Explore the vibrant streets, historic sites, and delicious food of Lisbon with this budget-friendly guide 🇵🇹 I share helpful tidbits about neighborhoods, accommodations, restaurants and foods to look for, and things to do.
 Lisbon should be a stop on any European itinerary, especially if you fly with TAP Air Portugal - you can add a stopover in Lisbon for no additional cost to your ticket.
The city's blend of rich history, stunning architecture, delectable foods, and a vibrant cultural scene make it a truly exceptional travel destination. It also happens to be one of the more affordable travel destinations in Western Europe!
OVERVIEW
» Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (March - May and September - November). Avoid peak summer tourist season for lower prices and fewer crowds.
» Language: PortugueseÂ
» Currency: Euro
» Transport: Lisbon has an incredibly efficient and easy to use public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro network. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available. Walking is a great way to explore the city center due to its compact size.
» Weather: This definitely depends on the season, but Lisbon is generally temperate - never too hot or too cold since it is a coastal city. Summers are hot but not unbearable and winters are can be cool but not miserable.Â
When picking your base in Lisbon, you will likely stay in one of the neighborhoods listed below. Each neighborhood is unique & offers something different, so it just depends on what you're hoping to get out of your time in Lisbon. The nice thing about the "City of Seven Hills" is that you can reach any part of the city by walking or by public transportation, so you are never too far from a bustling neighborhood or iconic attraction.Â
Alfama is Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, known for its historic charm, narrow labyrinthine streets, and a strong connection to Fado music. It offers scenic viewpoints, a sense of local life, and a rich cultural experience in the heart of the city.
Bairro Alto is a beautiful historic neighborhood that comes alive at night. Explore its narrow streets during the day, indulge in Portuguese cuisine, and enjoy a night out in this lively neighborhood. You'll find street art, bars and restaurants, and beautiful buildings in this neighborhood.
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WHERE TO STAY
If you're looking to stay in Alfama, look no further than this Airbnb. I stayed here with my husband in December 2019 and it was perfect. The apartment is on a very quiet street in the historic Alfama neighborhood but you will only be a few minutes from various restaurants, museums, etc. The best part is that the host *picks you up* from the airport and transports you to the apartment himself. He also left us a bottle of Portuguese wine. ♡ The apartment currently runs at $101 per night, which is incredibly reasonable for what you get.Â
A solid option under $150 per night. I had to book this hotel very last minute due to another accommodation falling through and was s very pleasantly surprised. The rooms were immaculate and the staff was incredibly friendly. This hotel is extremely close to the Oriente station: 12 minutes to the airport and 15 minutes to the Santa Apolónia station near Alfama.
Selinas are my favorite chain of hostels, but they also have normal hotel rooms for those not looking for a hostel experience. The Selina Secret Garden is just a 10 minute walk from the lively Barrio Alto neighborhood. The standard room is just over $100 per night in the low season and dorm beds run ~$30 per person. If you're a backpacker, a couple, or digital nomad, Selina Secret Garden has something for you!
The Jupiter Lisboa Hotel is a not-so-secret / not so hidden gem but there is a reason for that! A standard room will run right at $100 USD per night in low season. It's located a little farther from the main touristy neighborhoods (Alfama, Barrio Alto, Baxia Chiado). However, if you're comfortable taking public transportation, you can reach the Rossio station in less than 25 minutes. The reviews speak highly of this hotel. The rooms are bright, clean, and spacious. Also, there is an indoor pool AND a rooftop pool overlooking the city.
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WHERE TO EAT
Lisbon is often overshadowed by other European foodie cities like Paris or Rome, but Portuguese cuisine is not to be overlooked - the food is fresh and flavorful.
Note: seafood is a primary component of Portuguese cuisine due to the city's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.Â
» Bacalhau à Brás: salted codfish mixed with eggs, finely chopped onions, and straw fries - a very classic Portuguese dish.
» Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: clams prepared with garlic, coriander, and a white wine.Â
» Feijoada à Transmontana: hearty stew with beans, various pork cuts, and sausages.
» Francesinha: a sandwich native to Porto but popular in Lisbon, it's a hearty stack of cured meats, sausages, and steak covered in melted cheese and a spicy tomato sauce.
» Arroz de Marisco: a flavorful seafood rice dish, often featuring shrimp, mussels, and other shellfish in a savory tomato-based sauce. Portugal's version of paella!Â
» Sardinhas Assadas: grilled sardines - another Lisbon staple.
» Ameixas à Alentejana: This Alentejo-style dish combines clams with garlic, coriander, and cubed pork. It's a unique and tasty combination.
» Cozido à Portuguesa: A Portuguese boiled dinner with various meats, vegetables, and sausages. It's a hearty and filling meal that can be found at a local tasca - a traditional Portuguese tavern/eatery that serves small, homemade, and affordable dishes.
» Carne de Porco à Alentejana: This Alentejo-inspired dish consists of pork marinated in spices, combined with clams and cubed potatoes.
This low-key, family-run bakery is the first stop on my itinerary every time I go to Lisbon. It's located in the heart of Alfama and the pasteis de nata are the best in the city (I stand by this). They offer other pastries and savory options - the prices are incredibly affordable.
Time Out Markets are always a little touristy, but the majority of the stalls are incredible. You need to head straight to the Croqueteria and order as many as your heart desires for €1,80 each. The line will be long but it moves quickly.
You might not think to eat pizza in Lisbon, but if you do, it must be here. The pizzas are incredible and the ingredients are fresh. The restaurant is within walking distance of Alfama and the Baixa-Chiado neighborhoods. You can get a great pizza for €15–20
and they can definitely be shared by two people.
This place offers a great lunch menu do dÃa! For €15 you can get: a main dish (fish, chicken, vegetarian, and pasta options) + soft drink + dessert + espresso. It's on the pricier side if you go for dinner, but they offer many typical Portuguese dishes, including bacalhau, arroz de polvo, and more.
A typical tasca (Portuguese tavern/no-frills eatery) in the Alfama neighborhood. You can order Portuguese tapas or choose from a variety of traditional dishes. It's very easy to have a filling meal for under €15-20.
A lovely tasca with live Fado music in the Barrio Alto neighborhood! Another great Portuguese dinner spot where you can get a starter + main dish for less than €20. At least one meal in Lisbon should be spent listening to Fado music.
If you've been searching for a Portuguese Indian restaurant, look no further! This tasca is located close to the Botanical Garden and offers both traditional Portuguese and Indian dishes for less than €10.
This is not exactly a budget-friendly recommendation, but this could definitely be considered an 'experience' to justify the cost of the cocktails. Red Frog Speakeasy was ranked #40 on The World's 50 Best Bars 2022. Bonus: this speakeasy is only a 3 minute walk from Tasca Do Marinheiro.
Lisbon is full of scenic viewpoints called miradouros. Alfama has so many miradouros with iconic views of the red-orange roofs. This is a must visit spot in the morning and evening.
Another beautiful (and very popular) viewpoint overlooking Lisbon. I like to include this one because there are several little cafes and bars nearby - they are a little pricier than other parts of town, but the views are 100% worth it.
The Fado Museum is an iconic and important place to learn about the origin and evolution of Fado music. Regular adult tickets are only €5. This museum is also an important landmark for the Alfama neighborhood.
The LX Factory is a vibrant cultural and creative hub located in Lisbon, Portugal. It offers restaurants, cafes, shops & boutiques, art exhibits, street art murals, and more! LX Factory is situated in the Alcântara district, a historic industrial area that has been revitalized and transformed into a dynamic and artistic space. You can spend as little or as much time here as you would like - there is something for everyone!
The Jerónimos Monastery, also known as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Portuguese, is one of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in Lisbon, Portugal. The monastery was constructed in the early 16th century.
You can simply take in the splendor from the outside (for free) or you can buy a ticket to explore the church and interior cloisters. A regular adult ticket is €10 and the lines can be very, very long.
Sintra is a funky, historic, beautiful town just outside of Lisbon. It's described as "a longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces."
This is a perfect day trip from Lisbon because it's reachable by train and there are many things to do and see.
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To get to Sintra, take a 45 minute train ride from Rossio to Sintra station. This will cost €2,30 per person. You can find timetables and pricing here:
There are several castles, palaces, and gardens to visit in Sintra, but my top recommendations are the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) and Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace). You can reach the castles in a few ways, but the most popular options are 1) taking the bus (recommended) , 2) hiking (free but demanding), or 3) taking a tuk-tuk (expensive).
The Sintra Tourist 434 Bus is easy to use and operates in one direction: Station > Town > Castles > Station. The cost for a round-trip journey is € 7,60 and you can buy these directly from the bus driver.
My favorite castle! If you're leaving from the Sintra station, you will reach the Moorish Castle after passing through "Sintra town". I recommend trying to arrive right when it opens to avoid the massive crowds. Tickets are €8 per person.
Perhaps the most iconic castle in all of Portugal. The vibrant colors are truly unreal. The tickets cost €14 and grant you access to the palace and the grounds. You will likely spend ~2 hours here exploring the massive grounds and inner rooms. We experienced thick crowds at this palace - even in December.
If you're up for it, you can hike from the Moorish Castle to the Pena Palace! Otherwise, hop back on your bus.
Sintra is, by nature, a touristy destination. All of the restaurants are in the "Villa" section along the bus route. This is a beautiful, walkable historic center with several restaurants. Many are catering solely to the tourists. Villa 6 is sort of tucked away from the chaotic crowds and prioritizes quality food and drinks. You'll be starving after traipsing through the castles and Portuguese tapas will hit the spot.
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