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

Should you visit Lisbon or Miami?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Miami? 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Lisbon and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Miami?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Miami. Lisbon is bigger than Miami, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lisbon is better known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Miami is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Miami is more touristy than Lisbon and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Lisbon different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Miami 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.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Is Lisbon or Miami Better for Nightlife?

The world-class nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Miami.

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.

Miami is a world class party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Is Lisbon or Miami Better for Music?

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

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.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Is Lisbon or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Lisbon is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Is Lisbon or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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 Miami Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Miami does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Miami?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Lisbon and Miami.

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.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Is Lisbon or Miami Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Miami.

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.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Lisbon or Miami Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Miami 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 Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Lisbon or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Lisbon or Miami Better for Students?

Lisbon is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lisbon is top-notch. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Lisbon or Miami a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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.

Miami is a very walkable city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Miami?

Both Lisbon and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lisbon than Miami. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Miami. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami 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.

Five days in Lisbon or Miami?

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Miami?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the bustling big city of Miami. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Miami, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon is in Europe and Miami is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami than you might in Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Miami?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is cooler than Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Miami. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Miami. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Miami. 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. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Lisbon is generally cooler than Miami. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than Miami during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Miami. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Miami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Miami. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Lisbon is much colder than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the winter, Lisbon often gets less sunshine than Miami. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Miami. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lisbon is much colder than Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than Miami during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Miami. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Miami and Lisbon