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

Should you visit Lisbon or Korcula?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Korcula? 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 stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Korcula

Korcula is a laid back, historic, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Lisbon and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon. Although Lisbon and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Lisbon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lisbon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Korcula is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Korcula is popular for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting.

How is Lisbon different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Korcula. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

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

Lisbon is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Korcula has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Lisbon is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Music?

Lisbon is renowned for its live music scene. However, Korcula is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Lisbon 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.

Korcula is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Korcula is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lisbon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Korcula has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Lisbon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Korcula is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Korcula is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

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.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is renowned for its old town. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Lisbon is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Korcula. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Korcula?

Lisbon is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Korcula has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Korcula.

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. 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.

Korcula is a very family-friendly place to visit. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Korcula make for a excellent 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 Korcula frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is renowned for backpackers. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Korcula. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Lisbon or Korcula Better for Students?

Lisbon is a great destination for students. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

It's common for students to visit Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

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

Lisbon is renowned for its public transit. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lisbon has a great public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

While Korcula offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Is Lisbon or Korcula a more walkable city?

Lisbon is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Korcula is a somewhat walkable city. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

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

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Korcula. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Korcula. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

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

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 food when visiting the destination of Korcula. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Korcula?

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.

Korcula 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Korcula?

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 laid back destination of Korcula. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Korcula?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Korcula for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lisbon is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Korcula. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Korcula in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Korcula. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Korcula because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Korcula. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Korcula in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Korcula. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In the winter, Lisbon is a little warmer than Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Korcula. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Korcula. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Korcula in the Spring?

Both Korcula and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Korcula during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Korcula. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Korcula and Lisbon