A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Playa de las Americas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisbon or Playa de las Americas?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa de las Americas? 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.

Where Should I go: Lisbon or Playa de las Americas?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

Playa de las Americas

If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Lisbon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is €195. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and Playa de las Americas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 58
    Playa de las Americas 115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 116
    Playa de las Americas 230
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Playa de las Americas

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or Playa de las Americas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lisbon


Hotels in Playa de las Americas


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Playa de las Americas 56
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:

  • Lisbon to Seville private transfer one way max 6 persons: $738
  • Full Day Tour - Transfer to Porto from Lisbon with Stops: $722
  • Full Day Tour - Transfer to Algarve from Lisbon with Stops: $668
  • From Private Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley: $642
  • Lisboa - Porto Private Transfer, with 2 visits on the way: $631
  • One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Lagos: $588
  • One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Faro: $588
  • From the Algarve to Lisbon; Guided transfer with extra Wow!: $556
  • To/From the Lisbon Airport: Faro Private Transfer: $535
  • One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Albufeira: $535
  • One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport and Portimão: $535
  • Private Transfer Porto > Lisbon with stop Nazaré & Óbidos: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Playa de las Americas?

Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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 42
    Playa de las Americas 45
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:

  • Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
  • Tapas Food Tour: $42
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $53
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
  • Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
  • Original Morning Food Tour: $63
  • Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $70
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Playa de las Americas 30

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

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

  • Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $217
  • 2-Hour Night Sailing Tour in Lisbon with a Drink: $49
  • Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $164
  • Lisbon Full Day Small Group City Tour: $71
  • Lisbon by Heart Private Walking Tour: $65
  • Saint George Castle Guided Tour from Lisbon: $34
  • Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $120
  • Street Art Walking Tour in Lisbon - Parque das Nações: $16
  • Évora Private Tour - Cork Factory and Wine Estate Included: $245
  • Évora Tour - Évora Town and Surroundings Private Tour: $243
  • Évora Tour - The heart of Alentejo region: $104
  • Évora Unveiled: A Half-Day Discovery| Premium Private Experience : $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Playa de las Americas 8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

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

  • Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
  • Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
  • Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $43


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


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Playa de las Americas?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?

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 Playa de las Americas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Playa de las Americas. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa de las Americas this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Playa de las Americas during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Playa de las Americas. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisbon is cooler than Playa de las Americas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa de las Americas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Playa de las Americas. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?

Both Playa de las Americas and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lisbon is much colder than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than Playa de las Americas during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?

Both Playa de las Americas and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lisbon is generally cooler than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Playa de las Americas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Playa de las Americas. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Lisbon

Lisbon Playa de las Americas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)