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

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Should you visit Lisbon or London?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or London? 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 here because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lisbon and London: Pros and Cons

Lisbon
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
London
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


How is Lisbon different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between London and Lisbon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Lisbon or London better for Museums and Historical Sights?

You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both London and Lisbon.

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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in London that are not to be missed. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum.

Lisbon
London


Is Lisbon or London better for Food?

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and London 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town.

Lisbon
London

Is Lisbon or London better for Nightlife?

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and London.

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.

London is a world class party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, Westend, Soho, and Shoreditch.

Lisbon
London

Is Lisbon or London better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Lisbon and London.

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.

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Lisbon
London

Is Lisbon or London better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Lisbon and London.

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.

London is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British experience.

Lisbon
London


Is Lisbon or London better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or London.

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.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. There are also many great playgrounds and toy stores to explore.

Lisbon
London

Is Lisbon or London better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and London make for a good 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.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway.

Lisbon
London

Is Lisbon or London better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon and London are both good destinations 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.

London is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit.

Lisbon
London

Is Lisbon or London better for Students?

Both Lisbon and London are popular destinations for 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.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Lisbon
London


Is Lisbon or London better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Lisbon and London.

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.

London has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Lisbon
London

Is Lisbon or London a more walkable city?

Lisbon and London are similar when it comes to 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.

Getting around London on foot is easy. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

Lisbon
London

Should I spend more time in London or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or London?

Both Lisbon and London have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lisbon is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to London is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Lisbon or London? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lisbon 3-7 
    London 2-7

One day in Lisbon or London?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of London. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or London?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

London 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 London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or London?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the global big city of London. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Which city is cheaper, London or Lisbon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €105, while the average daily cost in London is €168. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon €47
    London €105
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon €94
    London €210

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    London €24
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:

  • Transfer To or From Paris: $1,709
  • Private Lisbon route: Transfers, city tour and full day Sintra w/ driver & guide: $1,680
  • Transfer 3 legs: Lisbon - Algarve - Porto - Lisbon: $1,443
  • Transfer Lisboa - Barcelona: $1,354
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Madrid (And Vice Versa): $1,300
  • Private ONE WAY transfer from Lisbon to Seville with private pick up & drop off: $1,151
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Sevilha (And Vice Versa): $1,013
  • Transfer To or From Barcelona: $989
  • Seville PRIVATE Transfer from Lisbon with 1 Optional stop in Évora: $886
  • Chauffeur LISBON Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $886
  • Lisbon to Sevile Transfer: $832
  • Full Day Transfer from Lisbon to Oporto: $809

Typical Local Transportation prices in London

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


  • Taxi Ride
    €17
  • Heathrow Express
    €21
  • Luggage Storage
    €9.25
  • London Map
    €1.49
  • Oyster Card
    €41
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    €25
  • Oyster Card
    €31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • private transfers from London to Heathrow airport: $167
  • private transfer shopping trip from London to Bicester village wr (8 hours): $745
  • private transfer from central london to city airport: $186
  • Warner Bros Studio Private Executive return Transfer from London: $214
  • VIP Departure Transfer from London Center to Heathrow Airport: $113
  • Ultra - London Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Heathrow Airport LHR: $8.71
  • Ultra - London Airport Transfer from City Centre to London Gatwick Airport LGW: $8.71
  • Transfer to the Cruise ports from your London accommodation: $67
  • Transfer in private vehicle from London City to London Airport (LHR): $51
  • Transfer in private vehicle from London City Center to Heathrow Airport: $56
  • Transfer in private car from London City to London-Gatwick Airport (LGW): $68
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from London City Center to Gatwick Airport: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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 €34
    London €33
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:

  • Virtual Portuguese Cooking Lesson: $31
  • Live Online Cooking Class from Pastel de Nata with Filipa: $39
  • Bohemian dinner party on a beautiful rooftop near the coast: $42
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $51
  • The magic of Pasteis de Nata cooking class in Lisbon: $53
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Lisbon: $54
  • Withlocals Your Way: Lisbon Personalised Private Food Tour: $56
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Baker: $57
  • Private Groups: Pastel de Nata cooking class and tasting in Lisbon's pastry shop: $57
  • Authentic Portuguese dinner with a local chef: $58
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $62
  • Lisbon Old Town Food Tour by Sitway: $63

Typical Food prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    €15
  • Tea
    €6.94
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    €45
  • Morning Tea
    €7.34
  • Pastry
    €5.78
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    €21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Nepalese Momos Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Private Cooking Class with a London Cookbook Author: $87
  • BYOB Pizza Workshop Supper Club: $91
  • Private Cooking Class in Central London with a Food Expert: $150
  • South London Food Tour With A Local: Borough Market, Southbank & London Bridge: $150
  • Borough Market Visit & Cooking Class in Central London with a Food Professional: $164
  • 3.5-Hour Shoreditch Street Food Tour: $261
  • Private Food Tour, Cooking Class and Market Visit in London with a Food Expert: $315

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    London €30

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

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

  • Évora and Arraiolos - 8 Hour Private Tour: $183
  • Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Tour from Lisbon: $82
  • 10 Days Private Tour in Portugal from Lisbon: $2,476
  • 10 Hour Private Tour: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Highlights: $213
  • 2 Day Street Art Private Tour from Lisbon: $933
  • 2 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon: $682
  • 3 Days Private Tour In Lisbon: $639
  • 3 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon: $886
  • 3 Days Private Tour. Wines and Gastronomy: $980
  • 3 days Escape in Upper Alentejo, away from the crowds , experience authenticy of POrtugal: $2,053
  • 3-Night Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Sesimbra and Arrábida: $1,086
  • 3-Night Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Óbidos, Nazaré and Fátima: $954

Typical Entertainment prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    €96
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    €40
  • London Pass
    €54
  • Comedy Show
    €9.25

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $21
  • 'The Crown' Film Locations Private Car Tour: $370
  • 007 James Bond's London Private Half Day Tour: $690
  • 007 James Bond's London Private Half Day Tour: $690
  • 1066 Battle of Hastings Private Tour: $435
  • 1066 Battle of Hastings, Birling Gap and Seven Sisters Tour: $2,005
  • 1066 Battle of Hastings, Birling Gap and Seven Sisters Tour: $2,005
  • 12 Angry Guests: The Online Jury Experience: $11
  • 3-Day Devon and Cornwall Small-Group Tour: In Search of King Arthur: $743
  • 3-Day Tour from Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath and the South West Coast: $851
  • 3.5-Hour Small-Group Food Tasting Tour of Royal London: $98
  • 4 HR Private Tour Churchill War Rooms and Kensington Palace (Private Guide): $844

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon €14
    London €14

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

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

  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • 3-Hour Portuguese History & Flavors Food & Wine Tour: $30
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $56
  • Christ the King and Arrábida Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $58
  • Craft Beer, Port & Wine Tour: $68
  • Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $75
  • Santuário Cristo Rei-Sesimbra-Castle Palmela-Bacalhoa Winery with wine tasting: $81
  • Full-Day Évora Wine Tour: $84
  • Wine Tasting in Lisbon: $87
  • Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting: $89
  • Wine tasting Private Day Tour ARRABIDA: $92
  • Van Private Tour Arrábida Wine Tour: $96

Sample the Local Flavors in London

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

  • The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl: $27
  • Camden Pub Crawl with Drinks: $27
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $35
  • Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario: $101
  • Gin Palace Crawl with Distillery Tour & Tastings: $107
  • English Sparkling Wine Tours from London: $392
  • Private London Pub History and Brewery (Full Day Tour): $621
  • Private visit to Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Stonehenge: $851

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and London, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Lisbon.


When is the best time to visit Lisbon or London?

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 London in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and London. 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 London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is a little warmer than London in the summer. The temperature in Lisbon is usually 23°C (73°F) in July, and London stays around 18°C (64°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than London during summer. At this time of the year, Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than London. At this time of the year, Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    London 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or London in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as London. 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 London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is much warmer than London. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October are around 19°C (66°F), and London is about 12°C (53°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 London. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than London. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    London 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or London in the Winter?

Both London 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 London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

London can be very cold during winter. In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than London. Temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and London stays around 4°C (40°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. At this time of the year, Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than London. At this time of the year, Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    London 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or London in the Spring?

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

Lisbon is much warmer than London in the spring. The temperature in Lisbon is usually 16°C (60°F) in April, and London stays around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than London. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than London. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    London 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for London and Lisbon

Lisbon London
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)


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Lisbon vs. London Travel Comparison

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