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

Should you visit Lisbon or Boston?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Boston? 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lisbon and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Boston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Boston, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lisbon is better known for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Boston is more popular for its theatre productions, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities.

How is Lisbon different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Boston and Lisbon.

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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Boston that are not to be missed. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Lisbon is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Lisbon is not a theatre destination.

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Boston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Music?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

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.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a good destination for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. 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.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Lisbon and Boston.

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.

The rich history of Boston can be explored in its historical center. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Boston?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lisbon is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Lisbon does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Boston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Lisbon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Lisbon does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Lisbon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Families?

Boston 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, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Lisbon or Boston Better for Couples?

Lisbon is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Lisbon or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Lisbon and Boston.

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.

Boston has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is Lisbon or Boston a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Boston are amazing when it comes to 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.

Getting around Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Boston?

In either Lisbon or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than Boston because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Boston 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 Lisbon or Boston?

Lisbon 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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Boston. 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.

A weekend in Lisbon or Boston?

Lisbon 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.

Boston is a great place to explore. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Boston?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Lisbon or Boston?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the loyal big city of Boston. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon is in Europe and Boston is in North America, 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 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Lisbon Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Boston, 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 Lisbon or Boston?

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 Lisbon or Boston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Boston. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Boston. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In October, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. Lisbon is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Boston. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Boston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Boston. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lisbon is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Boston. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Lisbon