Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Lisbon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLisbon €131Coimbra €103
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €103. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLisbon €58Coimbra €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLisbon €116Coimbra €88
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lisbon €24Coimbra €11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
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Taxi Ride€6.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- sintra private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $152
- mapeTOUR Transfers from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon: $84
- lisbon private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $39
- Transfers in Lisbon Center To and from the Airport : $45
- Transfers from/to Lisbon Airport to: Fátima / Nazaré / Alcobaça..: $266
- Transfer to Sintra, Cascais, Estoril from Lisbon: $89
- Transfer to Setubal (not Troia or Comporta) from Lisbon: $56
- Transfer to Porto from Lisbon: $466
- Transfer to Porto Covo from Lisbon: $233
- Transfer to Peniche /Amoreira / Baleal from Lisbon: $226
- Transfer to Loulé from Lisbon: $299
- Transfer to Lisbon from Lisbon Airport: $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $148
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $160
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $150
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
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Food Meals for one dayLisbon €42Coimbra €48
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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:
- Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $29
- Food Tour: Portuguese wine & Tapas with Ginjinha Tasting: $39
- Legendary Beer Dinner: $54
- Lisbon Fado Experience: Walking Tour, Dinner and Live Music Show: $55
- Original Morning Food Tour: $64
- Lisbon Guided Food Crawl with Dinner: $72
- Lisbon Food Crawl with Dinner: $72
- Lisbon Original Morning Food Tour by Food Lover Tour: $73
- Indie Food Tour: $77
- E-Bike Food Tour of Alfama and Old Town Lisbon: $77
- Hands on Portuguese Cooking Class in Lisbon: $78
- Traditional Portuguese Dinner Reinvented For Vegetarians: $78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lisbon €24Coimbra €18
Tours and Activities in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $247
- Lisbon Essential Walking Tour: History, Stories and Lifestyle: $28
- Private Walking Tour - Wandering Around Lisbon: $95
- Private Walking Tour in Belém: $87
- Saint George Castle Guided Tour from Lisbon: $35
- Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $123
- Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Coast with Tickets from Lisbon: $67
- from Sintra half-day sightseeing tour: $178
- Évora & Surroundings (Cork Factory Visit Included) Private Tour: $248
- Évora Private Tour: $240
- Évora and Reguengos de Monsaraz Private Tour: $262
- Évora's Timeless Trail Day Tour | Premium Private Experience : $134
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $203
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $122
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $71
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $78
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $78
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $133
- Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $78
- Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours: $122
- Coimbra Gardens: A Walking Photography Experience: $37
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $258
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLisbon €18Coimbra €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
- Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $21
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: $22
- Pub Crawl Lisbon: $28
- Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $39
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $55
- Wine Tasting Workshop in Lisboa: $55
- 2H Wine Tasting and Painting in an Art Studio: $64
- Craft Beer, Port & Wine Tour: $70
- Wine Tasting and Culture: $70
- Lisbon Tour to Setúbal, Mountains and Sea, with Wine Tasting: $71
- Lisbon Private Wine Tasting Experience: $72
- Lisbon Tour to Setúbal, Mountains and Sea, with Wine Tasting: $73
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $67
- Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $182
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $216
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lisbon Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Coimbra?
Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Coimbra, 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 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 beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Lisbon is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Coimbra fluctuates 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLisbon 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 average around 19°C (66°F), and Coimbra averages at 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLisbon 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. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Coimbra fluctuates 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLisbon 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 beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Lisbon is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Coimbra fluctuates 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLisbon 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.