How Much Is a Trip to Lisbon, Portugal? (2023)
Oh, Lisbon. I had the pleasure of living there for two months and fell in love with its charm, history, and vibrant culture (and the Pastel de Nata!).
The question I often get asked is, “Is Lisbon really that expensive?”. Well, the answer all depends on your travel style and personal preferences.
If you just want a quick estimate though, you can expect to spend around $50 to $150 per day, depending on your budget and activities.
If you want to understand how we got to this number, we break down the estimate below.
Table of Contents
How Much Is a Trip to Lisbon?
Quick Summary: Expected Costs for 1 Week in Lisbon
We’ll go into more detail about the costs in Lisbon in different sections throughout the rest of this guide.
But if you want a rough guide to Lisbon prices, here’s our quick summary:
Accommodation Costs: Budget-Friendly Hotels to Luxury Airbnbs
Accommodation prices in Lisbon vary greatly, with budget-friendly hotels starting at around $30 per night and luxury hotels ranging from $150 to $400.
Vacation rentals are also popular, with an average price of $50 to $100 per night, depending on the location and amenities.
Consider staying in neighborhoods like Alfama, Bairro Alto, or Baixa-Chiado for easy access to Lisbon attractions and nightlife.
Check out our Portugal Digital Nomad guide for advice on staying longer term.
The Price To Savor Authentic Portuguese Food: Tasty and Affordable
Lisbon restaurants offer a delightful mix of local cuisine and international flavors.
You can find cheap eats for less than $10 at small eateries, while an average meal at a mid-range restaurant will set you back around $15 to $30.
Don’t miss trying authentic Portuguese food like pastéis de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (salted cod), and sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines).
For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay $40 to $80 per person.
Don’t forget to indulge in the vibrant Lisbon nightlife, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a beer for $2 to $5.
Getting Around: Public Transportation and Car Rental Costs
Lisbon boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the Lisbon metro.
A single fare on public transportation costs around $2, while a 24-hour pass will set you back $7.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, with a short taxi ride in downtown Lisbon costing around $5 to $10. You can also use Uber here.
Car rentals are an option if you plan to explore beyond the city center or take a day trip to nearby attractions like Sintra or Cascais.
Rental cars start at $20 per day, but parking and fuel costs can add up quickly.
Check out Discover Cars to find the best rental deal.
Alternatively, consider using local transportation, such as trains or buses, for your day trips to save money, or book a tour and have all your transport included.
Best Deals and Cheapest Time to Go
The cheapest time to visit Lisbon is during the low season, which runs from November to February.
During this time, you can find the best deals on accommodations and flights.
However, if you prefer warmer weather, consider visiting during the shoulder season, between March and May or September and October.
Lisbon is relatively safe and welcoming to tourists year-round, so you can’t go wrong at any time of your choosing.
Lisbon Attractions Price Guide
Exploring the Enchanting Lisbon City Center
Lisbon’s city center is a delightful maze of history and culture, with narrow streets, stunning viewpoints (called Miradouros), and picturesque neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto.
Lisbon attractions like Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and the iconic yellow Lisbon trams are must-sees.
The good news is that many of these attractions are free or have low-cost entrance fees, allowing you to experience Lisbon on a budget.
Discovering Lisbon’s Rich History and Culture
Lisbon is a treasure trove of Portuguese history, with monuments and museums aplenty.
Many of these attractions are free or have low-cost admission fees, allowing you to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture without breaking the bank.
Must-visit sites include the National Tile Museum, the Museum of Ancient Art, and the fascinating interactive exhibits at the Museum of Lisbon.
Venturing Beyond Lisbon: Day Trips and Excursions
A trip to Lisbon isn’t complete without exploring the surrounding areas.
Sintra, a fairytale-like town with majestic palaces and lush gardens, is a popular day trip. Train tickets from Lisbon to Sintra cost around $5 round trip.
Check out our vlog of visiting Sintra by public transport below.
Other nearby destinations include Cascais, a picturesque coastal town, and the charming city of Porto.
Expect to pay around $20 to $50 for round-trip train tickets to these destinations.
Basking in the Sun: Lisbon Beaches and Parks
Lisbon’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means that you have plenty of beach options for sunbathing and swimming.
Most beaches are accessible via public transportation, with bus or train fares ranging from $2 to $5.
We recommend jumping on the public train and going a few stops towards Cascais – there are great stretches of beach all the way along.
Local parks, such as Monsanto Forest Park and Eduardo VII Park, offer green spaces for relaxation and recreation, free of charge.
Lisbon Vs Other cities in Portugal
You might also be wondering how Lisbon compares to other cities and places in Portugal, for example Porto or the Algarve.
Spoiler alert – Lisbon is more expensive.
We’ve created this table to help you compare Lisbon with other Portuguese hotspots:
| City | Accommodation (per night) | Meals (average per meal) | Transportation (public, one-way) | Attractions (average entrance fee) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | $30 – $400 | $10 – $80 | $2 | $0 – $20 |
| Porto | $25 – $350 | $8 – $70 | $2 | $0 – $15 |
| Coimbra | $20 – $200 | $8 – $40 | $1.50 | $0 – $12 |
| Faro (Algarve) | $30 – $300 | $10 – $60 | $1.50 | $0 – $15 |
| Évora | $25 – $250 | $8 – $50 | $1.50 | $0 – $10 |
Please note that the costs in this table are approximate and can vary depending on the time of year, specific location, and individual preferences.
Creating Your Lisbon Travel Budget
So, how much does a trip to Lisbon cost? To recap, expect to spend around $50 to $150 per day, depending on your preferences and travel style.
This estimate includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. Keep in mind that prices vary and you can always find ways to save money by staying at budget-friendly hotels, seeking out cheap eats, and taking advantage of free or low-cost attractions.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of flights to Lisbon International Airport, any additional expenses like souvenirs or guided tours, and of course, good travel insurance.
That’s why we suggest Safety Wing travel insurance – at $1.50 per day it’s a no-brainer.
If you want a rough guide to Lisbon prices, here’s a recap of our quick summary:
It’s always a good idea to have some wiggle room in your travel budget for unforeseen expenses or splurging on a memorable experience.
So How Expensive Is Lisbon, Portugal?
A trip to Lisbon offers a mix of history, culture, and cuisine that caters to all types of travelers and budgets.
From the bustling downtown Lisbon to the picturesque Alfama district, the charming city will make you fall in love with the urban once again.
Whatever your budget, pack your bags and prepare for a memorable journey to the enchanting capital of Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expect to spend around $50 to $150 per day, depending on your preferences and travel style.
Consider staying in Alfama, Bairro Alto, or Baixa-Chiado for easy access to attractions and nightlife.
An average meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15 to $30, while cheap eats can be found for under $10.
Lisbon has buses, trams, and a metro system, with single fares costing around $2 and a 24-hour pass for $7.
The cheapest time to visit is during the low season, from November to February.
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