Budget & Costs
What Does Lisbon Cost?
Lisbon is astonishingly affordable for a Western European capital — significantly cheaper than Paris, London, Barcelona, or Rome. Food and drink are particularly inexpensive, accommodations vary greatly by season and location. Since 2024, Lisbon has imposed a tourist tax of 2€/night (max. 7 nights).
Typical Prices (Estimates 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Espresso (Bica) | 0.65–1.00 |
| Beer (Imperial, 0.3l) | 1.50–2.50 |
| Glass of House Wine | 2.00–3.50 |
| Pastel de Nata | 1.20–1.50 |
| Menú do dia (Daily Menu) | 7–12 |
| Dinner at a Restaurant | 12–25 |
| Supermarket Shopping (1 day) | 8–15 |
| Hostel (Dormitory) | 15–30 |
| Hotel (Mid-Range, Double Room) | 80–150 |
| Airbnb (Central, Studio) | 60–120 |
| Metro/Bus Single Ticket (Viva Viagem) | 1.65 |
| Tram 28 (with Viva Viagem) | 3.00 |
| Belém Tower Entry | 10 |
| Jerónimos Monastery | 10 |
| Castelo de São Jorge | 15 |
| Fado Evening (with drink) | 20–40 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (30–55€ per day)
Lisbon is a backpacker's paradise. Hostels from 15€, Menú do dia for lunch for 7–10€ (soup, main course, drink, coffee!), Pastéis de Nata as a snack (1.20€), Ginjinha shot for 1.50€, free Miradouros instead of observation decks, public elevators and stairs instead of the expensive Tram 28. Many museums are free on Sundays or the first Sunday.
Mid-Range (60–130€ per day)
Boutique hotel or Airbnb in Alfama or Chiado, dining with local wine, 1–2 main attractions per day, Tram 28 and Fado evening. The most comfortable way to experience Lisbon — and still very affordable.
Comfort / Luxury (150–350€+ per day)
Design hotel with Tejo view, Michelin-starred restaurants (Belcanto, Alma), private Sintra tour, wine tasting in Alentejo, sailing trip on the Tejo. Lisbon's luxury segment is rapidly growing — but even luxury is cheaper here than in other capitals.
Tipp
Lisbon's biggest money-saving hack: the Menú do dia. Almost every restaurant offers a 2–3 course lunch menu with a drink and coffee for 7–12€. The quality is often excellent — authentic Portuguese cuisine at a fraction of the dinner menu price.
Money-Saving Tips
Lisbon is already affordable — with these tips, it gets even better:
- Free Museum Days: Many museums are free on the 1st Sunday of the month: MNAA, Museu do Azulejo, MAAT. Always check in advance!
- Miradouros instead of Entrance Fees: The best views cost nothing. Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro de Santa Luzia — all free and breathtaking.
- Tram 28 at Regular Price: Instead of 7€ for the tourist ride: Load the Viva Viagem card and ride for 3€. Or: Bus 737 follows almost the same route for 1.65€.
- Pastéis de Nata Everywhere: The famous ones at Pastéis de Belém cost 1.30€ and the line is long. Manteigaria in Chiado makes almost as good ones for 1.20€ — without the wait.
- Ginjinha at Rossio: The traditional sour cherry liqueur shot at Rossio costs 1.50€ — a ritual anyone can afford.
- Lisboa Card: For 24–72 hours (from 27€). Free public transport + entry to 39 museums and attractions. Worth it for intensive sightseeing.
- Eat Like the Locals: Avoid the Restaurantes na Rua Augusta (tourist prices). Go one side street further and eat in a Tasca — half the price, double the authenticity.
- Refill Water: Lisbon increasingly has public drinking water dispensers. Bring a bottle and refill.
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