It is possible to experience Lisbon on a budget, despite what others may tell you. You can have an affordable and enjoyable vacation while visiting the capital city of Portugal.
If you find cheap flight tickets and a hostel, you can easily visit Lisbon for hundreds of euros a week, including food and activities.
I am here to guide you through the process. I used to live in Lisbon and still visit frequently, so let’s get started planning your unforgettable trip today.
First, we must sort out when you should go, how to get your flights, where you should stay, and what to do. Feel free to jump between the sections.
The Best Time to Visit Lisbon on a Budget
The best time to visit Lisbon is in September because of the warm weather and reasonable prices and because there are fewer tourists.
As long as you don’t go to Lisbon from May through August, then you should be good.
Lisbon is a year-round destination with a tropical climate and pleasant weather most of the time. You can take a trip in winter and still enjoy the weather.
You have a milder day temperature with sunshine, which is desirable. Whether spring (May), summer (June), or autumn (September), you can remove your jacket and put on swimwear to visit the nearby beaches.
I am a beach guy, and no matter what time of year I visit, there is always something to keep me occupied, even without the warm sand and water.
Still, the best time to visit Lisbon is during the low or shoulder season, when there are fewer people. It means lower prices on flights and accommodation.
During July and August, the peak season, the streets are packed with people, and the temperatures are over 30° C.
Cheap Flights to Lisbon
Traveling to Lisbon on a budget starts from the onset, especially when you travel from outside Europe. The highest costs are your flights.
So, how do you save on this expensive cost? The best budget travel tip I can give you is to book your trip in advance regarding flights.
Find what budget airline from your country flies to Lisbon, and then check out Momondo for some cheap tickets.
You can find some incredible deals if you’re flexible and can keep your luggage in a cabin suitcase.
Hot Tip🔥: Check out my post on the best budget airlines to book your flight to Lisbon.
Accommodation
If you are traveling solo on a tight budget, the best place to stay is a hostel.
There are plenty of hostels in the city that suit your needs. For an affordable stay, I recommend checking out these hostels.
You can easily find beds from €29 on Hostelworld and Booking.com. Still, you may find the hostel site cheaper. Never trust one site.
Hot Tip🔥: Another suitable place to stay is in the Baixa district, which is close to the transportation or Bairro Alto but can get busy at night. For more details on where to stay, check out the best neighborhoods in Lisbon to plan your trip, depending on your needs.
How to Get Around Lisbon on a Budget
Walking is the cheapest way to get around Lisbon, but remember to wear comfortable shoes. You can stumble across attractions you may not have found using transport.
You quickly increase your step count. However, if you feel public transportation is better, I recommend it. It’s cheap, and it works great.
In Lisbon, you can find different transport systems:
Using these modes of transport is cheap, and the fares depend on the zone you travel in. For example, a 40-minute train ride or bus trip to Cascais can cost € 2.99+ each way.
Hot Tip🔥: Invest in the Lisboa Card or Navegante Card to save on public transport costs.
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.
Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.
Cheap and Free Things to Do in Lisbon on a Budget
Tram 28 is one of the popular tourist attractions and is affordable for viewing the entire city. You will travel through the Alfama hills and downtown Baixa.
A single ticket costs 1.80 Euros for a 40-minute tour and is available at a metro ticket machine. However, it costs 3 Euros when bought from the driver.
You can also find some great tourist activities at free Museums, like the Museu Colecao Berardo, which offers a wide selection of things to see in the BelémCCB district of Lisbon.
Even Belém has loads to offer, from iconic landmarks to cafes and parks where you can spend half a day. You can visit Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) without entering the building.
The best part is that Lisbon is walkable for most parts, you can find some enjoyable routes, and all the churches are free to enter.
Hot Tip🔥: You can find up to 24 free things to do in Lisbon that will not cost you a fortune. Or you can do self-guided walking tours.
You can even take a popular day trip that costs a reasonable price around Lisbon on a budget. Check out some of these fantastic day trips here:
- Nazare is famous for its beach vibe
- Peniche is another coastal town you can explore
- Coimbra, with its lush landscapes
- Sintra, the fairytale village
Cheap Foods in Lisbon (It’s Delicious)
As the saying goes, you still need to eat on a budget in Lisbon. Portuguese food is delicious 😋 and you can find some of the best food at the lowest prices.
Forget about those touristy restaurants and head to the streets for street food. Look out for these food options:
- Pastel de nata is a delicious puff pastry filled with custard. Try the ones at Manteigaria.
- I love a Bifana sandwich made with port and mustard, and it is not expensive. (Try at As Bifanas do Afonso)
- Enjoy a sweet-to-sour treat, some Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur in a small glass, or try the one in a chocolate cup.
- Lastly, try some Pão com chouriço, a bread with chorizo.
Or try any of these budget restaurants in Portugal to enjoy a traditional meal.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon In September 2024
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in September and every month moving forward from today.
It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon for years. I’m sharing a lot of hidden gems. 🇵🇹
9 Budget Travel Tips For Visiting Lisbon
While the above information gives you a good idea of how to spend your vacation in Lisbon on a budget, here are some short list tips as well:
- Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. Check booking sites for deals, and consider staying slightly outside the city center for more affordable options.
- Use Public Transportation: Lisbon has an efficient public transportation system with buses, trams, and the metro. Buy a rechargeable Navegante card for discounted fares, or explore the city on foot to soak in the charm of its neighborhoods.
- Enjoy Free Attractions: Stroll through the Alfama district or explore the historic Belém area for free. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle without paying for entry or relax at Commerce Square.
- Discount Cards: Purchase a Lisbon card or other discount passes for free or reduced entry to museums, public transport, and other attractions. It’s a great investment if you plan to visit multiple sites.
- Visit Local Markets: Save money by visiting markets like Mercado da Ribeira for fresh produce, snacks, and traditional dishes. Don’t miss the street food, especially local bakeries’ famous “pastel de nata.”
- Explore Unique Neighborhoods: Dive into Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods. Bairro Alto, for instance, offers affordable nightlife with its vibrant bars and authentic Fado performances.
- Hike Lisbon’s Hills and Parks: Enjoy Lisbon’s natural beauty by hiking up to São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint or spending time in its parks for amazing city views.
- Drink Tap Water: Lisbon’s tap water is safe and high quality. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day without buying bottled water.
- Plan Off-Peak Visits: Visit popular attractions during off-peak hours or weekdays to avoid crowds and possibly find discounted tickets.
Wrap-Up: Visiting Lisbon on a Budget
Visiting Lisbon on a budget is possible. With some planning, you can enjoy an affordable and unforgettable vacation in this beautiful city.
From finding cheap flights and accommodation to enjoying affordable meals and drinks, there are plenty of ways to save money and have an incredible experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your budget-friendly trip to Lisbon today!
