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

Should you visit Lisbon or Palermo?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Palermo? 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 colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lisbon and Palermo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Palermo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Palermo. While Palermo is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Palermo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Lisbon is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture.

How is Lisbon different from Palermo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Lisbon is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Lisbon or Palermo Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Is Lisbon or Palermo Better for Music?

Lisbon is very popular for its music scene. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Palermo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lisbon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palermo has a few good snorkeling spots. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Lisbon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lisbon or Palermo Better for Beaches?

Palermo is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Palermo is considered a top beach destination. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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 Palermo Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon has a world-famous historical 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Palermo?

Lisbon is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Is Lisbon or Palermo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Palermo.

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.

Palermo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Is Lisbon or Palermo Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Lisbon or Palermo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is very popular for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Lisbon or Palermo Better for Students?

Lisbon is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Lisbon is very popular for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Lisbon or Palermo a more walkable city?

Lisbon is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

Should I spend more time in Palermo or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Palermo?

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

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

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Palermo?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Palermo 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 Palermo?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Palermo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic destination of Palermo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Palermo?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

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 Palermo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Palermo. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Palermo in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in July than Palermo. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Palermo in the Autumn?

Both Palermo and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Palermo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Palermo averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Palermo. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

In January, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Palermo. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Palermo. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Palermo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Palermo. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Palermo in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Palermo. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palermo and Lisbon