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

Should you visit Lisbon or Honfleur?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Honfleur? 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 vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a picturesque, scenic, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lisbon and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Honfleur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Honfleur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lisbon is more touristy than Honfleur and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Honfleur is well known for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Lisbon different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Honfleur 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 Honfleur?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lisbon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Honfleur can be an enjoyable experience.

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. 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.

Honfleur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur Better for Music?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Honfleur is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Honfleur is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is very good for its beaches. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for the beache.

Many people head to Lisbon to enjoy the beach. 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 Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Honfleur?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lisbon. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur Better for Families?

Lisbon is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Honfleur make for a great 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. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Honfleur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lisbon. 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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur Better for Students?

Lisbon is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Lisbon or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Honfleur is a very walkable city. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Honfleur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Honfleur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Honfleur. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Honfleur.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Honfleur. 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 Honfleur 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 Honfleur?

Lisbon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Honfleur. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Honfleur?

Lisbon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honfleur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Honfleur?

Lisbon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lisbon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honfleur. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Honfleur?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Honfleur. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Honfleur, we can see that Honfleur is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Honfleur?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Honfleur, 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.