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

Should you visit Tokyo or Lisbon?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Lisbon? 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Tokyo and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Lisbon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Tokyo. While Tokyo is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tokyo is famous for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. 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 Tokyo different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lisbon and Tokyo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tokyo or Lisbon?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Lisbon and Tokyo.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Tokyo and Lisbon.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is first-rate in both Tokyo and Lisbon.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon Better for Music?

Tokyo and Lisbon are both destinations where visitors can find first-rate live music.

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Lisbon is a world class music destination. 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.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a popular place for the beach. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Lisbon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and Lisbon both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Lisbon is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon Better for Families?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Lisbon is 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.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Lisbon make for a high quality place to visit.

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon Better for Students?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

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

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

Tokyo and Lisbon both offer first-rate public transit to get you around.

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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.

Is Tokyo or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Tokyo and Lisbon are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Lisbon?

Both Tokyo and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lisbon than Tokyo. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Lisbon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tokyo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Tokyo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Lisbon, many people enjoy the live music and food that this stunning big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Lisbon?

Tokyo 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Lisbon?

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

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. In Lisbon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Lisbon?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

In Lisbon, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this vibrant big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Lisbon, we can see that Tokyo 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. Even though Tokyo is in Asia and Lisbon is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Lisbon?

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

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 Tokyo or Lisbon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Lisbon. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

Tokyo is a little warmer than Lisbon in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Lisbon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Lisbon. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Additionally, 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.

In the autumn, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Lisbon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Lisbon averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Lisbon. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Lisbon in the Winter?

Both Lisbon and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Lisbon during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Lisbon in the Spring?

Both Lisbon and Tokyo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Lisbon in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Lisbon. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Tokyo