Travel Budget for Lagos Visit Lagos on a Budget or Travel in Style

Lagos, Distrito de Faro, Portugal

Lagos is an adventure-filled resort town known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Lagos, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Lagos?

You should plan to spend around $129 (€118) per day on your vacation in Lagos. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $37 (€34) on meals
  • $34 (€31) on local transportation
  • $134 (€123) on hotels

A one week trip to Lagos for two people costs, on average, $1,805 (€1,652). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $129
    118
  • One Week Per person
    $903
    826
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,805
    1,652
  • One Month Per person
    $3,868
    3,540
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,805
    1,652
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,611
    3,304
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,737
    7,080
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lagos cost?

A one week trip to Lagos usually costs around $903 (€826) for one person and $1,805 (€1,652) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Lagos on average costs around $1,805 (€1,652) for one person and $3,611 (€3,304) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lagos will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Lagos on average costs around $3,868 (€3,540) for one person and $7,737 (€7,080) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Lagos expensive to visit?

Lagos is a terrific resort town that brings in many travelers, showcasing a range of travel styles and spending choices. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

You can find Lagos to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $58 (€52) per day, mid-range travelers spend $132 (€118) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $254 (€228) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lagos.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lagos is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Montpellier or Viseu.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lagos Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Lagos?

The average Lagos trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lagos travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lagos cost?

Lagos on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$29
(27)
$67
(61)
$128
(117)
Local Transportation 1 $15
(13)
$34
(31)
$64
(59)
Food 2 $16
(15)
$37
(34)
$74
(68)
Entertainment 1 $13
(12)
$29
(26)
$55
(51)
Alcohol 2 $2-5
(1-4)
$4-11
(3-10)
$7-21
(6-19)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Lagos with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.

Who are Budget Travelers?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $58 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Lagos, like Rising Cock Party Hostel, Top City Hostel & Suites, and Cloud 9 Hostel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking. For visitors to Lagos, food is often a highlight, but budget travelers frequently choose street food or cook in their hostels, which may limit their experience of the local culinary delights.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most tourists in Lagos are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $132 per person, per day.

There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Lagos. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda is a good kid-friendly option, and Uma Casa a Beira Sol is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Lagos here.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $254 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the resort town, prepare for a pricier experience. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Tour to Sagres - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Lagos

The cost of hotels in Lagos can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $93, but peak season (summer) average prices jump to $174. Overall, prices range from $52 to $356. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Lagos for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $134 (€123). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $67 (€61) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $67
    61
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $134
    123

Hotels in Lagos

Looking for a hotel in Lagos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Lagos

The average hotel room price in Lagos based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $93 in the low season and $174 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lagos include:

  • Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda starting at $209
  • Lagos Avenida Hotel starting at $119
  • Hotel Marina Rio starting at $98
  • Lagos Atlantic Hotel starting at $75
  • Aldeia Azul Resort starting at $90
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Lagos

In a family-friendly place like Lagos, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children.

In this resort town, you'll find a range of resorts to consider. You could find a place that provides meals, or at least breakfast, and many resorts feature onsite eateries.

If you're spending up to a week in Lagos, getting a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you save money by letting you prepare some of your own meals.

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid summer), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Lagos

Lagos does not has a good public transit system. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Regrettably, the resort town lacks walkability. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $34 (€31) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lagos. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lagos is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $34
    31

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Portugal Taxi and Airport Transfer for $133 details
  • Private Transfer from Lagos to Faro (FAO) Airport for $147 details
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Lisbon, Local English Speaking Driver for $270 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Lagos
How much does it cost to go to Lagos? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Lagos
The price of renting a car in Lagos will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Lagos

The food in Lagos is terrific, and you should make sure to take time to taste all of the local flavors. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Lagos can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lagos is $37 (€34) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $37
    34

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lagos is around $38 (€34) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $75. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Lagos are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $11
  • Lunch: $6 to $15
  • Dinner: $11 to $26
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

Being a little town on the sea, Lagos is known to be abundant in fresh fish and seafood. Sea bass, prawns, razor clams, scabbard fish, and more can all be found served grilled, in seafood stews, or in flavorful risottos. You can even have fresh oysters on a bed of ice and garnished with lemon. Other local specialties include squid stuffed with a spicy ham and sausage mixture called lulas recheadas, a dried salted cod called bacalhau, as well as an octopus salad. Beyond seafood, meat dishes are also available including items like frango piri-piri (chicken in a fiery pepper sauce), bife de vazia (sirloin steak) or costeletas de borrego (lamb chops). Accompanying each meal it is common to indulge in some of the local wines of Lagos, both red and white, produced locally. And then for dessert, try one of the honey cakes (morgados) made with figs and almonds or the ‘Dom Rodrigos,' a sweet cinnamon-flavored confection.

As far as where to eat goes, the town center has restaurants, cafes, and bars down every street and in every square. You can find anything from traditional Portuguese cuisine to Mediterranean, Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Thai. There is also a good selection of bars and restaurants down by the Lagos marina.

Food in Lagos

Food & Dining Tips

When dining out with children, prioritize restaurants with a kids' menu. This can help you save a fair amount of money, as those options are typically less expensive. Some eateries might not showcase kids' meals on their menus, so it's a good idea to check with the waiter.

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Enjoy the scenery and save some money by preparing a picnic. Head to a local grocery store or market, select some fresh goodies, and find a picturesque park or spot to enjoy your meal.

Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Lagos, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Portuguese Cooking Class in Portimao with a Local Family for $124 details
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Experience Authentic Algarve Cuisine for $110 details
  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos for $99 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lagos

Tourists are naturally attracted to Lagos due to its resorts, beaches, family-friendly activities, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lagos typically cost an average of $29 (€26) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $29
    26

The town of Lagos has a full range of sights to see, starting at the town center with traditional architecture, cobbled streets, and lively traditional colors of the region. From here, visitors can explore, shopping and dining to their heart's content. The ornate 18th-century church of Igreja de Santo António is another worthwhile attraction, sitting right across from the Castelo dos Governadores, a castle with a baroque facade and watchtowers. There is also plenty to see during the morning hours at the harbor and fish markets.

Moving out towards the cliffs, Ponta da Piedade is a beautiful spot with a lighthouse from where you can make boat tours to the natural caves down below in the Atlantic waters. And then there are the beaches, great spots to relax down by the shore, soak up the sun, and dive into refreshing ocean waves. Praia da Batata is one of the more popular beaches located right across the main road, though there are many coves worth exploring. Camilla Beach is also popular as is Meia Praia which is renowned as one of the best beaches in the region, widespread with easy access to beach bars.



Beyond the shopping, dining, and sight-seeing that can be found at the heart of Lagos, there are also many other activities to get out and about in the seaside city. You can rent surfboards and hit the waves, or rent mountain bikes and pedal to the highest point of the region. Sailing and boat trips are also popular for travelers in Lagos, as are water activities like dolphin tours, kite surfing, sea kayaking, and diving trips. The beaches are always there for vacationers to enjoy, as are opportunities to see caves, cliffs, and grottos by boat tour. There is even a zoo in Lagos with a picnic area, playgrounds, and a full range of animals perfect for any family outing.

Sightseeing Tips

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in LagosScuba diving attracts numerous enthusiasts in Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Beaches:
Beaches in LagosBeach relaxation draws many visitors to Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Hiking:
Hiking in LagosThere are some terrific hiking paths around Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

A nice way to explore destinations in Lagos is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes for $72 details
  • Private Boat Tour: Ponta da Piedade Grottos and Caves in Lagos for $277 details
  • Paragliding Algarve Experience for $144 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Lagos

In Lagos, nightlife is a lively affair, and visitors often spend their nights out at the various local bars, clubs, and parties. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $7.42 (€6.79) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lagos per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $7.42
    6.79

Nightlife in Lagos

Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Lagos. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos for $66 details
  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas for $44 details
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting for $87 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Lagos

  • During summer, the resort town can get crowded and prices can rise significantly. To save money and enjoy a quieter experience, consider planning your visit for the shoulder or low seasons.
  • As Lagos is large, you can usually find a variety of price ranges for everything including hotels, food, and activities. You can save money by shopping around, booking ahead, and taking advantage of free things to do.
  • By opting for a more leisurely travel pace, you can save money while enjoying the area's beauty. If you try to squeeze too many activities into your schedule, expenses can climb quickly. On the other hand, slowing down often allows for a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Many visitors come for the amazing scuba diving around Lagos. This can get expensive and there's not much wiggle room to help you save money. Dive trips, equipment rentals, and boating excursions might be a major part of your trip's budget. Also, double check your travel insurance to make sure it covers everything, including accidents or weather cancellations.
  • Lagos has limited options for public transportation. You might want to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
Traveling in Lagos
Lagos Lagos, Portugal

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.



Neighborhoods & Around

As mentioned before, the town centre of Lagos is where the heart of the experience begins. Every alley and every square is enveloped in charming architecture and cobbled streets all lined with endless opportunities for shopping and dining. With southern Portugal being known for is ceramics, one can find just about every price range, style, and color available. Cork is also a famous Portuguese item, so you will also come across a full range of cork products from coasters and placemats to shoes, hats, handbags, and more. There are a full range of shops to get lost in, delicacies to indulge in, and old world architecture to admire - each adding to the attractive ambiance of Lagos.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.