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

Should you visit Lisbon or Sao Paulo?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Sao Paulo? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to Lisbon because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Lisbon travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a dynamic, vibrant, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Lisbon and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Sao Paulo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Sao Paulo. While Sao Paulo is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene.

How is Lisbon different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Sao Paulo 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Sao Paulo that are not to be missed. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

The fantastic nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Sao Paulo.

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.

Sao Paulo is a world class party destination. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Sao Paulo is not a live music destination.

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. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Sao Paulo is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Lisbon has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lisbon is revered around the world. 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.

Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Sao Paulo?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Lisbon and Sao Paulo.

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.

Sao Paulo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lisbon because of it's amazing beauty. With its bright colors and dramatic hills, many people consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many spectacular viewpoints that look out over the city.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

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

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.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a great city for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Lisbon is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for students. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

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

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Lisbon and Sao Paulo.

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.

Sao Paulo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Is Lisbon or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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.

Sao Paulo is very walkable. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Sao Paulo. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Sao Paulo?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

Lisbon is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lisbon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant big city of Sao Paulo. 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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Sao Paulo, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon is in Europe and Sao Paulo is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Lisbon has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Lisbon or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Lisbon or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Sao Paulo. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lisbon is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Lisbon or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Lisbon is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Lisbon or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

Lisbon is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Lisbon