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

Should you visit Lisbon or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Limerick? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Limerick?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Limerick. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lisbon is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Limerick is famous for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Lisbon different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

Lisbon is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lisbon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Lisbon or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Lisbon is a must-see 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Lisbon or Limerick Better for Music?

Lisbon is terrific for its music scene. However, Limerick is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Limerick is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Limerick Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is very good for the beach. However, Limerick is not a beach destination.

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.

Limerick is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Limerick?

Lisbon is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Lisbon or Limerick Better for Families?

Lisbon is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Lisbon or Limerick Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Lisbon is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Lisbon or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Lisbon or Limerick Better for Students?

Lisbon is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Lisbon is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lisbon can take you anywhere. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Lisbon or Limerick a more walkable city?

Lisbon is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lisbon or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lisbon than Limerick 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 Limerick.

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Limerick. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick. 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 Limerick?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Limerick. 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Limerick?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisbon or Limerick in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Limerick. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Limerick in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Limerick. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Limerick. 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. Additionally, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Limerick averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Limerick. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

Lisbon is much warmer than Limerick in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Limerick. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Lisbon