A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Lisbon vs. Coimbra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Lisbon or Coimbra?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Coimbra? 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.

Where Should I go: Lisbon or Coimbra?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

Which city is cheaper, Coimbra or Lisbon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €105, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €82. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon €47
    Coimbra €35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon €94
    Coimbra €70
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or Coimbra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lisbon


Hotels in Coimbra


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Coimbra €8.58
Typical Local Transportation prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    €6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Óbidos Nazaré Alcobaça Batalha Fatima Private Transfer From Lisbon to Coimbra: $280
  • Transfers from/to Lisbon Airport to: Fátima Nazaré Alcobaça Óbidos Tomar Leiria: $203
  • Transfers from and to Lisbon-Algarve (Center Cities): $625
  • Transfer/Transport: $45
  • Transfer to Povoa do Varzim: $591
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Lisbon City to Airport: $18
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Lisbon City to Airport: $22
  • Transfer in Lisbon: $50
  • Transfer from Sintra-Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $84
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Óbidos (And Vice Versa): $245
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Évora (And Vice Versa): $228
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Vilamoura or Quarteira: $398

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Porto visiting Aveiro: $121
  • Transfer Lisbon visiting Fátima Sanctuary: $136
  • Transfer Coimbra/Figueira da Foz/Buçaco - Up to 7 People: $460
  • Transfer Coimbra/Figueira da Foz/Buçaco - Up to 3 People: $373
  • Private transfer from Coimbra to Lisbon: $126
  • Private Transfer From Coimbra To Lisbon Stops in Batalha Fátima Tomar Alcobaça: $280
  • Porto Private Transfer to or from Coimbra: $71
  • Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Coimbra: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Lisbon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lisbon €34
    Coimbra €38
Typical Food prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Virtual Portuguese Cooking Lesson: $31
  • Live Online Cooking Class from Pastel de Nata with Filipa: $39
  • Bohemian dinner party on a beautiful rooftop near the coast: $42
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $51
  • The magic of Pasteis de Nata cooking class in Lisbon: $53
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Lisbon: $54
  • Withlocals Your Way: Lisbon Personalised Private Food Tour: $56
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Baker: $57
  • Private Groups: Pastel de Nata cooking class and tasting in Lisbon's pastry shop: $57
  • Authentic Portuguese dinner with a local chef: $58
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $62
  • Lisbon Old Town Food Tour by Sitway: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Coimbra €14

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Évora and Arraiolos - 8 Hour Private Tour: $183
  • Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Tour from Lisbon: $82
  • 10 Days Private Tour in Portugal from Lisbon: $2,476
  • 10 Hour Private Tour: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Highlights: $213
  • 2 Day Street Art Private Tour from Lisbon: $933
  • 2 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon: $682
  • 3 Days Private Tour In Lisbon: $639
  • 3 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon: $886
  • 3 Days Private Tour. Wines and Gastronomy: $980
  • 3 days Escape in Upper Alentejo, away from the crowds , experience authenticy of POrtugal: $2,053
  • 3-Night Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Sesimbra and Arrábida: $1,086
  • 3-Night Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Óbidos, Nazaré and Fátima: $954

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Aveiro, Barra and Costa Nova Fullday Tour: $149
  • Bairrada Route Wine and Gastronomic Experience: $123
  • Batalha Alcobaca Nazaré Óbidos Private Tour Full Day With Local From Coimbra: $218
  • Batalha Fátima Tomar Alcobaca Private Tour Full Day With Local From Coimbra: $218
  • Bussaco Forest Walking Experience: $44
  • Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest Halfday Tour: $100
  • Bôa Vista | Secret Palace - Fado & Drinks Experience: $15
  • Coimbra Exclusive Walking Tour: $20
  • Coimbra Experience Walking Tour: $25
  • Coimbra Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $16
  • Coimbra Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and Mondego Cruise: $19
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon €14
    Coimbra €9.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • 3-Hour Portuguese History & Flavors Food & Wine Tour: $30
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $56
  • Christ the King and Arrábida Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $58
  • Craft Beer, Port & Wine Tour: $68
  • Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $75
  • Santuário Cristo Rei-Sesimbra-Castle Palmela-Bacalhoa Winery with wine tasting: $81
  • Full-Day Évora Wine Tour: $84
  • Wine Tasting in Lisbon: $87
  • Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting: $89
  • Wine tasting Private Day Tour ARRABIDA: $92
  • Van Private Tour Arrábida Wine Tour: $96

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Coimbra, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Coimbra.


When is the best time to visit Lisbon or Coimbra?

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 Lisbon or Coimbra in the Summer?

Both Coimbra and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the summer. The temperature in Lisbon is usually 23°C (73°F) in July, and Coimbra stays around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Coimbra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Coimbra in the Autumn?

Both Coimbra and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

In the autumn, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October are around 19°C (66°F), and Coimbra is about 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.

Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lisbon usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Coimbra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Coimbra. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Coimbra stays around 11°C (51°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Coimbra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Coimbra. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the spring. The temperature in Lisbon is usually 16°C (60°F) in April, and Coimbra stays around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Lisbon

Lisbon Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)


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