Lisbon is a colorful city known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. 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. This will help you plan the best trip to Lisbon and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Lisbon?
A typical traveler spends $195 (€167) per day on a trip to Lisbon. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Lisbon based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $86 (€73) on meals
- $29 (€25) on local transportation
- $148 (€126) on hotels
A one-week trip to Lisbon for two people costs, on average, $2,731 (€2,338). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,366
€1,169
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,731
€2,338
-
One Month
Per person
$5,853
€5,010
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,731
€2,338
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,462
€4,676
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,705
€10,020
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lisbon cost?
A one week trip to Lisbon usually costs around $1,366 (€1,169) for one person and $2,731 (€2,338) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lisbon on average costs around $2,731 (€2,338) for one person and $5,462 (€4,676) 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 Lisbon will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lisbon on average costs around $5,853 (€5,010) for one person and $11,705 (€10,020) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lisbon expensive to visit?
In Lisbon, budget travelers spend $84 (€73) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $192 (€167) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $447 (€389) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Lisbon.
Lisbon is a large and exciting city where activities abound. You'll meet travelers with all kinds of budgets and styles, each finding their own way to enjoy this fantastic spot. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Lisbon can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lisbon is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Howth or Finale Ligure.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lisbon Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lisbon?
The average Lisbon trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lisbon travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lisbon cost?
Lisbon on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$30
(€25)
|
$74
(€63)
|
$178
(€153)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$11
(€9.62)
|
$29
(€25)
|
$78
(€67)
|
|
Food2
|
$35
(€30)
|
$86
(€73)
|
$201
(€172)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$11
(€9.34)
|
$28
(€24)
|
$74
(€63)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-13
(€4-11)
|
$11-32
(€9-27)
|
$23-70
(€20-60)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Lisbon on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $84 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Thankfully, Lisbon features plenty of hostels, such as Yes! Lisbon Hostel, Home Lisbon Hostel, and Living Lounge Hostel. At hostels like this, you can find economical dorm beds and a great social atmosphere, although amenities might be quite sparse. Additionally, the city has a strong public transit network, helping budget travelers dodge the expenses of taxis or rideshares. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Lisbon, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Lisbon will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $192 per person, per day.
In Lisbon, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Portugal Boutique Hotel is a great choice for families, and Solar do Castelo - Lisbon Heritage Collection is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Lisbon.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $447. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Lisbon: Catamaran Luxury Sunset and Wine Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Lisbon
Hotel prices in Lisbon can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $109, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $203. Budget accommodations range from $66 to $369, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lisbon for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $148 (€126). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $74 (€63) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lisbon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lisbon include:
- Hotel da Baixa starting at $133
- Portugal Boutique Hotel starting at $111
- Solar do Castelo - Lisbon Heritage Collection starting at $151
- 1908 Lisboa Hotel starting at $116
- Lisbon Wine Hotel starting at $93
Lisbon is a significant city, providing travelers with diverse accommodation options. Whether you opt for a hostel like Yes! Lisbon Hostel, a vacation rental, or a luxurious hotel, there's something for everyone. Prices tend to be higher in the city center, but you'll have convenient access to public transit and attractions.
Staying further from the city in Lisbon could save you money with the help of an excellent public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.
As a family-friendly city, Lisbon is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room. Being in such a big city, rooms can sometimes feel a bit small and tight.
Many visitors stay in Lisbon for a week, and if you're here for a longer time, renting a place with a kitchen could be a smart way to handle your own meals.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Many visitors prefer to discover Lisbon by walking, so it's best to find accommodations in a central location. However, this convenience may come with a higher cost.
The city's old town is a popular spot for tourists. Although hotels in this area might be more expensive, they often come with plenty of character and easy access to nearby attractions.
Transportation Budget in Lisbon
In a large city like Lisbon, transportation is important, and thankfully, the public transit system is excellent. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars. Public transportation is the best way to save money, but taxis and rideshares are available if you want more convenience.
Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $29 (€25) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lisbon. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lisbon is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$29
€25
Public transportation is a great way to get around Lisbon. It covers the entire city and even travels into the outskirts of town. The metro system has recently been renovated and it is very efficient, clean, and reliable. The announcements are made exclusively in Portuguese, but the signs are bilingual (English and Portuguese) as are the ticketing machines.
There is also a good bus and tram (electrico) system throughout the city. You can pay for rides with a rechargeable green card. It works on the metro, trams, urban trains, buses and even ferries. The buses that are not run by Carris, however, do not accept this card.
There are ferries that run between Lisbon and the suburbs that are across the Tejo river. A popular route for tourists is to take the ferry to Cacilhas, which lets you see the city from the water.
If you plan to use public transit frequently, consider getting multi-day transit passes to save a significant amount of money.
Be aware of pickpockets on the buses and trains, as well as in the stations. It's important to stay alert because Lisbon is a large city.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Lisbon Hotel to Airport Premium transfer for $21 details
- Private Transfer from Airport to Lisbon (Unlimited Waiting Time) for $59 details
- Transfer Airport - Lisbon for $66 details
How much does it cost to go to Lisbon? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lisbon 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.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Lisbon, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
Food Budget in Lisbon
You won't want to overlook the world-class cuisine in Lisbon. Take the time to dine at local eateries and indulge in their unique specialties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lisbon can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lisbon is $86 (€73) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$86
€73
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lisbon is around $84 (€73) per person, with previous travelers spending from $34 to $197. 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 Lisbon are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $25
- Lunch: $13 to $34
- Dinner: $25 to $59
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
Like many countries in the Mediterranean, meals in Lisbon are scheduled around a siesta with dinner being served late, usually between 8pm and 11pm. The restaurants are usually small and locally owned. They are also quite affordable and usually offer a dish of the day that is available for a discount. The ingredients also tend to be fresher, so it is recommended that you choose this dish. Starters may arrive at your table, and you will be charged for them. If you don't want them, simply don't touch them and there should not be a charge. Read more about what to eat in Lisbon.
There are many different neighborhoods where you'll find good food. For the more traditional restaurants you can go to Chiado. It is best to avoid the Baixa area as this is where the touristy, more expensive, lower quality restaurants are. Chain restaurants tend to be concentrated around Doca de Santo Amaro and Parque das Nacoes. High end, fine dining is in Lapa and tour groups usually congregate in Alfama.
One experience to have in Lisbon is to hear traditional fado music along with your meal. There are some good restaurants that offer this, but you will likely pay more than you would at a typical restaurant. The food quality varies, so you are really paying for the music.
You can save some cash by dining at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many eateries in tourist hotspots or business districts feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are frequently just smaller and less expensive versions of their dinner offerings. If you search in the right spots, you might even snag a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget-friendly price. After that, just enjoy a light meal for dinner.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
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.
Pack a picnic to enjoy the beautiful scenery and save some cash. Stop by a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and find a nice park or scenic location for your meal.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
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.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Lisbon. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Portuguese 'Petiscos' Cooking Class for $101 details
- Market Tour, Cooking Class And Lunch At Mercado de Arroios for $205 details
- Private Portuguese Cooking Class in Lisbon with Paulo and Family for $239 details
Below are some standard food costs in Lisbon, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lisbon
It's understandable that travelers choose Lisbon, as it is famous for museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and music.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lisbon typically cost an average of $28 (€24) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
€24
There are many sights spread throughout Lisbon as well as some great viewpoints of the city. Popular museums include Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Fundacao Arpad Szenes and Museu da Agua. Examples of the city's architecture include Castelo de Sao Jorge, Museu do Teatro Romano, Ponte 25 de Abril, Ponte Vasco da Gama, and Aqueduto das Aguas Livres. Gardens and parks are also popular. Some of the larger ones include Jardim Zoologico, Parque das Nacoes, Ajuda Botanical Gardens, and Lisbon Botanical Gardens.
With so much to do in this dynamic city, you'll have plenty of options. For more ideas, check out this article about things to do in Lisbon.
One of the best ways to experience Lisbon is with a walking tour. There are many companies that offer organized tours or you can design your own by planning a route with a guide book. It's also possible to find cycling and boat tours.
Nightlife and music are popular in Lisbon. Many people enjoy taking advantage of the city's nightclub scene by going clubbing. There are almost always concerts going on around town. The genre of music can vary widely from jazz, to pop, to more traditional styles, so find something your interested in and enjoy the night out. But first make sure that you find one of the best spots to see the sunset in Lisbon, as the views over the city from various viewpoints can be amazing.
Clearly there are plenty of options, and for more ideas check out this guide to things to do in Lisbon.
Museums and Attractions:
Lisbon boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.
Music:
The music scene in Lisbon is popular and draws a crowd. 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.
Historical Sights:
The old town's rich history brings in numerous tourists. 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.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Lisbon. 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:
- Sintra, Roca and Cascais Full-Day Private Tour with Pena Tickets for $231 details
- Sintra Full Day tour from Lisbon - small group tour for $83 details
- Sintra Cascais 4x4 Land Rover Photo Panoramic Private Tour for $275 details
Nightlife Budget in Lisbon
The nightlife in Lisbon is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $21 (€18) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lisbon per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$21
€18
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
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.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Lisbon. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Lisbon's authentic Food and Wine tour with a Winemaker for $131 details
- From Arrábida day tour with wine tasting! For $241 details
- Lisbon Private Shore Excursion: City Tour by Minivan Including Food and Wine Tastings for $262 details
Travel cost data last updated: Jul 9, 2025
Traveling in Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.
The warm climate make it a popular travel destination year around. The winters are mild and the summers are quite warm. The Gulf Stream keeps the weather from turning too cold during the winter months and the average temperatures are above 15 degrees Celsius during the day. The summer season can stretch for six months between May and October and the average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius during the day. Winter sees the most rain and the summer months stay dry. Because the city is so close to the ocean, it can get very windy and there can be sudden and unexpected weather changes so it is best to come prepared for any temperature.
Neighborhoods & Around
Lisbon is a city of neighborhoods. The business district is in Baixa. There is where you'll find a lot of Pombaline-style architecture and much of the financial centers. Chiado is to the west of Baixa and is a popular shopping district. Bairro Alto can be reached by trolley car and has a lot of charm and character. The Alfama is the oldest part of the city and is a great area to explore. Belem is in the west and has a lot in interesting monuments and Cacilhas is on the south side of the Tagus and is industrial in nature, but has a lot of great seafood restaurants.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
It's an affordable city to visit with plenty of cheap places to stay and great restaurants