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

Should you visit Lisbon or Valencia?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Valencia? 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 stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia

Valencia is a historic, architectural, and friendly coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lisbon and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Valencia?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Valencia. While Valencia is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is more popular for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Valencia is known for its resorts and hiking. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Valencia is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella).

How is Lisbon different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Valencia can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Valencia has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

The fantastic nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Valencia.

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.

Valencia is a world class party destination. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Music?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Valencia is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Valencia is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Valencia are good 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 Valencia to enjoy the beach. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Lisbon and Valencia.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. 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.

The rich history of Valencia can be explored in its historical center. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Hiking?

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

Valencia is a good destination for hiking. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Valencia?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Valencia.

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.

Valencia is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Valencia make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lisbon. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Lisbon or Valencia Better for Students?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Valencia. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

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

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.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Lisbon or Valencia a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Valencia?

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

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

Lisbon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Valencia. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Valencia?

Lisbon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valencia 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 Valencia?

Lisbon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lisbon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Valencia?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the architectural big city of Valencia. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Valencia, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Valencia, 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 Valencia?

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 Valencia in the Summer?

Both Valencia and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Valencia in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Valencia. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Valencia. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Valencia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Valencia. 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 Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Valencia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Valencia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Valencia. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Valencia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Valencia. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Valencia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Valencia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Valencia averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets less sunshine than Valencia. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Valencia. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Valencia in the Spring?

Both Valencia and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

In April, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Valencia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Valencia during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Valencia. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Lisbon