A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Lisbon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Bangkok or Lisbon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Lisbon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a alluring, spirited, and colorful capital city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bangkok and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Lisbon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Bangkok. While Bangkok is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bangkok is well known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Bangkok different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lisbon and Bangkok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Lisbon?

Both Bangkok and Lisbon have terrific landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Bangkok that are not to be missed. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lisbon are world-renowned. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Is the Food Better in Bangkok or Lisbon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Bangkok and Lisbon both to be terrific destinations.

Many restaurants in Bangkok have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Eat your way through Lisbon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bangkok or Lisbon has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Bangkok just to party. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for live music. However, Bangkok is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is a world class music destination. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Bangkok is not a live music destination.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lisbon is revered around the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Lisbon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lisbon and Bangkok.

Bangkok is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Known for shopping, Lisbon draws large crowds to its stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Lisbon are excellent to visit with kids.

Bangkok is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lisbon is very family-friendly. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bangkok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Couples visit Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok and Lisbon are terrific places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bangkok is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lisbon is extremely popular for backpackers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for Students?

Lisbon is a great destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bangkok is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lisbon can get you around easily. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

While Bangkok offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

Is Bangkok or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Lisbon on foot is easy. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Lisbon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Lisbon?

Both Bangkok and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lisbon than Bangkok. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Bangkok. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lisbon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Bangkok. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Bangkok if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lisbon.

One day in Bangkok or Lisbon?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Lisbon, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bangkok or Lisbon?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Lisbon, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Bangkok or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Lisbon?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. In Lisbon, you'll find live music and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok is in Asia and Lisbon is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Bangkok.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Lisbon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Lisbon?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Lisbon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok or Lisbon?

Lisbon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Lisbon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Lisbon. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Lisbon. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bangkok is a little warmer than Lisbon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Should I visit Bangkok or Lisbon in the Winter?

Both Lisbon and Bangkok during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Lisbon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Lisbon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Lisbon. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Lisbon. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Lisbon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Lisbon during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lisbon. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Bangkok