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

Should you visit Lisbon or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Seattle? 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 colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches.

Lisbon and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon. Although Lisbon and Seattle are popular destinations, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Seattle attracts visitors for its theatre productions and hiking. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies.

How is Lisbon different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lisbon on the map. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Lisbon is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Lisbon is not a theatre destination.

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

Lisbon is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Lisbon is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Music?

Lisbon is renowned for its music scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for live music.

In Lisbon you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Seattle are nice 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 Seattle to enjoy the beach. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Lisbon is one of the most recognized in 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Seattle?

Lisbon is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Lisbon is a world class destination for shoppers. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Families?

Lisbon is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lisbon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Couples?

Lisbon is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is renowned for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Lisbon or Seattle Better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Seattle are very good 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.

Seattle is very popular with students. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Lisbon is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Lisbon has a great public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Lisbon or Seattle a more walkable city?

Lisbon is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Seattle?

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

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

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Seattle?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seattle. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the outdoorsy big city of Seattle. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisbon or Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Seattle. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Seattle. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Lisbon is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seattle. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Seattle. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seattle. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Lisbon