A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisbon or Havana?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Havana? 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Lisbon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, while the average daily cost in Havana is €61. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 58
    Havana 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 116
    Havana 76
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or Havana? 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 Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Havana 18
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:

  • Airport Private Transfer to Óbidos | Caldas da Rainha: $56
  • Airport Private Transfer to Costa da Caparica | Almada | Aroeira: $33
  • Airport Private Transfer to Ericeira | Torres Vedras | Campo Real: $55
  • Airport Private Transfer to Lisbon: $23
  • Airport Transfer - Lisbon: $60
  • Airport Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Business Car: $66
  • Airport Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Luxury Van: $95
  • Airport Transfer: Lisbon to Lisbon Airport LIS in Business Car: $66
  • Arrábida Snorkeling Adventure with Transfer from Lisbon: $87
  • Arrival Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Luxury Van: $94
  • Cascais transfer: Private Transfer to/from Cascais or Lisbon: $59
  • Departure Transfer: Lisbon to Lisbon Airport LIS in Business Car: $65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    0.63

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 42
    Havana 9.53
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:

  • Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
  • Tapas Food Tour: $38
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $53
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $54
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $54
  • Cooking Pastel de Nata with a glass of wine !: $54
  • Legendary Beer Dinner: $54
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $55
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
  • Original Morning Food Tour: $64

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Havana 10

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

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

  • See Lisbon Through the Eyes of a Local - Free Walking Tour: $1.08
  • Lisbon Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.12
  • Belém Unveiled: A Free Tour Through the Age of Discoveries: $1.29
  • Alfama Walking Tour Lisbon: $3.26
  • Tower of Saint George’s Castle Church Ticket & Drink: $5.38
  • Wonders of Lisbon Walking Tour: $5.38
  • Lisbon Cathedral Entry Ticket: $5.38
  • Graça Church Entry Ticket with Drink on the Terrace: $5.38
  • Lisbon Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.38
  • Lisbon Walking Tour: $5.38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Príncipe Real to Downtown Lisbon: $5.53
  • Príncipe Real to Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Havana 5.37

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

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

  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $17
  • Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
  • Pub Crawl Lisbon - 1 Hour of Unlimited Beer and Sangria and more!: $19
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $22
  • Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
  • Pub Crawl Walking Tour with Shots and Drinking Games: $22
  • Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
  • Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    0.14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Havana, 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 Havana?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Lisbon is cooler than Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Havana. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Havana. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Lisbon is cooler than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Havana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Havana. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In January, Lisbon is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Lisbon is much colder than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Havana. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Lisbon

Lisbon Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)