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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lisbon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a impressive, spectacular, and iconic destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Cape Sounion and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon. Although Cape Sounion and Lisbon are popular destinations, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Lisbon and Cape Sounion.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Sounion has many famous sights for visitors. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lisbon that are not to be missed. 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 Cape Sounion or Lisbon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Cape Sounion offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Cape Sounion is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is very popular for its music scene. However, Cape Sounion is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Cape Sounion is not a live music destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Lisbon are nice choices.

Cape Sounion is a good option for a beach vacation. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Many people head to Lisbon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

Lisbon is very popular for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon Better for Families?

Lisbon is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cape Sounion. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Lisbon is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cape Sounion is a nice destination for couples. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Cape Sounion is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon Better for Students?

Lisbon is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lisbon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

You'll find some public transit in Cape Sounion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

Is Cape Sounion or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Cape Sounion is somewhat walkable. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

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

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

Both Cape Sounion and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Cape Sounion. 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 Cape Sounion. 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 Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lisbon is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, 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 Cape Sounion and Lisbon, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Cape Sounion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Sounion than you might in Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Lisbon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lisbon in the Summer?

Both Lisbon and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Lisbon in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon and Cape Sounion during the autumn are popular places to visit. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Lisbon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Lisbon averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Lisbon. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lisbon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Lisbon. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cape Sounion is generally cooler than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Lisbon. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Lisbon in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Lisbon. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Cape Sounion