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

Should you visit Lisbon or Naples?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Naples? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Naples?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Naples. While Naples is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Lisbon different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Naples 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.

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Lisbon or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to Lisbon just to party. 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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Lisbon or Naples Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Naples Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

Lisbon has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Lisbon is revered around 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Naples?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Lisbon or Naples Better for Families?

Lisbon is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Lisbon or Naples Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Naples make for a very 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. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Lisbon or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Lisbon or Naples Better for Students?

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

Lisbon is a great city to visit as a student. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lisbon can get you around easily. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Lisbon or Naples a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Naples. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Naples?

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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Naples?

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 Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Naples?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Naples. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Naples, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Naples. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Naples. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Naples. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lisbon is a little warmer than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Naples during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Naples. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Naples. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Naples. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Naples. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Naples in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Naples during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Naples. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Lisbon