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

Should you visit Lisbon or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Pisa? 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Pisa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Pisa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Lisbon different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lisbon are world-renowned. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Lisbon is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Lisbon or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Lisbon is a must-see party destination. 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.

Pisa offers plenty to do in the evening. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Lisbon or Pisa Better for Music?

Lisbon is terrific for its live music scene. However, Pisa is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Lisbon. 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.

Pisa is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Pisa Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Pisa are good choices.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Lisbon or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Lisbon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Pisa?

Lisbon is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Lisbon draws large crowds to its stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Lisbon or Pisa Better for Families?

Lisbon is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lisbon is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Lisbon or Pisa Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Lisbon is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lisbon is extremely popular 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.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Lisbon or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

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

Lisbon is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Lisbon or Pisa a more walkable city?

Lisbon is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Pisa?

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

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

Lisbon is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

Lisbon is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. 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 Pisa?

Lisbon is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the classic destination of Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Pisa, 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 Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Pisa?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Pisa. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Pisa. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Pisa. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Pisa. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Pisa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Lisbon usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Pisa. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Lisbon