Cheap Lisbon from Chicago: an all-in getaway from ~$850
Photo: Unsplash · unsplash.com/photos/yellow-and-white-tram-on-road-near-white-concrete-building-during-daytime-2N0PVuB0byQLisbon is one of Western Europe's best-value city breaks, a sun-warmed capital of tiled facades, steep miradouros (viewpoints) and cheap, brilliant food. From Chicago it is only 9h34 by plane, so you can be sipping a coffee in a hilltop square not long after you set off.
The city rewards travellers who like to walk, get a little lost, and eat well without spending much. Between the riverside districts and the old quarters, most of what makes Lisbon special is either free or costs only a few euros.
The all-in budget, line by line
Indicative estimate for 2 nights, 1 traveler. A range, never a firm price.
Getting there from Chicago
- From
- Chicago (ORD)
- To
- Lisbon (LIS)
- Mode
- Flight
- Est. duration
- ~9h34
- Distance
- ~6 420 km
Duration and distance are indicative (as the crow flies). Book early and target weekday departures to cut the transport cost.
Doing Lisbon on a budget
Lisbon stays affordable if you eat where locals do: a pastel de nata and a bica (espresso) cost very little, and a bifana (pork sandwich) or the daily prato do dia make a cheap, filling lunch. Many of the city's highlights are free, from the viewpoints of Alfama to wandering the Belém waterfront and browsing the Feira da Ladra flea market. Book your bed early, as hostels and small guesthouses fill up fast in peak season.
Getting around and where to stay
Central Lisbon is walkable but very hilly, so save your legs with the metro, buses and the historic yellow trams (line 28 winds through the old streets). Alfama is the atmospheric medieval quarter, Bairro Alto and Chiado are best for nightlife and shopping, and Belém sits out west by the river with its monastery and tower. For value, look at neighbourhoods slightly outside the tourist core, where rooms are cheaper and you still stay close to a metro stop.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the sweet spot, with warm days, thinner crowds and lower prices than the July and August peak. Summer is hot and busy, while winters stay mild and are the quietest and cheapest time to visit. Whatever the month, pack comfortable shoes and expect plenty of sunshine, as Lisbon is one of Europe's sunniest capitals.
What to do in Lisbon?
Museums, neighbourhoods, must-sees: here's what to see on site.
What to do in Lisbon: see the guide →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.
Ready for Lisbon?
See the full guide: what to do, where to stay, and the all-in weekend budget.
See the full guide →Reach Lisbon from another city
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