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

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Should you visit Lisbon or Paris?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Paris? 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 picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

How is Lisbon different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Lisbon or Paris better for Museums and Historical Sights?

You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Paris 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.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House.


Is Lisbon or Paris better for Food?

Dining out in both Lisbon and Paris 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.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Is Lisbon or Paris better for Nightlife?

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Paris.

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.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Is Lisbon or Paris better for Music?

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

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.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires.

Is Lisbon or Paris better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Lisbon and Paris.

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.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées.


Is Lisbon or Paris better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Paris.

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.

Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Is Lisbon or Paris better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Paris make for a 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.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is Lisbon or Paris better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon and Paris are both good destinations for backpackers.

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.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Is Lisbon or Paris better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Paris are popular destinations for students.

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

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.


Is Lisbon or Paris better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Lisbon and Paris.

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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Lisbon or Paris a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Paris are similar 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.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Lisbon and Paris: Pros and Cons

Lisbon
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Paris
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Should I spend more time in Paris or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Paris?

Both Lisbon and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lisbon is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Paris is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Lisbon or Paris? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lisbon 3-7 
    Paris 3-7

One day in Lisbon or Paris?

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

A weekend in Lisbon or Paris?

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.

Paris 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 Paris?

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. 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 Paris. 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 Paris?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the beautiful big city of Paris. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Paris or Lisbon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €105, while the average daily cost in Paris is €184. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and Paris in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon €47
    Paris €121
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon €94
    Paris €242

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Paris €17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    €6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer To or From Paris: $1,709
  • Private Lisbon route: Transfers, city tour and full day Sintra w/ driver & guide: $1,680
  • Transfer 3 legs: Lisbon - Algarve - Porto - Lisbon: $1,443
  • Transfer Lisboa - Barcelona: $1,354
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Madrid (And Vice Versa): $1,300
  • Private ONE WAY transfer from Lisbon to Seville with private pick up & drop off: $1,151
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Sevilha (And Vice Versa): $1,013
  • Transfer To or From Barcelona: $989
  • Seville PRIVATE Transfer from Lisbon with 1 Optional stop in Évora: $886
  • Chauffeur LISBON Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $886
  • Lisbon to Sevile Transfer: $832
  • Full Day Transfer from Lisbon to Oporto: $809

Typical Local Transportation prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    €6.40
  • Train from Airport
    €9.00
  • Metro tickets
    €6.80
  • Train
    €20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Your private transfer from Disneyland to Paris: $53
  • Versailles Guided Tour Including Priority Access & Hotel Transfer from Paris: $159
  • VIP Airport Transfer between Orly Airport & Paris Hotel: $90
  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Paris to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's Garden: $9.57
  • Ultra - Paris Airport Transfer from City Centre to Charles de Gaulle Airport CDG: $94
  • Transfert from Paris To Airport Roissy Charles De Gaulle: $120
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Paris City to Paris Orly Airport: $44
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Paris City to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: $46
  • Transfer from Paris to Geneva or from Geneva to Paris: $1,431
  • Transfer from Paris to Beauvais Airport: $112
  • Transfer from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris - ROUND TRIP: $189
  • Transfer from Paris (any hotel) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Paris?

Prices for flights to both Paris and Lisbon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lisbon €34
    Paris €31
Typical Food prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Virtual Portuguese Cooking Lesson: $31
  • Live Online Cooking Class from Pastel de Nata with Filipa: $39
  • Bohemian dinner party on a beautiful rooftop near the coast: $42
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $51
  • The magic of Pasteis de Nata cooking class in Lisbon: $53
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Lisbon: $54
  • Withlocals Your Way: Lisbon Personalised Private Food Tour: $56
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Baker: $57
  • Private Groups: Pastel de Nata cooking class and tasting in Lisbon's pastry shop: $57
  • Authentic Portuguese dinner with a local chef: $58
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $62
  • Lisbon Old Town Food Tour by Sitway: $63

Typical Food prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    €8.00
  • Breakfast
    €7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    €30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    €86
  • Dinner
    €57
  • Cheese
    €13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $49
  • Paris River Seine Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Italian dinner on the river Seine: $61
  • Seine River Cruise with French Dinner on Champs-Elysees Avenue: $61
  • Seine River Cruise & Dinner on Champs Elysées Avenue: $62
  • Choux cooking class for kids in Paris: $62
  • Capitaine Fracasse Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Paris Small-Group Gourmet Food Tour With Optional Lunch and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Bistro Parisien Dinner and Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Combination: $75
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique Bike and Food tour in Paris !: $75
  • Romantic Cruise with 3-course Dinner on Seine River: $76
  • Fondue Cooking Party - Winter is Coming: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Paris €62

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Évora and Arraiolos - 8 Hour Private Tour: $183
  • Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Tour from Lisbon: $82
  • 10 Days Private Tour in Portugal from Lisbon: $2,476
  • 10 Hour Private Tour: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Highlights: $213
  • 2 Day Street Art Private Tour from Lisbon: $933
  • 2 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon: $682
  • 3 Days Private Tour In Lisbon: $639
  • 3 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon: $886
  • 3 Days Private Tour. Wines and Gastronomy: $980
  • 3 days Escape in Upper Alentejo, away from the crowds , experience authenticy of POrtugal: $2,053
  • 3-Night Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Sesimbra and Arrábida: $1,086
  • 3-Night Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Óbidos, Nazaré and Fátima: $954

Typical Entertainment prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    €18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    €5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    €23

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • 1 Day Private Walking Tour Of Montmartre, Latin Quarter, Champs Élysées: $180
  • 1 Day in Eiffel Tower, Cruise, City Tour, and Louvre: $139
  • 1 Hour Real time Virtual Tour in Paris: $150
  • 1 hour Sainte Chapelle- skip the line access - English or Español: $51
  • 14-day Taste of Europe Tour: France, Italy, Monaco,Switzerland,Germany and more.: $1,565
  • 15+ Top Sights Paris Tour with Fun Guide: $52
  • 180° Paris by Night Tour: Exclusively for You & Your Group: $54
  • 1:30 hours tour of Louvre museum: $261
  • 1st Day in Paris Discovery Private Tour: 'How-to' Orientation & Sightseeing Fun!: $63
  • 2 Hours Paris city center walking tour: $16
  • 2 Hours Photoshoot tours at the Eiffel tower, Trocadero, Champs de Mars and more: $423
  • 2-Day Loire Valley Castles Tour from Paris: $521

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon €14
    Paris €19

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • 3-Hour Portuguese History & Flavors Food & Wine Tour: $30
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $56
  • Christ the King and Arrábida Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $58
  • Craft Beer, Port & Wine Tour: $68
  • Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $75
  • Santuário Cristo Rei-Sesimbra-Castle Palmela-Bacalhoa Winery with wine tasting: $81
  • Full-Day Évora Wine Tour: $84
  • Wine Tasting in Lisbon: $87
  • Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting: $89
  • Wine tasting Private Day Tour ARRABIDA: $92
  • Van Private Tour Arrábida Wine Tour: $96

Typical Alcohol prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    €14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Pub Crawl in Latin Quarter: $37
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $40
  • Guided tour and wine tasting in a historic cellar in the center of Paris: $41
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $47
  • Organic wine tasting in Paris: $56
  • Wine Tasting In Paris: $83
  • Paris Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Cheese Cellar: $87
  • Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $89
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $97
  • Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese & Cured Meat Lunch with an Expert Sommelier Guide: $97
  • Paris Evening Wine Tour and Tasting: $112
  • Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $112

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Lisbon.

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Lisbon vs. Paris Travel Comparison

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