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

Should you visit Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca? 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Palma de Mallorca. Lisbon is bigger than Palma de Mallorca, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lisbon is better known for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Lisbon and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lisbon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lisbon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Nightlife?

The fantastic nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Music?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for live music. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

Lisbon is known as a music capital 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.

Palma de Mallorca has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Lisbon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lisbon. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Couples?

Lisbon is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great city to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca Better for Students?

Lisbon is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lisbon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca?

In either Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than Palma de Mallorca because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 3-5 days is enough time in Palma de Mallorca.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Lisbon is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca, 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 Palma de Mallorca?

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 Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 24°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Palma de Mallorca. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Palma de Mallorca. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.

In the spring, Lisbon is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Palma de Mallorca. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Lisbon