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

Should you visit Lisbon or New York City?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or New York City? 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 vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lisbon and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Lisbon. New York City is bigger than Lisbon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is better known for its theatre productions and christmas markets, while Lisbon is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Lisbon and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music.

How is Lisbon different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both New York City 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 New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Lisbon is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Lisbon is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Lisbon or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and New York City 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.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and New York City.

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.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Lisbon and New York City.

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.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a good destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. 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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, New York City does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Lisbon can be explored in its historical center. 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.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or New York City?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Lisbon and New York City.

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.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Lisbon does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Lisbon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Lisbon does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Lisbon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or New York City.

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.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Couples visit Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Lisbon or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Lisbon and New York City.

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.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Is Lisbon or New York City a more walkable city?

Lisbon and New York City are amazing 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 New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or New York City?

Both Lisbon and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Lisbon. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Lisbon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than New York City 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 New York City?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Lisbon or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

New York City 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 New York City?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. 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 New York City?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the energetic big city of New York City. 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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than New York City. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In October, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New York City. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and New York City. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. Lisbon is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than New York City. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as New York City. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lisbon is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Lisbon