Is Viseu expensive to visit?
Viseu is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Viseu can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $58 (€53) per day, mid-range travelers spend $132 (€121) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $252 (€231) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Viseu.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Viseu 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 Tallinn.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Viseu Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Viseu?
The average Viseu trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Viseu travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Viseu cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Viseu without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $58 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Viseu is filled with plenty of hostels, such as HI Hostel Viseu - Pousada de Juventude. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
So, are you average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Viseu often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $132 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Viseu. 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. Pousada De Viseu is a good kid-friendly option, and Quinta do Medronheiro Hotel Rural is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Viseu here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $252 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more.
Accommodation Budget in Viseu
Hotel prices in Viseu can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $78 up to around $146. From $48 for budget options to $239 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Viseu for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $114 (€104). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $57 (€52) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Viseu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Viseu include:
- Pousada De Viseu starting at $145
- Quinta do Medronheiro Hotel Rural starting at $125
- Hotel Palacio dos Melos starting at $86
- Hotel Principe Perfeito starting at $90
- Avenida Boutique Hotel starting at $85
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Food Budget in Viseu
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Viseu can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Viseu is $58 (€53) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$58
€53
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Viseu is around $58 (€53) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $111. 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 Viseu are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $9 to $23
- Dinner: $17 to $41
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Viseu is the ideal place to experience some of the best food and wine Portugal has to offer, with restaurants throughout the area offering traditional and delicious dishes. Maranhos, a pork, goat, and rice haggis, and Cozido a Portuguesa, a thick stew, are two of the more popular dishes in the area. Chilis, honey, and Serra da Estrela cheese are popularly incorporated into many dishes, especially desserts! And with Viseu being situated right in the center of the Dao Wine region, you can't go wrong with some of the delicious Dao wine with your meal. Also check out Coral beer, Bairrada wine, and Bucelas wine, which are all local options.
You will not have a problem finding great restaurant options in Viseu; they have everything from small traditional cafes to high end restaurants. The student population in Viseu has also brought more international fare to the scene, which you can find the majority of in the New Town near the university campuses.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Viseu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Viseu typically cost an average of $25 (€23) 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.
$25
€23
Viseu is an ancient city with a history of Roman occupation, evidence of which can be found at the ancient Roman Gate in the Viseu Old Town. The Roman Gate is the perfect place to begin a walking tour through the Old Town, or Centro Historico, where you'll find winding cobbled streets and secret alleyways with hidden restaurants and shops at their ends. At the Adro da Se square, you'll find the Misericordia Church which features a stunning Rococo façade, including blue azulejos tiles and statues.
Outside of Viseu is the small town of Mangualde, where you'll find the 18th century Palacio dos Condes de Anadia and the Old District. The Old District features lovely granite houses which surround the large bell tower situated in the center of the district. Here, you'll also find the AF Gallery, considered to be one of the best kept secrets in the area. The Gallery features some of the finest quality art and master crafts from artists all over the world.
Some of the best activities in Viseu involve the beautiful landscapes of the area, such as mountain biking and rock climbing. At the Caramulo Mountain, you can hike the well marked trails and enjoy the breathtaking views. After your hike, take a relaxing dip in the Sao Pedro do Sul thermal baths located just outside of the city. Near the thermal baths is the Serra de Sai Macario mountain which has many different hiking and walking trails. Some of the most famous trails are actually ancient paths which pilgrims used to take to the top of the mountain to celebrate Saint Macarius. No matter which path you choose, you'll always be met with incredible views of the surrounding area.