Lisbon, Portugal’s sun-soaked capital, is a city brimming with history, culture, and charm—but it’s also a place where you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. Whether you’re wandering through cobblestone streets or sipping espresso at a local café, Lisbon offers plenty of ways to save money while still having an unforgettable experience. Here are expert tips to help you travel to Lisbon on a budget without sacrificing the fun.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
The timing of your trip can make a huge difference in how much you spend. Lisbon is most affordable during off-peak months, which are typically in the fall (October-November) and winter (January-March). During these months, flights and accommodation costs are much lower, and you’ll avoid the large crowds of tourists.
Pro tip: Flights to Lisbon in the off-season can be up to 40% cheaper than during the summer months. Plus, attractions will be less crowded, giving you a more relaxed experience.
How To Travel Lisbon By Transport?
1. By Car
If you are going to explore the Iberian Peninsula by your car, then we recommend you to use apps such as Google Maps. Portugal has good highways, which makes it easy to get around.
2. By Train
If you plan to travel around Portugal by train you might think which is the best traveling train from Faro, Braga, Oporto, or Coimbra. A journey between Porto and Lisbon usually takes 3 hours. If you are going to travel from Spain to Lisbon, you can go for a night train that leaves from Madrid every day. This journey can take 10 hours. This means of transportation might be the slowest and most expensive, but you can prefer it over a plane.
When to Visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon city is in the Spring Season (March to May) or September to October during the off season. During these times of the year, you will find that hotel rates are way more cheaper than usual and the streets are less crowded.
Moreover, in the high season of August if you visit, you will not encounter over-crowdedness at all. Lisbon is definitely not too crowded as compared to other cities in Europe so far. So as long as you are comfortable with its temperature and the prices you get during the scheduled visit, then you should still have a great time no matter when you go.
Quick Tips Before Your Trip to Lisbon
1. Learn Local Language
The most widely spoken language in Lisbon is the Portuguese language but English is also quite common.
2. Be Aware And Safe
Although Lisbon is super safe, pickpocketing is very common on the public transportation, especially when you travel with the famous cable cars. If you do decide to do a tram tour be very careful to pay attention to your things.
3. Bring Good Shoes
Bring good walking shoes with the best grip. Lisbon is a very hilly city with the cobblestone on slopes which can be especially slippery that can only walk through with the best shoes
4. Carry Cash When Necessary
Portugal is a big part of Europe so also the transaction is being done with the currency Euro. Although cash is sometimes necessary while exploring shops and restaurants so that you won’t have any problem while finding ATMs around town as they’re plentiful.
Free and Low-Cost Attractions in Lisbon
Lisbon is full of amazing free and affordable things to do. Here are a few activities to enjoy without spending much:
1. Miradouros (viewpoints)
Lisbon is famous for its stunning viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the city. Places like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or Miradouro de Santa Catarina are perfect spots to relax and take in the scenery—free of charge!
2. Free walking tours
Explore the city with a free walking tour (tip-based) to learn about Lisbon’s rich history and culture. Most tours are guided by passionate locals who share fascinating insights about the city.
3. Beaches
If you’re visiting in the summer, Lisbon’s nearby beaches—like Costa da Caparica—are free to access and perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
Getting Around Lisbon
1. Take Uber
Uber is one of the easiest ways to explore the town and it is also very inexpensive. They usually arrive really fast as well. So if you want to get across the city you cam expect to pay under 6 Euros per ride.
2. Buy a VivaViagem card
If you are going to take public transport then we suggest you buy a VivaViagem card which is also reusable. It also offers discounted fares as well as single fare tickets. Moreover, it is eligible for use on buses, trains, trams and the metro.
3. Use Tuk-Tuks
You might get excited after seeing tuk-tuks wandering around town as well. And Do you know that they all have a sense of artistic flair. Moreover, they are usually decorated with colorful patterns and designs which makes it more exciting. These are best suited for groups as they can easily fill an entire tuk-tuk car and can take a tour of the city but it can be a bit more expensive.
4. Explore Tram cars
For a fun tour take a ride on one of Lisbon’s famous tram cars. Tram is the place to be as it routes near some of the city’s major sites. Just don’t be exhausted if the wait times to get there are long and you get squished in like sardines.
Top Things to do in Lisbon
1. Spend A Day In Belem
Belem is where many top sites such as the Belem Tower, MAAT Museum, and Jeronimos Monastery are all located. Although these places can be quite a busy tourist area, the tower and monastery attract a large number of visitors.
2. Stroll Through The Alfama Neighborhood
Explore the Alfama Neighbourhood, start with Miradouro da Graça. It is one of the higher lookout points in the city. It makes your way downhill from there through the quaint streets of Alfama.
3. Shop Your Heart Out At LX Factory
LXFactory is the cool kids hangout for coffee shops, quirky boutiques, and outdoor eateries. You can go on weekdays mostly on Sundays when they close off the main street as they have an outdoor market in addition to all of the cute stores that already line the area.
Conclusion
Lisbon proves that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy an amazing vacation. With a little planning and the right tips, you can experience the best the city has to offer without spending a fortune. From affordable food and accommodations to free attractions and budget transport options, Lisbon has plenty to offer budget travelers.