaper.

14. Eat pastéis de nata for breakfast or a snack

One of the best foods available in Lisbon is pastéis de nata (pastel de nata). This is a popular Portuguese custard tart that you’ll find available all over the city.

Dust it with cinnamon and powdered sugar for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.

This is an affordable treat, which pairs well with an espresso. We ate pastéis de nata every morning before starting our sightseeing adventure.

15. Eat where the locals go

This is a helpful tip that can be applied for nearly every travel destination. Avoid the touristy restaurants and eat where the locals go.

There are many mom and pop style restaurants all over Lisbon that serve affordable meals. This means you’ll want to avoid going to restaurants that have menus written in multiple languages.

Restaurants frequented by locals usually offer better food and are cheaper than touristy establishments. I like checking Google for reviews.

NOTE: Lisbon is well-known for its seafood and Portuguese chicken. I’m a vegetarian and found it difficult to find good food options during my trip. And the vegetarian food that I did try didn’t taste good.

We ended up eating at Italian restaurants (which were not popular in Lisbon) because they offered the best options for vegetarians.

16. Choose one meal per day at a sit-down restaurant

Going to a sit-down restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner can quickly add up. Instead, I recommend making one meal per day as a sit-down meal.

For example, you can have a quick breakfast at a café, grab a sandwich for lunch, and enjoy a nice dinner at a sit-down restaurant. This can help cut down on food costs during your trip.

Some mornings we just ate a granola bar for breakfast. This was a cheap, on-the-go option for busy mornings.

17. Bread at your table is not free

When dining at restaurants in Lisbon, the waiter will usually put some things on your table.

This may include bread, butter, olives, or other snacks. Many tourists from the USA or Canada would expect these items to be free, but that’s not the case in Portugal.

If you eat the items brought to your table, you will see a charge for these items on your bill.  

If you’re interested in eating these items, you can check the menu for prices or ask the waiter how much it will cost. Otherwise, it’s perfectly acceptable to just say “no thank you” when the waiter tries to put them on your table.

18. Eat at restaurants at least one block away from touristy areas

If you don’t have time to check restaurant reviews, I understand. When you’re hungry, all you can think about is finding a place to eat fast!

Just make sure to walk at least one block away from popular tourist areas to find food options.

This is because many restaurants located in the main touristy areas are often over-priced and serve mediocre food at best. If you walk a few blocks away, you’re more likely to find tasty food at a reasonable price.

19. Drink the local wine and beer

If you’re not interested in drinking alcoholic beverages, then skip this point. But if you do happen to order a drink while visiting Lisbon, I highly recommend trying the local wine or beer.

Lisbon alcohol prices are very affordable. A glass of wine will usually cost around €2-€5 per glass.

Before going to Portugal, I didn’t know anything about Portuguese wine. That’s why we decided to take a wine tour when we visited Porto (which is worth checking out). The Douro Valley is the most popular region for wine.

This is also where Port wine is made. What’s impressive is this entire region was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beer is also affordable in Lisbon. Super Bock is the oldest beer company in Portugal and you can get a pint for around €2-€3.

20. Try Ginjinha

Ginjinha (or Ginja) is a popular liqueur in Portugal made from sour cherries and blended with sugar and cinnamon.

You’ll see shops all over Lisbon selling shots or bottles of Ginjinha. Each place offers their own take on this liqueur.

You can enjoy it a few different ways: with the fruit, without the fruit, or served in a chocolate cup.

I tried it without the fruit, but my sister said it tasted better with the chocolate cup. It’s only €1-€2 per shot.

A Ginjinha Rossio  is the most popular spot in Lisbon to try Ginjinha. It’s a small open-fronted bar that can only fit up to three people inside. It can get busy, but it’s worth going to try this sweet liqueur.

21. Drink espresso

If you need to get your caffeine fix, the cheapest way is to drink a shot of espresso. It’s around €1 (or less) for espresso at most cafes. This was cheaper than getting a cup of drip coffee or tea.

I noticed that some establishments charged extra for milk instead of offering it for free.

If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to skip the milk in your morning beverage. This can be a great way to save money and dine well in Lisbon on a budget.

22. Buy snacks and drinks at the local grocery stores

Something I like to do whenever I visit a new country is to check out the local grocery store. I love seeing what types of snacks and ingredients they have available.

We went to the grocery store a few times in Lisbon to pick up water, wine, and snacks to carry in our daypacks.

Wine was very affordable and tasty in Portugal. Most grocery stores offered wine starting at €3 per bottle. Needless to say, we brought a few bottles back home to Canada with us in our suitcase.

Practical tips for visiting Lisbon

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

I already mentioned that there are cobblestone streets in Lisbon and lots of hills. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip because you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking. I wore these sneakers and found them to be great for my trip.

Pack an umbrella

We visited Lisbon during the winter, which is when they experience the most rain.

While it only rained once while we were in Lisbon, it’s important to pack an umbrella with you just in case. I like using this travel umbrella because it’s compact and light weight.

Beware of pickpockets

Like with any popular travel destination,  pickpockets  are present in both Lisbon and Porto. They like to target unsuspecting tourists on trams and busy crowds.

I recommend not taking too much cash with you, avoid putting your wallet in your back pocket, and never leave your bag unsupervised.

I normally wear a backpack when traveling. I like to put a safety pin on the closure to keep it secure.

I also take my backpack off and wear it on my front when riding public transportation or walking through busy crowds.

Skip visiting São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle is located on the peak of São Jorge Hill, which is the highest hill in Lisbon. It’s one of the Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and stands out both during the day and when it’s illuminated at night.

Yes, you can see an incredible view of the city from the castle, however I think the castle looks better from the outside.

The castle is not included on the Lisboa Card , so you’ll have to pay if you want to visit here. We found the entrance fee a bit steep and not worth the cost.

One interesting thing about the castle is that is has a camera obscura, although this was built solely for tourists.

I’ve seen the camera obscura in Edinburgh before, but this was my boyfriend’s first time seeing one. He enjoyed it very much and it was nice to learn a little bit more about Lisbon.

It costs €10.90 per adult. Since there was three of us, we spent €32.70 to visit the castle.

We all agreed that we would have rather spent that €32.70 on something else, like a nice dinner in Lisbon.

This is just our opinion though. I recommend reading other reviews online before making a decision about whether or not to skip a visit to this castle.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Lisbon price guide | calculating the daily costs to visit lisbon, portugal.

The daily costs to visit Lisbon. Tips for estimating your budget for food, hostels, hotels, attractions, alcohol, and more.

Lisbon is a beautiful, hilly coastal city famous for its pastel buildings, café culture, and Fado music. It’s also very friendly on the wallet when compared to other Western European cities — food and lodging are both priced reasonably and attractions are about average. But hurry because Lisbon is quickly becoming much more popular so prices are starting to rise.

In this Lisbon travel price guide, we’ll outline the estimated travel expenses for food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and other common costs to help you budget your trip to Lisbon.

This Lisbon Price Guide is part of our  City Price Guide Series  where we break down the travel costs of Europe’s most popular cities.

Average Daily Costs To Visit Lisbon

It costs around €40-€75 per day to visit Lisbon as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another €50-€80 per night depending on where you stay.

These prices also don’t include things like big nights out at the bar/pub, club entry fees, souvenir/clothing shopping, tours, random purchases, nicer food, etc. so be sure to budget for those incidentals.

Daily Cost of Budget Travel in Lisbon: €65 (Approx. $70)

• Attractions:   € 15 (one paid attraction + any free sights)
• Breakfast: €3
• Lunch:   € 6
• Dinner:   € 13
• Treat (dessert/beer/wine):   €2
• Transportation: €1
• Accommodation (Hostel): € 30

Daily Cost of Frugal Travel in Lisbon: €40 (Approx. $45)

• Attractions:   €5 (free walking tour + visit one of the free sights)
• Breakfast: €0  (free hostel breakfast)
• Lunch:   € 5 (street food or takeaway shop fare)
• Dinner:   € 10 (make your own meal in the hostel or grab something cheap)
• Beer:   €1  (chill out at the park and have a cold one)
• Transportation: €0 (walk)
• Accommodation (Cheap Hostel) : €1 9

Lisbon Attraction and Museum Prices

Lisbon’s attractions are affordable (many are free) so you won’t break the bank if you want to see a few things. Of course, the city is beautiful, so you’d be perfectly happy just walking around.

• Museu Sao Roque : €2.50
• Castelo de São Jorge :  €15
• Museu Colecao Berardo : €5
• Torre de Belem : €9
• Oceanario de Lisboa : €22
• Museu Calouste Gulbenkian : €10
• The LX Factory : Free (a repurposed textile factory that houses small cafés and eateries, art galleries, and shops)
• Walking Tours: Free – €22
• Cycling Tours and More: Lisbon’s location on the coast makes it perfect for cycling tours (€30-€33) or surfing classes (€75/half-day).

Lisbon Food Prices

Food can be fairly affordable in Lisbon so eating on a budget won’t be too much of a challenge. Lisbon’s cuisine heavily incorporates seafood—Bacalhau (salted cod) is the Portuguese national dish and is used for scores of traditional recipes, including stew, stir-fry, and egg dishes. Read more of our strategies for Eating and Drinking in Europe on a Budget .

Budget Breakfast Prices in Lisbon: € 2 -€ 7

• Many hostels will offer a free simple breakfast that normally consists of cereal, bread/croissant, and maybe milk, coffee, tea, or juice (some hostels will offer more and some less). Hotel breakfasts tend to be overpriced, so skip those in most cases.
• Pasteis de Nata , a kind of custard tart, is ubiquitous – and best found at Pasteis de Belem, the original bakery to create it: €2-€3, another €1 for coffee.
• A full breakfast runs €3.50-€7.
• Torrada (traditional breakfast toast) to accompany coffee runs about €2.

Some Budget-Friendly Breakfast Places in Lisbon

• Pastelaria Alfama Doce : A popular little pastry place.
• Manteigaria : One of the most popular Pasteis de Nata spots in Lisbon. Maybe the best.
• Pasteis de Belem : “The” spot for Pasteis de Nata. Very touristy but still great.
• Fabrica da Nata : Excellent Pasteis de Nata.
• Quase Cafe : A nice little breakfast spot with tasty pancakes and other fresh options.
• Frutaria : Lots of healthy breakfast and smoothie options.
• Fabrica Coffee Roasters : Excellent coffee.

Budget Lunch Prices in Lisbon: €3.50-€ 10

• Super budget travelers can make a super cheap lunch of bread, cheese, and fruit from any grocery store for a few euros.
• Takeaway from a kebab stand (or similar): €4.50
• A local favorite, bacalhau a bras (shredded cod with onion and potatoes, a traditional Portuguese dish): €6-€9
• Pizza or fast food: €5-€7
• Pao Pao, Quijo Quijo, another local favorite for a takeaway cheap lunch: €4-€7

Budget Dinner Prices in Lisbon: €8-€ 20

• Pretty much all the options from the ‘Budget Lunch’ section above will also apply for dinner.
• Ethnic and vegetarian fare range from €6-€9 for generous portions.
• Chicken Piri-Piri, a common traditional Portuguese dish, runs €8-€15 for a full dinner entrée.
• Caldeirada (seafood, fish, vegetable stew) another national dish costs around €7-€9.

A Few Budget-Friendly Lunch and Dinner Places in Lisbon:

• Restaurante Mili : Tasty fish place in a cozy and casual atmosphere.
• Cultura do Hamburguer : Tasty burger joint.
• Frangasqueira Nacional : So much meat! Chicken, Ribs, Sausage…
• Churrasqueira da Paz : Small restaurant serving up traditional fish and meat dishes.
• Floresta Das Escadinhas: Very tasty, traditional dishes.
• Oasis Vegetariano : Lots of nice vegan and vegetarian options.
• Frankie : Hot dogs!

Drinks and Alcohol Prices in Lisbon :

• Beer at a bar or restaurant: €1.50-€3
• Beer at a grocery runs about €1.10
• A bottle of wine is around €4.50

Lisbon Transportation Prices

Lisbon’s public transit system, CARRIS , includes buses, funiculars, and trams. The Lisbon Metro is separately maintained, but transit tickets allow access to both CARRIS and the metro with the Viva Viagem card . Zapping cards allow access to multiple transit systems by storing money on the transit card and fares are deducted from the card’s value when used.

Visitors to Lisbon can also purchase the LisboaCard, which offers unlimited access to the transit system and to numerous museums and attractions throughout the city. LisboaCards are available in 24/48/72 hour denominations (€18.50/€31.50/€39).

Single fare: One-time Viva viagem card purchase: €0.50 1 CARRIS/metro fare: €1.40 24-hour CARRIS/metro fare: €6

Zapping cards: 1 bus fare (1-hour): €1.35 1 Metro fare (entire network/one journey): €1.35 1 ferry transport (river connections on the south bank, one journey): €1.12-€2.65

Airport Transportation:  Airport transport, 1 trip (via CARRIS local bus service or metro): €1.40 Airport transport, 1 trip (via CARRIS AeroBus): €3.50 Taxi from Lisbon city center to Lisbon International Airport: About €15

Bicycle rental from Bikeiberia: €5 (1 hour)/ €10 (4 hours)/ €14 (daily)

Lisbon Hostel, Hotel, & Rental Apartment Prices

Hostel Prices in Lisbon: €20-€45/night

A well-rated hostel in Libson will cost around €25-€35/night per person—although many hostels raise their prices on the weekend. These prices are for a bed in a shared dorm room so expect to pay €65-€125 total for a private room

Here are a few recommended Lisbon Hostels [Read our full guide to the best hostels in Lisbon ]:

• Lisboa Central Hostel
• Lisbon Destination Hostel
• Yes! Lisbon Hostel
• Home Lisbon Hostel

We book our hostels through  Hostelworld  because they have the best selection of hostels.

BUDGET HOTEL PRICES IN LISBON: €55-€130+/NIGHT

A decent centrally located budget hotel in Lisbon will cost around €85- € 100/night. You can find cheaper hotels if you stay farther away from the center of the city . Prices will also be higher if you book your hotel last minute so booking early is recommended.

We suggest checking out  Booking.com  to see hotel prices for your dates since they’re always changing.

RENTAL APARTMENT PRICES IN LISBON: €85-€110/NIGHT

Lisbon has a healthy inventory of rental apartments throughout the city. They can be a good option for large groups or travelers who want a little more space (and a kitchen). On the other hand, you may also have to deal with inconvenient check-in processes and things like extra cleaning fees and service charges. For short stays, we prefer hotels/hostels but rental apartments can be a nice option for longer stays. Be sure to check out the vibe of the neighborhood as some can be very lively (i.e. loud) at night. Airbnb is always popular but you can sometimes find cheaper/better options on our list of  Airbnb Alternatives .

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COST TO VISIT EUROPE

Check out our guide on  How Much It Costs To Backpack Europe  to learn more about budgeting your entire trip (including many more city price guides).

Be sure to check out our Lisbon Travel Guide to learn more about visiting Lisbon.

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How to Visit Lisbon on a Budget

Over the last year or two, it seems like everyone is falling in love with Lisbon. So what exactly is all the hype about? Well, honestly, it's hard to pick just one reason people are flocking to Portugal's incredible capital city.

It could be the charming cobblestone streets, mosaic sidewalks, and colorful tiles that adorn its centuries-old buildings. Or it might the sweeping views of the Tagus River from the city's countless breathtaking viewpoints. Perhaps it's the welcoming locals passionately serving mouthwatering local dishes and delicious libations until closing time. Whatever it is, Lisbon's status as a travel hot spot certainly isn't going away any time soon.

But while Lisbon isn’t as expensive as other cities such as London or Chicago , a visit here can certainly add up quickly. That’s why we've put together this ultimate travel guide to show you how to visit Lisbon on a budget.

Lisbon on a budget: Know before you go

Don't underestimate the hills.

Walking is a great budget friendly way to get around Lisbon. However, you need to remember that Lisbon was built on 7 hills, meaning it has many streets that can be very steep. Turns out that Lisbon has more in common with San Francisco than their identical bridges , after all.

Plan accordingly, take breaks as needed, and be sure to wear the right shoes when exploring the city.

The couvert isn’t free

When you sit down at some Lisbon restaurants, the waiter will often bring over – they’re supposed to ask but most don’t – some bread, olives, small cheeses, and a few other snack-sized items.

These items are known as the "couvert" and, despite how it may appear, they’re not free. They’re also not incredibly expensive, usually costing only €1 - €2 each. Still, they can be a surprising addition to the bill for travelers dining on a budget. So before you dig in, make sure you're OK with paying for it. Otherwise, you can just politely refuse or send it back.

There's no need to speak Spanish

Due to Portugal's proximity to Spain, many travelers assume that using broken Spanish is helpful when communicating with Portuguese locals. In reality, this is almost always less helpful, as most locals have a much better grasp of English than Spanish, especially the under-30 crowd.

Riding Lisbon's famous yellow tram

The iconic yellow Tram 28 fills up with both commuting locals and eager tourists, meaning you could wait up to an hour for a ride depending on the time and location. If you want to ride the tram through the hilly streets of Lisbon, beat the rush by hopping on in the morning (8-9 am) or later in the evening after rush hour.

Free and cheap things to do in Lisbon

See lisbon from the city’s many miradouros.

Being situated atop 7 steep hills means that Lisbon has no shortage of incredible viewpoints (miradouros). Many of these scenic spots even have kiosks ready to serve drinks and snacks to peckish sightseers. Make a list of some of the must-hit miradouros, such as Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro das Portas do Sol , and see which has the best view.

Watch the ships pass at Belém Tower

This 16th-century tower looks like a miniature castle on the waterfront. Originally serving to defend the city, as well as a departure point and return point for Portuguese explorers, Belém Tower has stood the test of time and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983. You can pay €6 to venture into the 4-story tower, but many visitors equally enjoy watching the ships from the small beach area beside the tower.

Stoll through and admire Jerónimos Monastery

If you’re an architecture nerd, Lisbon’s magnificent Jerónimos Monastery is a must-visit. This sprawling former monastery is a prominent example of Gothic Manueline architecture, complete with highly elaborate sculptures throughout that pay tribute to the Portuguese Discoveries. The monastery also houses the tomb of famed Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama.

Where to stay on a budget in Lisbon

Selina secret garden lisbon.

The Lisbon outpost of one of the hottest names in budget travel right now is an especially good stay if you’re a digital nomad . True to its name, Selina Secret Garden gives the feeling of being hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a sundrenched pool and rooftop bar on site. The amenities are basic, as you might expect from a hostel, but the rooms are decorated in a modern, fashionable style. Downstairs, you can escape to the spacious coworking area to get some work done or just to print your boarding pass.

Home Hostel

Make no mistake: Though this vintage hostel feels cozy and intimate inside, it’s right in the heart of the action of Lisbon. Located in the vibrant Baixa area, Home Hostel offers guests clean rooms, ample social events, and possibly the warmest welcome you’ll ever receive during your travels. In fact, Home’s most famous offering is probably their weekly Mama’s Dinner, where the matriarch of the family and mother of the owner makes a homemade meal for guests. Now that’s hospitality!

Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon

Situated in a charming 20th-century building, Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon blends vintage charms and modern touches to perfection. The chic designer hostel is decorated with stained glass windows and grand chandeliers and equipped with comfortable beds and inviting common areas. they even have a spacious, lush garden out back that's perfect for soaking up all of that Lisbon sun.

Cheap flights to Lisbon

Recently, Dollar Flight Club members have saved between 70-90% on cheap flights to Lisbon. On average, our members spent $528 on their tickets to Lisbon and saved over $714 per ticket. Here are a few samples of cheap flight deals that Dollar Flight Club members have received recently.

Dallas (DFW) to Lisbon (LIS)

Price with Dollar Flight Club: $570

Average Price: $1195

MIA (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS) 

Price with Dollar Flight Club: $465

Average Price: $950

Baltimore (BWI) to Lisbon (LIS)

Price with Dollar Flight Club: $500

Average Price: $1384

Best cheap eats in Lisbon

Most diners either flock to Lisbon's popular Time Out Market , its many Michelin-starred restaurants, or places they saw on their favorite travel show. Now, while these foodie hot spots are definitely worth checking out, they're not always the best place for those dining on a budget. Luckily, there are still plenty of places to find great cheap eats in Lisbon.

Zé da Mouraria

Located in Lisbon’s historic Mouraria neighborhood, this traditional little tasca, or tavern, is tucked away out of plain sight. In fact, it would be easy to miss if it weren’t for the constant presence of a hungry crowd waiting to get in.

Zé da Mouraria specializes in simple, traditional Portuguese dishes of meat or fish – think garlic beef, calamari, or the house specialty, codfish with roasted potatoes and chickpeas. And while the incredible homecooked taste is the main appeal here, Zé da Mouraria has also earned a reputation for its massive portions. 1 portion here is enough to feed at least 2 people (or more!), making it a surprisingly budget friendly option.

If it’s good enough for the late Anthony Bourdain, it’s probably good enough for you.

Head to O Trevo and try one of their famous bifanas, which offer an incredible bang for your buck. A bifana is a traditional Portuguese sandwich served on a crusty, yet fluffy roll and filled with succulent slices of marinated pork. They’re especially popular after a night out but you can grab one any time of day. The sandwiches cost about €2 apiece, meaning you can pair yours with a small local beer for less than €5. It doesn’t get much cheaper than that!

Rui Dos Pregos

In addition to the bifana, the prego is Lisbon’s other famous sandwich. It’s made of well seasoned, garlicky beef that is hammered until it is incredibly thin, topped with mustard or hot sauce, and served on a perfectly pillowy Portuguese roll.

There are plenty of places to get your hands on a prego sandwich around town, but none more well known than Rui Dos Pregos . This restaurant has multiple outposts but the Belem location will probably be most convenient after a long day of sightseeing.

Start planning your trip to Lisbon

Unlike other European hot spots, visiting Lisbon doesn’t have to be expensive. Thanks to plentiful cheap eats, free attractions, and welcoming locals, you can plan an incredible trip to Lisbon on a budget.

S o come see what all the hype is about, be sure to save this budget travel guide, and sign up to receive cheap flight deals to Lisbon today!

Want to get our flight deals as soon as they’re published? Follow Dollar Flight Club on Facebook, Instagram , and  Twitter , and join to get email alerts from our deals feed.

BY: ZACH ANDERSON, CONTENT MARKETING & FLIGHT EXPERT

Zach is a digital marketer, copywriter, and flight deal expert at Dollar Flight Club where he helps 1 million people travel more. As a digital nomad, he is deeply passionate about location independence, Thai food, and helping others see the world affordably.

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Lisbon on a Budget: Tips For a Low-Cost Holiday

It is possible to experience Lisbon on a budget , despite what others may tell you. You can have an affordable and enjoyable vacation while visiting the Portuguese capital city.

I am here to guide you on how to do it. I used to live in Lisbon and still visit frequently, so let us get started planning your unforgettable trip today . Just keep on reading.

Lisbon on a Budget: The Practicalities

When planning your trip to Lisbon on a budget , your accommodation and flight are the highest costs.

So, how do you save on these expensive costs? You book your trip way in advance when it comes to flights.

A fact is that flight service costs do not reduce close to departing , and business models of your low-cost airlines increase their prices as flights fill up.

Hence, it helps to watch for flights as soon as they are released to find cheap flight tickets.

On the other hand, when it comes to accommodation, you can find last-minute deals, especially outside your peak season. But they are primarily in high-end rooms.

As most hotels do not need deposits, you have no penalty for altering plans or canceling. My advice is always to book both of these in advance.

Hot Tip🔥:  For affordable accommodation, you can find some of the best hostels in Lisbon on a budget.

Lisbon on a Budget: Affordable Accommodation

Lisbon is packed with hostels and hotels that provide cheap accommodation in the city.

I recommend you be close to the Lisbon Baixa district, the central transportation systems, and Rua Augusta Alfama, around a kilometer walk east of Baixa.

While Bairro Alto to the west is busy at night , it depends on your preferred vacation style.

Yet, it is further away from the historic center. Hence, book accommodation near the metro station if you prefer to stay further away from downtown Lisbon.

Hot Tip🔥: For more details on where to stay, check out the best neighborhoods in Lisbon to plan your trip depending on your needs.

Furthermore, during the peak seasons, as the demand for accommodation is high, booking your accommodation before the time to benefit from the best prices is best.

The Easy Lisbon Quiz

Ready to test your Lisbon knowledge?

I’ve made an easy Lisbon quiz with 5 questions. Let’s see if you can get them right. 🤞

Your answer:

Correct answer:

Your Answers

When is The Best Time to Visit Lisbon on a Budget?

The busiest time to visit Lisbon is in the summer, from June to August. At this time of the year, accommodation sells fast, and flights are expensive.

I prefer visiting at the end of autumn and spring as the weather is pleasant and flights are more affordable. At the same time, you have fewer crowds.

Still, the winter weather with extended rain spells is mild, and the city is buzzing over Christmas and New Year .

Traveling Affordabily From Lisbon Airport

Traveling to the city center from Lisbon Airport is affordable as the airports within city limits are connected to the metro. Hence, you need not use expensive taxis or transfers.

A ticket costs 1.80 Euros and takes up to 30 minutes to reach Baixa . You can use the airport bus service that connects Baixa and Rossio Square. The Aerobus costs 3.50 Euros, but operating the metro is easier.

I do not recommend using the taxis as they like to overcharge the fares. Another option is to rent a budget car in Lisbon instead to get around, especially if you want to explore the surrounding areas.

Lisbon Money

Portugal and most of Europe use Euros, and I recommend you exchange a suitable amount before arriving as the airport exchange rates are expensive.

Furthermore, you may also find that your debit and credit cards have hidden costs when used for small transactions and are expensive.

Paid travel cards loaded with local currency, like the Lisboa Card , are a safe way to take large amounts of cash.

Planning On Going To Lisbon?

I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.

Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.

Lisbon on a Budget: What is Expensive and What is Not?

When you see something imported, it is expensive, but if it is locally produced or handmade in Portugal, it is cheap. Hence, more inexpensive options in Lisbon are when you buy:

• Locally-made food options or wine
• Use the public transport 
• Buy handmade gifts
• Enjoy lunchtime meals

When it comes to expensive, you are looking at medication, electronic goods, branded items, and drinks at nightclubs.

I recommend you bring your cosmetics, medication, and electronics as these things are not cheap in Portugal.

Alternatively, check out my list of the 24 free things you can do in Lisbon to save money.

Enjoying an Affordable Meal in Lisbon

As in any country, you must eat on vacation, and yes, you can enjoy a cheap meal in Lisbon  without paying high prices.

The best way to do this is to avoid the eating establishments in the tourist center as they are busy and the best food you find is served in cafes.

You can enjoy an affordable lunch like Bacalhau to enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal.

Another great option is to visit a food court in the large shopping centers to enjoy hearty dishes that cost you a fraction of a restaurant’s price.

You can find a food court in the Armazens do Chiado or Vasco Da Gama in Parque das Nacoes and the Colombo shopping center northwest of Lisbon.

Here, you can enjoy tasty food costing you less than 5 Euros, and for affordable drinks, all the cafes serve cheap beer known as Sagres or super bock.

You can also buy wine and spirits from the local cafes and, to enjoy a night out, visit smaller bars in Bairro Alto as the parties spill out on the streets over weekends.

Here are the best things to do in Lisbon In April 2024

I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in April and every month moving forward from today.

It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon. A lot of hidden gems.

Affordable Things to Do in Lisbon

To view the entire city using Tram 28 is an affordable way to achieve this. You will travel through the Alfama hills and also pass through downtown Baixa.

A ticket costs 1.80 Euros for a 40-minute tour and is available at a ticket machine at the metro. But when bought from the driver it costs 3 Euros.

You can also find some great free Museums like the Museu Berardo, offering you a wide selection of pieces to see. You will find the museum in the BelémCCB district of Lisbon.

Even Belém has loads to offer, from monuments to cafes and parks where you can spend half a day. You can visit  Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)  without entering the building.

Then, you can use the commuter ferries that cost less than a Tagus River cruise for a riverside view.

You find ferries traveling from Cais do Sodre, which passes underneath the 25 de Avril bridge. Then, ferries travel from Terreiro to Paco, offering an exceptional view of Baixa and Alfama.

A ferry ride from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas will cost you 1.40 Euros for a single trip to reach the Cristo Rei statue and then catch the bus 101, costing 2.20 Euros for a return ticket from Cacilhas to reach the statue base to admire the fantastic views.

The best part is that Lisbon is walkable for most parts, you can find some enjoyable routes, and all the churches are free to enter.

Hot Tip🔥: You can find up to 40 things to do in Lisbon on a budget that will not cost you a fortune. Or you can do self-guided walking tours.

Day Trip in Lisbon on a Budget

The fantastic thing is that most of the beaches you can reach via the Cascais Lisbon Railway. To travel to Carcavelos beach, a return ticket costs 3 Euros.

Along the railway, you can find the Cascias harbor town and a resort, Estoril , easily explored on foot, or use the free bikes using your ID.

Alternatively, you can travel to Sintra, which is a popular day trip found in the foothills of the national park Serra de Sintra.

You can explore the Moorish castle and Pena Palace . But you will need a ticket when visiting the Pena Palace, costing 7.50 Euros to walk around the courtyard and terraces.

A return ticket to Sintra from Lisbon costs around 2.40 Euros, and the historic center is around a 1.5km walk with a steep hill to reach Pena Palace.

Last Minute Tips for Visiting Lisbon on a Budget

While the above information gives you a good idea of how to spend your vacation in Lisbon on a budget, here are some short list tips as well:

Accommodation:

• Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. Look for deals on booking websites.
• Opt for accommodations slightly away from the city center as they are more affordable.

Public Transportation:

• Lisbon has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. Purchase a rechargeable Navegante card for discounted fares on public transport.
• Walking is also a great way to explore the city, as Lisbon’s neighborhoods are filled with charm and character.

Free Attractions:

• Take advantage of the numerous free attractions like walking around Alfama, the oldest district, or exploring the historic Belém area.
• Enjoy the beautiful views from São Jorge Castle without entering, or visit the iconic Commerce Square.

Discount Cards:

• Invest in Lisbon cards or discount passes that offer free or discounted entry to museums, public transport, and other attractions. These can be cost-effective for those planning to visit multiple sites.

Local Markets and Street Food:

• Experience local culture and save money by visiting markets like Mercado da Ribeira. You can buy fresh produce, snacks, and traditional dishes at affordable prices.
• Opt for street food, which is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. Try the famous “pastel de nata” from local bakeries.

BYOB Restaurants:

• Look for “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Bottle) restaurants where you can bring your own wine, reducing dining-out costs.

Explore Neighborhoods:

• Explore different neighborhoods, each with its unique character. Bairro Alto, for example, comes alive at night with affordable bars and Fado performances.

Hiking and Parks:

Enjoy the outdoors by exploring Lisbon’s hills and parks. Walk up to the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint for stunning panoramic city views.

• Lisbon has high-quality tap water , so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated without spending money on bottled water.

Plan Off-Peak Visits:

Visit popular attractions during off-peak hours or weekdays to avoid crowds and potentially find discounted tickets.

The Advanced Lisbon Quiz

You’re now at the advanced Lisbon quiz with more difficult questions. No one gets every question right, so don’t beat yourself up on it. Good luck.

Wrap-Up: Visiting Lisbon on a Budget

Visiting Lisbon on a budget is possible. With some planning, you can enjoy an affordable and unforgettable vacation in this beautiful city.

From finding cheap flights and accommodation to enjoying affordable meals and drinks, there are plenty of ways to save money and have an incredible experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your budget-friendly trip to Lisbon today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some affordable accommodation options in lisbon.

Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. Look for deals on booking websites, and opt for accommodations slightly away from the city center for more affordability.

Are there free attractions in Lisbon?

Yes, there are numerous free attractions. Explore neighborhoods like Alfama or visit the historic Belém area for free. Enjoy the views from São Jorge Castle without entering or taking a stroll at the iconic Commerce Square.

Which neighborhoods should I explore for a budget-friendly experience?

Explore different neighborhoods, such as Bairro Alto, each with a unique character. Bairro Alto comes alive at night with affordable bars and Fado performances.

Are there outdoor activities that are budget-friendly in Lisbon?

When is the best time to visit famous attractions on a budget.

Lisbon Enthusiast

I first moved to Lisbon back in 2018, while working as a freelancer. It was my lifelong dream to move outside the borders of Denmark to find a warm country with the ability to dream, work and live my life. I lived in Lisbon for a year, and I continue to visit multiple times every year. It's by far my favourite travel destination. Lisbon has so much to offer to anyone.

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10 Things To Do In Lisbon

After living in Lisbon for a year and visiting twice a year, I’ve collected my 10 favorite things to do in Lisbon. Download it below.

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Lisbon Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Situated along the south of the country’s west coast, Lisbon ( Lisboa in Portuguese) boasts an incredible mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music, a wild nightlife, charming plazas, and laid-back cafés where you can watch the world go by.

In recent years, Lisbon has become a lot more popular thanks to its inexpensive cost of living and lovely year-round weather. While it’s not the hidden gem it used to be (there’s a growing expat and digital nomad community here now), I don’t think it’s lost its magic — especially if you visit during the shoulder season when the weather is still great and the crowds have thinned out.

This Lisbon travel guide will give you everything you need to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated European capital!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Lisbon

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Lisbon

1. Walk around the Old Town

Alfama, the historic area of Lisbon, is filled with narrow, winding streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The name, meaning “hot springs,” comes from the Moors who conquered here in the 8th century. To learn more about this neighborhood, take a walking tour . Tours last 2.5 hours and are a great intro to the city and its iconic sights.

2. See the Belem Tower

Built in 1515, this tower was used as both a fortress and a lighthouse during the height of Portuguese power in the Age of Discovery. Situated on the northern bank of the Tagus River, the tower stands 30 meters (98 feet) and has 4 stories. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is open for self-guided tours where you can wander the halls, peek out the various portholes, and visit the pit where prisoners were kept. Admission is 9 EUR.

3. Walk through the Jardim Botanico

This massive 10-acre garden is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Completed in 1873, it’s home to some 18,000 species of plants, including plants from New Zealand, China, Australia, Japan, South America, and more. It’s one of the best green spaces in Lisbon and perfect for relaxing. Admission is 2 EUR.

4. Hit the beaches

Lisbon has several beaches that are perfect for soaking in the city’s beautiful summer weather. Some of the best beaches are Guincho (best swimming area and good waves for surfing), Meco (peaceful atmosphere), Tamariz (easy to reach from the city center; good for kids), and Morena (has a fun vibe). Just be sure to get there early in the summer as the beaches get busy fast!

5. Explore St. George’s Castle

St. George (São Jorge) Castle is a massive medieval castle overlooking Lisbon. Fortifications on the hill date back as far as the 1st century BCE though the current castle dates to the Middle Ages. It was damaged during various earthquakes and more or less abandoned for centuries until the 1930s when it was finally restored and renovated. Today, you can tour the castle and the towers (they offer a beautiful view of the city) and visit the small archeological museum inside. There is also a small garden you can relax in as well as a restaurant. Admission is 10 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Lisbon

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. They’re the best way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. New Europe is my go-to free walking tour company as their tours are detailed and their guides know their stuff. They’re the best way to see the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip at the end!

2. See the Berardo Collection Museum

The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has a wide selection of works by Warhol, Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Bacon, Pollock, and many other masters. Its permanent and temporary exhibits have works representing dozens of modern movements from the past century. While I’m not a huge fan of modern or contemporary art, this is an excellent museum if you are. Admission is 5 EUR and free on Saturdays. Audio guides are 3.5 EUR.

3. Ride the “elevator”

For a sweeping view of Lisbon’s skyline, ride the Elevador de Santa Justa . It’s a century-old elevator located in the city that connects to a 45-meter-tall viewing platform. The elevator was originally steam-powered and offers a gorgeous view of the city. It has a small restaurant at the top where you can eat too. A ride costs 5.15 EUR but you can access the viewpoint (without a ride) for 1.50 EUR.

4. Visit the Praça do Comércio

Commerce Square is Lisbon’s biggest and most popular square. Located along the riverfront, it’s the former location of the royal palace (which was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1755). Two marble columns from the palace are still standing and the square is now home to lots of small shops. The people-watching here — when accompanied with a book or some refreshing gelato — is excellent.

5. Check out Sé de Lisboa Cathedral

Constructed on the grounds of a former mosque, this Roman Catholic cathedral was built to celebrate the defeat of the Moors in the mid-1100s (a conflict that came about after a failed Crusade to the Holy Land). It’s been partially rebuilt over the years due to earthquakes and is now an amalgamation of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. While I’m not a huge fan of 12th-century Romanesque construction, the cathedral was very peaceful and beautiful. Be sure to dress appropriately as it is a place of worship. It’s free to enter.

6. Ride the trams

To get a sense of what life in Lisbon was like in the 20th century, hop on one of the yellow “Remodelado” trams. These old-fashioned trams are a fun way to explore the city and see the historic Old Town. While the city also has modern trams, enjoying the charm of the old-fashioned trams is a cheap and easy way to add some character to your visit.

7. See a Fado show

Fado is a local type of music that originated in Lisbon. It’s a rather haunting, mournful style often focused on the hardships of the poor or life at sea. The music first appeared in the 19th century and was popular with the working class (especially sailors). The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, which is why many of the songs focus on the inevitability of misfortune and suffering. While melancholic, the music is also beautiful and poetic. To enjoy some traditional fado music, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

8. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see when visiting Portugal’s capital. The monastery took over 100 years to build and was designed in the Manueline style (also known as Late Portuguese Gothic). The monks were primarily involved with helping sailors and mariners who anchored offshore, which is why there are many maritime designs and influences in the architecture. While it is no longer an active monastery, you can still tour the massive buildings and grounds. Admission is 10 EUR.

9. Check out the Discoveries Monument

The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) was inaugurated in 1960 during celebrations of the 500-year anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator (an important figure in the early Portuguese Empire). At 52 meters tall, it depicts Henry holding a small caravel alongside other heroes of Portuguese history. The monument is shaped like a ship’s bow and projects out above the water across the Tagus River. Within the monument is a museum with small historical and cultural exhibitions. On the seventh floor, you can look out to the Atlantic. Admission is 6 EUR.

10. Tour Batalha Monastery

Batalha is a town located just 90 minutes by car from Lisbon. The town is home to Batalha Monastery, officially known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. Built in 1388, it’s one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and makes for a popular day trip from Lisbon. The monastery took 131 years to build and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the gigantic gothic doorway and seeing the towering interior (which is lined with 16th-century stained-glass windows) is absolutely breathtaking. Admission is 6 EUR, but you can also purchase a combo ticket to see The Convent of Christ in Tomar and The Abbey of Santa Maria for 15 EUR.

11. Enjoy a pastéis de nata

This delicious custard-filled pastry is a Portuguese staple. You can find them all over the city. They’re traditionally served warm and with cinnamon, paired with a coffee or hot drink. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, check out Pastelaria Versailles. They’ve been around since the 1920s and make some of the best in the city.

12. Take a day trip to Sintra

Lord Byron, writing in the 18th century, said that Sintra was “perhaps in every respect the most delightful [place] in Europe.” If you are visiting Lisbon, be sure to visit Sintra. It’s a wonderful town with cobblestone streets and traditional painted buildings filled with family-run cafes and unique shops. Wander the town on foot and check out the historic town hall, the bustling shopping street of Rua das Padarias, and the church of Igreja de Santa Maria (which dates to the 15th century and is a National Monument). Don’t miss the brightly colored Pena Palace and the Moors Castle. They offer wonderful views of the city. The train from Lisbon takes about 40 minutes and costs less than 5 EUR. If you’d rather take a tour, full-day tours with Tugatrips Tours cost around 65 EUR.

13. Visit MAAT

The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is one of Lisbon’s newest museums. Its mission is to showcase contemporary artists, architects, and thought leaders via traditional exhibits and workshops while also revitalizing the waterfront neighborhood. They have rotating exhibits on music, philosophy, contemporary art, and much more. The building is a massive and futuristic-looking structure located beside an old industrial power plant (which you can also tour). Admission is 9 EUR and there is free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

14. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Lisbon’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Lisbon has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Tours from 79 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Portugal, check out these guides:

• Lagos Travel Guide
• Porto Travel Guide

Lisbon Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside of the city. A basic plot for one person without electricity starts at 12 EUR in the off-season and 20 EUR in the summer.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star budget hotels start around 65-85 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers.

Airbnb is also available around Lisbon, with prices for an entire apartment starting at 70 EUR per night (but averaging more than double that). Private rooms start around 30 EUR but average closer to 70 EUR.

Food – Fish and seafood form the backbone of Portuguese cuisine (Portugal eats the most seafood per capita in Europe). Cod, sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), sea bass, and shellfish are some of the most common staples. Other popular dishes include cozido à portuguesa (boiled stew), peixinhos da horta (breaded and fried vegetables), and cured ham. Be sure to also try the prego (beef sandwich) or the bifana (pork sandwich). You can find them at local cafes for just 5 EUR.

If you want a traditional meal with drinks at a casual restaurant, you’re looking at spending around 20-25 EUR (prices are higher in the touristy downtown area). Outside downtown, there are many local places where you can find meals for around 10-15 EUR.

A basic fast-food meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 7 EUR while a large pizza starts around 12 EUR. Chinese food costs 10-15 EUR for a main dish.

Beer is around 3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs around 2 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay 35-45 EUR. That includes basic staples like pasta, vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Lisbon Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Lisbon for around 50 EUR per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free activities like free walking tours, enjoying the beaches, and exploring the Old Town. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 130 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat at cheap local restaurants and cook some meals, use public transportation and take the occasional taxi, visit paid attractions like the botanic gardens and Belem Tower, and enjoy some drinks at the bar.

On a “luxury” budget of 240 EUR or more a day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, rent a car to explore the region, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you really want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Lisbon Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Lisbon is the most expensive city in the country — but it’s still quite affordable compared to other European capitals. It’s hard to spend a ton here unless you are splashing out. If you find cheap accommodation, cook most of your meals, and stick to mostly free activities, you’re going to be able to keep your budget intact. Here are some quick tips to help you save money in Lisbon:

• Pick up a Lisbon Card – If you’re planning to visit lots of attractions, get the Lisbon Card. It offers free or discounted entry to several attractions as well as unlimited public transportation. Prices start at 21 EUR for a 24-hour card and there is also a 48-hour card for 35 EUR and a 72-hour card for 44 EUR.
• Get a bus pass – If you don’t get the Lisbon Card but still plan on using a lot of public transportation, buy a day pass. They are just 6.45 EUR and will save you a lot of money if you’re using public transportation often.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to understand more about the history, architecture, and culture of Lisbon then take a free walking tour. They usually last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your tour guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation in Lisbon. By staying with a local you’ll not only save money but you’ll get to spend time with someone who can show you the city’s hidden gems and teach you more about the culture and history of Lisbon. Just be sure to send your requests early in the summer!
• Skip the taxis – Taxis are expensive, often adding fees for luggage and airport pickups. Simply use the metro or bus to get where you need to. You’ll save a ton.
• Say “no” to bread – When eating out, you’ll often be offered bread and olives. They will be brought to your table before your meal. These aren’t free, so politely decline the offer if you’re not interested in paying for them.
• Use BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing app you can use to travel in between cities. It’s faster than the bus and usually just as cheap. You’ll have to find a ride, which can sometimes be hit or miss, but the profiles are verified and reviewed so it’s quite safe. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with other locals/travelers.
• Visit the Berardo Collection Museum on Saturdays – Tourists can get a glimpse of Portuguese businessman Jose Berardo’s personal collection of contemporary art, which makes up the permanent exhibits at the museum. Even if you aren’t a fan of contemporary art, the building itself is great to walk through. The museum is free on Saturdays.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon has lots of hostels. In fact, it’s one of the best cities in the world for hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay in Lisbon:

• Lookout! Lisbon Hostel
• Lisboa Central Hostel
• Yes! Lisbon Hostel
• Home Lisbon Hostel

How to Get Around Lisbon

There are two tram lines in the city: the modern Siemens “Articulado” trams and the historic “Remodelado” trams. Trams cost 1.50 EUR.

The metro offers a fast way to get from one corner of the city to another. There are four lines and 56 stations. They are very accessible and the information and maps are provided in English so it’s easy to navigate. Prices are the same as the tram and bus.

Taxi – Taxis in Lisbon start at 3.50 EUR and increase 0.50 EUR for every kilometer traveled. Most drivers speak English but showing them the address on your smartphone will help. If you’re on a budget, skip the taxis. They get expensive fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Lisbon but it’s not much cheaper than the taxis. Bolt and FreeNow are two other ridesharing apps that are usually cheaper than Uber, but I’d still skip ridesharing altogether if you’re on a budget.

Bike rental – If you’re an avid cyclist who likes a challenge, then biking in Lisbon can be fun. For the non-cyclist, it will likely be unpleasant. The city is filled with steep hills and cobblestone streets — hardly ideal for a leisurely ride. Bike rentals start at 10 EUR for a half-day and go up to 25 EUR for a full day. You can also try Gira, the city’s bike-sharing system (you can buy a 24-hour pass for just 2 EUR).

Car rental – You won’t need to rent a car to get around the city as public transportation is reliable and efficient. If you plan to go on a day trip, you can rent a car to have more flexibility. It will be more expensive than taking the bus or train but will give you more freedom. Expect to pay 30-40 EUR per day for a small rental car. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

When to Go to Lisbon

Peak season in Lisbon is during the summer months of June-August. Temperatures during that time soar to 25-30°C (77-86°F). This is also the busiest time to visit the city so expect crowds and slightly higher prices. The overall atmosphere during this time is lively and there are lots of places to swim or relax on the beach so it’s still worth visiting during peak season.

If you’re on a budget, the best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder season. April-May and September-October are still warm so you can enjoy the outdoors without as many crowds. Temperatures hover between 12-25°C (53-77°F) during these months. It may be a bit rainy, but you can still enjoy the city without much inconvenience.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary but hover around 10°C (50°F). It’s still warmer than much of Europe, so if you’re on the continent and are looking to avoid the worst of the weather, head to Lisbon (or even further south to Faro).

How to Stay Safe in Lisbon

Lisbon is very safe for travelers — including solo female travelers. Violent attacks here are uncommon and petty crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the most common crime so just be aware of your surroundings when you’re in busy markets or when using public transportation and always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Young backpackers may be approached and offered drugs as Portugal has decriminalized drug use. However, selling drugs is not legal and there are still consequences so simply decline the offer politely but firmly and continue on.

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the city but read this article on common travel scams to avoid if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink when at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

The emergency number in Lisbon is 112.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Lisbon Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Lisbon Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Portugal and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Walking Tours in Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Lisbon

When Three Days Is Not Enough Time

Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

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• Booking Resources
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Home / Blog / Destination / Portugal / Lisbon / The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Lisbon on a Budget

The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Lisbon on a Budget

We’ll let you in on a little secret: you can enjoy Lisbon’s world-class cuisine, history, and culture without breaking the bank.

These days, it’s a well-known fact that Lisbon is the place to be. With iconic architecture, panoramic views, world-famous food, and never-ending nightlife, this city really does have it all. But if you’re traveling with limited funds, the explosion of tourists —and resulting rise in prices—can feel more like a curse than a blessing.

Even so, while Lisbon offers plenty of luxury for those who want it, it can also be an incredibly affordable city. All you have to do is avoid the tourist traps, seek out local favorites, and plan your itinerary wisely. In this guide we’ll let you know where to stay, what to do, and how to take full advantage of Lisbon on a budget.

What's Included

The cheapest time to travel to Lisbon

As with any popular destination, the best time to go to Lisbon is in the low or “shoulder” season (the months between low and high season). This means fewer people, more options, and lower prices. 

During the high season in July and August, the streets are packed with tourists and temperatures can get into the upper eighties or higher (over 30 degrees Celsius). While it’s certainly still possible to enjoy Lisbon in the summer, it can make for a sweaty, stressful, and overpriced vacation.

You can avoid all that by visiting Lisbon in the off-peak season. It’s a beautiful city to see in the winter, with mild temperatures, and prices are at their lowest. 

That said, the best time to go is May, June, or September. In these shoulder-season months it’s warm and sunny enough to spend as much time outside as possible, and maybe even take a day trip to visit Lisbon’s nearby beaches . Accommodation prices are still relatively low, and avoiding the tourist rush means you’ll pay less overall.                     

Best places to stay in Lisbon on a budget

Best hostels in lisbon.

If there’s one thing Lisbon has a lot of, it’s hostels making it a great option for solo travelers . The market here is absolutely saturated, which means that in order to succeed, each hostel has to go above and beyond what’s expected. This is great news for backpackers and budget travelers—with everyone competing to offer the best experience at the lowest price, you can’t lose. 

Certain hostels in Lisbon stand out above the rest. One of our favorites is Home Lisbon Hostel ( Rua de São Nicolau, 13 ), located right in the middle of Baixa. Even the dorms here feel more like hotel rooms, and they also have affordable private rooms available. 

The nightly family dinner is an affordable option which offers a three-course homemade meal, and is the perfect way to meet other travelers. Yes! Lisbon Hostel and Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon are also great options that don’t disappoint when it comes to quality.

Budget-friendly hotels in Lisbon

If you’re not into the hostel life, don’t worry; there are plenty of hotels in Lisbon that offer a bit more privacy at accessible prices. 

Check in to A Casa das Janelas com Vista for homey vibes, delicious breakfast, and views of Bairro Alto (as the name implies). Or try 1869 Príncipe Real , a great boutique hotel in Lisbon . 

It’s hard to believe that the level of comfort, style, and personal attention here can come at such a reasonable price. You can even spring for a deluxe penthouse with a private terrace at 54 Santa Catarina . It may be a bit more expensive, but the value for your money is almost as stunning as the view. 

Things to do in Lisbon…without going broke

Stroll the streets.

When it comes to entertainment on a budget, Lisbon is pretty much unbeatable. You don’t need to spend a lot of money here to have a good time. Just wandering through the streets can occupy you for hours.

Explore the hills of Alfama , climb from one miradouro to the next, and stroll along the waterfront to catch the sea breeze. Getting lost here is truly a blessing in disguise—you never know what hidden gems you’ll discover. 

Enjoy free fado

Once you get tired of walking, there are plenty of other free things to do in Lisbon . In fact, many of the most famous aspects of its identity are associated with the everyday lives of working-class citizens. For example, the legendary genre of fado was born among sailors and dock workers in the port neighborhoods of Alfama, Mouraria , and Bairro Alto . Today you can still hear authentic fado for free in Lisbon , as long as you know where to look.

Soak up the culture & get into museums for free

To continue your cultural education, check out some of the artistic masterpieces on display in Portugal’s capital. 

You can start with the art that’s all around you. After all, it doesn’t cost a thing to admire the azulejos (colorful tiles that decorate the exteriors of many buildings) and intricate mosaics beneath your feet.  

Next, head to one of Lisbon’s museums, many of which offer free or discounted admission on certain days.

Cheap food in Lisbon (that you’ll actually want to eat)

Finally, there’s our favorite aspect of Portuguese culture: food! While eating for free might be a bit of a stretch, there’s no better place than Lisbon to try gourmet cuisine for cheap. And lucky for you, many of Lisbon’s must-try bites just happen to be some of its cheapest.

For the most authentic eating experience, forget the fancy restaurants and go for Lisbon’s favorite street food bites instead. Don’t miss:

• Bifana : sandwich made with flavorful stewed pork
• Pão com chouriço: bread stuffed with chorizo ( sausage )
• Pastéis de nata : puff pastry tarts filled with custard
• Ginjinha : cherry liqueur, served in small glasses

When you’ve gotten your fill of street food, head to one of the best spots for cheap eats in Lisbon , where you can dine like royalty for just a few euros. A couple of our favorites are Zé da Mouraria (Rua João do Outeiro, 24) , where the portions are made for sharing, and A Provinciana for the lunchtime prato do dia , or plate of the day.

Update Notice: This post was updated on December 13, 2023

Melissa first moved to Madrid to explore her interests in linguistics and communication, and quickly fell in love with the city’s culture and cuisine. She’s particularly passionate about Spanish vermouth and canned seafood, and makes it a point to drench absolutely everything in olive oil.

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everlastingwandering

Solo Female Travel Blog

Lisbon Guide: What to Do on a Budget Trip?

Want to go on a budget trip to Lisbon? Or even without the budget part but looking for some ideas of what to do? Here is a little budget Lisbon trip guide to help you out.

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is alive with colour and charm . A coastal city built on hills , meaning views aplenty and with a desirable climate year round , this city is a great visit on any Europe trip. Welcoming for even the budget travellers out there, there is plenty to keep you occupied without breaking the bank, whether visiting for 2 days or up to a week.

I went on a solo budget trip to Lisbon and had a great time, so in this post I’ll give you some tips on how to make this happen and how to keep yourself occupied.

First things first…

The budget part of a budget trip to Lisbon can start from the onset, especially if travelling from elsewhere in Europe. Cheap flights are generally readily available, in particular if you’re at least semi-flexible on time.

I booked three days before, and got a bargain return flight of £37 from Scotland. The fact it was January most likely helped with these prices, but in general being flexible is always key. It was literally cheaper to fly return to Lisbon than to take a train one way to England, insane, right? Of course, this meant budget airline Ryanair and only hand luggage. But trust me, if I can take just hand luggage so can you. That was running shoes and more clothes than I wore in one small (very full) carry on sized backpack.

Lets cover some key points to help you with your budget Lisbon trip:

When to visit, accommodation, how to get around lisbon on a budget, parque eduardo vii, miradoura de são pedro de alcântara, castelo de são jorge, miradoura de santa luzia.

Lisbon is definitely a year round destination .

Lisbon’s climate means even a trip in peak winter can feel somewhat tropical in comparison to other destinations in Europe. Ok, tropical is maybe ‘slightly’ OTT but from coming from Scotland in January at least, the milder day time temperatures and sunshine was certainly desirable. Out-with summer – whether spring, summer, autumn you’ll only be treated with more opportunities to discard of your jacket/jumper and don your swimwear for a visit to the nearby beaches. I would definitely love to go back during the warmer months as I can only imagine the buzz of the coastal city vibes during that time – I am a beach gal, but even so I was highly satisfied with my trip. There is plenty to keep you occupied without having the luxury of lazing on the warm sand.

As I said I was flexible, so my trip was spontaneous but also purposefully done in the fact that the flights were super cheap and the weather showed a big sun for the duration of time I’d be going for. I wanted winter sun real bad, and the winter sun that week was very much in Lisbon. There was barely a cloud in the sky for 5 out of the 6 days I was there. Winter for me had transformed into just what I needed, the sunshine and 13-15 degree day time temperatures made me a very happy gal. It felt warmer in the sun I swear, I also saw more sunshine than I had in MONTHS, no joke.

So January, winter in general , is great as the city is still buzzing but not too busy can’t deal gotta book everything in advance kind of buzzing. Nice busy. More importantly, accommodation is cheap and readily available. This isn’t to say you can only do a budget trip in winter , just that winter makes it extra budget ! So, that takes me to….

Living the budget trip to Lisbon life means of course hostel accommodation is key, at least if travelling solo this will be the cheapest option. There are plenty of hostels in various areas of the city so you can be assured that you will find one which suits your desires.

Booking.com and Hostelworld are always my go to to check out the best accommodation. From there I’ll book through the cheapest between them, or even through the hostel’s own site as sometimes that is cheaper than the ‘deals’ offered on the partner sites. Don’t trust just one site!

For my budget trip to Lisbon I didn’t opt for the cheapest hostel available, I don’t like to go quite ‘budget budget’. In other words I’ll spend a few extra euros to get something slightly nicer and in a location that suits me best. As a runner, I prefer to be close to the water aka somewhere with an easily accessible, nice, extensive (hello long runs) running route. Also a kitchen and a supermarket nearby are pretty key to me.

Sunset Destination Hostel , located in Cais do Sodré was therefore my hostel of choice.

– Sunset Destination Hostel

Positive attributes:

• Fully equipped kitchen – everything you need to cook proper meals, even an oven (most hostels lack this)
• Rooftop bar/terrace open day and night – perfect for chilling catching some sun rays through the day, or partying up at night
• Option of female only ensuite dorm rooms (sometimes you just don’t want to be faced with guys snoring)
• Located right at the water
• Located at the train station, as in basically IN the train station – metro station attached
• Bus stops right outside
• Supermarket next door (in train station)
• 2 minute walk to Cais do Sodré ferry terminal
• 5 minute walk to Time Out Market Lisbon
• 10 minute walk to Praça do Comércio
• 10 minute walk to Bairro Alto district
• 20-25 minute walk to Castelo de São Jorge

Biggest downside would have to be one of the perks, the fact that it is next to (in) the train station. It can be noisy (from the outside) very early in the morning and until late at night. I’m not really a morning person but there was certainly not much sleeping in when you could hear the station announcements coming in from around 6am.

If there is one thing you will probably know about Lisbon, is that it is known for its trams . I am almost ashamed to admit however, that I did not take one tram on my visit. The reason being that the best (and cheapest way) to get around, in my view, is to walk. Lisbon, for the most part, is a walk-able city . Walking allows you to take in the true atmosphere of a city and stumble across streets you otherwise may not. My step count was high, and that’s just how I like it when travelling. Of course, not everyone has the time or willingness to walk as much as I like to, but don’t fret as public transport is not only readily available but also very affordable .

Lisbon has all your main forms of public transport:

The journeys are all relatively cheap. Fares vary depending on zones travelled. To get an indication, a trip 40 minutes away to Cascais, for example, is only €2.30 each way.

You will need a Viva Viagem card for public transport during your trip.

• Viva Viagem is a top up card costing €0.50.
• Necessary for all transport besides trams and busses, on which you can use this card or pay the driver directly. However, the journey will be cheaper with the Viva Viagem card.
• One card can be used for the duration of your visit, just don’t lose it!
• There are different options for determining how much you top up the card with. Most notably you can top it up before each individual/return trip, OR can deposit a larger sum of money on the card which can then be used throughout your visit. I’d recommend topping up before each trip as you don’t want to be left with money on the card at the end of the trip, unless you intend to keep hold of the card and return to use it within the next year.
• Swipe the card at the validator and you will be ready for your trip on your transport of choice.

What to do in Lisbon on a budget?

A fan of green spaces and good views? Parque Eduardo VII is your place. Take a stroll up Lisbon’s main avenue, Avenida de Liberdade and at the top you will reach Parque Eduardo VII.

The park is free to enter.

Essentially it is a well maintained grassy area with tree lined avenues on either side and a lovely city view from the top. That’s to say, the park ascends (such is a common theme throughout Lisbon), leading to a monument from where you will see the city and have a good photo op! There are plenty of benches so you can take time to sit and chill when visiting, with the grassy area providing ample space for everyone to lounge on too. A good space for a picnic lunch I’d say!

A beautiful lookout spot over the city, great for sunset. It is a good spot to head to after Parque Eduardo VII . It is around a 25 minute walk from the park, however feels much less as you can walk back down the lovely Avenida da Liberdade. It’s a nice walk with things to look at therefore goes by quickly. There is, however, of course, a bit of a climb involved. Nothing too extreme, quite steep but not too long and it is worth it!

It is a relatively large lookout area, with a garden, from which you can gain a panoramic view of Lisbon .

I actually had no intention of heading here, simply because I hadn’t done my research and didn’t know it existed. Walking back from Parque Eduardo I spotted it on Google Maps. It was almost sunset and I’m a SUCKER for a good sunset especially with a view. Consequently, I rerouted and headed up the hill to this Miradoura. No regrets.

Castelo de São Jorge is a key historic landmark of the city and therefore one of the main attractions.

The castle, found on Lisbon’s highest hill, is unmissable.

Entry to the castle might ruin the ‘budget’ part of a budget trip slightly as unsurprisingly it is not free.

• Adult ticket €15
• 25 and under €7.50

The adult ticket is a bit steep at €15 however the €7.50 25 and under is definitely worth it.

So, bonus budget travel points to you if you’re under 25, as this saves you half the entrance fee. Here’s the deal, I am not 25 or under, however, the ticket man simply asked ‘are you under 25?’ to which I replied ‘yeah, 24′. I’m not sure if they usually ask for ID to check age (I assumed they would but I decided to risk it for cheaper entry).. It worked out well as no questions were asked. So, I paid €7.50 and happily entered the castle grounds. It was also getting later in the day so that may have helped them being less strict? Not sure, but you could try it if you are part of the younger looking crew!

To make the most out of your castle visit I recommend going later in the day so that you can be there for sunset . I almost didn’t go because I thought maybe it was getting a bit too late, but in reality I couldn’t have timed it better. I had plenty time to walk around and explore under blue skies, then was treated to a magical sunset, looking out over the castle walls to the city below, the sun setting beyond Lisbon’s iconic 25 de Abril Bridge.  

Miradoura de Santa Luzia, situated in the Alfama district , is another key lookout spot in the city. Easily visited before/after the castle as it is a mere 5 minute walk away.

There is a lovely café on the terrace should you want a drink or bite to eat in a beautiful spot from where the views extend over Alfama and beyond.

Miradoura de Santa Luzia is probably the most famous ‘Instagram’ view points..

Belém is situated along the Tagus river, just beyond Lisbon’s famous bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril.

Accessible by tram, metro or a long riverside walk from the centre.

The sights you will want to look out for (and can’t miss!) include the Belém Tower, The Padrao dos Descobrimentos and Belém Palace.

I hit up Belém kind of accidentally when I went for a long run (I had planned to go later that day), and stopped to take in the waterfront sights when I reached it – so makes for a good long run route heading towards Belém!

Lisbon itself is great, but what makes is great is also its surrounding areas. Luckily, a budget trip to Lisbon can also go beyond the city itself. Day trips/half day trips are easily and cheaply done thanks to Lisbon’s public transport network.

The beach town of Cascais, a 40 minute train ride from Cais do Sodre is well worth a visit. At less than a 4 euro return fare, there is no reason not to (unless short on time!). You could visit for a couple hours, a half day or make the whole day of it.

Whether its warm enough to laze on the beach or not the trip is worth making. Cascais is a great place for a lovely coastal walk, perfect in the cooler months. On the other hand, beaches are readily available to relax under the warm sun should you be so lucky!

As I went in January I headed down to the marina to then continue on a coastal walk, before returning and watching a beautiful sunset from one of the beaches. I can only imagine how alive this town will feel in summer!

A day trip to Sintra should be on the cards if you have time.

Getting to Sintra is relatively cheap, and you can make this day as affordable or expensive as you wish. Maybe you’re super into history, or maybe too many historical sites at once is, well, too many. If the latter is you (as is me), simply head to the colourful Pena Palace , perched on the hilltops. If this is the only main site you visit in Sintra, it will still feel like a worthwhile trip.

The entry fee to Pena Palace and gardens is 14 euro , or 13.30 if you book online. If there in Peak season you will most likely need to book the ticket in advance – it is timed entrance slots . I turned up and booked it from my phone at the gate – I don’t plan much.. Perks of travelling off-season, more freedom!

You can also book here if you want to be prepared and ensure you will be able to enter:

Again with affordability in Sintra, and how to get around – busses are readily available to give you the whole tour of Sintra, the option the majority of people choose. BUT walking trails are there for you if you, like me, are not most people. That’s to say, I hiked up to Pena Palace (and down again). Whether I was being a ‘budget traveler’ or not I would have hiked because that’s the kind of person I am. That is how you really explore (especially when getting lost on trails in almost dark.. don’t recommend that!). The hike up isn’t too bad, I feel like some people would claim it is – it isn’t! I did it in Vans and just normal clothes – no stress. If you’re relatively fit you can walk up for sure.

So, whether going for two days or a week there is plenty to keep you occupied, even on a budget trip to Lisbon. Of course you will also wander the streets and take in the main districts in general such as Alfama, Baixa, Bairro Alto, with shopping aplenty, restaurants, and don’t forget to visit the well known Time Out Market for eats.

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Lisbon on a budget: 7 travel hacks to save on your trip

In recent years, Lisbon has become one of Europe’s trendiest travel destinations. Younger tourists might have discovered this Portuguese city through travel programs and blogs, but Lisbon has quietly been one of the best places to visit for decades, especially if you’re looking for a (relatively) inexpensive trip. Because of the gorgeous public parks, amazing landmarks, and reasonable restaurants and bars, Lisbon is the ideal budget travel destination in Western Europe. 

Most importantly, you won’t only save money on a trip to Lisbon through a low-cost airline or by limiting foreign transaction fees. Some of the best activities are either affordable or entirely free. São Jorge Castle , Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery are all world-class historical landmarks to visit while visiting Lisbon, and they are all entirely free or inexpensive to enjoy.  Planning ahead will help you save money as well, whether it’s booking lodging ahead of time, finding affordable luggage storage in Lisbon , or investing in a museum pass. 

Here are the best budget hacks and helpful tips for visiting Lisbon on the cheap:

Cheap places to stay in Lisbon

One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to find inexpensive lodging. Lisbon has plenty of budget hotels and amazing hostels for young tourists. Hostels provide a social element, along with incredibly affordable prices. Even if you stay at a hostel, you can book a private room for a decent price. 

They aren’t all in the city center, either. Lisbon has a diverse number of vibrant neighborhoods that appeal to a variety of travelers. Avenida da Liberdade and Chiado are ideal for Lisbon newbies because of their central locations, but Barrio Alto and Baixa are perfect for budget travelers. Check out the Lisbon neighborhood guide to find out which area fits your preferences and plans. 

Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon

This is one of the most attractive hostels you’ll ever find, which is refreshing given the typical budget hotel you find in Europe. While the stylish design and modern layout make it easy on the eyes, the real draw here is the incredible location near nightlife and restaurants. Prices stay around $30 per night for a shared room. 

No Limit Hostel

Located just a few minutes on foot from the city’s historic district, this is a solid option for cheap but comfortable Lisbon trips. A single room with twin beds starts at around $60 for a night, so this trendy hostel is perfect for traveling pairs. Even better, there’s a fully equipped kitchen for preparing your own meals, which is a must if you’re really trying to save money. 

Hans Brinker Youth Hostel Lisbon

For social travelers, this is one of your best options in Lisbon. With a gorgeous rooftop terrace outfitted with a grill and a fully-stocked bar, you won’t need to venture far from Hans Brinker. Every afternoon, the rooftop turns into a party, so you’ll save money on drinks while meeting fellow travelers. Single rooms and shared dorms range between $30 and $80 per night. 

Cheap things to do in Lisbon

The capital of Portugal is one of the most affordable places in Europe to travel to, and not just because of lodging and logistical costs. Lisbon has countless landmarks, town squares, street art, neighborhoods, and gorgeous public parks that are completely free or inexpensive to experience. 

Explore the beautiful Jardins da Gulbenkian

There is nothing better than strolling through tranquil public gardens in a European capital. Some of the most breathtakingly gorgeous sights can be enjoyed without having to pay a penny. The Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Gardens have a modernist design and an open-air amphitheater to appreciate while you walk through lush landscapes and sunny glades. 

Bargain hunt at Feira da Ladra

If you want to save money on food or souvenirs, a trip to Feira da Ladra is the best flea market in Lisbon. Literally, anything you can imagine, and some things you couldn’t imagine, end up on sale at this quirky but historic market. Every Tuesday and Saturday, the flea market opens its gates to locals and tourists. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a fun activity that’s completely free. 

Enjoy epic views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia

With rolling hills and an Atlantic ocean backdrop surrounding the city center, there are some amazing vantage points to appreciate breathtaking views. One of the best is Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which offers wonderful views of the Tagus River, the historic quarter, and all the terracotta rooftops of Lisbon’s many churches and buildings. There are even bars and cafés with patios for enjoying a drink from the hill. 

Free walking tour of Lisbon’s historic quarter 

Looking into free walking tours are a penny-pinching pastime for all budget travelers, and there are a number of superb options in Lisbon. First tip: use your hostel or hotel as a resource for finding the best free walking tours in the city. Second tip: do not skip out on touring Rua dos Correeiros, where there are Roman buildings and walls still standing. Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros is one of the most popular walking tours in Lisbon and certainly should be considered. 

Explore Lisbon’s Roman ruins

In the aftermath of Lisbon’s disastrous earthquake of 1755, much of the city was rebuilt. While it had to be done, much of Lisbon’s historic architecture was lost, including a great deal of infrastructure left by the Romans. Still, there are Roman ruins peppered throughout Lisbon that can be explored. Teatro Romano, Casa dos Bicos, Fundação José Saramago, and the Eurostars Museum are the best places to appreciate artifacts and Roman architecture. 

Street art at Galeria de Arte Urbana

You’ll have to climb up the steep Calçada da Glória in order to appreciate it, but the Galeria de Arte Urbana is one of the must-visit contemporary art exhibits in Lisbon. Portugal has a world-famous tradition of street art, where the medium is revered rather than suppressed. The Galeria is a sanctioned exhibit featuring the best street art in Portugal, often from local artists. The view from the hill is almost as iconic as the art itself. 

Cheap places to eat in Lisbon

With amazing street food and market scenes, Lisbon is the perfect city for cheap eats. While the restaurants and bars serve delicious traditional Portuguese food, you can save money AND experience local flavors by preparing your own food or finding cheap bites by checking a cafe's social media channels for specials and deals.

Pastéis de nata are the perfect budget bite 

Regardless of your budget, you definitely want to try local delicacies, pastéis de nata, while you’re in Lisbon. It’s a sweet custard tart dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar that pairs perfectly with an espresso or coffee. Locals start their day with a trip to the café for one of these delicious and incredibly cheap delicacies

Cantina das Freiras

This casual spot is located near plenty of notable landmarks in the Chiado neighborhood, but it’s surprisingly affordable, perhaps because it’s a little tough to find. Located on the top floor of an office building, Cantina das Freiras has an amazing rooftop terrace overlooking the river. The menu is approachable and affordable as well, making it the ideal casual dinner with a view. 

Café Beira Gare

If you’re taking the train through Rossio Train Station , this is the perfect spot to stop for a cheap sandwich and a beer. It can get crowded at peak hours, but it's worthwhile for its delicious pork steak sandwich and lively atmosphere. 

Padaria do Povo

This is your classic Lisbon diner, with casual counter service and a large terrace for a relaxing meal and drinks. The menu features traditional Portuguese snacks and small plates that are called petiscos. It’s the perfect place for socializing and drinking in a beautiful setting without breaking the bank. 

Cheap bars in Lisbon

Drinking in a new city can be intimidating, but Lisbon has one of the most approachable and affordable bar scenes in Europe. The price for a beer at a normal bar is around $3-$4, and most options are way more flavorful than cheap beer in the US. Super Bock is the most popular option in Lisbon, and this delicious lager is brewed by the country’s oldest brewery. 

For wine drinkers, Lisbon is also an affordable travel destination, with a glass costing around $4 at most bars and restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Port Wine, which is a regional delicacy made in the region around Lisbon. The Port winemaking industry has recently been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

If you’re looking for inexpensive bars, look into places that aren’t near popular landmarks or tourist areas. It’s smart to seek out places where locals actually go. You’ll not only find inexpensive drinks but a more authentic experience. Cinco Lounge, Maria Caxuxa, Pavilhão Chinês, and Pai Tirano are all popular watering holes with Lisbon locals. 

Bonus budget tips for Lisbon

Personal finance and travel don't always mix. Luckily, there are plenty of great travel hacks to make Lisbon an affordable travel destination.

Visit Lisbon during the off-season

One of the most obvious budget hacks for visiting Lisbon is still true. Visiting during the off-season is one of the best ways to save money. The tourist season runs from June to September, like just about everywhere else. Not only are lodging and rental cars more expensive, but the most prominent attractions and landmarks also become overrun with tourists. 

Luckily, Lisbon is in Southern Europe, with a warmer climate that makes visiting during “shoulder season” or winter just as, if not more, pleasant to visit. Temperatures dip down into the 50s at night during the fall and spring, but the daytime is as enjoyable as any in Europe. If anything, shoulder season is more comfortable than the sweltering Portuguese summer. This means you’ll avoid the sweaty mess that most attractions turn into when they are swamped with travelers and tour groups. If you see cheap flights and an inexpensive hotel room, don't be afraid to book.

Flight deals will be less expensive, but so will lodging. Hotels and hostels are considerably less expensive during fall and winter, which will really help save money on things like foreign transaction fees and traveler’s insurance as well. 

Invest in a Lisbon Card 

Recently, travel cards have gone by the wayside in favor of researching and online deals, but the Lisboa Card has found a way to remain one of the best budget hacks for visiting the Portuguese capital. It’s an amazing value if you are looking to visit multiple tourist attractions and jet around this bustling city using public transportation. 

There are 26 historical landmarks and attractions that Lisboa Card holders will have free or discounted access to. Some of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Belem Tower or Jeronimos Monastery. Another important function of the Lisboa Card is that you can often skip long lines to access these landmarks. 

The Lisboa Card also grants unlimited access to Lisbon’s public transport system, which will help you reach all of the landmarks you plan on visiting. Buying the Lisbon Card ahead of time will allow you to start using the trains and buses from Lisbon Airport, or even help you get to a day trip destination. 

Prepare your own meals at least once a day 

While trying new foods and exploring a country’s restaurant and café culture are imperative for a full travel experience, it can get expensive. One of the best ways to save money on a trip is to limit the number of meals you eat at restaurants by cooking your own meals. 

Luckily, Lisbon’s markets and delis provide flavorful and authentic ingredients for preparing a picnic or traditional homemade meal. The best part of this strategy has to be the ultra-cheap prices for bottles of wine, which start at around $4.

Saving money while traveling can be difficult. Flight deals, off-season bargains, and lodging that’s miles away from the city center don’t always pan out. Fortunately, a Lisbon trip doesn’t have to break the bank. There are so many great free things to do in Lisbon , and even more that charge nominal entrance fees. And with a little planning, it’s incredibly easy to find affordable lodging, delicious but affordable food and drink, and a budget-friendly itinerary. 

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33+ Important Tips for Visiting Lisbon for the First Time

The secret is definitely out: visiting Lisbon, Portugal is an absolute delight!

While this sunny, colorful capital city may have been under the radar a decade or two ago, today it is deservedly popular with travelers near and far.

As beautiful as Lisbon is, though, there are definitely some quirks to keep in mind when visiting–which is why we’ve rounded up the best Lisbon travel tips to keep in mind as you plan your first trip to the “Queen of the Sea”.

As American ex-pats who have spent a year calling Lisbon home (and hosted many family and friends along the way), we have quite a bit of advice for traveling Lisbon well!

Here are our top tips for visiting Lisbon for the first time.

Table of Contents

Tips for Visiting Lisbon’s Top Attractions

Lisbon travel tips for getting around the city, tips for taking day trips from lisbon, tips for visiting lisbon’s restaurants + snack bars, other tips for your first trip to lisbon.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

You don’t necessarily need to go into the Belém Tower.

As you’ve started planning your Lisbon travels, it’s practically guaranteed that you’ve come across photos of the famous Belém Tower along the way.

The tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Lisbon, a prime example of the Manueline architecture that the city is famous for, and is absolutely beautiful.

… but for travelers with only a short trip to Lisbon planned, there’s no reason to go inside.

While the exterior of the tower is definitely worth seeing (it’s gorgeous, free, and quick to visit), the interior is comparatively plain.

Getting to see the details of the tower up close is nice, but the rooms of the tower are empty, you can get equally stunning views from dozens of other viewpoints in Lisbon, and it is far too small to accommodate the number of visitors it gets each day.

If your visit goes as ours did, you’ll end up waiting in line to access each separate level of the tower–and none of them are really worth the wait.

Buy tickets in advance for the most popular attractions.

The top attractions in Lisbon, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Castelo de São Jorge , get extremely crowded, and it will make your life much easier to purchase tickets in advance!

This Lisbon travel tip goes for nearby Sintra, too, especially at the iconic Pena Palace and the dreamy Quinta da Regaleira.

We tend to book most of our tickets for Lisbon in advance through Get Your Guide or Tiqets , both of which are reputable and easy to use.

Shop tickets and tours for visiting Lisbon today!

There’s no reason to wait in line for the Santa Justa Lift.

The striking Santa Justa Lift, designed and built by a student of Gustave Eiffel, is one of the most popular landmarks in the city.

Originally built as public transportation to connect Baixa to Chiado/Bairro Alto, today riding the lift is the definition of a tourist trap, drawing long lines at all hours of the day.

However, if you’re standing in the shady Largo di Carmo, facing the roofless church (which is absolutely worth visiting), you’ll notice a small street to the right that leads along the side of the church.

Follow it, and in less than a minute, you’ll find yourself at the top of the famous Santa Justa Lift!

You can walk out onto the lift for free at this point, and enjoy the exact same views that the visitors waiting in line down in Baixa are waiting for–but without cost or having to wait.

The view is beautiful, too, especially when standing out on the lift and facing Castelo de São Jorge.

Lisbon’s hidden gems are truly worth the effort.

While the city’s top attractions definitely tend toward being very crowded today, there are hundreds of incredible things to do in Lisbon that draw a fraction of the visitors despite being well worth a visit.

A few of our favorites include the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora (beautiful azulejos and incredible views from the roof), the National Museum of the Azulejo (famous yet uncrowded as it’s a bit out of the way), the National Coach Museum , and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum .

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to less-visited museums and monuments in Lisbon, though!

Other incredible options include the National Pantheon, the Ajuda Palace , and the garden of Quinta dos Azulejos.

You can read our guide to Lisbon’s secret spots here .

Don’t buy a Lisbon Card without planning your trip first.

Buying a Lisbon Card is a popular option for people visiting Lisbon for the first time, but we recommend not buying one until you plan your trip to Portugal in a bit more detail!

The biggest reason to buy the card has less to do with the attractions, and more to do with the ease of navigating Lisbon’s public transportation system.

With a Lisbon Card, you’ll be able to travel around with Lisbon’s buses, trams, metro, and trains (including the train to Sintra ) for one price.

This is definitely appealing, but how much actual cash value having a Lisbon Card is worth depends heavily on how much public transportation you plan to use (and whether you’re comfortable buying tickets in a more traditional way).

While the Lisbon attractions included with the card are certainly worth visiting, beyond the Jerónimos Monastery, most of them don’t typically feature on a first-timer’s Lisbon itinerary .

And, they’re not even all in Lisbon!

Alcobaça Monastery and Batalha Monastery, for example, are some of my favorite places in Portugal… and are located more than an hour outside the capital.

We’re certainly not saying that you shouldn’t buy the Lisbon Card –it can be a great fit for some travelers–but don’t assume it’s an obvious advantage, either.

Also, note that while you can purchase the card online, you’ll still have to pick up the physical card during your Lisbon travels before you can redeem it.

Check the Lisbon Card’s prices and inclusions now!

Group your sightseeing by neighborhood.

Many of the Lisbon neighborhoods that travelers like to visit on their first trip to the city are quite spread out from each other.

This is especially true for Belém, which feels completely separate from Lisbon’s center despite being home to some of the city’s most popular attractions.

When planning a trip to Lisbon, be sure to note which attractions are near each other and plan your days based on geography.

For example, planning a day in Lisbon that includes visiting the Castelo de São Jorge, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the Carmo Convent back-to-back is a frustrating strategy.

Our recommended 3 day Lisbon itinerary conquers the city neighborhood by neighborhood, making it easier to see more with less time!

… and start at the highest point.

Climbing steep hills is an unavoidable fact of life when visiting Lisbon, but you can give your knees a break by starting at the highest point in any given neighborhood!

A couple of destinations that make great starting points to head downhill from include the Miradouro da Graça, the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara (one of our favorites in the city), and the Castelo de São Jorge.

Don’t expect an interior when visiting Castelo de São Jorge.

Lisbon, and Portugal in general, is lousy with opulent palaces built and decorated to the hilt throughout the centuries… but the famous Castelo de São Jorge is not one of them.

Today, the castle is famous for its views and for the fact that you can stroll around the top of its ramparts, soaking in the views and imagining what once was as you do.

Though the hill that Castelo de São Jorge sits atop is incredibly important to the history of Portugal (to start with, the country was founded on this spot in 1143 when the Portuguese conquered the city from its Islamic rulers), the actual structure on the hill has been rebuilt many times.

That’s not to say that the castle isn’t worth visiting, but don’t expect details like throne rooms or furnishings here (there are, however, lots of peacocks).

Picking a neighborhood and wandering is a great way to visit Lisbon.

While targeted sightseeing is a must if you want to experience the best things to do in Lisbon in a short amount of time, be sure to leave plenty of time in your schedule for wandering, too!

Lisbon’s many neighborhoods are a delight to explore on foot.

Beautiful areas like Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Belém , Cais do Sodré, and Baixa are lovely, and you’ll no doubt experience them when visiting Lisbon.

If you want to go a bit further afield to wander, though, consider also sampling Campo de Ourique (don’t miss the beautiful Prazeres Cemetery), Estrela (the Jardim da Estrela will forever be one of our favorite places in Lisbon, and the basilica is stunning too), Arroios, Príncipe Real, and Graça.

A sailboat cruise on the Tagus is a great travel experience in Lisbon.

The views of Lisbon from the Tagus are wonderful, and there’s nothing quite like experiencing the city from the water.

Lisbon’s history and culture are deeply tied to the  Tejo  and to the wide open sea that lies beyond it, and relaxing on a sailboat is a fantastic addition to any visit to Lisbon.

Plus, it’s simply lots of fun, and more affordable than you might expect!

Most Tagus River cruises leave from Belém, and you can easily add a cruise to your time there.

Personally, we’re partial to sailboat cruises (as opposed to large tourist boats), and if you can arrange your Lisbon trip so that you can enjoy the Tagus at sunset, all the better.

Book your Lisbon sailboat cruise today!

Most Lisbon churches are free to visit, so be sure to step inside!

While the Lisbon Cathedral and the Carmo Convent (though that one is a museum rather than a working church today) have modest entry fees, virtually every other church in Lisbon is free and easy to enter.

That even includes the stunning Church of Santa Maria de Belém that is attached to the popular Jerónimos Monastery (which holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama, among others).

Some of my favorite churches in Lisbon to visit include the Church of São Domingos, the Church of São Roque (a must for anyone who enjoys over-the-top opulent churches), and St. Anthony’s Church (don’t miss the crypt).

The Lisbon Cathedral is a bit controversial among travelers: historically important and rebuilt several times, the interior is much plainer than many expect, especially considering it is one of the only churches in Lisbon to charge an entry fee.

It’s beautiful, but very different in style to most in the city–if you’re on the fence about it or short on time, you can skip it.

Don’t expect to be able to walk everywhere.

While Lisbon’s various neighborhoods tend to be very walkable in their own right, the city as a whole is fairly dispersed.

You’ll need transportation other than your own feet to travel between many neighborhoods–and luckily, Lisbon has plenty of options!

Lisbon’s taxis are generally plentiful and very easy to use, trams of course are popular, and the metro goes to a fair number of places, too (including the airport, though taking a taxi into the city is faster).

We’re not exaggerating about the hills.

You will absolutely get a workout when visiting Lisbon for the first time and sampling the city’s major sights!

Opt for very comfortable, sturdy shoes with a grip on them, and be prepared to work for your views.

If you’d like to avoid climbing many hills, structure your days carefully and budget for plenty of taxis (rates start at 3.50 and we regularly travel across the city for under 10 Euro).

Lisbon’s funiculars, Bica, Glória, and Lavra (the last being the least touristy) can also help out with the steep climbs in a few places.

The fastest way between Baixa and Chiado is through H&M.

Funiculars aren’t the only way to shave a climb off your route!

The multi-story H&M store on Rua do Carmo has a series of escalators that make for an excellent shortcut between the neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado, each of which is home to some of the top things to do in Lisbon.

Tram 28 is not necessarily the best way to get around the city.

Long ago, someone wrote that riding Lisbon’s classic Tram 28 was a cheap, easy, and local way to see the best of the city.

This was undoubtedly great advice at the time, but it’s long outdated.

True, the Tram 28 route only costs 3 Euro (or is included with a Lisbon Card ), and trundles right past many of Lisbon’s top landmarks, including past the Praça do Comércio, through Alfama, right by top viewpoints like the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and more.

On the other hand, it’s ridiculously crowded, the best views of the tram are actually from the outside, and it’s a bit of a magnet for pickpockets these days.

If you love trams, it may be worth riding for the experience–but if you just want to get across Lisbon, there are plenty of other ways to do so.

Taxis are the fastest way to get to the city center from the airport.

There’s a well-organized taxi stand right outside of the arrivals hall at the airport, and it’s the fastest way into the city.

Riding the metro is also doable and more budget-friendly, but it takes quite a bit longer.

Unlike some cities, there is no set fare for a taxi ride from the Lisbon Airport (technically named the Humberto Delgado Airport or Portela Airport) to the city center, however, the fare should run roughly 15 to 20 Euro.

Download FreeNow for calling taxis.

FreeNow isn’t specific to Lisbon, but we use it here all the time!

Think of this app as Uber for official taxi rides.

It’s popular in many cities across Europe and comes in very handy both in Portugal and beyond.

Sintra is wonderful, but it’s not Lisbon’s only day trip option.

When you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, you’ll no doubt hear about a thousand times that you have to take a day trip to Sintra.

Located less than an hour outside of Lisbon, Sintra is a beautiful place, filled with interesting and sometimes downright bizarre palaces.

Once a retreat for wealthy people ranging from Portuguese royalty to British aristocrats to an American socialite, Sintra’s palaces are well worth visiting.

… but they’re also very crowded, and far from the only day trip worth taking from Lisbon!

Honestly, I believe that Lisbon has better day trip options than the vast majority of European cities because there is simply so much variety!

Want a beach town? Go to Cascais.

A stunning hike along the coast? Arrabida Nature Park.

The most beautiful monasteries you’ve ever seen? Alcobaça Monastery, Batalha Monastery, and Tomar’s Convent of Christ are waiting.

A medieval town to explore? Go walk the walls of Óbidos .

I could keep going, but essentially, don’t default to Sintra when planning a trip to Lisbon if another kind of day trip appeals to you more.

Lisbon has more than one train station, so double-check which one you need.

If you’re planning to travel away from Lisbon by train, whether on a day trip or further afield, be sure to check which station you need to leave from!

For example, most trains running from Lisbon to Porto leave from Santa Apolónia Station, while trains to Sintra leave from Rossio Station and trains to Cascais leave from the Cais do Sodre Station.

None of these stations are particularly far from each other, but you don’t want to end up heading to the wrong one during your Lisbon travels!

Trains are excellent, but taxis are often faster.

For many of Lisbon’s nearby day trips, a great compromise–especially when traveling with a group–between the comfortable but often slower trains versus the hassle of parking a rental car can be to take taxis.

You’ll spend a bit more, but you’ll often save quite a bit of time, too!

For nearby spots like Cascais and Sintra, we’ll often take the train on the way to our destination, and then call a taxi or Uber to go home when we’re ready.

Not all trains have a/c, and they often trap heat.

… and when the trains do have a/c, it isn’t necessarily strong enough to cool the trains down to a comfortable temperature!

Lisbon tends to have fairly mild weather, so this isn’t often a problem, but if you happen to be visiting during a heat spell in the summer, keep it in mind when planning day trips.

On hot, sunny days, it can be hotter inside a running train than it is outside.

Don’t plan a day trip to Porto.

We know that trying to decide whether to visit Lisbon or Porto is a hard choice–and we love them both.

Resist the temptation to plan a day trip between them, though!

Even on a high-speed train, the 2 cities are simply too far apart to be good day trips from each other, especially because there are dozens of other worthy places to visit within an hour or 2 of each city.

(That being said, we have received enough questions about this that we have put together a guide on how to take a day trip to Porto from Lisbon for travelers who are determined to go!)

There aren’t beaches within walking distance of Lisbon’s center, but you can reach them.

Despite being located temptingly close to the water, there aren’t beaches in Lisbon’s city center (technically there’s a tiny patch of sand in front of Praça do Comércio at low tide, but it doesn’t really qualify as a beach).

You can reach the many beautiful beaches near Lisbon fairly easily, though!

Costa da Caparica, Estoril, Sintra, and Cascais all have wonderful beaches to choose from.

For a large, tried and true beach very close to Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos is a local favorite.

A food tour is absolutely worth the effort when visiting Lisbon.

We’re big proponents of food tours around the world: combining traditional local food with a chance to take a walking tour of a city is a fantastic way to get acquainted with a new place!

We’ve taken a few Lisbon food tours over the years, all wonderful, but on your first trip to Lisbon, there’s none that I recommend more highly than  this food and wine tour .

With a convenient starting point that is very close to the Church of São Domingos,  this food tour  is filling, delicious, and informative.

Best of all, it focuses primarily on introducing you to classic Lisbon cuisine, which will help you with ordering in restaurants for the rest of your time in Portugal.

Perhaps the biggest endorsement we can offer is that we have returned to several of the included establishments since, including bringing our friends and family to some of them when they visit Lisbon!

Book your Lisbon food tour  today!

Don’t eat a francesinha in Lisbon if you’re also visiting Porto.

There’s probably no more (in)famous Portuguese sandwich than the francesinha, which is essentially what happens when you take a croque-monseiur and ask “you know, how can we make this dramatically more unhealthy?”

Bread, ham, sausage, steak, more sausage, cheese, more bread, all smothered in a tomato and beer sauce: these are the general ingredients behind the francesinha.

The sandwich is generally served with fries and sometimes topped with a fried egg–and yes, it’s quite gluttonous.

Is it worth trying when in Portugal? Sure, once in a very long while.

If you’re also heading to Porto, though, skip the francesinha while in Lisbon.

While you can find them on menus here, the sandwich was invented and is much more common in Porto–you’ll find plenty of delicious options up there!

Be cautious with port (and ginjinha ).

Port is delicious, well worth sampling while in Portugal, and very strong.

At 20% alcohol (as opposed to around 12% on standard wine drunk in the USA), it is very easy to overindulge in port’s sweet taste without realizing it, even if you’re used to drinking.

Keep an eye out as you indulge in Portugal!

This goes for ginjinha , too (around 18% alcohol content), but as ginjinha is served in tiny cups and is treated more like a spirit, it’s not quite as easy to overdo as port is.

The key to appreciating pastéis de nata is eating them all.

More or less every bakery in Portugal has its own taking on the iconic pastel de nata , and trying a wide variety is a must when visiting Lisbon!

Some of the most popular bakeries include Pastelaria Santo António, Manteigaria, Confeitaria Nacional, Fábrica da Nata, and of course, the iconic and original Pastéis de Belém.

Everyone has their own favorites, and they can change from day to day, but you won’t go wrong with a pastel de nata (or 2, who’s counting?) from any of these spots.

Don’t forget to sprinkle the top with cinnamon and/or powdered sugar at least once!

Everyone has their own opinion on the sprinkling, too, but during your first trip to Lisbon, we’d recommend trying a bite each way.

… but at Pastéis de Belém in particular, consider getting a table.

The iconic Pastéis de Belém is known for its extremely long lines, but here’s the thing: the line for table service is generally much shorter than the one for takeaway orders!

And, as a bonus, it’s more fun to eat in the dining room!

The interior is spacious, allows you to order a drink, and the building itself is also fun to walk through (you may even catch a glimpse of people hard at work in the kitchen cooking up an endless number of pastéis de nata ).

Alternatively, if you are visiting Lisbon for a longer period of time and aren’t squeezing lots of attractions into each day, consider heading to Pastéis de Belém on Mondays, when the nearby Jerónimos Monastery is closed and therefore the Belém neighborhood as a whole is much quieter.

We once waited less than 5 minutes for a box of pastéis de nata to takeaway when visiting on a Monday!

Make reservations for dinner.

When it comes to dinner, Lisbon is a city that loves its reservations.

If you have your eye on eating in a particular place, be sure to make a reservation in advance!

Generally, reserving a table the day before or even during lunch service the day that you plan to eat dinner there is fine.

However, if you have somewhere particularly popular in mind or if you’re heading out on a weekend, consider booking a bit further in advance.

… and don’t plan to eat early.

People in Lisbon don’t eat as late as, say, those in Madrid , but they still tend toward eating on the late side!

Most restaurants open for dinner around 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM, and they won’t really start to fill up until after 8:00 PM.

Bring very sturdy shoes.

Not only does walking in Lisbon require climbing lots of hills, but it’s also a bit hard on your feet in other ways.

The distinctive Portuguese pavement (or  calçada portuguesa ) that you’ll see throughout the city offers its challenges: these walkways are both beautiful and a bit of a hazard in the rain.

Here’s the thing… they’re  incredibly  slippery when wet, especially if they happen to have fallen leaves sitting on them.

Watch your step, especially on hills, and opt for shoes with some grip on them!

When it doubt, take a ticket.

In Portugal, it’s very common to use a ticket-based system rather than a traditional line/queue in order to serve customers.

If you see several people standing around in a shop, look around for a ticket machine: that’s how you wait your turn.

You’ll see this everywhere from train stations to butcher shops to banks when visiting Lisbon, Portugal.

Don’t stay in Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré unless you’re looking for nightlife.

Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré are popular, centrally located neighborhoods with plenty of hotels and hostels… and they’re also the center of much of Lisbon’s nightlife.

If your value peace and quiet after dark, these are not the right neighborhoods for you to stay in!

Make note of whether your hotel has air conditioning and/or heat.

Lisbon’s typically mild climate means that not all hotels (especially budget hotels) have air conditioning or heat–but you may want it!

That’s not solely because of temperature control, either.

For example, Lisbon struggles with dampness, mildew, and mold in many of its buildings over the winter months.

It’s not a huge problem for visitors, but if you’re concerned about dampness in your room or you have allergies, it’s best to keep it in mind when deciding where to stay in Lisbon.

Learn a few Portuguese phrases before visiting Lisbon.

While you’ll find plenty of English speakers in the city, it’s still a good idea to learn a few Portuguese phrases before your trip to Lisbon!

Not only is it polite, but it can also be helpful (in our experience, taxi drivers, for example, rarely speak English in Lisbon).

A simple por favor (please) and obrigado/obrigada (thank you from a male speaker/thank you from a female speaker) can go a long way when visiting Lisbon!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

8 thoughts on “33+ Important Tips for Visiting Lisbon for the First Time”

Nicely done, I appreciate you have some uniques tips here compared to other blogs (the one about being careful on the Portugese pavement was very helpful). Thanks!

Thanks, Justin! Hope you have a great time in Lisbon. 🙂

One of the best blogs out there. Thank you for the wealth of information.

That’s great to hear, thank you! Hope you have a great time in Lisbon 🙂

What a wonderful source of information — thank you! My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Lisbon in March. It’s our first time there and we’re wondering what part of the city is best for our accommodation. We plan to do lots of walking and would like to be pretty central. I spotted something interesting in the old part of the city and wonder if that might be a reasonable location. Any advice would be SO appreciated!

Thanks so much, Susanna!

As far as where to stay, there are lots of good options. We go over the neighborhoods in a bit more detail on the “where to stay” section of our itinerary posts: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-lisbon-itinerary/

Short answer: Baixa is by far the most accessible (central, lots of transport options, easy to get around), but it is also the most unapologetically touristy area. Alfama, the more traditional old town, is beautiful and central but not quite as convenient transport-wise due to the steep hills. Chiado is great if you want something close but not *too* close to the action, and Bairro Alto is best if you’re planning to join in on the nightlife (ie, don’t mind noise).

Hope you guys have a wonderful trip!

Thank you so much for all your helpful articles about Lisbon! By the way, do you know if we can get a bus from Oriente to Fatima? Since we’re going on a holiday, how do we book tickets in advance? Thank you!

As far as I know, buses to Fatima leave from the Sete Rios train station, so you’ll first need to travel from Oriente to Sete Rios before hopping on the bus.

You can book bus tickets in advance here: http://www.rede-expressos.pt (this is the Rede Expressos bus company website, which has an English version).

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

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The Ultimate Budget guide to Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the top travel destinations of the moment. Portugal was voted no.1 tourist destination in 2017 and there are many international flights and low cost flights from within Europe to Lisbon airport which will allow you to explore “the city of light”, as it is known by its locals, on a budget.

The intense Mediterranean sunlight reflects off the historic buildings and bathes the city in warmth. Its winding and sloping streets are for getting lost in and around every corner you may find an interesting, dilapidated historical building.

Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe, and was a thriving city dating to the era before the Roman Empire. Four centuries older, according to Historians. It is the second oldest European capital after Athens, being established by the Phoenicians during 1200 BC.

Lisbon is a perfect city to spend for a budget holiday. With our budget guide to the Lisbon, you will be sure to leave the city wanting to return for more. With a combination of being situated by the sea and a sense of history emanating from the historic streets and buildings, there are plenty of activities that will keep the budget holidaymaker happy.

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Table of Contents

The best time to visit Lisbon

The best time to visit Lisbon is in Spring and Autumn, between May and March and then from September through to October.

Crowds are thinner and hotel rates are cheaper than in the summertime. Lisbon enjoys long hot summers, which stretch into September and early October, and you will still be able to enjoy some beach days whilst avoiding the crowds!

If you want to experience the festive side of Lisbon, you can visit during the Festas Santos Populares celebrations from the 3rd to 14th of June.

Getting around in Lisbon

Lisbon is a walkable city, but it also has a very user-friendly metro and tram system. No trip to Lisbon would be complete without a trip on one of these bright yellow trams that traverse the city streets.

If you want to save on transport, buy your Viva Viagem/7 Colinas card at the airport, in fact if you’re very lucky as you arrive, tourists who are leaving may give you their travel card for free saving you the €0.50 for the card itself.

This is one of the best ways to get around as you can top up your card for use on metro, tram and bus. With Zapping you can pay around €1.30 per metro trip.

Alternatively you can buy a day pass for only €6.30 which gives you unlimited travel over a 24-hour period on the bus, tram and metro network (€10.40 if you want to include Comboios de Portugal).

A ride on tram 28 is a must as it will take you around the most popular areas of the city, The yellow trams are an iconic symbol of Lisbon and a tram ride is an experience that you cannot miss, bear in mind that this tram is always crowded and often there are long queues to get on board, especially from the centre of the city.

Where to stay in Lisbon

In Lisbon, you can experience life like a local in an Airbnb and there are excellent offers in traditional houses with balconies overlooking the narrow city streets.

The best neighbourhoods to stay in Lisbon are around the centre, Lisbon is a walkable city and easy to get around, with a fantastic hop-on and hop-off tram service.

The cheapest neighbourhoods to stay are in the North of the central Baixa district which is situated a little out of the centre it is still within walking distance of everything.

Here are some of the best budget hotels in Lisbon:

Hotel Convento de Salvador – This hotel was constructed in one of the oldest convents of Lisbon, in the Alfama district. Decoration is minimalist and the halls are full of works by famous Portuguese artists such as Júlio Pomar, Paulo Rêgo and Sebastião Salgado. The hotel offers a terrace and pool and rooms start from only €94 per night.

The Independente Hostel & Suites, Lisbon – This hotel is located in the beating heart of Lisbon, a short walk from Rossio train station, Bairro Alto, Principe real and Chiado.

The hotel offers hostel dorm rooms at affordable prices and suites that overlook the Tagus River. It is also home to a popular and trendy restaurant, The Decadente, where you can find Portuguese cuisine with a twist. Dorms start from from €11, suites from €70 per night.

Tours to do in Lisbon

There are many options for tours in Lisbon if you’re pressed for time. Here is a selection of the best budget tours of Lisbon:

Sandemans Free Walking Tour

If you are watching your wallet, Sandemans offers a free tour with a guide to show you around the city and regale you with tales from its history as well as the legends surrounding the capital of Portugal. It is advisable to leave a tip.

Time Out Discovery Games

This tour offers a new and exciting way to see the city! Explore the neighborhoods while solving cryptic clues, taking in the views and spotting street art. This offbeat tour with an experienced guide will show you a different side of Lisbon. Tours start from €21 per person.

Lisbon Electric Bike Tour

What is more iconic in Lisbon than the rolling hills of the city? The electric bikes make the steep hills more manageable, this tour will take you to the different neighbourhoods on bike of Alfama, Bairro Alto and Chiado and visit landmarks such as the Cathedral and Church of Santa Engrácia. Prices for a two hour tour start from €35 per person.

Cheap eats Lisbon

Despite the recent rise in costs of accommodation and food in Lisbon due to its status as a popular holiday destination, there are still many places to eat for those on a budget.

If you are on a really tight budget you can visit the food courts at Vasco di Gama Shopping Centre, Armazéns do Chiado shopping centre or Colombus Shopping Centre. Here you can find cheap eats at a fraction of the cost of restaurants.

If you want to try some local restaurants here are some of the best budget eats in Lisbon:

• Manteigaria , Rua de Loreto 2

Start your day on a good note with the best breakfast that money can buy in Lisbon, a Pastéis de Belém and a good cup of Portuguese coffee.

The most famous bakery is located in Belem and there are long queues for these custard tarts, being the original bakery located next to the Jerónimos Monastery, which is said to have the original recipe of this delicious tart.

The legend says that convents and monasteries in Lisbon used huge quantities of egg whites to starch their clothes and accumulated a lot of yolks which they used to make the tarts and cakes leading to the birth of the Pastéis de Belem.

The most famous bakery sells 20,000 pastries every day and the long queues are testimony to the popularity of these treats with both tourists and locals. I would eat at least one every day for breakfast!

However, If you want to skip the queues, there is an excellent bakery that produces these tarts called Manteigaria, located in Rua de Loreto, 2. Here you watch the bakers making thousands of tasty tarts right before your eyes, you can even bring home a box!

• O Cantinho de Bem Estar, Rua do Norte 46

This small authentic restaurant is a budget gem; here you can eat with the locals side by side as the tables are incredibly close together.

They specialize in seafood with abundant fish dishes and you will see local families enjoying the authentic Portuguese dining experience. Meals are a steal for their large portions at around €20 for two people.

• Frangasqueira Nacional, Tv. Monte do Carmo 19

For those on a tight budget there is nothing better than a juicy, succulent chicken roasted on a spit. This is one authentic place where you can buy a delicious chicken and eat it in a nearby park, guaranteed to be so good you will want to lick your fingers!

• Café Beira Gare, Praça Dom João da Câmara 4

This café is loved by locals and tourists alike and is a budget restaurant near Rossio train station, which serves great food at a fraction of the price. It can be crowded and noisy but is definitely authentic and a great place to visit.

• Restaurante Leão D`ouro, R. 1º de Dezembro 105

This restaurant has an all-you-can-eat buffet for only €5.90 at lunch or €7.40 for dinner which is excellent value for money and perfect for the budget traveller.

Budget things to do in Lisbon

Rossio square.

From the centre you can get to Rossio Square, where you can visit some cultural museums such as the National Museum of Ancient Art or the Museum del Fado, celebrating the traditional style of singing from Portugal, full of mournful notes.

At Rossio without trying the Ginjinha, the Morello Cherry liquor which you can sample in the smallest bars in Lisbon, such as Ginjinha Sem Rival located in R. Portas de Santo Antão 7, where a tiny cup will set you back €1.40 and give you a little buzz.

These bars only serve cherry liquor and it is deceptively sweet and tasty, in fact, some places serve it in chocolate cups, which makes an absolutely mouth-watering treat!

Visit a Miradouro or viewpoint

Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara is just a short walk away from Rossio and is a popular viewpoint to take in the spectacular panorama of the city, alternatively there are so many other viewpoints you can visit that you could do a different one every day!

There is the Miradouro de Santa Catalina, Miradouro da Graça and the Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte.

Budget tip: many budget travellers buy a beer from a nearby shop and sit and watch the sunset from the Miradouros, get there early and try to catch a prime spot before it fills up.

Visit the Belem Neighbourhood

Tram 28 will take you to the Belem neighbourhood where you can visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos , to visit the 500-year-old monastery that now has become a cultural hub offering regular concerts.

Right next-door is the famous Pastéis de Belem bakery where you can joint he queue for the original tarts from Lisbon.

From there you can walk by the sea and visit the Torre de Belem which was a fortified defence tower which now has UNESCO protected status.

Check graffiti at the LX Factory

The LX Factory that is one of the best places to see Lisbon graffiti. Once a textile factory, it is now full of boutiques and eateries including Landeau’s mythical chocolate cake, which they proclaim to be “the best chocolate cake in the world”! The LX Factory is just a short walk away from the Belem neighbourhood.

Visit Chiado, the Boho district of Lisbon

Chiado is Lisbon’s bohemian district with numerous restaurants, cozy cafes and restaurants as well as shopping.

Here you can visit the famous Rua Garrett, the bookshop from 1732 built upon the ruins of the Carmo Convent which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755.

For booklovers, the famous Café A Brasileira, where Fernando Pessoa penned some of his greatest works is a must-visit.

Visit the old red light district of Cais do Sodré

Once upon a time, this riverside district was a meeting point for all the local criminals, prostitutes and sailors and had a notorious unsavoury reputation, the scandalous red light district has now been painted pink and Pink Street is now one of the trendiest nightlife district in Lisbon.

The Cais do Sodré district received a facelift in 2011 to turn its reputation around. The once run-down bars and brothels were reborn as trendy little bars, keeping their original names and tacky signs.

Pensão Amor, a trendy cocktail bar that was once a brothel is bold and burlesque. With erotic art adorning the walls and ceilings, this trendy place that attracts locals and tourists alike now offers pole dance workshops and houses a sex shop within its premises. Strictly adults only!

Visit a local flea market

Every Saturday and Tuesday morning the locals flock to Campo de Santa Clara Square, just beside the National Pantheon to hunt for curiosities and bargains, here you can find something to suit every budget.

It is known as the Feira de Ladra or “thieves market” and if you had your mobile phone stolen on tram 28, you will surely find it here among the stalls. It may just be the perfect place to pick up a budget souvenir to bring home!

Catch a Fado Concert for free

You can listen to the mournful tunes of Fado music on Mondays and Wednesdays for free at Tasca de Chico, situated in the Bairro Alto district in Rua do Diário de Notícias 39.

This is the perfect way to end your Lisbon adventure and leave you wanting to return again to Lisbon.

Recommend budget tours in Lisbon

• Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon
• Óbidos, Nazaré, Fátima and Batalha Day Trip
• Experience Lisbon: Small-Group Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings
• Lisbon Half Day Private Tour
• Lisbon Small-Group Gourmet Portuguese Food and Wine Tour
• Sintra Small Group Tour from Lisbon
• Lisbon Super Saver: 2-Day Sintra, Cascais, Fatima, Nazare and Obidos Small-Group Day Trips
• Lisbon Guided Walking Tour
• Small-Group Tour: Knights Templar Historical Tour from Lisbon
• Lisbon Hills Electric Bike Tour
• Lisbon Sunset Small-Group Walking Tour with Fado Performance

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Lisbon on a Budget

Forget the tourist traps, Lisbon offers an electrifying mix of history, hidden alleys, and sun-drenched beaches.

In this Lisbon travel guide, we’re exposing how to wander Alfama’s labyrinthine streets, ride antique elevators to epic panoramas, uncover secret beaches, and savor fresh seafood – all of this on a budget

Guide Index

Travel costs: detailed breakdown, explore lisbon: things to do.

• Where to Stay on a Budget

Eating and Drinking

How to get around.

• Best Time to Visit

Backpacker Essentials & Safety Tips

Resources and planning.

Lisbon offers different experiences for various budgets. While prices tend to be slightly higher than some other European cities, its charm and affordability remain attractive. Here’s a breakdown:

Suggested Budget per person:

• Low: €40-60 per day
• Middle : €70-120 per day
• High: €150+ per day

Detailed Costs

Accommodation:

• Low: Hostels (€20-35 per night), budget guesthouses (€35-50 per night)
• Middle: Mid-range hotels (€70-120 per night), B&Bs (€60-80 per night)
• High: Luxury hotels (€200+ per night), upscale apartments (€150+ per night)

We have a guide to the best hostels in Lisbon .

Public Transportation:

• Metro ticket: €1.80 single journey
• Daily pass: €6.80 Carris/Metro pass
• 3-Day tourist pass: €20.50 Lisboa Card

Entrance Fees:

• Low: Free activities: Jerónimos Monastery gardens, São Jorge Castle viewpoints, Tram 28 ride (with ticket), Miradouro da Santa Luzia
• Middle: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (€10), São Jorge Castle (€10), National Tile Museum (€5)
• High: Oceanarium (€19), Torre Vasco da Gama (€9), Palácio Nacional da Ajuda (€15)

Restaurants:

• Low: Pastel de nata (€1), Bifanas (€5), Francesinha (around €8-10)
• Middle: Mid-range restaurants (€15-25 per main course)
• High: High-end restaurants (€30+ per main course)

Pastel de Nata:

• Low: €1 at a bakery
• Middle: €2-3 at a cafe
• High: €5 at a luxury pastry shop
• Low: Takeaway coffee (€1-2)
• Middle: Cafe coffee (€2-3)
• High: Specialty coffee (€4-5), tourist areas (€3-4)

Beer & Wine:

• Low: Local beer at a bar (€2-3), glass of house wine (€3-4)
• Middle: Craft beer or mid-range wine in a restaurant (€4-6)
• High: Craft beer or special vintage wine (€6-10)

Here’s your bespoke “Must Do” list. 

• São Jorge Castle: Explore Lisbon’s historic heart, offering breathtaking city views, medieval architecture, and fascinating archaeological exhibits.
• Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower: Witness UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing Portugal’s Age of Discovery, featuring ornate Manueline architecture and maritime history.
• Tram 28 Ride: Take a nostalgic journey through Lisbon’s iconic neighborhoods on this historic tram, offering charming views and cultural insights.
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos: Stand at the monument dedicated to Portuguese explorers, admiring the Tagus River and learning about Portugal’s maritime achievements.
• Praça do Comércio: Immerse yourself in Lisbon’s grand main square, bustling with street performers, cafes, and historical significance.
• Elevador de Santa Justa: Ascend to breathtaking city views from this neo-Gothic elevator, offering unique vantage points and panoramic experiences.
• Oceanarium: Discover the wonders of the underwater world at this impressive aquarium, showcasing diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.
• National Tile Museum: Delve into Portugal’s rich azulejo tile tradition, exploring its history, techniques, and stunning artistic expressions.
• Fado Show: Immerse yourself in Lisbon’s melancholic soul music, enjoying traditional performances in intimate restaurants or historical venues.
• LX Factory: Explore Lisbon’s trendy creative hub, featuring repurposed industrial buildings housing shops, cafes, art galleries, and electrifying nightlife.
• Jerónimos Monastery (Monasterio de los Jerónimos de Belém): This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for any visitor to Lisbon. Marvel at its intricate architecture.

Free things to do in Lisbon

• Wander Historic Neighborhoods: Get lost in Alfama, Mouraria, Príncipe Real, and Graça, soaking in the atmosphere, admiring street art, and discovering hidden gems.
• Miradouros (Viewpoints): Capture panoramic cityscapes from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and São Jorge Castle for free.
• Free Walking Tours : Join a free walking tour to gain historical insights, local recommendations, and hidden spots you might miss on your own.
• Jerónimos Monastery Gardens: Enjoy the serene gardens surrounding the Jerónimos Monastery, offering tranquility and beautiful landscaping.
• National Museum of Ancient Art: Explore Portuguese art history with free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
• Feira da Ladra (Flea Market): Hunt for antiques, vintage treasures, and local crafts at this lively flea market held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Attend Free Events: Check local calendars for free concerts, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year.

We have a full guide of fun things to do in Lisbon .

• National Museum of Ancient Art: Housing Portuguese art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including masterpieces by Vasco da Gama and Hieronymus Bosch. Free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
• National Tile Museum: Dedicated to Portugal’s iconic azulejo tiles, showcasing their history, techniques, and artistic expressions.
• MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology): Explore contemporary art, architecture, and technology exhibits in a modern and innovative setting. Free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
• Gulbenkian Museum: Admire a vast collection of European and Asian art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects. Free admission every Sunday.
• Carris Museum: Delve into the history of Lisbon’s public transportation system with vintage trams, buses, and interactive exhibits. Free admission.
• Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum): Marvel at a stunning collection of royal carriages from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
• Berardo Collection Modern and Contemporary Art Museum : Immerse yourself in modern and contemporary art with works by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Francis Bacon. Free admission on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum:  This renowned museum houses a diverse collection of Western European and Eastern art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Dyck.

*Please make sure to always double-check free admission dates and times with the official museum website. 

Great Views 

• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramas, this viewpoint is the highest point in Lisbon. 
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara: This charming viewpoint boasts scenic views of the city, along with beautiful gardens and a refreshing fountain. 
• Elevador de Santa Justa: Take a ride on this historic elevator for stunning cityscape views and a unique vantage point.
• Castelo de São Jorge: Explore this ancient castle and be rewarded with panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
• Parque Eduardo VII: This sprawling park offers a peaceful escape and provides beautiful views of the city, especially at sunset.

Best Beaches in Lisbon

• Praia de Carcavelos: Catch some epic waves and soak up the surfer vibes at Praia de Carcavelos. This beach is a haven for adrenaline junkies, offering consistent swells and a chance to shred alongside Portugal’s surf scene. 
• Praia dos Galapinhos: Escape the crowds and discover a hidden gem at Praia dos Galapinhos. Tucked away within the Arrábida Natural Park, this secluded cove boasts crystal-clear waters that shimmer like turquoise jewels. Explore the rocky inlets, snorkel among marine life, or simply relax on the soft sand and soak in the serenity of this natural paradise.
• Praia da Conceição :  This family-friendly favorite offers soft golden sand, calm waters ideal for splashing with the little ones, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding – granted, it’s not exactly in Lisbon but definitely worth the detour. 

Read: 4 coolest surf hostels in Lisbon

Best day trips from Lisbon

• Sintra: A UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the hills outside Lisbon. Explore the Pena National Palace, a whimsical blend of architectural styles, and wander through the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, an estate filled with grottoes, tunnels, and hidden wonders.
• Évora: Brimming with Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and captivating historical sites. Marvel at the Roman Temple, one of the most well-preserved in the Iberian Peninsula, and delve into the haunting beauty of the Capela dos Ossos, a chapel entirely constructed from human bones.
• Óbidos: A fortified medieval village surrounded by ancient walls. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, adorned with colorful houses and flowers, and discover the imposing Óbidos Castle, now a pousada offering stunning accommodations. Don’t miss the chance to savor the town’s famed liqueur, Ginja de Óbidos, traditionally served in small chocolate cups.
• Cascais: A seaside town, once a favorite retreat for Portuguese royalty. Relax on the beaches, bask in the sunshine, and explore the historic center dotted with colorful houses and quaint cafes. Take a scenic boat trip to admire the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, or visit the Boca do Inferno, a natural rock formation where waves crash spectacularly against the cliffs.
• Arrábida Natural Park: A sanctuary of greenery, dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches. Hike through the scenic trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and marvel at the panoramic vistas overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the serene Monastery of Nossa Senhora da Arrábida, a 16th-century sanctuary nestled amidst the hills, and unwind on the pristine Praia dos Galapinhos, a secluded cove beach accessible only by foot or boat.

Where to stay on a Budget

While the charming downtown Baixa-Chiado district offers undeniable convenience and proximity to major sights, it also comes with the highest price tag. Fear not, budget travelers! Lisbon boasts several neighborhoods perfect for exploring the city without breaking the bank:

1. Alfama: Nestled below São Jorge Castle, Alfama is Lisbon’s historic heart. Wander its labyrinthine streets, soak in breathtaking castle views, and savor traditional Fado music in intimate restaurants. Keep in mind the hilly terrain and limited public transport options.

2. Mouraria: Adjacent to Alfama, Mouraria offers a similar historic charm with a multicultural twist. Sample international cuisine, catch street art displays, and experience the multicultural community. Like Alfama, be prepared for hills and limited public transport.

3. Arroios: This up-and-coming neighborhood exudes youthful energy and artistic flair. Discover independent cafes, explore street art murals, and find trendy hostels and guesthouses. Expect a lively atmosphere and slightly longer commutes to major sights.

4. Graça: Perched on a hill, Graça offers panoramic city views, peaceful parks, and local eateries. Relax in Jardim da Cerca da Graça, explore the National Tile Museum, and enjoy affordable guesthouses with stunning vistas. Consider the uphill walk and slightly fewer dining options compared to central areas.

Bonus Tip: Consider staying near metro stations for easy access to different parts of the city. Additionally, research “pensões” – traditional guesthouses often offering budget-friendly rooms and local charm.

Remember, choosing a neighborhood depends on your priorities. Alfama and Mouraria offer history and authenticity, while Arroios and Graça provide trendy vibes and artistic explorations. 

Let’s unravel the secrets to dining like a local in Lisbon. We’ll show you how to feast on a budget that would make even the most frugal Lisboeta nod in approval. We’ll navigate away from the tourist traps and into the heart of Lisbon’s food scene, where a Francesinha sandwich is a flavor-packed investment and the daily market is your stock exchange of fresh, affordable produce.

Water: Tap water in Lisbon is safe to drink, so feel free to refill your reusable bottle at fountains or public taps throughout the city. Save money by skipping bottled water purchases.

Budget-Friendly Restaurants:

• Tascas & Petiscos Bars: Immerse yourself in local culture at these traditional taverns offering small plates (petiscos) like grilled sardines, cured meats, and cheeses. Share plates to save and enjoy the communal atmosphere.
• Pastelarias: Indulge in Portugal’s iconic Pastel de Nata (custard tarts) at local bakeries for a sweet and affordable treat. Look for “pastel de nata al kilo” (sold by weight) for extra value.
• Francesinha: This hearty sandwich filled with meat, sausage, and melted cheese is a must-try. Skip pricier tourist spots and find smaller cafes or restaurants for budget-friendly versions.
• Cafeterias & Snack Bars: Grab sandwiches, salads, and quick bites at these casual spots. Look for “menu do dia” (daily menu) options for complete meals at fixed prices.
• Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market): Explore this bustling food market with diverse stalls offering international and Portuguese cuisine. Sample different dishes without breaking the bank.
• Avoiding Tourist Traps: Steer clear of restaurants in heavily touristic areas where prices tend to be inflated. Venture into local neighborhoods for more authentic and affordable dining experiences.

Foodie Markets:

• Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market): As mentioned above, this market offers a variety of delicious options and a lively atmosphere.
• LX Factory Food Court: Housed within a trendy creative hub, this food court features diverse cuisines and casual, budget-friendly eateries.
• Campo de Ourique Market: Discover local produce, fresh seafood, and prepared dishes at this traditional market, perfect for picnics or self-catering.

Affordable Food Options:

• Bifanas: Savory pork sandwiches cooked in garlicky sauce, found at street vendors and cafes for a quick and satisfying bite.
• Prego Rolls: Deliciously simple steak sandwiches, another popular street food option.
• Caldo Verde: Hearty Portuguese soup made with kale, potatoes, and sausage, often served as a main course.
• Pastel de Nata: As mentioned before, these custard tarts are a must-try and surprisingly affordable.
• Francesinha: While not the cheapest option, consider sharing one with friends to experience this local delicacy without overspending.
• Pingo Doce: This supermarket chain offers a wide selection of affordable groceries and household items.
• Minipreço: Another budget-friendly supermarket chain with convenient locations throughout the city.
• Lidl: This German discount grocery chain offers great value for everyday essentials.

Bonus Tip: Many restaurants offer special lunch menus (preço fixo) with significantly lower prices than dinner menus. Take advantage of these deals for a delicious and budget-friendly meal.

Neighborhoods with the most popular nightlife in Lisbon

We’re talking about eating and drinking, and we’ve mentioned water, so let’s mention alcoholic beverages as well.

• Bairro Alto: Lisbon’s historic nightlife district, known for its labyrinthine streets lined with traditional Fado houses, trendy bars, and lively music venues. 
• Cais do Sodré: Once a working-class port area, now a lively neighborhood with a mix of trendy cocktail bars, rooftop terraces, and nightclubs catering to diverse crowds. 
• Santos: A trendy neighborhood with a mix of upscale bars, local pubs, and alternative music venues, offering a more relaxed and local nightlife experience. 

Getting Around Lisbon

Navigating Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods and charming streets doesn’t require breaking the bank. The city boasts a well-connected and affordable public transportation network, making it easy to explore without burning a hole in your pocket. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating Lisbon like a pro:

Understanding Lisbon’s Public Transportation

• Metro: Lisbon’s metro system is the backbone of public transportation, reaching most major landmarks and offering a clean, efficient, and affordable way to travel.
• Tickets: Single tickets cost €1.80, but for frequent travelers, the Viva Viagem card is a lifesaver. This reusable card can be topped up with various travel options, including single journeys (€1.45 with Viva Viagem card), daily passes (€6.80), or 3-day passes (€20.50). Purchase the Viva Viagem card at metro stations or authorized retailers and top it up at vending machines.
• Tips: Validate your ticket each time you enter the metro network by tapping it on the yellow validators at station entrances. Download the free “Metro de Lisboa” app for real-time information on schedules, disruptions, and accessibility.
• Buses: Carris buses offer extensive coverage across the city, reaching areas not served by the metro. They’re a great option for exploring hidden gems and experiencing local life.
• Tickets: Single tickets cost €2 and can be purchased onboard using cash with the exact amount (no change given) or with the Viva Viagem card. Consider purchasing a Viva Viagem card beforehand for faster boarding and discounted fares.
• Tips: Download the free “Carris MOV.PT” app for real-time bus arrival information and route planning. Be aware that buses can get crowded, especially during peak hours.
• Trams: Lisbon’s iconic trams, particularly Tram 28, offer a charming and nostalgic way to explore the city. However, they can be very crowded, especially during peak season, and are not the most efficient way to get around.
• Tickets: Tickets are purchased onboard for €3 (cash only, no change given). Be prepared for potential long queues, especially during tourist season.

Discount Travel Tips:

• Viva Viagem card : As mentioned earlier, the Viva Viagem card is your key to affordable public transportation in Lisbon. It offers discounted fares compared to single tickets and allows for seamless transfers between metro, buses, and trams within the validity period of your chosen travel option.
• Lisboa Card : If you plan on visiting many attractions and using public transport frequently, consider the Lisboa Card. This card combines unlimited travel on public transportation with free entry or discounts to various museums, monuments, and cultural attractions. Evaluate your itinerary and potential savings before purchasing.

Cheapest Way from Humberto Delgado Airport to the City Center:

Metro: The Lisbon Metro directly connects the airport to the city center (€1.80 with Viva Viagem card). This is the most affordable and efficient option, taking around 30 minutes. Follow signs for the metro station at the airport and purchase a Viva Viagem card or use an existing one.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

When planning your Lisbon odyssey, timing is as crucial as your choice of pastelarias. Each season in this coastal haven brings its own flavor of festivity and frugality. In this part of our Lisbon travel guide, we’ll dive into the seasonal symphony of traveling to Lisbon, from the sun-soaked revelries of the high season to the cozy, cost-effective embrace of the low season. 

• High Season: June – September

Pros: Sunny weather, cool festivals, buzzing nightlife, long days Cons: Crowds, inflated prices, accommodation booked out quickly

• Shoulder Season: April – May & September – October

Pros : Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, more relaxed atmosphere Cons: Occasional rain showers, fewer festival options, some attractions have reduced hours

• Low Season: November – March

Pros: Very affordable prices, minimal crowds, unique off-season events Cons: Cooler weather, shorter daylight hours, potential rain, some attractions closed

National Holidays & Peak Festivals

• School holidays (late June-July, mid-December-January): can push prices up and increase crowds.
• Christmas and New Year’s: Festive atmosphere, but expect peak season prices and crowds.
• Carnival (February): Lisbon’s carnival celebrations, including parades, costume contests, and lively street performances, attract large crowds and drive up prices. Dates vary each year, so be sure to check the calendar before booking your trip. 
• Lisbon Marathon (March): This popular sporting event attracts runners from around the world, leading to increased demand for accommodation and potentially higher prices. 
• Santos Populares Festival (June): Lisbon comes alive with street decorations, traditional music, parades, and lively festivities during this week-long celebration. Expect higher prices for accommodation and potential crowds, especially in popular neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. 
• Festa de São Pedro (June 29th): Celebrated in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, this festival features traditional music, food stalls, and a procession honoring Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. While not impacting the entire city as much as other events, expect higher prices in Alfama during this time. 
• Portugal Day (June 10th): A national holiday celebrating Portugal’s independence, with parades, military ceremonies, and cultural events throughout the country. Expect higher prices for flights and accommodation, especially in major cities like Lisbon. 
• Lisbon is popular for weekend getaways: Prices might be higher on weekends, especially during shoulder seasons.
• Weather in low season: While mild, rain is more likely, particularly in November and December.
• Final Tip: Choose your season based on your priorities. If you crave warm weather and lively events, shoulder season offers a good balance. For budget travel and a quieter experience, the low season can be charming. Just be prepared for slightly cooler weather and some potential rain.

This section of our guide is dedicated to keeping you secure and sound as you navigate the city’s avenues and hideaways. We’ll equip you with the essential tips to guard against the unwelcome attention of pickpockets and the pitfalls of common tourist scams.

Safety Tips:

• Be vigilant in crowded areas: While Lisbon is generally safe, pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas like trams, train stations, and popular squares. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid carrying valuables in easily accessible pockets, and consider using a money belt or crossbody bag for added security.
• Stay informed: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid deserted alleys or isolated viewpoints. Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and have them readily available on your phone.

Common Scams:

• Petition scam: Individuals might approach you with petitions or donation requests, often using distraction tactics to steal your belongings while you’re signing or donating. Politely decline and move on.
• Distraction theft: While you’re distracted by someone asking for directions or help, an accomplice might steal your belongings. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers and remain vigilant in such situations.

Things to Avoid:

• Leaving valuables unattended: This applies to cafes, restaurants, and even beaches. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, even if you feel comfortable in the surroundings.
• Public intoxication: Excessive drinking can lead to vulnerability and make you an easy target for scams or theft. Be responsible and consume alcohol in moderation.
• Disrespecting cultural norms: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local customs and traditions. Avoid loud behavior or disrespectful gestures in public spaces.
• Ignoring traffic signals: Lisbon’s traffic can be fast-paced, especially for pedestrians unfamiliar with the city. Always use designated crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and be cautious when crossing streets.

Backpacker Essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes: Lisbon is a hilly city, so pack sturdy and comfortable shoes for exploring its diverse neighborhoods.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle and refilling it at fountains or public taps throughout the city. Tap water in Lisbon is safe to drink.
• Sunscreen and hat: Lisbon enjoys sunny weather year-round, so pack sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the summer months.
• European power adapter : Ensure you have a compatible power adapter to charge your electronic devices in Portugal.

As you prepare to weave your way through Lisbon, it pays (quite literally) to arm yourself with passes that stretch your euros further

Lisbon Budget-Friendly Passes

• Viva Viagem Card: This reusable travel card allows discounted fares on metro, buses, and trams. Load it with single tickets, daily passes (best for frequent daily travel), or multi-day passes (ideal for longer stays).
• Lisboa Card: This combined pass offers free public transportation, free or discounted entry to various attractions and other benefits. Consider the cost-effectiveness based on your planned itinerary and attraction visits.

Money Saving Tips for Lisbon

• Explore free activities: Take advantage of Lisbon’s numerous free offerings, including exploring historic neighborhoods, visiting viewpoints with stunning cityscapes, attending free concerts or events, and picnicking in beautiful parks.
• Seek student discounts: If applicable, carry your student ID to enjoy discounts on attractions, museums, and transportation tickets.
• Cook some meals: Opt for self-catering at your hostel or apartment to save on dining costs. Visit local markets for fresh produce and groceries at affordable prices.
• Pack light: Avoid baggage check-in fees by packing light and utilizing public transportation or affordable ride-sharing options for airport transfers.
• Consider alternative activities: Instead of expensive tours, opt for walking tours, explore hidden alleys on your own, or participate in free cultural events for a more immersive and budget-friendly experience.
• Walking: Lisbon’s historic center is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking a great way to explore at your own pace, discover hidden alleys, and soak in the city’s atmosphere. Pack comfortable shoes and embrace the opportunity to wander freely.
• Biking: Lisbon offers a bike-sharing system called “Gira” with several stations throughout the city. Renting a bike can be a fun and healthy way to explore specific areas or shorter distances. Download the “Gira” app to locate stations, check bike availability, and purchase passes.

My Conclusion on Backpacking Lisbon

So this was our Lisbon budget travel guide. Hope you enjoyed it!

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6 Day Lisbon Budget: How Much Does A Trip to Lisbon Cost?

When I think about my time spent in Lisbon, I can’t help but grin from ear to ear. Not only did I have a wonderful time exploring the capital of Portugal with new friends (that’s Milou there; we met at a hostel), but it didn’t cost me a fortune. In fact, to date, Lisbon has been one of the least expensive cities I’ve visited in Western Europe. Compared to major cities like London and Paris or even countries like Iceland , you get much more value in Lisbon. How affordable are we talking? Well in Alfama, I had a large Bacalhau dish with potatoes, bread, and a salad for 9 €! So in an effort to share Lisbon prices and help you accurately create a Lisbon travel budget, use my detailed Lisbon budget breakdown as a spending guide.

Before we dive in though, here are the important financial things to keep in mind before visiting Portugal.

Practical Tips For Planning A Trip To Portugal

Table of Contents

What currency to use in Portugal? 

2. credit cards, round-trip flights from nyc: $369.96 usd.

• Lodging: $29 USD or 26 € per night

Transportation to/from Airport: $4.24 USD or 3,80 €

How much to tip in lisbon , average daily activity cost: $15 usd or 17 €, average daily alcohol cost: $17 usd or 15 €, final thoughts, 1. currency.

The Euro is the official currency in Portugal.

It’s important to note that in Portugal, the decimal point is replaced with a comma – for example, 3,50 €.

For the best exchange rate, get euros at your local bank (at home). Skip the currency exchange booths at the airport. Their fees are ridiculous!

If you need more cash, head to an ATM in the city center.

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Portugal.

Although I used credit cards extensively in Lisbon, I also recommend carrying cash for smaller purchases.

There are plenty of 24-hour ATMs in Portugal. They are called “multibancos.”

Always pick euros as your preferred currency. You’ll get a better rate than picking your home currency.

6-Day Lisbon Budget Spending

I scored this incredible flight deal to Lisbon through an error fare.

Error fares   are a great way to travel cheaply and I can wholeheartedly credit my trip to Portugal to this glitch.

By the way, flights departing from New York City to Lisbon usually range from $700 USD-$1,100 USD. This shaved between $330 USD and $730 USD off of my Lisbon budget.

Lodging:  $29 USD or 26 € per night

The average night at a hostel in Lisbon costs $29 USD. Since I booked last minute, I stayed at three different hostels throughout my six days in Lisbon.

1 Night: Lisbon Destination Hostel : $30.79 USD or 27,59 € for one bed in a 4-bed private ensuite room.

• Curtains for added privacy
• Ensuite bathroom and shower
• Reading light
• Large lockers below bed

2 Nights: Home Lisbon Hostel : $51.53 USD or 46 € for one bed in a deluxe 6-bed female dorm.

• Mamma’s tasty dinner
• A 4-minute walk from Baixa/Chiado area

2 Nights: Lookout Lisbon! Hostel : $60 USD or 54 € for one bed in a 9-bed “Bunk with a View” room.

• Two balconies
• Lounge area in room
• Large lockers with own key

If you plan on staying at a hotel or Airbnb, budget accordingly.

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Lisbon’s city center is to hop on the underground metro. The metro is easy to navigate. I never got lost, which is rare.

One-way tickets cost $2.12 USD or 1,90 €. With one transfer, it took me 40 minutes to get to my hostel from the airport.

Average Daily Food Cost: $30 USD or 25 €

I would suggest budgeting $11 USD or 10 € per meal.

Since my hostels offered complimentary breakfast, this helped me save.

But please don’t skimp out on eating delicious Portuguese food in Lisbon. You’ll likely find that you can afford to splurge a bit.

The cheapest meal I had cost $6 USD or 5 € for a fish sandwich. The most expensive dinner cost $16 USD or 14 €.

Food Details 

• Lunch at Casa Brasileira: $6.75 USD or 6,05 €
• Dinner at Amor y Tacos: $15.98 USD or 13,50 €

Beverage Details

• Bottle of Water: $2.35 USD or 2,10 €
• Latte: $1.70 USD-$2.80 USD or 1,50 €-2,50 €

Tipping isn’t expected but appreciated in Portugal. Although the Portuguese do not traditionally tip, for exceptional service, tip between 5%-10% at restaurants.

Always check your bill before leaving a tip. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge.

At bars and cafes, round to the nearest euro.

Lisbon Activity Details 

I would budget $15 USD a day for activities even though most days I barely spent that much.

There are so many free things to do in Lisbon. But to get a better sense of the activities I paid for, here’s an inclusive breakdown:

• Santa Justa Terrace (skipped the lift): $1.67 USD or 1.50 €
• Castelo de St. Jorge: $5.60 USD or 5 €
• Carmo Church and Convent Ruins: $2.80 USD or 2,50 €
• Rua Augusta Arch: $2.80 USD or 2,50 €
• Tip for Alfama Walking Tour hosted by Lisbon Destination Hostel: $10 USD (optional)

Related: 5 Incredible Viewpoints In Lisbon

Alcohol Details 

• $1.50 USD or 1,35 € for Ginjinha (traditional Portuguese liqueur)
• $2.60 USD or 2,30 € for a Cider
• $5.59 USD or 5 € for a beer at Barrio Alto

In total, I spent $754 USD during my 6-day trip to Lisbon. My Lisbon budget included flights, lodging, food, and activities – everything!

This is pretty amazing! Most people spend more than this on flights to Lisbon alone.

What I love about Lisbon is that you can be frugal without missing a beat of the city’s liveliness. This isn’t always the case in other cities around the world.

The next time I find an amazing deal in Lisbon, I’m on the next flight.

Danielle Desir Corbett paid off $63,000 of student loan debt in 4 years, bought a house at 27, and has traveled to 27 countries, including her favorites, Iceland, China, and Bermuda. Go here to learn Danielle’s incredible story, from struggling financially and in debt to finding creative ways to earn more and live on her terms. Listen to The Thought Card Podcast , where Danielle shares how you can creatively travel more and build wealth regardless of your current financial situation. Reach out to Danielle by contacting: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Lisbon on a Budget and Tips for Low Cost Holiday

Lisbon is a great destination for a budget holiday. There is an extensive selection of great value accommodation, public transport is inexpensive and food (and drink!) is significantly cheap than back at home, so long as you shop or eat at the right places.

In Lisbon, there is a whole range of free tourist activities and many of the enjoyable day trips only require the cost of the bus or train fare. This guide will detail how to get the most from a holiday to Lisbon on a limited budget; the first section deals with holiday practicalities, the second focuses on eating out, and the third section suggests inexpensive sights and activities.

A Low Cost Holiday - The Practicalities

Limiting the biggest costs, flights and accommodation

The biggest expense for any holiday to Lisbon will be the flights and accommodation. These can be reduced by booking far-in-advance, especially with the flights. The price of flights never reduces closer to the departure date, while the business models of the low-cost airlines increase the price of seats as the plane fills up. The best time get the cheapest tickets are when the flights have just been released, typically nine months before the departure date.

For accommodation there can be last minute deals, outside of the peak season, but these tend to be on the higher end rooms. Many hotel booking websites do not require a deposit, so there is no monetary penalty for altering plans or even cancelling, our advice for Lisbon is book far-in-advance.

Where to stay for a Lisbon Cheap Holiday?

Lisbon has an extensive selection of hotels and hostels but always balance the price of the accommodation against the location in the city. It is suggested to be based close to the Baixa district of Lisbon, or approximately 1km (walking distance) from the Rua Augusta Alfama (to the east of Baixa) is very hilly and due to the narrow, poorly lit streets, it’s not always advisable to be walking late at night around it.

The magnificent Praça do Comércio, in Lisbon

Bairro Alto to the west of Baixa tends to be the nightlife hub of Lisbon and depending on the style of holiday can be a fantastic or awful location. Travelling north from Baixa feels further from the tourist and historic centre of Lisbon. If you are going to be further from the downtown area always make sure that the accommodation is close to a metro station.

When to Visit Lisbon for a Inexpensive Trip?

The height of the tourist season is during the summer months of June through to August and this is when accommodation sells out and flights are at their most expensive. Spring and autumn seasons are a great time of year to visit Lisbon, with pleasant weather, cheaper flights and the tourist attractions are less crowded.

The average weather of Lisbon - maximum day time temperature against number of wet days

The weather in winter is mild but there can be extended wet spells. Lisbon’s popularity has been steadily increasing over the last 10 years, so even during the winter there will be lots of tourists and a buzz about the city.

Have you booked your hotel yet?

During the peak season, demand for hotels and accommodation in Lisbon is very high. It is recommended that you book your accommodation as early as possible to secure the best prices.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Lisbon. By altering the date to suit your trip, the map will display current availability and prices:

Onward travel from the Airport - Cheap Please!

Lisbon airport is within the city limits and is connected to the metro , so there is no need to book expensive onward transfers or taxis. The metro covers the entire city and a single ticket costs €1.80, with a 30-minute journey to the city centre (Baixa). There is a special airport bus service called the Aerobus that connects the airport to Baixa and Rossio square (€3.50) but generally metro is easier. Lisbon taxis are notorious for overcharging fares from the airport and visitors newly arrived.

Lisbon metro is clean, safe and the cheapest way to travel

Portugal uses Euros, and a suitable amount should be exchanged before arriving in the country as the exchange rates at the airport are awful. Debit and credit cards have many hidden fees and making small transactions by card can be very expensive. Prepaid travel cards are a modern and safe way to take large amounts of money, these act like debit cards and are loaded with the local currency.

What’s expensive in Lisbon and what’s not?

The best general description of what is expensive in Lisbon and what is cheap is; if its imported its expensive, if it’s grown/produced/made in Portugal its cheap. Examples of inexpensive items or services include; locally produced foods or wines, public transport, taxi fares, lunch time meals and handmade gifts. Expensive items include; medications, branded items (food, clothes etc), electronic goods and drinks in nightclubs!

Always bring all medication and cosmetics from your home country as they are expensive in Portugal and this includes sun-cream, which is always ridiculously expensive. It is not uncommon to see in convince stores that the price of a bottle of shower gel is more expensive than a bottle of good wine – sums of Portugal’s prioritise.

Eating cheaply in Lisbon

It is very easy to eat inexpensively while on holiday to Lisbon, the key is to avoid the tourist centres and head to where the Portuguese eat. Portuguese eating establishments are busy, noisy and chaotic affairs and some of the best food is served from the numerous cafes. Cafes are ideal for lunch as they often have a great value set of meals based on traditional dishes, such as Bacalhau .

A traditional Portuguese breakfast, two cakes and a strong coffee!

Another option is to eat in the food courts of the large shopping centres; along with the fast food options there will be outlets selling hearty local dishes at a fraction of the cost of tourist focused restaurants. In central Baixa try the food court in the Armazéns do Chiado shopping centre, or in Parque das Nações visit the Vasco da Gama shopping centre or the Colombo shopping centre in north-west Lisbon. At each of these locations popular Portuguese dishes can be purchased for less than €5.00 for a full and decent meal. (This is where we routinely eat!)

For cheap alcoholic drinks, head to the supermarkets or cafes. All cafes serve incredibly cheap beer (Sagres or Super Bock), often cheaper than bottled water. Spirits and wine can also be purchased from cafes and these locations are a great opportunity to meet some locals. Bars, and especially nightclubs are very expensive, a whole holiday budget can be blown on a "trendy" night out. The small bars of the Bairro Alto are a great option and at the weekends as the party spills out on the streets.

Lisbon Activities on a Budget

The quaint number 28 tram is an inexpensive way to view the entire city. The route screeches through the hills of Alfama before passing through downtown Baixa and on to the Estrela basilica . A single ticket for this 40 minute tour of Lisbon costs €1.80 when purchased from the ticket machines in the metro or €3.00 when bought from the driver.

The Lisbon tram number 28 close to Lisbon castle

The Museu Berardo is the best free museum in Lisbon, with a selection of 1,000 pieces of contemporary and modern art. The museum is located in the CCB in the Belem district of Lisbon. Belem is a very pretty area of parks and monuments that extends along the Tejo estuary. Belem is an enjoyable location for half a day.

The commuter ferries of Lisbon provide a riverside view of the capital and are a fraction of the cost of the tourist cruises. The ferries from Cais do Sodré pass beneath the shadow of the suspension bridge, while the ferries from Terreiro do Paço provide great views of Alfama and Baixa. The ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (€1.40 single) is the first stage of the journey to the Cristo Rei statue . From Cacilhas catch the 101 bus (€2.20 return) to the base of the statue and admire the fantastic panoramic views.

The older ferry to Cacilhas from Lisbon

The Parque das Nações was the location of Expo ’98 and the whole area has been developed into the ultra-modern side of historic Lisbon. The area stretches along the banks of the Tejo estuary and is filled with water focused exhibits and stands while running along the length is a cable car.

The central square of Lisbon

Lisbon is an ideal city for walking, there are many enjoyable routes that pass through interesting and varied areas. The Alfama district is simply too narrow for motorised vehicles and can only be explored on foot. Many of the iconic monuments of Lisbon can be viewed from the outside, and all of the important churches are free to enter.

Lisbon Day trips on a Budget

The beaches of the Lisbon coastline are connected to the capital via the Cascais-Lisbon railway. A return ticket to Carcavelos beach , the best of the region, is less than €3.00. Along the same railway are the pretty harbour town of Cascais and the glamorous resort of Estoril , both of which can be easily explored on foot. In central Cascais it is even possible to hire free bikes (ID required) to further explore the coastline.

The Pena Palace in Sintra

The most popular day trip from Lisbon is to the town of Sintra , which is nestled in the foothills of the Serra de Sintra national park. There are two interesting palaces, an ancient ruined castle and other grand 19th century stately homes. The national monuments are relatively expensive to enter but the grounds ticket to the Pena Palace (€7.50) allows visitors to wander around the terraces and courtyards of the colourful complex. The return train from Lisbon to Sintra costs €2.40 and the historic centre is a 1.5km walk from the station but an uphill hike is required to reach the Pena Palace.

Discover more of Lisbon with our most popular guides

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Baixa district

The grand and impressive heart of Lisbon

Belem district

Iconic monuments and rich seafaring heritage

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Where are the best areas and shopping centres in Lisbon?

Alfama district

A labyrinth of narrow streets hides authentic Lisbon

Lisbon sunsets

Where to watch the sunset in Lisbon?

Parque das Nações

The ultra-modern side to historic Lisbon

Alcântara district

Lisbon’s trendy and artisan district

Ancient castles & opulent palaces - the best day trip from Lisbon

Costa da Caparica

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A complete list of all of our Lisbon articles

Getting started

• Lisbon introduction
• How long in Lisbon?
• Lisbon for seniors
• Where to stay in Lisbon?
• Cost to visit Lisbon
• Lisbon's best museums
• Lisbon for a rainy day
• Lisbon at Christmas
• Is Lisbon walkable
• Lisbon's sunsets
• Is Lisbon safe?
• Lisbon on a budget
• Portuguese National Anthem

Lisbon's districts

• Parque Nações
• Cais do Sodre
• Príncipe Real

Sightseeing

• Shopping in Lisbon
• Lisbon's best markets
• Lisbon Parks
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Elevador de Santa Justa
• Torre de Belem
• Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Largo do Carmo
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Senhora do Monte
• São Pedro de Alcântara
• Miradouro da Graça
• Jardim do Príncipe Real
• Elevador da Bica
• Elevador da Glória
• Elevador do Lavra

Transport guides

Lisbon airport Airport to city centre Terminal 2 Metro guide Cruise ship guide Ferry guide To Christo Rei Statue Lisbon to Porto

Itineraries

24 hours in Lisbon 48 hours in Lisbon Lisbon in 3 days 1 week in Lisbon A weekend city break 5 days in Lisbon Lisbon to Porto Tour

• Lisbon beach guide
• The Lisbon coastline
• Praia Carcavelos

Lisbon Trams

• Tram No. 15

Lisbon's stations

• Orient train station
• Apolonia train station
• Cais do Sodré station
• Sete Rios bus station
• Rossio train station
• Lisbon or Barcelona
• Santorini in April

The Lisbon region

Day trips from Lisbon

• Sintra introduction
• Sights of Sintra
• Day trip to Sintra
• Lisbon to Sintra
• Sintra beaches
• Sintra tourist bus 434
• Palacio da Pena
• Palácio de Monserrate
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Parque da Pena
• Castelo dos Mouros
• Cascais introduction
• Day trip to Cascais
• Cascais beach guide
• Cascais sights
• Cabo da Roca
• Lisbon to Cascais
• Evora guide
• Evora sights
• Evora day trip
• Bone Chapel
• Lisbon to Evora
• The Alentejo region
• Sesimbra intorduction
• Sesimbra sightseeing
• Sesimbra beaches
• Lisbon to Sesimbra
• Cabo Espichel
• Obidos Introduction
• Things to see in Obidos
• Obidos day trip
• Ericeira introduction
• Lisbon to Ericeira
• Ericeira beaches
• Setubal introduction
• Serra da Arrabida
• Peninsula de Troia

Central Portugal

• Berlengas Islands

Portugal Guides

• Where to go in Portugal?
• 1 week in Portugal
• Portugal airports
• Portugal weather
• Best beaches
• Top 10 Algarve
• Portugal in June
• Portugal in September
• Portugal in November
• Where to Live in Portugal

North Portugal

• Douro Valley
• Serra da Estrela
• Viana do Castelo
• Porto where to stay
• How Long in Porto
• Porto sightseeing
• Porto beaches
• Porto in 1 Day
• Porto in 3 Days
• Porto 1 Week
• Foz do Douro
• Linha do Douro
• Port Cellars
• Airport to City
• Porto Trams

South Portugal

• Algarve introduction
• Albufeira guide
• Albufeira activities
• Albufeira beaches
• Day trip to Albufeira
• Albufeira boat trips
• Carvoeiro beaches
• Percurso dos Sete Vales hike
• Sights and activities
• Faro beaches
• Funchal introduction
• Lagos guide
• Lagos beaches
• Praia da Marinha
• Praia da Rocha
• Praia da Rocha beaches
• Tavira guide
• Tavira sights
• Tavira Beaches
• Vilamoura beaches
• Vila Nova de Milfontes

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The best guide to Lisbon

23 free and fun things to do in Lisbon on a budget ( Updated June 2023 )

I finally got around to putting together a mini guide of some pretty cool things to do in Lisbon on a budget. I know Lisbon needs no introduction to most people nowadays. Probably, needs no more bloggers like me promoting the city! I worry that the city is becoming too popular for its own good. Well. I’ve tried to pick out a few lesser off the beaten path gems and mix it with the traditional favourites. I kick off the post with my favourite free things to do in Lisbon and then jump onto some budget friendly places to eat and drink in Lisbon. This post is by no means,  a comprehensive guide but I hope you find the tips below useful and fall in love with Lisbon like I did. PS Don’ t forget to checkout my guide to the 8 of the best budget places to stay in Lisbon

Best free things to do in Lisbon

1. Enjoy Lisbon’s rich Street Art scene

If you enjoy street art then Lisbon is your dream. Here every street corner is an unexpected canvas, constantly changing, constantly evolving and constantly evoking surprise. Here are a few tips about where to find it.

Calçada da Glória is a street with a steep incline and the art on view here feels like you are in an outdoor museum. I suggest taking the tram to the top of the incline and enjoying the art while walking down the hill. The Jardim do Tabaco hosts a remarkable Vhils and Pixel Pancho collaboration. The walls of the LX Factory on Rua Rodrigues Faria displays works by Pedro Zamith and Gonçalo Mar. The Elevador da Lavra is home to the 40 anos 40 murais project

Dreamy winding narrow streets of Alfama

2. Getting Lost in the Streets of Alfama

Spread like a blanket on a Lisbon hillside is the oldest district of the city: Alfama. From the Castelo St Jorge at the top of the hill to the River Tagus at the bottom, this picturesque red roofed neighbourhood is regularly punctuated by miradouros or terraces which afford visitors splendid views of the city landscape.

The neighbourhood is marked by narrow meandering streets, undulating and leading to small squares. This, the oldest district of Lisbon is also the most well preserved, considering it was saved by the ravages of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Expect to see well preserved old buildings and residents congregating on street corners. Come here to listen to the traditional Fado music.

Top tip: One of the best places to enjoy Fado for free in Alfama is Tasca do Chico -they have a live performance everyday from 8pm. No entrance fee but you have to buy a drink and maybe order one or two of the lovely petiscos ( Portuguese tapas) The original bar in Bairro Alto is definitely worth checking out. Note: Please bring cash with you-they currently don’t accept credit cards.

3. Where is the best miradouro aka viewpoint in Lisbon ? Miradouro Graca

Lisbon is famous for its stunning viewpoints or miradouros that offer panoramic views of the city.   Miradouro Santa Catarina ( another huge favourite of mine- checkout my recent post to read more ), Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara , Miradouro das Portas do Sol are just a few examples where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lisbon’s rooftops, the Tagus River, and beyond. However the view of Lisbon from the Largo da Graca has to be one the best viewpoints in Lisbon. If you are feeling energetic then hazard the hillside climb to the viewpoint, otherwise save your breath and take the Funicular da Graca . Once there, enjoy a drink at the café with the musicians playing live music at sunset.If feeling especially indulgent after that climb up the hillside don’t skimp on the mocha with whipped cream at Largo da Graça. You’ve earned it!

Address : Largo da Graça, 1100-005, Lisboa, Portugal.

            View this post on Instagram                     What’s the most beautiful bookstore you have ever seen? Livraria Ler Devagar (Slowly Read) in Lisbon is up their with my other favourites ( which includes Lello in Porto ) Inside the bookstore, there is also a coffee shop: the famous Bolo da Marta – obligatory for those who like meringue. On the 2nd floor, you can visit the permanent exhibition of the artist Pietro Proserpio. ?More pictures and videos from Lx Factory ? #instagramstories A post shared by Kash Bhattacharya (@budgettraveller) on Sep 9, 2016 at 3:18pm PDT

4) Ler Devagar

If you are visiting Lx Factory then do make time to pop into what I consider one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores “Ler Devagar” (“Read Slowly”) With its rich collection of books, nice onsite Bolo da Marta cafe and the famous flying bicycle man, definitely a place to spend some time.

5) Best Tram Ride in the World? Hop on the Tram 28

This one is almost free but for the cost of a public ticket ( €3.00- This is the standard fare for every  tram  in  Lisbon . You can buy a ticket from the  tram driver or via the machine on board. An easier way is to pay with a Viva Viagem card which you can purchase from any underground station )

When I think of picture postcard Lisbon, an image that immediately assails me is of the iconic yellow tram, meandering the narrow streets, or navigating the steep inclines. The view from inside the tram can be good too, converting a ride on a tram to a journey of joy.

Tram 28 has a very long route and is particularly well liked because it will navigate the steep climb from Baixa to the castle for you. In the first half of the trip you’ll meet the Se Cathedral and in the second half the tram will take you through the scenic Estrela district.

Be warned-with seating only available for 30 people at a time, it is often standing room only. Plus there is also the danger of pickpockets so please keep your valueables within close reach at all times.

Another alternative idea is to walk the route of Tram 28 if the weather and your legs permit- My friend, Michael Turtle has an excellent guide to walking the Tram 28 route

6) Elevador da Bica

Lisbon is a city of steep inclines; in fact it is the city of seven hills. This steepness necessitates alternative forms of transport to navigate the hills. One of them is the Bica Funicular or Elevador da Bica. The funicular connects the Rua de São Paulo to Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. The lift started working in 1892 and has been transporting countless Lisboans and visitors faithfully from one point to another.

You can walk the steep incline from top to bottom for free and get a prized picture of the funicular plus with the with the river forming the perfect backdrop, it is one of the best photographs of any trip to Lisbon. You can take a ride on the funicular- tickets costs a steep €3.80 but I recommend getting a day ticket which will cover all you travel on metro, tram and bus across Lisbon.

Address : Rua de S. Paulo 234, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal.

7) Views of the Tagus from 25 de Abril Bridge

This 1966 built rust-red suspension bridge, might be closely related to the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, they have so many similarities. The name of the bridge was the ‘Salazar Bridge’ until 1974, when it was changed to the ’25 de Abril Bridge’ to commemorate the Carnation Revolution.

It spans the Tagus, connecting Lisbon to the municipality of Almada. The bridge as a backdrop has to be one of the most photographed spots in Lisbon.

8) Belém Tower

When in Belém, make it a point to visit the monument that marks the start of the epic sea voyage of intrepid Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gama, as he set sail for India- the Belém Tower. An example of Manueline architecture, the limestone bastion and four storey tower sits at the mouth of the Tagus River and serves as a symbolic gateway to the city.

Given the crowds of tourists that come to visit the tower, I personally would not recommend going inside but if you are visiting in the off season and come early ( Opens at 10am ) you may get lucky. Visitors to the tower ( once they’ve squeezed through the narrow staircase ) are rewarded withe beautiful panoramic views of the Tagus river at the top of tower with the bridge in the background. Plus, you can have a peek into the dungeons from the time when it was a military prison. Tickets cost €6.

Address : Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal.

MAAT Lisbon- Great place to sit and enjoy views of the Tagus River

9. Top tip: The perfect day in Lisbon- Visit Belem

If you are visiting Lisbon for a short trip, I definitely recommend dedicating a day to Belem where you can visit some of the city’s most important sites. Trip to the tower combines well with having an early morning bica ( espresso) and Pasteis de Nata a t nearby Pasteis de Belem. Afterwards you can visit the Jerónimos Monastery  , then pop into what I consider to be the best museum in Lisbon: Museu Coleção Berardo. ( more details below ) Finish off with a walk along the beautiful riverfront with a glass of Vinho Verde at one of the street kiosks before soaking in the beautiful architecture of MAAT- The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology . Pop into the Lx Factory to see Ler Devanger bookstore ( above) if time permits.

Best places to eat and drink in Lisbon on a budget

1) Enjoy a Pastel de Nata at Antiga Confeitaria de Belém

My top number 1 tip for cool things to do in Lisbon on a budget is something a bit sweet and requires you to travel a few kilometres west of Lisbon to the historic suburb of Belem. It is from here that Vasco de Gama set sail to the new world. The area is also home to the world famous lip smacking creamy custard tart : the Pastel de Nata. No one makes them better than the historic Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. Flaky on the outside, soft on the inside, lightly dusted with cinnamon- this is a true taste of Lisbon and Portugal in your mouth.

Top Tip: Come early to avoid the crowds. Plus wash down your Pasteis de Belem with a bica ( espresso)

Address : Rua de Belém 84-92 Lisboa, Portugal.

2) Coffee from Fabrica Coffee Roasters

I never associated Portugal with great coffee so the coffee scene came to me as a huge surprise. Literally any cafe you walk into, you are guaranteed a good cup of coffee. If you’re a fan of fine gourmet coffee then definitely consider paying a visit to Fabrica Coffee Roasters. This independent coffee company started out in 2015 and from the growing of coffee cherries on farms, to their harvesting, roasting and brewing of the coffee-they really care about each cup of coffee they make in store. Visitors can choose from Ethiopian, Guatemalan, Colombian, Brazilian and a number of varieties of coffee.

Address : R. das Portas de Santo Antao 136, 1150-265, Lisboa, Portugal.

3) Favas with Chorizo at O Beco

Be prepared to scrape your plate clean at O Beco. Particularly when it comes to their favas with flavourful chorizo. The place located in Alfama is family-run , small but the food is plentiful, the people are friendly and the food is delicious. What more could you want? You will find a host of traditional Portuguese dishes served up here but my favourite is their fava beans.

Address : Beco do Espírito Santo 9, 110

4) Bifana at Café Beira Gare

Just steps away from Rossio is one of Lisbon’s most delightful little eateries- Café Beira Gare. You know the food is good because of the high percentage of locals that grace the establishment. The interior reminds me a little of an American diner and it’s a little cramped but the food is good. The Bifana is a thing of sheer joy. Never has a pork steak, packed with garlic goodness and placed in a long bread roll tasted better. Wash down with a cold cerveja. The soups here are delicious and nourishing too. Soup, bifana and a beer shouldn’t cost you more than €5.

Address: Praça Dom João da Câmara 4, 1200-016, Lisboa, Portugal.

5) Best Chocolate Cake in the World? Landeau Chocolate

If you are a chocolate enthusiast like me, then look no further than the chocolate institution of Lisbon that is Landeau Chocolate. The cake is the most decadent and chocolatey morsel With three glorious locations across Lisbon, you really can’t stumbling up against it, can you?

Address : Rua das Flores 70, 1200-014 Lisboa, Portugal.

6) Sardines in a Spicy Tomato Sauce at Sol e Pesca

Take this for novelty. A former tackle shop serving dozens of types of canned fish to be downed with chilled beer? Yes, Sol e Pesca has it all and much more. The sardines in spicy tomato sauce are my favourite.

Address : R. Nova do Carvalho 44, 1200-014 Lisboa, Portugal.

Red Frog Speakeasy

Where to drink in Lisbon on a budget

The Portuguese are quite different from the rest of the continent when it comes to drinking. There’s drinking at meals, there’s drinking at the beach and there’s drinking to party. They don’t do after work sessions that well and they don’t usually plan random drinks without a purpose (eating or partying or both). However there is one bar that breaks the cycle and an exception to the norm is Fox Trot. Another Lisbon Cinderella story, the owner, Mr. Joaquim, bought the place from the former boss after some 20 years bartending, and it is one of the best places in town for cocktails and a chat. There’s a much sought-after pool table and a lovely beer garden.

2. Red Frog Speakeasy

For probably the best cocktail bar in Lisbon head to the Red Frog Speakeasy located on the most stylish avenue of Lisbon, ‘Avenida da Liberdade.’ Reminiscent of a 1920s New York style prohibition bar, this hidden speakeasy sits behind a closed door on the avenue with no signage at the entrance and just a small bell which you have to ring to enter . I would have never found this without the expert guidance of Miguel Santos, owner of one of Lisbon’s most popular hostels, Lisbon Central Hostel. The drinks are little pricey but this is a cool experience and the cocktails are very nice.

3. Where to find the best wine in Lisbon on a budget? Try ViniPortugal

If you a wine lover and keen on sampling the amazing diversity of Portuguese wines, pay a visit to ViniPortugal in the ancient Commercial Square of Praça do Comércio. The wines here are great quality and are a very decent price. With a minimum of 3€ you have the possibility to taste 6 different wines.

4) Pinot Noir at Wine Not?

Another good option for wine lovers is Wine Not? Run by the same owner as Lost Inn Hostel Lisbon, this wine bar is the perfect place to have that pre-dinner snack and glass of wine. I recommend their Pinot Noir with a side of bread dipped into their delicious olive tapenade.

Address : R. Ivens 45, 1200-226 Lisboa, Portugal.

5) Ginjinha at Ginjinha Sem Rival

If you want a taste of the charm of old-world Portugal, you cannot leave Lisbon without a drink of ginjinha at Ginjinha Sem Rival. A small shop with unassuming glass windows, bordered with green frames, this is your passport to ginjinha heaven. Everyone flocks to the more popular A Ginjinha but I prefer coming here, even if the proprietor is slightly on the grumpy side. Every drop of this sweet cherry liqueur will settle in your throat before leaving you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. It costs €1.50 for a shot and if the cherry flavour is not your preferred tipple, there are other flavours to try as well.

Address : R. Portas de Santo Antão 7, 1150-268, Lisboa, Portugal.

  So. Packing up and tidying up my Airbnb. That’s the end of the Lisbon diaries. For now.Tomorrow. I’m going offpiste for a very new kind of adventure. Stay tuned ? A post shared by Kash Bhattacharya (@budgettraveller) on Feb 3, 2017 at 7:46am PST

  Most photographed street in Lisbon for a good reason 🙂 A post shared by Kash Bhattacharya (@budgettraveller) on Jan 25, 2017 at 8:16am PST

Lisbon a budget- Culture and other alternative ideas

Love the architecture of the Berardo Collection Museum building- makes for some great pictures

1) Berardo Collection Museum

The brain child of José Berardo, this cohort of fine examples from the surrealist, hyper-real, minimalist and pop-art movements, makes this museum a force to be reckoned with. Portuguese modern art gains the spotlight here.

Right across the street from the Jerónimos Monastery, this cultural pit stop should be added to every itinerary of things to do in Lisbon’s Belém.

Address : Praça do Império 1449-003 Lisboa, Portugal.

List of free museums in Lisbon

Many museums in Lisbon offer free admission on Sunday. 

1. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum ( Free admission every Sunday after 2 p.m ) ,

2. Marionette Museum ,  MAAT ( Free on first sunday of each month )

3, Museu do Dinheiro, Baixa : Free from Wednesday to Sunday:10:00 am – 6:00 pm

4. Museu do Oriente: Free on Friday 18:00-20:00pm

5. National Museum of Ancient Art : Free first Sunday every month

  Back to Lisbon next Wednesday! Part 2 of the #luxuryhostels tour begins: 3 days in Lisbon before a week in Barcelona. Then back to Malaga before hitting up Granada, Córdoba then Seville before heading to Paris on 31st May. Epic times and hostels await us. Been to any of these cities? A post shared by Kash Bhattacharya (@budgettraveller) on May 9, 2016 at 10:31am PDT

2) Jerónimos Monastery

Another feather in Belém’s cap is the erstwhile monastery dedicated to the worship of Saint Jerome. Previously a place of reflection and prayer for intrepid seafarers setting out on hazardous sea voyages, the monastery has stood as a symbol of strength and tranquillity for centuries past. Today it is an example of ornate Portuguese Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address : Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal.

3) Castelo de São Jorge

This square shaped Moorish castle is placed on a hilltop commanding enviable views over Lisbon’s historic centre and the Tagus. This medieval fortification was once the residence of royalty and was the reception place for Vasco da Gama after returning from his sea voyage from India. During its turbulent history the castle has been sieged and ravaged by the physical destruction of Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake.

Plan on visiting the Ulysses Tower once there, for a birds-eye view of Lisbon. Step back in time when visiting the castle and relive the history of the place in the footsteps of the Visigoths, Moors, Christians and Portuguese Royals.

Address : R. de Santa Cruz do Castel, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal.

Top tip: Can be reached via Tram 28

So. There you go- my 23 best things to do in Lisbon on a budget. If you have any tips to add, please mention them in the comments section below. Obrigado!

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Hi I am Kash aka the BudgetTraveller I'm the Luxury Hostels guy and for the last 14 years are sharing ways of how you can travel in style on a budget. Say hello to me here or on Instagram/Twitter. Lets connect!

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Backpacking Lisbon (BUDGET Travel Guide)

Introduction:.

Welcome to the vibrant city of Lisbon! Nestled along the western coast of Portugal, this historic capital has become a hotspot for backpackers seeking an unforgettable travel experience on a budget. With its charming cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and eclectic mix of traditions and modernity, Lisbon offers a wealth of adventures to explore.

As you set foot in Lisbon, you’ll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the locals, known as Lisboetas, who are always ready to share their stories and guide you through the city’s hidden gems. The city’s laid-back atmosphere and enchanting landscapes make it the perfect destination for backpackers looking to immerse themselves in an authentic cultural experience.

Being a budget-savvy traveler, you’ll be pleased to know that Lisbon offers numerous affordable options for accommodation, dining, and transportation. Whether you choose to stay in budget-friendly hostels or opt for cozy guesthouses, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs and preferences.

When it comes to exploring Lisbon, one of the best ways to get around is on foot. The city is known for its hilly terrain, so be prepared for some uphill treks, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Tagus River and the city’s iconic red rooftops. Alternatively, Lisbon’s efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metro, offers a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city.

Throughout your backpacking journey in Lisbon, you’ll discover the city’s rich history and heritage through its impressive landmarks and cultural sites. Marvel at the majestic São Jorge Castle, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Alfama district, and explore the atmospheric streets of the Bairro Alto neighborhood, known for its lively nightlife scene.

While Lisbon holds countless treasures within its boundaries, it also serves as a gateway to nearby day trip destinations. From the quaint village of Sintra with its fairytale-like palaces, to the sandy shores of Cascais and the rugged beauty of Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point, there is no shortage of exciting excursions to embark on from Lisbon.

As the sun sets over Lisbon, the city truly comes alive. Its vibrant nightlife scene offers a diverse range of entertainment options, from cozy bars and traditional Fado houses to buzzing nightclubs. Dance the night away, sip on local wines, and mingle with fellow travelers in the lively streets of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré.

To make the most of your backpacking adventure in Lisbon, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. From taking advantage of free attractions and local markets to sampling mouthwatering Portuguese cuisine, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of exploring this enchanting city on a budget.

So grab your backpack, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating streets of Lisbon. This budget travel guide will equip you with all the knowledge and inspiration you need to make the most of your Lisbon adventure. Let’s dive in!

Getting to Lisbon:

Lisbon is well-connected to major cities in Europe and beyond, making it easily accessible for backpackers from all corners of the globe. Whether you choose to arrive by air, train, or bus, there are plenty of options to suit your travel preferences and budget.

If you’re traveling internationally, the most convenient way to reach Lisbon is by flying into Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). This modern airport serves numerous airlines and offers a wide range of international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by taking the metro, bus, or a taxi. It’s worth noting that the AeroBus shuttle service provides a direct link between the airport and downtown Lisbon, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers.

For those who prefer traveling by train, Lisbon is well-connected to other major cities in Portugal and Europe. The city’s main train station, Santa Apolónia, receives trains from cities like Porto, Faro, and Madrid, among others. The train journey to Lisbon can be a scenic experience, allowing you to admire the beautiful Portuguese landscapes along the way.

Another common mode of transportation to reach Lisbon is by bus. The city has excellent bus connections with other Portuguese cities as well as various European destinations. The main bus terminal in Lisbon is Sete Rios, and several bus companies operate regular services to and from the city.

If you’re already in Europe and looking for a more adventurous way to reach Lisbon, you can consider a road trip. Portugal has a well-maintained road network, and driving to Lisbon allows you to explore the stunning countryside and make stops at charming towns and villages along the way.

Once you’ve arrived in Lisbon, getting around the city is a breeze. The public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, provides efficient and affordable options for navigating the city. A rechargeable Viva Viagem card is the most convenient way to pay for your journeys, and it can be easily topped up at various kiosks or machines throughout the city.

Alternatively, if you prefer exploring Lisbon on foot, the city’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets make it a joy to wander around. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a map, and get ready to uncover the hidden corners and charming neighborhoods of the city.

As you embark on your backpacking adventure in Lisbon, be sure to check the latest travel regulations and requirements, as they may vary depending on your country of origin. It’s also advisable to keep an eye on any updates or changes to transportation schedules during your visit.

With various transportation options available, getting to and around Lisbon is a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and atmosphere that this captivating city has to offer.

Accommodation Options:

When it comes to finding accommodation in Lisbon, backpackers are spoiled for choice. The city offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring.

Hostels are a popular choice for budget travelers, and Lisbon has a fantastic selection of them. From lively party hostels to cozy and quiet options, you’ll find hostels scattered throughout the city. These accommodations usually offer dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities, making them ideal for solo travelers or those looking to socialize with fellow backpackers. Many hostels also have communal areas, such as lounges or rooftop terraces, where you can unwind and connect with other travelers.

If you prefer a bit more privacy, guesthouses and budget hotels are also available in Lisbon. These establishments offer comfortable rooms with private or shared bathrooms at affordable rates. They often have a more homely atmosphere, and some may even provide kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare your meals and save some extra money.

For those seeking a unique experience, Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods are also home to guesthouses and boutique hotels oozing with charm and character. These accommodations often feature stylish décor, personal touches, and personalized service. Staying in one of these establishments will not only provide you with a comfortable place to sleep but also offer an immersive experience into the local culture and ambiance.

Another alternative is to consider renting a private apartment or a room through platforms like Airbnb or other vacation rental websites. This option provides more space and the freedom to cook your meals while offering the opportunity to stay in various neighborhoods across the city. It’s worth noting that renting an apartment may require longer stays or have certain booking restrictions, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before making a reservation.

Regardless of the accommodation option you choose, make sure to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This way, you can secure the best rates and guarantee your preferred location. Additionally, keep in mind that some accommodations may require a deposit or have specific cancellation policies, so read the fine print before confirming your reservation.

Now that you know your options, it’s time to start searching for the perfect accommodation in Lisbon. Whether you’re looking for a social atmosphere, a cozy guesthouse, or a unique boutique experience, this city has something for everyone. So, kick back, relax, and get ready for a comfortable stay in the captivating capital of Portugal.

Budget-Friendly Eateries:

One of the highlights of any backpacking adventure is sampling the local cuisine, and Lisbon won’t disappoint when it comes to satisfying your taste buds without breaking the bank. The city is famed for its delicious and varied gastronomy, offering a wide range of budget-friendly options to suit every palate.

When it comes to traditional Portuguese food, you can find affordable eateries scattered throughout Lisbon. Look out for “tascas” and “tavernas,” which are small local restaurants that serve home-style meals at pocket-friendly prices. These establishments often offer daily specials, known as “pratos do dia,” which include a main dish, side, and sometimes a drink, providing excellent value for money.

Another must-try in Lisbon is the “pastel de nata,” a creamy and flaky custard tart that originated in the city. You can find these delectable treats in pastry shops and bakeries all over Lisbon. Be sure to indulge in this local delicacy during your visit, and don’t forget to pair it with a cup of aromatic Portuguese coffee.

If you’re a fan of fresh produce and local ingredients, pay a visit to the various markets scattered throughout the city. The Mercado da Ribeira, also known as Time Out Market, is a popular spot where you can find an array of food stalls offering a wide range of cuisine, from traditional Portuguese dishes to international delights. It’s an excellent place to try different flavors and soak up the lively atmosphere of Lisbon’s food scene.

In the Alfama and Mouraria neighborhoods, you’ll find charming restaurants and food stands serving “petiscos,” the Portuguese equivalent of tapas. These small plates allow you to sample a variety of flavors and dishes without breaking the bank. From grilled sardines to shrimp “pregos” (sandwiches) and “pataniscas” (codfish fritters), these local favorites are not to be missed.

If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly meal, keep an eye out for “tascas a peso,” which are eateries that charge by weight. These self-service establishments offer a variety of dishes, and you can choose as much or as little as you want, paying only for what you put on your plate. It’s a great option for trying different Portuguese specialties without breaking the bank.

Lastly, don’t forget to quench your thirst with some local beverages. Sampling the Portuguese wines, including the famous Vinho Verde and Porto, is a must during your stay in Lisbon. Additionally, indulge in a glass of “ginginha,” a traditional cherry liqueur that can be found in small bars across the city.

With its diverse and affordable culinary scene, Lisbon is a food lover’s paradise. From traditional dishes to international cuisine, street food to bustling markets, you’ll be able to satisfy your cravings and discover new flavors while staying within your travel budget. So, put on your foodie hat and embark on a gastronomic adventure in the heart of Lisbon.

Exploring Lisbon on Foot:

One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of Lisbon is by exploring the city on foot. With its narrow streets, hidden alleys, and picturesque neighborhoods, Lisbon is a delight to wander through, uncovering its hidden treasures at every turn.

Start your walking adventure in the historic Alfama district, where you can get lost in its labyrinth of narrow streets and soak up the traditional atmosphere. This neighborhood is home to iconic landmarks such as the São Jorge Castle and the Lisbon Cathedral. As you stroll through Alfama, be sure to visit the charming viewpoints known as “miradouros,” where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

From Alfama, make your way towards Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown area. Here, you’ll find wide avenues, bustling plazas, and grand architecture. Take a leisurely stroll along Rua Augusta, the main pedestrian street, and admire the splendid triumphal arch at the end of the avenue. Don’t forget to explore Rossio Square, a central hub with its vibrant atmosphere and charming cafes.

Not far from Baixa lies the bohemian neighborhood of Bairro Alto, known for its lively nightlife scene. During the day, meander through its narrow streets adorned with colorful tiles and historic buildings. Don’t miss the vibrant street art that adorns the facades, adding a touch of artistic flair to the neighborhood.

As you continue your exploration, head to the Belém district, located west of the city center. Along the way, you can walk along the riverfront and enjoy the beautiful views of the Tagus River. Once in Belém, marvel at iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. Be sure to treat yourself to a delicious Pastel de Belém, the original custard tart, at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.

Lisbon is also dotted with beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for a relaxing stroll. The Parque Eduardo VII, located near the Marquês de Pombal Square, offers stunning views over the city and is a great spot for a picnic. Additionally, the Jardim da Estrela, with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful flower beds, is an oasis in the heart of the city.

As you explore Lisbon on foot, keep an eye out for the iconic yellow trams that traverse the city’s hilly terrain. These trams are not only a convenient way to get around but also a charming symbol of Lisbon’s transportation history. Hop on tram 28, known as the “tourist tram,” to enjoy a scenic ride through some of Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods.

While wandering through the city, take the time to embrace the local culture and interact with the friendly Lisboetas. Stop at a café for a cup of “bica,” the traditional Portuguese espresso, or indulge in some “petiscos” at a local tasca. Engage with street vendors, artists, and musicians, who add to the vibrant fabric of the city.

Exploring Lisbon on foot allows you to fully appreciate the city’s sights, sounds, and flavors. So, put on your most comfortable shoes, grab a map (or get happily lost), and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the enchanting streets of Lisbon.

Must-See Sights in Lisbon:

Lisbon is a city steeped in history, culture, and architectural beauty, making it a treasure trove of must-see sights. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these destinations are the heart and soul of the city, showcasing its rich heritage and captivating charm.

One of the top attractions in Lisbon is the São Jorge Castle. Perched high on a hill, this medieval fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. Explore the castle’s ramparts, visit the archaeological site, and immerse yourself in the history that surrounds this magnificent structure. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the resident peacocks roaming the grounds.

The Jerónimos Monastery is another must-visit site that shouldn’t be missed. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, showcasing intricate details and stunning craftsmanship. Marvel at the beautiful cloisters, visit the church, and take a moment to appreciate the tranquil atmosphere of this historic place.

Be sure to make your way to Belém, where you’ll find two more must-see landmarks. The Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, stands proudly on the banks of the Tagus River. Its unique architecture and strategic location make it an iconic symbol of Lisbon. Nearby, the Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to Portugal’s maritime achievements, with larger-than-life statues commemorating key figures from the country’s exploration history.

No visit to Lisbon is complete without a trip to the enchanting neighborhood of Alfama. As you wander through its narrow streets and picturesque squares, you’ll come across the Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest church in the city. The cathedral’s mix of architectural styles and its tranquil interior make it a fascinating place to explore and appreciate.

The colorful district of Mouraria is another must-see sight in Lisbon. Known as the birthplace of Fado, Portugal’s soulful music genre, this neighborhood exudes an old-world charm and a lively atmosphere. Take a stroll through its winding streets, visit the Fado Museum, and enjoy an authentic Fado performance in one of the local bars or taverns.

For art-loving travelers, a visit to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is highly recommended. This museum houses an impressive collection of European art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods. Admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Hieronymus Bosch, Hans Holbein, and Albrecht Dürer, among others.

A trip to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the bustling atmosphere of Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio). This grand plaza, located along the Tagus River, is surrounded by vibrant yellow buildings and offers beautiful views of the water. Take a moment to enjoy the open space, mingle with locals and fellow travelers, and savor the lively energy of this iconic gathering place.

These are just a few of the must-see sights in Lisbon that will leave you captivated by the city’s beauty and heritage. Each one offers a unique glimpse into the history, art, and culture that have shaped Lisbon into the vibrant and enchanting destination it is today. So be sure to add these remarkable landmarks to your itinerary and let Lisbon’s magic unfold before your eyes.

Day Trips from Lisbon:

While Lisbon itself offers a wealth of attractions and experiences, taking a day trip from the city allows you to explore the surrounding regions and discover even more of Portugal’s beauty and history. From charming coastal towns to fairytale palaces, there are several options for unforgettable day trips from Lisbon.

Sintra is a popular choice for a day trip, and it’s no wonder why. This enchanting town, located just a short train ride from Lisbon, is known for its stunning palaces, lush gardens, and romantic atmosphere. Explore the colorful Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, or wander through the peaceful grounds of the Quinta da Regaleira, a mysterious and whimsical estate. Don’t miss the chance to sample the famous pastries of Sintra, such as the Travesseiro and Queijada.

Head west from Lisbon, and you’ll find yourself in Cascais, a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches, a lively marina, and a picturesque old town. Stroll along the scenic promenade, soak up the sun on the sandy shores, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. From Cascais, you can also visit the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation, or take a short ferry ride to visit the idyllic fishing village of Caiscais.

If you’re a fan of wine, consider a day trip to the stunning region of Setúbal. Just across the Tagus River, this area is known for its vineyards and wineries. Take a tour of the wine estates, indulge in wine tastings, and savor the flavors of the renowned Moscatel wine. While in Setúbal, make sure to visit the Arrábida Natural Park, a protected area known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Évora is a must. This ancient city, located in the Alentejo region, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years. Explore the well-preserved Roman Temple, wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, and visit the eerie Chapel of Bones. Don’t forget to sample the local specialties, such as the Alentejo wines and the traditional dishes like Migas and Açorda.

Another option for a day trip is the picturesque town of Nazaré. Known for its gigantic waves and vibrant fishing culture, Nazaré offers a unique coastal experience. Take in the awe-inspiring views from the cliff-top viewpoint of Sitio, which overlooks the town and the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re lucky, you might witness the daring surfers riding the massive waves that make Nazaré a world-renowned surfing destination.

These are just a few examples of the incredible day trips you can take from Lisbon. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, relaxing on scenic beaches, or immersing yourself in the charm of coastal towns, there is something for everyone. So, go ahead and venture beyond Lisbon’s borders to discover the captivating sights and experiences awaiting you in the surrounding regions.

Nightlife in Lisbon:

When the sun sets over Lisbon, the city truly comes alive with its vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. From cozy bars and traditional Fado houses to bustling nightclubs, Lisbon offers an array of options for those seeking a memorable evening out.

Start your night by exploring the lively neighborhood of Bairro Alto. This historic district is known for its narrow streets filled with bars, restaurants, and quirky shops. Join the locals and fellow travelers as you hop from one bar to another, enjoying the festive atmosphere and live music that echoes through the streets. Bairro Alto is the perfect place to socialize, meet new people, and savor the lively energy of Lisbon’s nightlife.

If you’re a fan of live music and traditional Portuguese culture, be sure to experience Fado, the soulful music genre synonymous with Lisbon. Fado houses, known as “casas de fado,” offer intimate performances where talented singers serenade the audience with emotionally charged songs. Immerse yourself in the heartfelt melodies and poignant lyrics, and feel the raw passion of this unique musical tradition.

As the night progresses, head to the Cais do Sodré district, a former red-light district that has been transformed into a buzzing nightlife hub. Here, you’ll find a mix of trendy bars and clubs, where you can dance the night away to a variety of music styles. From electronic beats to hip-hop and everything in between, Cais do Sodré caters to all music tastes and provides an electric atmosphere for a night of uninhibited fun.

For those seeking something different, Lisbon also offers rooftop bars and terraces that provide stunning views of the city skyline as you sip on your cocktail. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Lisbon’s illuminated landmarks, such as the São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River, while basking in the warm ambiance of these elevated venues.

Lisbon is also known for its street festivals and parties, especially during the summer months. Join in the festivities of Santo António, the city’s patron saint, in June, where the streets come alive with processions, decorations, and lively celebrations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the local culture, dance to traditional music, and indulge in delicious street food.

As you venture into Lisbon’s nightlife, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and take precautions to ensure your safety. It’s also worth noting that some popular establishments may have entrance fees or require reservations, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

So, whether you’re looking to dance the night away, mingle with the locals, or soak up the cultural vibes of Lisbon’s nightlife scene, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Get ready for an evening filled with unforgettable memories and the vibrant energy that makes Lisbon’s nightlife truly unique.

Tips for Backpacking Lisbon:

Backpacking through Lisbon is an exciting and rewarding experience. To make the most of your adventure, here are some tips to help you navigate the city like a pro:

1. Plan your itinerary: Lisbon has so much to offer, so take the time to plan out the attractions and neighborhoods you want to visit. This will ensure you make the most efficient use of your time and don’t miss out on any must-see spots.

2. Get a Lisbon Card: Consider purchasing a Lisbon Card, which offers discounted or free access to many attractions, as well as unlimited use of public transportation. This can help you save money and make getting around the city more convenient.

3. Stay in central neighborhoods: Opt for accommodation in neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, or Bairro Alto to be close to the main attractions and nightlife spots. This will save you time and transportation costs.

4. Use public transportation: Lisbon’s public transportation system is efficient and budget-friendly. Take advantage of trams, buses, and the metro to explore the city and reach further destinations like Belém or Sintra.

5. Try local cuisine: Indulge in the delicious Portuguese cuisine by trying traditional dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod), sardines, or pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Opt for local eateries and markets to enjoy authentic flavors and affordable prices.

6. Be mindful of pickpockets: Like any major city, there may be pickpockets in crowded areas. Take precautions by keeping your belongings secure and avoiding displaying valuables. Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

7. Wear comfortable shoes: Lisbon is known for its hilly terrain, so be prepared for walking uphill and down stairs. Pack comfortable shoes to explore the city streets and neighborhoods without sacrificing comfort.

8. Stay hydrated: Lisbon can get hot, especially during the summer months. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at the numerous public fountains scattered throughout the city. Staying hydrated is essential for a pleasant backpacking experience.

9. Enjoy the local markets: Lisbon is home to several markets, such as Mercado da Ribeira and Mercado de Campo de Ourique, where you can find fresh produce, local products, and delicious street food. Explore these markets to immerse yourself in the local culture and flavors.

10. Embrace Fado: Attend a Fado performance to truly experience the soul of Lisbon’s music. Choose a reputable Fado house for an authentic and memorable evening.

11. Learn basic Portuguese phrases: While many locals in tourist areas speak English, it’s always appreciated to learn a few basic Portuguese phrases such as “obrigado/a” (thank you), “por favor” (please), or “bom dia” (good day). This shows respect and can help you communicate better with the locals.

12. Blend in with the locals: Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by observing and adopting some of the local customs and practices. Whether it’s sipping espresso at a café or joining in festive celebrations, embracing the local way of life will enhance your experience.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable backpacking adventure in Lisbon. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance, savor the flavors of Portuguese cuisine, and uncover the hidden gems of this captivating city. Happy travels!

Conclusion:

Lisbon, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, is a destination that captivates the hearts of backpackers from around the world. From navigating the cobbled streets of Alfama to immersing yourself in the lively nightlife of Bairro Alto, this city offers a multitude of experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Throughout this budget travel guide, we have explored the various facets of backpacking in Lisbon. From getting there and finding affordable accommodation to indulging in the local cuisine and exploring the city’s must-see sights, we have provided you with valuable tips and insights to help you make the most of your time in this captivating city.

By exploring Lisbon on foot, you’ll uncover hidden corners, stumble upon charming viewpoints, and immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere. From the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Baixa to the stunning landmarks of São Jorge Castle and Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon’s beauty and charm are best experienced on foot.

However, your adventure doesn’t have to end within the city limits. Lisbon’s strategic location allows for exciting day trips to nearby destinations such as Sintra, Cascais, or Évora. These excursions offer a chance to explore more of Portugal’s enchanting landscapes, historical sites, and coastal delights.

As night falls, Lisbon transforms into a hub of entertainment and nightlife. Whether you choose to experience the soulful sounds of Fado, dance the night away in lively bars and clubs, or simply enjoy a drink at a rooftop terrace, the city’s vibrant energy will leave you wanting more.

With our tips for backpacking Lisbon, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the city like a seasoned traveler. From planning your itinerary and using public transportation to trying local cuisine and blending in with the locals, these insights will enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time and budget.

As your backpacking adventure in Lisbon comes to an end, you’ll carry with you memories of charming neighborhoods, mouthwatering food, stunning landmarks, and warm encounters with the friendly Lisboetas. Lisbon, with its unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibes, is a destination that will forever hold a special place in your heart.

So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating streets of Lisbon. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the city’s rich history, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, and embrace the spirit of adventure that awaits you in every corner. Lisbon is waiting to be discovered. Bom viagem!

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ChatGPT’s Guide to 6 Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots for 2024

A re you dreaming of a vacation that won’t break the bank ? With careful planning and the right destination, you can enjoy a memorable getaway without overspending. Here’s a guide to six budget-friendly vacation spots for 2024, perfect for travelers looking to maximize fun while minimizing costs .

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly : Lisbon offers a rich cultural experience with affordable dining, accommodation, and public transportation. Its combination of historical charm, lively neighborhoods, and stunning views makes it a top choice for budget travelers.
• Must-Do : Explore the historic tram routes, visit Belem Tower, and enjoy a sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

2. Hanoi, Vietnam

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly : Known for its incredible street food and low-cost lodging options, Hanoi is a haven for budget travelers. The city is a blend of French colonial history, Asian culture, and bustling markets.
• Must-Do : Wander around the Old Quarter, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, and don’t miss trying the famous Vietnamese Pho.

3. Krakow, Poland

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly : Krakow is one of Europe’s hidden gems, offering affordable accommodations, food, and attractions. This historic city boasts a well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter.
• Must-Do : Visit Wawel Castle, explore Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter), and take a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

4. Cusco, Peru

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly : As the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is an affordable and vibrant city with a rich Incan heritage. Hostels and local eateries provide ample opportunities to save money.
• Must-Do : Explore the Sacred Valley, visit Sacsayhuaman ruins, and if your budget allows, take the train to Machu Picchu.

5. Sofia, Bulgaria

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly : Sofia is an underrated European destination where your money stretches further. From its historic churches to its lush parks and affordable spas, Sofia offers much for very little.
• Must-Do : Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, relax in Vitosha Mountain, and enjoy the local hot springs.

6. Merida, Mexico

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly : Merida is a cultural hub with a low cost of living. The city is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and close proximity to Mayan ruins.
• Must-Do : Stroll through the colorful streets of Centro Historico, visit the Mayan World Museum of Merida, and explore the nearby Uxmal ruins.

Travel Tips for Budget Vacations:

• Book in Advance : For the best deals on flights and accommodations, plan and book your trip well in advance.
• Eat Like a Local : Avoid tourist traps. Instead, eat where the locals eat for a more authentic and affordable experience.
• Use Public Transport : Save money by using public transportation or walking instead of taxis or rental cars.
• Free Attractions : Many cities offer free attractions, like museums with no entrance fee on certain days or public parks.
• Travel Off-Peak : Consider traveling during the shoulder season to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.

A fantastic vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing destinations like these and planning smartly, you can experience the thrill of travel without the stress of a strained budget. Pack your bags and get ready to explore these budget-friendly vacation spots in 2024!

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : ChatGPT’s Guide to 6 Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots for 2024

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Hochul announces budget outline as lawmakers continue to hash out details

FILE - The New York Capitol is seen, Dec. 14, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, on Monday, April 15, 2024, announced the framework of a $237 billion budget that includes broad plans to to drive new housing construction, address the influx of migrants and crack down on illegal marijuana shops. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)

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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced the framework of a $237 billion budget that includes broad plans to drive new housing construction, address the influx of migrants and crack down on illegal marijuana shops .

Hochul, a Democrat, described the announcement as the “parameters of a conceptual agreement” on the budget, which is about two weeks late, that was struck with leaders of the state Senate and Assembly after a series of backroom negotiations.

“You can’t get to the legislature for consideration unless we have agreement on the package to go forth,” Hochul told reporters at the Capitol, adding, “It takes a little time to get to the final resolution but I’ve explained what I feel there’s agreement on.”

Still, the governor’s announcement appeared to have caught lawmakers off guard, with officials still in the process of holding meetings and working out the specifics of the spending plan.

“I think it was a surprise for all of us in the Senate,” said state Sen. Liz Krueger, a high-ranking Democrat.

The Senate and Assembly, both controlled by Democrats, would need to approve the budget before it could become law.

The housing deal outlined by Hochul would include a new tax break for developers to incentivize building and a set of tenant protections to make it harder to raise rents and evict people in certain cases, though specifics were not detailed. It also includes plans to use commercial properties and state lands for residential housing.

The sweeping housing agreement had become a sticking point in negotiations, with top officials moving to craft a deal that leads to more new, affordable homes while protecting tenants and luring developers to build.

The spending plan would also set aside $2.4 billion for the state to address numerous migrants who have overwhelmed New York City’s homeless shelters, following a proposal from Hochul to provide short-term shelter services, legal assistance and more.

And Hochul said there was an agreement on a new strategy to combat unlicensed marijuana storefronts, which have become ubiquitous in the city following the state’s legalization of recreational weed sales, through a proposal to make it easier for local authorities to close the black market shops.

Some NYC issues unresolved as state budget…

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Some nyc issues unresolved as state budget talks approach end.

A day after a triumphant Gov. Hochul unveiled a $237 billion spending deal negotiated with the Legislature, top lawmakers said Tuesday that key elements of the agreement had not been finalized.

Among the unresolved issues were funding for Medicaid; the form of a possible extension of Mayor Adams’ control of city schools; and finer points in a housing deal intended to spur development and toughen tenant protections.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Bronx Democrat, said lawmakers in the left-leaning Legislature had reached the same “Zip code” as the centrist Democrat on the budget plan.

“I wouldn’t say every issue on housing is closed at this point, but it’s getting closer,” Heastie told reporters, adding that he expected the agreement would secure tenant protections for about 90% of renters citywide.

Tenants covered by those protections are expected to be spared annual rent hikes higher than 10%. The package would also extend a lapsed tax break for developers.

The housing plan has been the thorniest issue in budget negotiations, with the Legislature pushing the governor to embrace strong tenant protections.

But housing has not been the only stumbling block: lawmakers have also pushed back against a health care blueprint that could cut more than $1 billion from Medicaid programs in New York.

Sen. Gustavo Rivera, the Bronx Democrat who chairs the Health Committee, said in an interview Tuesday that he expected “at least a chunk” of the funding would be restored. But he suggested talks were ongoing.

“Perhaps it was an early victory lap yesterday,” Rivera said of Hochul’s presentation. “We’re not done.”

Hochul’s office offered a uniform reply when pressed for more information about budget outcomes on education and health care: “More details will be included in the printed budget bills.”

The mayoral school control question only emerged as a sticking point in recent days. Legislative leadership had previously indicated an extension was off the table.

Heastie told reporters Tuesday that he had not briefed lawmakers on the possible extension.

To win an expected two-year insertion of mayoral control into the budget for Adams, Hochul agreed to expand the number of New Yorkers who could fall under new tenant protections, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations.

Heastie declined to give reporters a window into those negotiations.

“The Assembly doesn’t put policy in the budget,” he offered. “But if the governor and the Senate raise it, we will discuss it. So clearly something like that had to have happened.”

Without an extension, mayoral control is due to expire at the end of June.

The chair of the Assembly’s Education Committee, Michael Benedetto of the Bronx, emphasized in a phone call Tuesday that the issue was still up in the air.

“My position is we shouldn’t put it in the budget, plain and simple,” said Benedetto, a Democrat who supports mayoral control but has opposed using the budget as a vehicle for the extension.

The Adams administration has made the extension one of its top asks from Albany, along with explicit legislative language empowering city agencies to crack down on illicit cannabis shops. The pot request is expected to be fulfilled in the budget.

On housing, cannabis and perhaps even schools, the mayor appeared to be on the cusp of state budget victories, a possible reflection of the public embrace that Hochul and Adams have mostly  maintained over the last two years.

But Adams did not get everything he wanted from Albany. He has pushed for the state to offer the city more funding for the migrant crisis, after Hochul proposed putting $2.4 billion in the budget toward the challenge .

The mayor’s office said in February that it wanted at least $2.8 billion set aside for migrant support. Hochul and legislators have left the $2.4 billion plan untouched during negotiations.

On Tuesday, Adams brushed off the migrant funding gap.

“We got what we wanted,” he said at a news conference , reveling in the potential wins on housing, cannabis and school control. “Governor, if you’re watching, you have a real fan in the mayor.”

With Chris Sommerfeldt and Cayla Bamberger 

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Freeland's new federal budget hikes taxes on the rich to cover billions in new spending

With interest rates running high, cost to service the national debt surpasses federal health care spending.

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HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ottawa to spend $52.9 billion more than planned over the next five years.
• Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland projects Ottawa will post a $40 billion deficit this fiscal year.
• The budget includes $8.5 billion in new spending for housing.
• Other major budget items include a $6 billion Canada Disability Benefit, a $1 billion national school food program and a $500-million fund for youth mental health.
• Freeland will hike capital gain taxes paid by the rich and corporations to collect an estimated $19 billion in new revenue.
• The cost to service the growing national debt has increased substantially — it's now about $2 billion more than it was projected to be just a few months ago.
• The government will spend more on servicing its debt than on health care this year.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's fourth budget delivers a big-ticket housing program for millennials and Generation Z voters — a multi-billion dollar commitment to be paid for in part with a tax hike on the rich and corporate Canada.

Freeland's document calls for about $52.9 billion in new spending over the next five years — a significant jump over what Ottawa had said it would spend in the fall economic statement released just a few months ago.

To offset some of that new spending, Freeland is pitching policy changes the government says will generate roughly $21.9 billion in new revenue. That money is to come in part from higher capital gains taxes and a hike to excise taxes on cigarettes and vaping products.

"We are making Canada's tax system more fair by ensuring that the very wealthiest pay their fair share," Freeland said Tuesday after tabling her budget in Parliament.

"We are doing this because a fair chance to build a good, middle class life — to do as well as your parents, and grandparents, or better — has always been the promise of Canada."

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The result is a projected budget deficit of about $40 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year — roughly what Freeland had predicted.

While the government is spending more overall, it says that better-than-expected economic growth and higher taxes will keep the deficit under control.

The Liberal government's preferred "fiscal anchor" — the budget benchmark that guides its decisions — has long been to keep the net debt-to-GDP ratio on a declining trend, with debt levels closely tracking the overall size of the economy.

The budget document says the government must meet that benchmark in the years ahead to retain Canada's triple-A credit rating.

Debt charges soar

Deficits eventually roll over into long-term debt. The cost to finance Canada's growing debt pile — which has more than doubled over the last nine years to $1.4 trillion — is eating up more and more taxpayer dollars as the government is forced to refinance its borrowing at higher rates.

Public debt charges will cost $2 billion more this year than the forecast in November as the Bank of Canada keeps rates relatively high to tame inflation — which has shown signs of slowing down.

• Liberals pledge $9B in new money for Indigenous communities in 2024 budget

With interest rates at a 20-year high, Ottawa's cost to borrow has spiked from $20.3 billion in 2020-21 to $54.1 billion in 2024-25.

That means Ottawa will spend more to service its debt than it will on health care this year — and the debt charges will march even higher in the years ahead.

Carrying the debt is expected to cost the federal treasury $64.3 billion in 2028-29 — more than double what Ottawa sends to the provinces through equalization payments.

"The interest rates are hurting the government just as much as they're hurting us consumers," said Sahir Khan, a former deputy parliamentary budget officer and the executive vice-president of the uOttawa Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy.

"It's now a meaningful amount relative to other spending pressures and it's going to start squeezing other programs. The government built up a stock of debt subject to prevailing interest rates and that creates a risk."

Billions more for housing

The budget allocates $8.5 billion more to housing to help alleviate a crisis that has locked a generation of young people out of the dream of home ownership. The government maintains its housing measures will drive the creation of roughly four million more homes by 2031.

New investment to lead 'housing revolution in Canada,' Freeland says

Freeland has freed up money to send more cash to municipalities through the Housing Accelerator Fund, build more homes on underused public lands and at Canada Post outlets, cut cheques for new water and solid waste infrastructure in growing communities , offer tens of billions of dollars in loans to spur new rental construction and secondary suites, and help non-profits acquire existing rental homes and keep them affordable.

"We are moving with purpose to help build more homes, faster. We are making life cost less," Freeland said. "Millennial and Gen Z Canadians, we want them to look forward to the future with a sense of anticipation, not angst."

The government also has committed to maintaining the already well-subscribed tax-free savings account , extending mortgage amortization terms and increasing the RRSP withdrawal limit for some first-home buyers, among other measures.

The housing program is a "home run," said Armine Yalnizyan, a progressive economist and the Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers.

Yalnizyan said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's early focus on housing hurt the Liberals' standing among some millennial voters.

Now, the Liberals are trying to reclaim some of those votes with an ambitious program which, if it's carried out as planned, will meaningfully increase the country's housing supply, she said.

"It's really an attempt to stop the Conservatives from eating their lunch," she said.

A tax hike on the rich

As Ottawa moves to remake the housing landscape, roll out a national dental care program and launch pharmacare , Freeland's budget includes a number of targeted tax hikes that it says will yield some $21.9 billion in new revenue over the next five years.

The biggest windfall will come from an increase to the capital gains inclusion rate.

Under the current regime, only 50 per cent of capital gains are taxable. If a taxpayer sells an asset like a cottage, an investment property, a stock or mutual fund for $100,000 more than they paid, they are taxed only on $50,000 of that profit.

With this new budget, the "inclusion rate" will increase from one-half to two-thirds on capital gains above $250,000 per year for individuals, and on all capital gains realized by corporations and trusts.

The move is likely to be seen by business-friendly groups as an attack on the people and businesses that create jobs.

Freeland said she anticipates some blowback.

"I know there will be many voices raised in protest. No one likes paying more tax, even — or perhaps particularly — those who can afford it the most," she said.

"Tax policy is not only, or chiefly, the province of accountants or economists. It belongs to all of us because it is how we decide what kind of country we want to live in and what kind of country we want to build."

The NDP — the government's partner in the supply-and-confidence agreement — likely will welcome the change; party leader Jagmeet Singh has said the wealthy and big corporations should shoulder more of the country's tax burden.

"We are asking the wealthiest Canadians to contribute a bit more, so that we can make investments to ensure a fair chance for every generation," the budget document says. "Canada's tax system can be more fair."

The change will not apply to any capital gains from the sale of a primary residence. Investment income earned in an RRSP or TFSA, including capital gains, also will not be taxed.

According to government data, only 0.13 per cent of Canadians — people with an average income of about $1.4 million a year — are expected to pay more in personal income tax on their capital gains as a result of this change.

Jimmy Jean, an economist at Desjardins who tracks Ottawa's spending, said the federal government's goal of collecting about $19 billion from the capital gains measure may be difficult to achieve.

"The jury's out on whether they can get that much," Jean said.

"Targeting the income and wealth of the wealthy — it's difficult because it's more mobile, they can move it around. I'm skeptical."

Other new revenue-generating measures in the budget include a promise to crack down on bankruptcy fraud and tackle "aggressive tax planning schemes."

Beyond housing, there's also a promise to top up the incentives for zero-emission vehicles, deliver a new carbon tax rebate for small businesses, stand up an $800-million energy efficiency retrofit program, increase student grants, create a $500-million fund for youth mental health , launch a $6 billion Canada Disability Benefit, fund a $1 billion national school food program and deliver a $900-million top-up to the Indigenous infrastructure program .

CBC/Radio-Canada will get a one-off $42 million budget boost for news and entertainment programming — a cash injection that will help the company avoid some of the previously announced layoffs .

VIA Rail Canada stands to gain about $400 million over the next few years to turn the dream of high-frequency rail in central Canada into a reality.

What's in the new federal budget?

Poilievre blasts budget, singh stays noncommittal.

Poilievre pilloried the budget and said his party would vote against it.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Conservative leader said the Liberal government has never presented a balanced budget in all the years it's been in office and the promised $40 billion in new spending will drive inflation higher.

"This is the ninth deficit. The ninth deficit after the prime minister promised the budget would balance itself and what did he do with the money? Everything he spent it on has become more expensive," Poilievre said.

"This is like a pyromaniac spraying gas on the inflationary fire that he lit. It is getting too hot and too expensive for Canadians and that's why we need a carbon tax election to replace him with a common sense Conservative government."

Conservative leader rises in House of Commons to reject Liberal budget

Singh, meanwhile, said it's too early to say if his party will support the budget.

While he praised some measures he said his party forced the government to include, such as dental care, pharmacare and a national school food program, Singh said he wants to meet with Trudeau to raise some other "concerns" before making a final decision.

Singh said he's not onside with a plan to cut about 5,000 public servants through attrition — the federal bureaucracy has grown to about 357,247 workers under Trudeau — and he said there's inadequate funding for Indigenous peoples.

Liberals 'ignored opportunity' in budget to tackle corporate greed, NDP says

If Singh and his NDP MPs withhold their votes, the minority government could lose the confidence of the House of Commons, tipping the country into an early election.

While the capital gains tax increase will cost the country's big businesses billions more than what they pay now, Singh said "the Liberals ignored the opportunity to take on corporate greed."

Singh said the companies he blames for inflation — grocery store chains, telecommunications companies and "housing and corporate landlords" — should have faced tax hikes.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said her caucus will vote against Freeland's budget.

She said the government's planned disability benefit, which amounts to about $200 a month for eligible Canadians, is too low.

May also said there's not enough money earmarked for social housing — just more loans for developers to build more affordable homes.

"The budget falls far short of our hopes," May said. "It's not meeting the moment. We need dramatic, transformative changes to our society to be able to afford the things we need."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior reporter

J.P. Tasker is a journalist in CBC's parliamentary bureau who reports for digital, radio and television. He is also a regular panellist on CBC News Network's Power & Politics. He covers the Conservative Party, Canada-U.S. relations, Crown-Indigenous affairs, climate change, health policy and the Senate. You can send story ideas and tips to J.P. at [email protected].

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