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

Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Hanoi and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Lisbon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Hanoi. While Hanoi is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Hanoi different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the terrific sights and museums in both Hanoi and Lisbon.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Hanoi or Lisbon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

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

Lisbon is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Hanoi for the nightlife scene. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for the beache. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Both Hanoi and Lisbon have terrific historic old towns worth visiting.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Lisbon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Lisbon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lisbon and Hanoi.

The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon Better for Families?

Lisbon is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lisbon is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Lisbon is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon Better for Students?

Hanoi and Lisbon are excellent places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

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

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

Lisbon is renowned for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Lisbon has a great public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Lisbon?

Both Hanoi 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 Hanoi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

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

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Lisbon, many people enjoy the live music and food that this stunning big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hanoi or Lisbon?

Hanoi 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 fun place to experience. In Lisbon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Lisbon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating big city of Hanoi. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Lisbon, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this picturesque big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, 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 Hanoi and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi 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 Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Lisbon?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Lisbon?

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

Should I visit Hanoi or Lisbon in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Lisbon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Lisbon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Lisbon. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi 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.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Lisbon in the Winter?

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

Hanoi is a little warmer than Lisbon in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Lisbon. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Lisbon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Lisbon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Lisbon averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Hanoi