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

Should you visit Lisbon or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint-Etienne? 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Lisbon and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lisbon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking. Lisbon is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Lisbon different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Lisbon or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Lisbon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Lisbon has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for Music?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Saint-Etienne?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Lisbon is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Lisbon is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Lisbon is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Lisbon is top-notch. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Lisbon or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lisbon or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lisbon than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Saint-Etienne?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Saint-Etienne. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°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 Saint-Etienne. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint-Etienne. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint-Etienne. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Lisbon