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

Should you visit Wellington or Lisbon?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a laid-back, funky, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Wellington and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Lisbon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Wellington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lisbon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is known for its beaches and hiking. Wellington is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Wellington different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lisbon are world-renowned. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington 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.

Dining out in Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Lisbon is a world class party destination. 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.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Wellington is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Wellington is not a live music destination.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Wellington is considered a top beach destination. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

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.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Lisbon can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for Hiking?

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

Wellington is a good destination for hiking. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Lisbon?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Lisbon draws large crowds to its stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Lisbon.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lisbon is extremely popular 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.

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Wellington or Lisbon Better for Students?

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

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lisbon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Wellington or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Lisbon?

Both Wellington and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Wellington. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Wellington, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Wellington. 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 Wellington. 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 Wellington 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 Wellington or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wellington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Lisbon?

Wellington 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.

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Wellington or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Lisbon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Lisbon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact destination of Wellington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lisbon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wellington and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific and Lisbon is in Europe, 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 Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Wellington.

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Lisbon?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Lisbon?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Lisbon has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Lisbon in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Wellington is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wellington in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Lisbon averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wellington. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during summer. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Wellington or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon and Wellington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Also, 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 April, Wellington is generally cooler than Lisbonin October. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 15°C (58°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Lisbonin October. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lisbonin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Lisbon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Lisbon. Many travelers come to Wellington 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.

Wellington is cooler than Lisbon in the winter. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 10°C (49°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in January.

Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wellington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lisbonin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wellington or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Lisbon. Many visitors come to Wellington in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Wellington is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wellington in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Lisbon averages at about 16°C (60°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In the spring, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Lisbonin April. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in October than Lisbonin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Wellington