A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Lisbon vs. Faro for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Europe / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Lisbon or Faro?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Faro? 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 picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Faro

Faro is a active, popular, and busy resort town. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

How is Lisbon different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Lisbon or Faro better for Food?

For a nice culinary experience, head to Lisbon, which is well known for it's local dishes.

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.

Faro offers some easy restaurants to choose from. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.


Is Lisbon or Faro better for Nightlife?

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Faro.

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.

Many people head to Faro for the nightlife scene. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Lisbon or Faro better for its Old Town?

The old town area in Lisbon has more to offer.

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.

Faro is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is Lisbon or Faro better for Shopping?

Lisbon often provides a better shopping experience than Faro.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Faro. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Lisbon or Faro better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Lisbon than Faro.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars.

For families, Faro is not always the best place to visit. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.


Is Lisbon or Faro better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Faro make for a good place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Lisbon or Faro better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a more popular city for backpackers.

Lisbon is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Lisbon or Faro better for Public Transit?

Lisbon generally offers a better public transit system than Faro.

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.

While Faro offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Lisbon or Faro a more walkable city?

Lisbon is more walkable than Faro.

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.

Faro is somewhat walkable. The city's old town is particularly walkable.


Lisbon and Faro: Pros and Cons

Lisbon
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Faro
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Should I spend more time in Faro or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Faro?

In either Lisbon or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than Faro because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lisbon is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Faro is 2-5 days.


  • How many days in Lisbon or Faro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lisbon 3-7 
    Faro 2-5

One day in Lisbon or Faro?

Lisbon is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Faro?

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire area has lots to do.

Faro 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.

Five days in Lisbon or Faro?

Lisbon is a stunning big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Faro?

Lisbon is a picturesque city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Faro. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro is €130. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon €47
    Faro €59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon €94
    Faro €118

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Faro €6.90
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:

  • Transfer To or From Paris: $1,709
  • Private Lisbon route: Transfers, city tour and full day Sintra w/ driver & guide: $1,680
  • Transfer 3 legs: Lisbon - Algarve - Porto - Lisbon: $1,443
  • Transfer Lisboa - Barcelona: $1,354
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Madrid (And Vice Versa): $1,300
  • Private ONE WAY transfer from Lisbon to Seville with private pick up & drop off: $1,151
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Sevilha (And Vice Versa): $1,013
  • Transfer To or From Barcelona: $989
  • Seville PRIVATE Transfer from Lisbon with 1 Optional stop in Évora: $886
  • Chauffeur LISBON Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $886
  • Lisbon to Sevile Transfer: $832
  • Full Day Transfer from Lisbon to Oporto: $809

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Transfer to Lisbon from Algarve: $246
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Zambujeira do Mar: $228
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Vilamoura or Quarteira: $37
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Vale do Lobo or Quinta do Lago: $37
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Tavira: $56
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Porches: $62
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Ponta Grande Resort: $44
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Paraiso de Albufeira: $44
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Olhos de Água: $44
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Lagos: $87
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Isla Canela or Cristina: $109
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Huelva: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro 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
    Faro €41
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
    Faro €56

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 Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • 3 Days in BMW R nineT Scrambler Tour: $523
  • 7 Fountains Walking Tour from Faro: $118
  • 7-Day Off The Beaten Track Algarve Walk Tour: $2,687
  • 8 Days Tour - North & South of Portugal: $1,896
  • Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket: $11
  • Algarve Beauties cave Tour - Benagil cave and Marinha beach from Faro: $64
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $56
  • Algarve Private & CustomTour: $93
  • Algarve Tour: $435
  • Algarve: 2-Hour Ria Formosa Kayak Tour from Faro: $57
  • Amoreira River Kayak Tour: $50
  • Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon €14
    Faro -

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Traditional Portuguese Guitar performance with Exhibition Museum & Wine Tasting: $21

About these numbers

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

Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Sintra vs. Lisbon
Sintra vs. Faro
Setubal vs. Lisbon
Setubal vs. Faro
Portimao vs. Lisbon
Portimao vs. Faro
Peniche vs. Lisbon
Peniche vs. Faro
Lisbon vs. Lagos
Lisbon vs. Funchal
Lisbon vs. Evora
Lisbon vs. Ericeira
Lisbon vs. Albufeira
Lisbon vs. Madeira Islands
Lisbon vs. Viseu
Lisbon vs. Porto
Lisbon vs. Mangualde
Lisbon vs. Figueira da Foz
Lisbon vs. Coimbra
Lisbon vs. Braga
Lisbon vs. Aveiro
Lisbon vs. Azores
Lisbon vs. Costa de Prata
Lisbon vs. Costa Vicentina
Lisbon vs. Sintra-Cascais National Park
Lagos vs. Faro
Funchal vs. Faro
Faro vs. Evora
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Lisbon vs. Faro Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.