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

Should you visit Lisbon or Venice?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Venice? 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 because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Lisbon and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Venice. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lisbon is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Venice attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Lisbon and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Lisbon different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Venice 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 Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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

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

Lisbon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Lisbon or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

People head to Lisbon just to party. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Lisbon or Venice Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Venice Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is very good for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Lisbon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Venice Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Lisbon and Venice.

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 Venice can be explored in its historical center. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Venice?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Lisbon and Venice.

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.

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Is Lisbon or Venice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Venice.

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.

Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Lisbon or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Couples visit Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Lisbon or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Venice 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Lisbon or Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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 Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Lisbon and Venice.

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.

Venice has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Is Lisbon or Venice a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Venice are world-class when it comes to 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.

Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Venice?

Both Lisbon and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lisbon than Venice. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Venice. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Venice 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 Venice?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. 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 Venice?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Venice 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Venice?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Venice?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Venice. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Venice during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Venice. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°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 Venice. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Venice. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Venice. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Venice. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Lisbon