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

Should you visit Lisbon or Stuttgart?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Stuttgart? 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 vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a dynamic, modern, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Stuttgart?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon. Although Lisbon and Stuttgart are popular destinations, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Stuttgart and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Stuttgart is famous for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

How is Lisbon different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Stuttgart makes for a great culinary experience. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Stuttgart is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart Better for Music?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a popular place for the beach. However, Stuttgart is not a beach destination.

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.

Stuttgart is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Stuttgart?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Stuttgart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart Better for Families?

Lisbon is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a very popular place for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stuttgart is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart Better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Stuttgart are high quality 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.

Stuttgart is very popular with students. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart 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, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Visitors to Stuttgart can move around easily with public transportation. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Is Lisbon or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Stuttgart?

It's fun to spend time in either Lisbon or Stuttgart. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lisbon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Stuttgart.

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

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 Stuttgart. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Stuttgart?

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.

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart?

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 authentic big city of Stuttgart. 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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Stuttgart?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

Both Stuttgart and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Stuttgart in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Stuttgart. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Stuttgart during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Stuttgart. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

Both Stuttgart and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lisbon is a little warmer than Stuttgart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Stuttgart. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Stuttgart. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Stuttgart in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Stuttgart. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Stuttgart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Stuttgart can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Stuttgart during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Stuttgart in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart for the activities around the city during these months.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Stuttgart in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Stuttgart. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Stuttgart. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Lisbon