Lisbon on a budget: the all-in weekend
From which city and for how much, all-in.
Photo: Unsplash · unsplash.com/photos/yellow-and-white-tram-on-road-near-white-concrete-building-during-daytime-2N0PVuB0byQLisbon (PT) is one of our gems. Here's the estimated budget for 2 nights depending on your departure city, transport, lodging and on-site living included.
The budget from your departure city
- From London ~£152–178 →
- From Dublin ~184–216 € →
- From Manchester ~£166–195 →
- From Birmingham ~£230–269 →
- From Edinburgh ~£333–391 →
- From New York ~$519–610 →
- From Miami ~$620–728 →
- From Washington ~$673–789 →
- From Boston ~$704–827 →
- From San Francisco ~$751–880 →
- From Chicago ~$782–918 →
- From Los Angeles ~$804–944 →
- From Atlanta ~$826–971 →
What to do in Lisbon?
The must-sees you shouldn't miss on the spot:
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Belém Tower
The iconic Manueline tower standing at the edge of the Tagus.
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Alfama District
The oldest neighborhood, with its steep alleys and fado houses.
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Tram 28
The historic line that climbs through the old quarters.
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Jerónimos Monastery
A listed Manueline masterpiece in Belém.
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São Jorge Castle
The Moorish fortress overlooking the city and the river.
Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours via our partners.
Best time to go
For Lisbon, aim for April, May, June, September, October: nice weather and still-reasonable prices.
Frequently asked questions about Lisbon
Is 100 euros a day enough in Portugal?
For most travellers, 100 euros a day in Lisbon is comfortable and often leaves room to spare, covering a budget guesthouse or hostel bed, meals, and public transport. If you eat at local tascas, use the metro and trams, and stick to free or low-cost sights, you can spend noticeably less. It stretches further outside the capital, in places like the Alentejo or smaller coastal towns.
Is Lisbon a cheap city to visit?
Lisbon is one of the more affordable capitals in Western Europe, especially for food, coffee, and public transport. Costs have crept up in recent years, particularly for central accommodation in high season, but it still feels budget-friendly compared with Paris, London, or Amsterdam. Travelling in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn keeps prices down further.
How much money do I need for 3 days in Lisbon?
Three days in Lisbon can be done on a modest budget if you stay in a hostel or simple guesthouse, eat at neighbourhood restaurants, and walk the hilly old districts like Alfama and Mosteiros. Your biggest cost is usually accommodation, so booking early and avoiding peak summer helps a lot. Set aside a little extra for a day trip to Sintra or Belem if you have time.
How much does a meal in Lisbon cost?
Everyday meals in Lisbon are affordable, and a lunchtime prato do dia at a local tasca is one of the best-value options in any European capital. Standing at the counter for a coffee and a pastel de nata costs very little, while sit-down dinners in touristy areas naturally run higher. Grabbing bifanas, grilled sardines in summer, or supermarket picnics keeps food spending low.
Is Lisbon cheap for American tourists?
Lisbon generally offers good value for American visitors, with meals, transport, and coffee costing less than in most large US cities. The euro-to-dollar rate shifts over time, so check it before you go, but Portugal is widely seen as one of the more budget-friendly destinations in Western Europe. Flights are the main variable, so booking ahead and travelling off-peak helps.
What should I not miss in Lisbon?
Wander the narrow lanes of Alfama, catch the views from the Sao Jorge Castle and the city's miradouros (viewpoints), and ride the historic Tram 28 through the old quarters. In Belem, see the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, and try a warm custard tart nearby. Many viewpoints and churches are free or cheap, and a day trip to the palaces of Sintra is well worth it.
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