Why visit? > 3 Days > 1 Week > Sights & Activities > Day trips > Beaches > Alfama > Belem > Baixa > Expo Park > Site Map
Cost of a Holiday to Lisbon
Lisbon can offer exceptional value for money as a holiday destination, especially when compared to other important capital cities. Hotels and accommodation costs are marginally cheaper than other Western European countries but the real value of Lisbon is discovered when purchasing food, enjoying entertainment and traveling by public transport.
Accommodation and flights will always be the largest holiday expense but there can be major reductions if booked well in advance or traveling outside of the peak summer season. For a guide to visiting Lisbon on a budget please click here. This guide will provide an overview of the common costs for a holiday to Lisbon and then suggested a typical budget for low cost travellers and mid-price tourists.
A traditional Portuguese breakfast, two cakes and a very strong coffee!
Common costs for a holiday to Lisbon
Taxi transfer from the airport to the Rossio district, with 1 piece of luggage – €12 - €15.
A single metro ticket (€1.45) and a 24 hour ticket public transport ticket (€6.15).
Tram ticket from Baixa to Belem €2.909 and a single bus ticket €1.80.
An evening meal in a tourist restaurant with a glass of wine €25.00 - €30.00.
A light meal in a café or shopping centre €4-5.
A super strong espresso (€0.60) and a cake (€0.90) for breakfast.
An average bottle of wine or a beer in the tourist centres €10 and €3, while the same items in a super market €3 and €1.
The entrance fee to Lisbon castle €8.50, Jeronimos Monastery €10 and the Torre de Belem €6.
Medicines tend to be more expensive in Portugal and sunblock is twice the price at home!
Daily Costs for a Holiday to Lisbon
The two charts above provide typical daily costs per day for a stay in Lisbon. The data assumes that the visitor is travelling as a couple therefore the accommodation price is shared between two people. Unfortunately, a visitor travelling on their own will encounter much higher accommodation costs.
Flights to Lisbon
A large portion of the holiday budget will be spent on the flights to Lisbon from your home country. These will obviously vary depend on the starting destination but the early the flight is booked the cheaper the ticket. Last minute deals may provide for great value hotels but flights generally get more expensive close to the departure date. TAP air the national carrier of Portugal and their tickets are often comparable to low cost airlines. Lisbon airport is an important international airport and is well connected to Europe and the rest of the world. Always have travel sufficient travel insurance, even when travel on the tightest of budgets, accidents and illness can never be planned for and the bills can run into the thousands.
Cost of a Holiday to Lisbon
Budget Traveler - Price Break Down
Accommodation: Lisbon has a good range of central hostels but, with the economy in tatters, the price of basic hotels have jumped up. Hostels fill up quickly during the summer months and always should be booked well in advance. A 4-person dorm room starts from €15 (but sell out quickly), while a private room costs €40. Always check internet review sights and location within Lisbon before booking as there is limited metro connections to the west of the capital.
Food and Drinks: Food and eating out is good value in Lisbon. Locally sourced self-catering food from a super market is incredibly cheap. Portuguese chain restaurants, which tend to be located in shopping centres, are excellent value - just don't eat in central historic Lisbon. Cafes provide good breakfasts (mainly cakes) and hearty lunches. These cafes are an inexpensive place to drink beer and always have a loud good natured atmosphere.
Fees and Transport: Lisbon is a city that was meant to be explored by foot, with narrow alleys inaccessible to taxis or buses. The only real transport cost are the tram to Belem and train to Sintra and Cascais; both which cost less than a beer. An entire and good trip to Lisbon can be had without paying for any entrance fees as churches are all free, many state buildings are free on Sundays and the weather is way too nice to be inside!
Mid-Priced Tourist Price Break down
Accommodation: The centre of Lisbon has a wide range of mid price hotels but similar to the budget options prices have dramatically increased. Always book in advance during the summer or expect to pay more. Hotel rooms range between €60-110 for a good clean room with private bathroom. No mid-price hotels have swimming pools in central Lisbon and parking is always an issue for rented cars.
Food and Drink: An evening meal with a half bottle of wine cost approximately €30.
A light lunch and soft drink €10.
A coffee and cake for the morning €2.50.
Coffee: €0.85
A beer in a supper market: €0.95
Same beer at Expo Park: €3.80
Pans & Company: Baguette lunch €5.50
Expected tip: 10-15%
Fees and Transport: Transport cost including taxis are good value and will only be a small fraction of any budget. Entrance fees have again increased but the Lisboa Card (€18.50 for 24 hours or €31.50 for 48hours) does provide savings. Just plan your visit as much of the experience of Lisbon is either the city it's self or the atmosphere created by Lisbon's residents. A single bus, tram metro ticket costs €2.90 and a 24hour pass costs €6.15.
Lisbon Portugal Tourist Guide
- 
