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

Should you visit Lisbon or Imperia?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Imperia? 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 colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon. Although Lisbon and Imperia are popular destinations, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Lisbon different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lisbon on the map. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Lisbon or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Lisbon is a world class party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Lisbon or Imperia Better for Music?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Imperia is not a live music destination.

In Lisbon you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Imperia is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Lisbon can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Imperia?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Lisbon is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Lisbon or Imperia Better for Families?

Lisbon is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lisbon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly city. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Imperia Better for Couples?

Lisbon is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Lisbon or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Lisbon or Imperia Better for Students?

Lisbon is notable for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

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

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Lisbon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Lisbon or Imperia a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lisbon or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lisbon than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Lisbon or Imperia?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. 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 Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Imperia. This town 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Imperia?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisbon or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Imperia. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Imperia in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Imperia. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Imperia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Imperia. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Imperia. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Imperia in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Imperia. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Lisbon