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

Should you visit Christchurch or Lisbon?

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

Should I visit Christchurch 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a adventure-filled, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Christchurch and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Lisbon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Christchurch, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lisbon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Christchurch is known for its beaches and hiking. Lisbon is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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

Lisbon is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Lisbon is a must-see party destination. 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.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is terrific for its live music scene. However, Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Lisbon 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.

Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Christchurch is considered a top beach destination. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

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 Christchurch or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is terrific for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Lisbon?

Lisbon is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon Better for Families?

Christchurch is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Lisbon is 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.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Christchurch and Lisbon make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Lisbon is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lisbon. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon Better for Students?

Christchurch and Lisbon are high quality places to visit for students.

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

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

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

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

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

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Christchurch is a very walkable destination. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Lisbon?

Both Christchurch 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 Christchurch. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Christchurch. 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Christchurch or Lisbon?

Christchurch 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.

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 Christchurch or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Christchurch or Lisbon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, 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 Christchurch and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific 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 Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Christchurch.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Lisbon?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Lisbon?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Lisbon has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Christchurch or Lisbon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Lisbon. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

In the summer, Christchurch is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Lisbon averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

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

Christchurch usually gets more rain in January than Lisbonin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Also, 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 April, Christchurch is generally much colder than Lisbonin October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Lisbonin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or Lisbon in the Winter?

Both Lisbon and Christchurch during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Christchurch is much colder than Lisbon in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in January.

In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Lisbonin January. Christchurch gets 122 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. Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Lisbonin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Lisbon. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Christchurch is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Lisbon averages at about 16°C (60°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Lisbonin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Christchurch