13 Essential Tips for Traveling to Lisbon on a Budget

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Last Updated on: 19th September 2021, 01:02 pm

Lisbon is one of Europe’s hottest destinations, and I’m not just talking about the weather (around 300 days of sunshine every year!).

The beautiful Portuguese capital is renowned for its many historic landmarks, including the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the São Jorge Castle, but also a colorful culture.

Despite its popularity, Lisbon remains a very affordable city for travelers to explore on a shoestring, with lots of affordable restaurants and accommodation, and there are masses of great things to do in Lisbon that are free or cheap.

This guide provides some useful tips for budget Lisbon travel, as well as taking you through some of the must-sees and must-dos. So if you’re looking to travel Lisbon on a budget, here’s what you need to know. 

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Lisbon on a Budget

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viator.

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com.

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars.

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon.

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Where to stay in Lisbon on a Budget

Portugal - Lisbon

The most expensive neighborhoods to stay in are Chiado and Príncipe Real. It’s a very walkable city, however, so if you opt for budget accommodation in Lisbon you can still get to these lovely areas quickly.

See also
Best Things to do in Porto, Portugal

Baixa, for instance, is next to Chiado, and the accommodation there tends to be far easier on the wallet.

Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, is also one of the cheapest to stay in. There are many simple but comfortable hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to be found among these winding, steep streets.

Expect to pay between €40 and €80 per night for decent budget hotels in Lisbon, although if you’re prepared to stay in less-popular areas a bit further from the city center, there is no shortage of cheaper options.

If you’re being very savvy with the cash, a bed in a hostel dorm room is typically around €20. Sant Jordi is one of the best hostels in Lisbon, especially for solo travellers. It has a chic style and lively atmosphere whilst still allowing you to sleep well at night.

Tips for Visiting Lisbon on a Budget

These are things you need to know to have the best budget trip to Lisbon possible!

Accommodation

Portugal - Lisbon

If you’re traveling on a shoestring then staying in hostels is a handy way to keep within your budget.

Many Lisbon hostels will offer complimentary WiFi and breakfasts and may also provide fun little extras such as guided walking tours, bike rental or port wine-tasting.

Food and Drink

Things to Do in Belem, Portugal

Lisbon locals eat out all the time, and once you escape the more touristy areas you can eat very well for under €10.

The Time Out Market in Cais do Sodre offers affordable dishes from some of Lisbon’s best restaurants all under one roof.

A small, chilled glass of Sagres or Super Bock, the main Portuguese beers, is perfect fuel for sightseeing. It will usually cost around €1 – ask for an imperial.

Transportation

Portugal - Lisbon

Purchase a 24-hour public transport ticket from a metro station, for around €6.40, and it covers all trams, buses and metro services.

Single tram tickets alone usually cost around €3 so this is a great budget travel idea for Lisbon. Getting around on foot is easy, but Lisbon is a city built on seven hills and can be hard going especially in summer.

See also
10 Things You Need to Know to Visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal

By staying in hostels, making your own meals, and using public transport or walking wherever possible, you should be able to enjoy a really satisfying stay in Lisbon for as little as €40 per day.

Free and cheap things to do in Lisbon

Portugal - Lisbon

You don’t need to blow your budget on expensive attractions when in Lisbon, because there are so many fantastic things to do here that are either free or cheap.

One good tip to remember is that you can buy a ‘Lisbon Card’ for €20 which covers 24 hours, and gives benefits including free public transport, free entry to many of the best attractions in Lisbon, and even free train travel to popular nearby destinations Cascais and Sintra.

Beaches

Scenic view in Cascais, Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum, Lisbon district, Portugal.

There are many stunning beaches along Lisbon’s Atlantic coast, several of which you can easily be reached by bus or train.

Among the most popular are the small beach in glamourous Estoril, 20 minutes by train and foot from central Lisbon, and Guincho, which takes an hour with a train to Cascais and then a short bus journey.

Guincho is world-famous for surfing and wind-surfing, and it has a great little restaurant.

The beaches along the Costa da Caparica are slightly harder to reach without a car, involving ferry or train and then a bus, but they are worth the effort.

Beloved by locals, these golden stretches of sand are virtually unknown by foreign tourists, and they promise lovely views of Lisbon across the Tagus River.

Street Art

Portugal - Lisbon

One of the big pleasures of wandering the Portuguese capital on foot is the amount of awesome street art. Some artists have made good use of the distinctively patterned pavement tiles, while others have painted gigantic murals across entire buildings.

Vhils is among the best-known street artists in Portugal, chiseling deep into brick and plaster walls to create eye-catching portraits that look almost as though they are exploding into life.

See also
30 Perfect Portugal Quotes for Captions & Statuses

Fado Bars

Portugal - Lisbon- Fado Bar

Sweetly melancholic fado music is one of the cultural icons of Lisbon, and while many of the fado bars tend to be both overpriced and not especially authentic, you can usually find a good show by asking the locals where they would go.

There are plenty of free fado bars around the city, and some will offer traditional Portuguese food as well. Keep a lookout for tascas with Fado Vadio, which is sung by amateur performers.

Portuguese Custard Tarts

Things to Do in Belem, Portugal

Pasteis de Nata, or Portuguese custard tarts, are a delicious local delicacy in Lisbon. Some people will queue for literally hours outside the famous pasteleria near the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém for a taste.

But you can find just as good pasteis de nata in cafes across Lisbon, and you can pick up a box of them for only a few euros. They make for mouth-watering snacks and also a fab gift idea.

São Jorge Castle

Portugal - Lisbon - São Jorge Castle

For the best views in Lisbon, take the legendary 28 tram up to the ancient São Jorge Castle and a walk around the well-preserved walls and fortifications. Entry is just €10, or €5 for students.

After leaving the castle you can either take the tram back down or follow my advice and walk through the spidery streets of the historic Alfama neighbourhood. Miradouros (the name for viewpoints in Lisbon) abound, and you will pass endless cafes, tascas, and shops selling beautiful tiles, while local residents shout greetings to each other between balconies strung with washing.

Park Life

Portugal - Lisbon - Jardim

Lisbon has some absolutely gorgeous parks. The Jardim de Estrela is huge, and a very popular spot for locals. It’s close to the Basilica and also convenient for the 28 tram up to the castle.

Alternatively, try the Estua Fria – the Greenhouse – which boasts plants and trees from all over the world. It’s a very tranquil place, perfect if you’ve overdone it on the sightseeing, with babbling brooks and lots of shady spots. The entry is €3.10 but free on Sundays.

See also
Steal this Madeira Itinerary: What the RHOP Did in 4 Days in Madeira, Portugal

Museums

Portugal - Lisbon

The National Coach Museum is the most prestigious museum in Lisbon, with an unrivalled collection of horse-drawn coaches throughout history.

You can also find contemporary art at the Coleção Berardo Museum in Belém, and the National Tile Museum in the Madre de Deus Convent, which showcases some superb azulejo (traditional Portuguese tilework).

Most museums in Lisbon cost just a few euros to enter, but many of them are free if you’ve already purchased the Lisbon Card. Some may also have free admission days at various points in the year.

Belém landmarks

Things to Do in Belem, Portugal-8

The riverside neighborhood of Belém is home to several of the best-known landmarks in Lisbon.

There is the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, the sail-shaped Discoveries Monument, a nod to Portugal’s legendary seafaring past, and the 16th century Belém Tower, where many of these intrepid explorers would board their ships.

Most Belém landmarks cost just a handful of euros to enter, but you can also admire them from outside, completely free of charge. And of course, this being Lisbon you’re never far from a cafe selling a cool glass of beer.

Read Next: 7 Sensational Things to Do in Belem: Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites & More

That’s all of my top tips for a budget trip to Lisbon, have a safe trip!

This Lisbon budget travel guide comes to us from from Kieren, a 20-something-year-old from Wales with a passion for adventure and backpacking. He’s spent time Interrailing through Europe and backpacking Southeast Asia with plenty more on the bucket list. Kieren shares tips and travel guides over at Got My Backpack.

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to Portugal

Greece - Crete - Stephanie Luggage
Portuguese Road Trip Selfie

Along with sunglasses and sunscreen, make sure to pack these:

The Lonely Planet Portugal guidebook for your trip. It can be hard to find big, international guidebooks once you land (or they’ll be way overpriced). Get yours ahead of time, either a hard copy or on a Kindle.

See also
51 Giggle-Inducing Portugal Puns for Portugal Instagram Captions & Statuses

An Unlocked Cell Phone so that you can use a Portuguese sim card while here to help navigate public transportation and when you’re on the road.

Backup Charging BankThis is for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie. The mountains can drain your battery since it will take more power to continually check for signals where the signal gets spotty.

Great Day Bag so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc). 

My current favorite is the Pacsafe Citysafe, which is especially great for tourist destinations because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets plus RFID technology to keep your credit card digits safe. 

It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day.

A Pair of Comfortable Closed-Toed Walking Shoes. I use boots like these or like these. Pack hiking shoes if you’re planning on hiking. Otherwise, any closed-toed shoes will work. This itinerary is packed and you’ll be on your feet a lot. Make sure to take care of them!

More Portugal Travel Resources

Portugal Stephanie
Portuguese Road Trip Selfie

I adore Portugal! Here are the best Portugal resources on my blog.

Lisbon

​​7 Lovely Lisbon Souvenirs & Gifts You Need in Your Suitcase!

7 Sensational Things to Do in Belem: Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites & More​​​

13 Essential Tips for Traveling to Lisbon on a Budget​​​​​​

Porto

The Best Things to do in Porto, Portugal​​​

Tomar

​​10 Things You Need to Know to Visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal​​​

Madeira

The Perfect 4 Days in Madeira Itinerary

Portugal Country Guides

30 Perfect Portugal Quotes for Captions & Statuses

​​51 Giggle-Inducing Portugal Puns for Portugal Instagram Captions & Statuses​​​​​​

See also
7 Sensational Things to Do in Belem: Lisbon's UNESCO World Heritage Sites & More

Included in these Round-Ups

​​27 of the Best Wine Countries in the World for Your Bucket List!

27 Stunning Places to Visit in September in Europe for a Late Summer Getaway

27 of the Best Opera Houses in Europe for a Perfect Night Out​​​

25 Most Underrated Cities in Europe for a Fabulous Vacation without the Crowds

The 50 Most Beautiful Castles in the World and the Pictures to Prove It

11 Stunning Catholic Monasteries Everyone Should See

Before You Leave for Portugal – Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Make sure you have a valid Travel Insurance Policy because accidents happen on the road.

I use World Nomads for my long trips to Europe, and I happily recommend them.

It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging out in big cities like Lisbon where tourists can be the victims of pickpockets or beaches like in the Algarve or on Madeira where there’s more risk of an accident.

I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance, and I happily recommend them.  

If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Get a Travel Insurance Quote for Your Trip

Pin this Guide to Lisbon Budget Travel for Your Trip!

Lisbon on a Budget

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