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

Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Beijing and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Lisbon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Beijing. While Beijing is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beijing is more touristy than Lisbon and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Beijing different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Lisbon.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Travelers visit Lisbon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Beijing or Lisbon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Lisbon can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

In Lisbon you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for the beach. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Lisbon?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Lisbon is a world class destination for shoppers. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Beijing or Lisbon Better for Families?

Lisbon is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lisbon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lisbon is a very popular city to visit 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.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Beijing or Lisbon Better for Students?

Beijing and Lisbon are excellent places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Many students visit Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Is Beijing or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its 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.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Lisbon?

Both Beijing 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 Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Lisbon?

Beijing 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 Beijing or Lisbon?

Beijing is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Beijing or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. 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 Beijing or Lisbon?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Beijing and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Lisbon?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Lisbon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Lisbon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Lisbon. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Beijing is a little warmer than Lisbon in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun.

Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Lisbon. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

In the autumn, Beijing is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Lisbon averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Lisbon in the Winter?

Both Lisbon and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beijing can be very cold during winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Lisbon. Beijing gets 201 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. Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Lisbon. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Lisbon. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

Beijing is cooler than Lisbon in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Beijing