Lisbon is one of Europe’s best-value capital cities, offering affordable flights, reasonably priced accommodations, and plenty of free or low-cost activities. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a longer trip, you can see the best of Lisbon without spending a fortune. Here’s how to enjoy the city while keeping your costs down.
Getting There Without Spending too Much
Flights from the UK to Lisbon can be incredibly affordable if booked in advance. Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, TAP Air Portugal, and British Airways all offer direct routes from London and other major cities, with return fares sometimes as low as £30-£50 when booked at the right time. To get the best price, book at least two months ahead, travel midweek, and check flights to Porto or Faro if Lisbon fares are high.
Budget-Friendly Airport Transfers
Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado) is 7 km from the city centre, making it easy and cheap to reach downtown. The metro is the cheapest option at €1.80 per trip, but you’ll need a Viva Viagem card (€0.50), which is valid for all public transport.
The Aerobus offers a more comfortable ride for €3.60, stopping at key areas like Baixa and Cais do Sodré. If you have luggage, this might be the more convenient choice.
Taxis range from €12-€20, but Uber and Bolt often offer better rates. Always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid unnecessary charges.
The Best Times to Visit
Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate makes it a great destination year-round, but costs vary quite a bit depending on the season:
- Winter (December-February): The most budget-friendly time to visit. Flights and accommodations are at their lowest, and daytime temperatures are mild (12-16°C), though there may be some rain.
- Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November): A great mix of pleasant weather and reasonable prices.
- Summer (June-August): The busiest and most expensive period. If visiting in su
mmer, book early and consider staying outside the city centre to save money.
Where to Stay Without Breaking the Bank
Lisbon offers everything from budget-friendly hostels to high-end hotels, so let’s see how to get the best deal on each.
Budget Hostels
Home Lisbon Hostel is known for its welcoming atmosphere and communal dinners, with dorm beds starting at €22 per night.
Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel includes free breakfast and is conveniently located near Rossio Square, with dorm beds from €25.
Mid-Range Hotels & Apartments
Residencial Florescente in Baixa offers comfortable rooms from €60 per night, providing excellent value for its location.
Lisbon Cheese & Wine Suites is a stylish but affordable guesthouse, with rooms from €75.
For those who prefer self-catering, Airbnb and Lisbon Serviced Apartments provide budget-friendly stays with kitchen facilities to help cut down on food expenses.
Luxury Stays at a Reasonable Price
1908 Lisboa Hotel is a beautifully restored Art Nouveau property offering boutique-style stays at €120-€150 per night.
Memmo Alfama features stunning views over the Tagus River and a rooftop pool, with rooms starting at €160 per night—a great deal for a boutique hotel.
Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel provides five-star service in a historic setting, with rooms available from €180 per night when booked in advance.
Affordable Ways to Get Around
Lisbon’s public transport is efficient and budget-friendly. A single metro, tram, or bus ride costs €1.80, but the best value comes with a 24-hour travel pass for €6.60, allowing unlimited rides.
The Viva Viagem card (€0.50) is required for all public transport and can be topped up as needed.
Lisbon’s famous Tram 28 passes through historic neighbourhoods such as Alfama and Graça. A single ride costs €3.10, but it’s included in the 24-hour pass.
Walking is a great way to explore Lisbon, though its hills can be challenging. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Free & Affordable Attractions
Lisbon has plenty of ways to experience its culture, history, and charm without spending much.
Explore Historic Neighborhoods
Alfama is a charming district with winding streets, Fado music, and historic architecture. Wandering through its alleys is a memorable experience, and you can often catch live Fado performances in local bars for free if you time it right.
Bairro Alto is best known for its nightlife but also has great cafes, boutique shops, and street art during the day. Walking through these neighborhoods doesn’t cost anything and offers a deep dive into Lisbon’s character.
Museums & Monuments Without the Price Tag
Many of Lisbon’s top museums offer free entry on specific days. The Berardo Collection Museum, featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and Dalí, is free on Saturdays. The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo), showcasing Portugal’s famous decorative tiles, is free on the first Sunday of the month.
Other excellent options include the Gulbenkian Museum, which has a vast art collection and offers free entry on Sundays after 2 p.m. The Carmo Convent, with its striking open-roof ruins, has an affordable entry fee of around €5, but discounted tickets are available online. To save even more, visit Lisbon’s churches, many of which have free entry and house incredible historic artwork and architecture.
How to Save on Attractions
If you plan to visit multiple attractions, the Lisbon Card can offer big savings. The 24-hour pass starts at €21, covering unlimited public transport and free or discounted entry to many sites, including the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Santa Justa Lift. A 48-hour (€35) or 72-hour (€44) pass can provide even better value.
Many attractions offer student, youth, and senior discounts, so carrying valid ID can help secure additional savings. Arriving early in the morning or just before closing time sometimes leads to lower-priced last-minute tickets.
Free Cultural Events and Festivals
Lisbon frequently hosts free festivals, concerts, and cultural events. If you’re visiting in June, the Festas de Lisboa brings street parties, parades, and free live music throughout the city. Many open-air cinema screenings, art exhibitions, and markets happen year-round, particularly in LX Factory and Praça do Comércio. Keep an eye on local event listings to make the most of free entertainment options.
Where to Eat Without Spending a Fortune
Lisbon has a fantastic food scene, and you don’t have to splurge to eat well. There are great options at every price point, from casual bites to affordable fine dining.
Budget-Friendly Options
First, if you’re visiting Lisbon, trying a pastel de nata is non-negotiable. These iconic Portuguese custard tarts are flaky, creamy, and caramelized to perfection. While you can find them all over the city, the most famous spot is Pastéis de Belém, where the original recipe has been served since 1837. Expect a queue, but it moves quickly. If you prefer something less touristy, Manteigaria is a strong contender, with consistently crisp pastry and a rich, eggy filling—plus, you can watch them being made fresh. Pair yours with a bica (Lisbon’s take on an espresso) for the full experience.
For a cheap but delicious meal, head to O Trevo or A Provinciana, both of which serve classic Portuguese dishes for €7-€10. A bifana (pork sandwich) at Beira Gare near Rossio Station costs around €3 and makes for a quick, satisfying lunch.
For an affordable taste of Mozambique-Portuguese fusion, Cantinho do Aziz offers flavorful dishes like chicken curry with rice for around €7.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, Ramiro is famous for its fresh shellfish. Though slightly pricier than other budget spots, you can enjoy a meal for under €20 if you stick to essentials like garlic shrimp and clams.
Mid-Range Dining
For a quality meal at a reasonable price, Time Out Market is a great spot to sample different cuisines. You can find meals for €10-€12 at stalls like Cozinha da Felicidade, serving local specialties.
Taberna Sal Grosso is a local favorite offering shareable plates like octopus and chorizo, with dishes costing €8-€12 each. It’s perfect for those who want to try a variety of Portuguese flavors.
Affordable Fine Dining
If you’re looking for a high-end meal without an eye-watering bill, Alma has a Michelin-starred lunch menu for €45, while Belcanto offers an early dinner set menu for €60—exceptional value for a fine-dining experience.
For a unique tasting menu that won’t break the bank, Bairro do Avillez has a relaxed atmosphere and inventive dishes, with meals starting around €35.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon is an incredible destination that delivers excellent value, from its stunning viewpoints to its affordable fine dining. Thoughtful planning makes it easy to enjoy everything the city has to offer without going over budget. With its rich history, fantastic food, and diverse accommodations, Lisbon proves that a world-class trip doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
