Is Lisbon expensive? The short answer is: Lisbon is moderately expensive compared to other European capitals, with accommodation being the most costly aspect while food, transportation, and attractions remain relatively affordable. In 2025, travelers can expect to spend about €100-150 per day for mid-range travel, including accommodation (€60-120/night), meals (€20-40/day), transportation (€5-10/day), and attractions (€10-20/day).
Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city, has seen significant changes in its cost structure over the past few years. Once considered one of Europe’s most affordable capitals, Lisbon has experienced price increases since 2021, particularly in the accommodation sector. However, it still offers excellent value compared to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or London, where costs can be two to three times higher.
The city’s growing popularity as a tourist destination and digital nomad hub has contributed to rising prices, especially in central neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama. Yet, savvy travelers can still enjoy Lisbon’s stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural experiences without breaking the bank by making strategic choices about when to visit, where to stay, and how to get around.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how expensive Lisbon is in 2025, comparing costs with other European destinations, analyzing prices by category, and providing practical money-saving tips to help you make the most of your visit to Portugal’s enchanting capital.
Is Lisbon Expensive for Tourists?
Accommodation is typically the largest expense for travelers visiting Lisbon, and it’s the category that has seen the most significant price increases in recent years. Understanding the cost variations across different neighborhoods and types of lodging can help you budget effectively for your stay.
Is Lisbon Expensive for Hotels and Apartments?
Lisbon’s hotel landscape offers options for every budget, from basic guesthouses to luxury five-star properties. As our neighborhood comparison table shows, prices vary considerably depending on location, with central areas like Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto commanding premium rates.
| Neighborhood | Budget Hotel/Hostel | Mid-range Hotel | Luxury Hotel | Airbnb (Entire Apt) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baixa/Chiado | €40-70 | €90-150 | €180-350+ | €80-150 |
| Alfama | €35-65 | €85-140 | €170-300+ | €75-140 |
| Bairro Alto | €35-70 | €90-160 | €180-350+ | €80-160 |
| Belém | €30-60 | €80-130 | €150-250+ | €70-130 |
| Alcântara | €30-60 | €75-120 | €140-250+ | €65-120 |
In 2025, budget travelers can find basic but clean accommodations starting around €35-70 per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost €75-170 depending on location and amenities. Luxury options start around €150 and can exceed €400 per night for five-star properties with river views.
Short-term apartment rentals have become increasingly popular in Lisbon, with platforms like Airbnb offering everything from small studios to luxury penthouses. In 2025, entire apartments in central areas typically range from €65-180 per night depending on size, quality, and location.
For travelers on tight budgets, Lisbon offers excellent hostel options, with dorm beds starting around €15-25 per night in low season and €25-40 during peak months. Many hostels in Lisbon are surprisingly stylish, with options like Yes! Lisbon Hostel, Home Lisbon Hostel, and Sunset Destination Hostel offering clean facilities, social atmospheres, and often included breakfasts.
Seasonal variations significantly impact hotel prices in Lisbon. High season (June-September) sees rates at their peak, while visiting during the November-February low season (excluding the Christmas/New Year period) can save you 30-40% on accommodation costs.
Is Lisbon Expensive for Food and Drink?
One of Lisbon’s greatest attractions for budget-conscious travelers is its food scene, which offers exceptional value compared to most Western European capitals. From traditional tascas to trendy restaurants, Lisbon provides culinary experiences for every budget without compromising on quality or authenticity.
How Expensive Is Lisbon for Dining Out?
Dining out in Lisbon can be remarkably affordable, especially if you venture beyond the main tourist areas. The city’s culinary landscape is diverse, with options ranging from humble neighborhood eateries to Michelin-starred establishments.
For budget travelers, the “menu do dia” (daily menu) offers the best value in Lisbon. Available at many traditional restaurants during weekday lunches, these set menus typically include a starter, main course, dessert, drink, and coffee for just €7-12. This Portuguese institution allows you to enjoy a complete, home-style meal at a fraction of à la carte prices.
Traditional tascas and small family-run restaurants provide authentic Portuguese cuisine at reasonable prices. A hearty meal of grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod), or carne de porco à alentejana (pork with clams) will typically cost €10-18 per person, excluding drinks. These establishments are where locals eat and offer the best glimpse into genuine Portuguese culinary traditions.
Mid-range restaurants in Lisbon charge approximately €25-40 per person for dinner with wine, while high-end dining experiences start around €50 and can exceed €100 per person at the city’s finest establishments like Belcanto or Alma.
It’s worth noting that tourist-centric areas like Baixa, Chiado, and the waterfront command a premium of roughly 20-30% compared to more residential neighborhoods. Restaurants with river views or prime locations in historic squares naturally charge more for the setting as well as the food.
Coffee and Pastries
Coffee culture is deeply embedded in Lisbon’s daily life, and enjoying an espresso (bica) at a traditional café is both a cultural experience and a bargain. A standard espresso costs just €0.70-1.20 at neighborhood cafés, though prices rise to €1.50-2.50 in more touristic areas or trendy establishments.
No visit to Lisbon is complete without sampling the famous pastel de nata (custard tart). These delicious pastries typically cost €1.20-1.50 at standard bakeries, with premium versions at specialized shops like the famous Pastéis de Belém priced around €1.50-2.00. A coffee and pastel de nata makes for a delightful and economical breakfast or afternoon snack for under €3.
Drinking and Nightlife
Lisbon’s drinking culture is vibrant and relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. Local beer (imperial) costs around €1.50-2.50 for a small draft in neighborhood bars, while a glass of house wine typically ranges from €2.50-4.00. Craft beers and premium wines naturally command higher prices, typically €4.00-7.00 per serving.
Cocktails in standard bars cost approximately €7-10, while upscale establishments charge €10-15 for classic or signature drinks. The Bairro Alto district, Lisbon’s primary nightlife area, offers dozens of small bars with varying price points, though generally on the higher end of these ranges due to its popularity with tourists.
A unique aspect of Lisbon’s drinking culture is the ginjinha, a traditional sour cherry liqueur served in small shops throughout the city for just €1.50-2.00 per shot. This local specialty provides both cultural immersion and an affordable treat.
Is Lisbon Expensive for Transportation?
Lisbon’s transportation system is not only efficient and comprehensive but also remarkably affordable compared to other European capitals. Understanding the various options and their costs will help you navigate the city economically while making the most of your visit.
How Expensive Is Lisbon’s Public Transportation?
Lisbon’s public transportation network includes metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and ferries, all operated under the Carris/Metro system. The pricing structure is straightforward and offers excellent value:
A single ticket (valid for the metro, regular buses, or regular trams) costs just €1.50, making individual journeys very affordable. However, for visitors planning to use public transport multiple times per day, the 24-hour unlimited travel pass at €6.40 offers much better value. This pass covers all metro lines, regular buses, and most trams (excluding the tourist trams 15E and 28E).
The historic tram lines, particularly the famous Tram 28 that winds through Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, charge a higher single fare of €3.00 when purchased onboard. However, these iconic yellow trams are included in the daily travel pass, making the pass an even better deal for tourists.
For the most up-to-date transportation prices, you can check Metropolitano de Lisboa’s official fare information, which details all ticket options and passes available to visitors.
Airport Transfers
Getting from Lisbon Airport to the city center is straightforward and relatively inexpensive:
The metro is the most economical option at just €1.50 per person. The red line connects directly to the airport, and the journey to downtown takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Taxis from the airport operate on a meter with a base fare of €3.25 plus €0.47-0.95 per kilometer depending on time of day. The typical cost to the city center ranges from €15-25 depending on your exact destination and traffic conditions. Taxis charge an additional fee for luggage.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available and often slightly cheaper than traditional taxis, with fares to the city center typically ranging from €10-20.
Sightseeing and Activities?
Lisbon offers an impressive array of cultural and historical attractions, with costs that are generally lower than comparable sites in other Western European capitals. Understanding these expenses will help you plan your sightseeing budget effectively.
Lisbon’s Museums and Monuments
Lisbon’s museums and monuments are reasonably priced compared to those in cities like Paris, London, or Rome. Most major attractions charge entrance fees between €5-15, with discounts commonly available for students, seniors, and families.
The iconic Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, costs €10 for a standard ticket. Similarly, the historic São Jorge Castle, offering panoramic views over the city, charges €10 for adults. The Belém Tower, another UNESCO site, is slightly less expensive at €6.
Many of Lisbon’s museums offer excellent value. The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo), showcasing Portugal’s distinctive azulejo tile art, charges just €5. The world-class Gulbenkian Museum, with its extensive art collection spanning Egyptian antiquities to modern works, costs €10.
A significant money-saving opportunity is that many museums and monuments offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, the Lisboa Card includes free entry to 35+ attractions and museums, potentially offering substantial savings for active sightseers.
Day Trips
Some of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations are easily accessible as day trips from Lisbon, with varying costs depending on your travel style:
Sintra, with its fairytale palaces and lush gardens, is the most popular day trip. The train journey costs just €2.25 each way (about 40 minutes). Once there, entrance fees apply for the various palaces and attractions: Pena Palace (€14), National Palace of Sintra (€10), Moorish Castle (€8), and Quinta da Regaleira (€10).
Cascais, a charming coastal town, is accessible by train for €2.25 each way (about 30 minutes). Most activities here are free or low-cost, including beaches, the marina, and coastal walks.
For those preferring organized excursions, guided day trips typically range from €30-100 depending on the destination, inclusions, and group size. While more expensive than independent travel, these tours often include transportation, entrance fees, and expert commentary.
Is Lisbon Expensive to Visit?
The cost of visiting Lisbon varies significantly depending on your travel style, preferences, and expectations. Let’s break down what different types of travelers can expect to spend in Portugal’s capital in 2025.
Budget Travelers
For budget-conscious backpackers and students, Lisbon remains one of Western Europe’s more affordable capital cities. With careful planning, you can enjoy the city on as little as €45-65 per day.
A typical backpacker budget in Lisbon might look like:
- Accommodation: €15-25 per night in a hostel dormitory
- Food: €15-25 daily (combining supermarket meals, street food, and occasional inexpensive restaurants)
- Transportation: €5-7 daily (using a day pass or walking when possible)
- Activities: €0-10 daily (focusing on free attractions and occasional paid sites)
- Extras: €5-10 daily (for occasional drinks or souvenirs)
Even on this limited budget, you can experience Lisbon’s highlights, including its architecture, viewpoints, and cultural atmosphere. You’ll simply need to be selective about which paid attractions to visit and prioritize free activities.
Mid-Range Travelers
Mid-range travelers can enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling experience in Lisbon for approximately €100-150 per day per person. This budget allows for better accommodations, regular restaurant meals, and access to most attractions without constant cost concerns.
A typical mid-range budget breaks down as:
- Accommodation: €60-120 per night in a 3-star hotel or quality apartment
- Food: €30-50 daily (breakfast at cafés, lunch at local restaurants, dinner at mid-range establishments)
- Transportation: €6-10 daily (day passes and occasional taxis)
- Activities: €10-20 daily (regular paid attractions and perhaps a guided tour)
- Extras: €10-20 daily (drinks, shopping, and miscellaneous expenses)
At this spending level, you’ll experience a comfortable, authentic visit without major compromises, though you’ll still benefit from some cost-conscious choices like using public transportation and seeking out value-oriented restaurants.
Luxury Travelers
For those seeking premium experiences, Lisbon offers excellent value compared to other European capitals. Luxury travelers can expect to spend €250-400+ per day per person, though this can increase substantially depending on accommodation choices and activities.
A luxury budget in Lisbon typically includes:
- Accommodation: €150-400+ per night in a 4-5 star hotel or premium apartment
- Food: €70-150+ daily (upscale restaurants, including Michelin-starred dining)
- Transportation: €30-50 daily (primarily private transfers and taxis)
- Activities: €30-100+ daily (private tours, premium experiences)
- Extras: €50-100+ daily (fine wines, shopping, spa treatments)
Even at the luxury level, Lisbon offers exceptional value compared to cities like Paris, London, or Zurich. A comparable luxury experience in these cities would typically cost 30-50% more.
Is Lisbon Expensive Compared to Other European Cities?
When comparing how expensive Lisbon is to other major European capitals, the Portuguese city still offers considerable value. According to the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer, Lisbon consistently ranks among the most affordable Western European capitals for tourists.
As you can see in our comparison table, Lisbon’s daily expenses for mid-range travelers (€100-150) are significantly lower than those in Paris (€180-250), Amsterdam (€170-230), or London (€190-260). Even compared to cities like Barcelona and Rome, Lisbon typically offers savings of 15-25% on overall travel costs.
| City | Average Hotel Price (3★) | Meal for Two (Mid-range) | Public Transport (Single) | Museum/Attraction | Beer (0.5L) | Daily Budget (Mid-range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | €80-120 | €35-45 | €1.50 | €8-15 | €3-5 | €100-150 |
| Barcelona | €110-160 | €50-70 | €2.40 | €15-25 | €4-6 | €150-200 |
| Paris | €150-220 | €60-90 | €1.90 | €15-30 | €6-8 | €180-250 |
| Rome | €100-150 | €50-70 | €1.50 | €15-25 | €4-6 | €140-190 |
| London | €150-230 | €70-100 | €2.80 | €15-30 | €6-8 | €190-260 |
What makes Lisbon particularly appealing is the balance of quality and cost. While Eastern European cities like Prague may have lower absolute prices, Lisbon offers a Western European experience—complete with excellent infrastructure, high-quality dining, and top-tier attractions—at a fraction of the cost of its Western counterparts.
The city’s affordability is most evident in everyday expenses. A coffee in a traditional café costs as little as €0.70-1.20, local wine is exceptionally affordable at €3-8 per bottle in supermarkets, and public transportation is efficient and inexpensive at just €1.50 per ride or €6.40 for a day pass.
Why Is Lisbon Expensive Now Compared to Previous Years?
While Lisbon remains relatively affordable compared to other Western European capitals, it’s important to acknowledge that prices have increased noticeably since 2021. Several factors have contributed to this shift in how expensive Lisbon has become:
Tourism Boom
Lisbon has experienced a significant surge in tourism, particularly after pandemic-related travel restrictions eased. According to recent tourism statistics, Portugal’s tourism activity continues to grow and reached historic highs in 2025, contributing to increased demand and prices in popular destinations like Lisbon. The city welcomed over 4 million visitors in 2023, approaching pre-pandemic levels, and this number continues to grow in 2025. This influx has naturally driven up prices in tourist-heavy areas and created more demand for accommodations.
Real Estate Market Pressure
The Portuguese capital has become increasingly attractive to international investors and digital nomads, driving up property values and rental prices. The introduction of the Golden Visa program (though now more restricted) and tax incentives for foreign residents contributed to a real estate boom that has affected both long-term rental and short-term accommodation prices.
Global Inflation
Like most global destinations, Lisbon has not been immune to worldwide inflation trends. Rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions have increased operational expenses for businesses, which have partially passed these costs on to consumers.
Practical Tips: How to Visit Lisbon When It’s Less Expensive
While Lisbon remains one of Western Europe’s more affordable capitals, strategic planning can help you maximize value and minimize expenses during your visit. These practical tips will help you enjoy everything the city has to offer without overspending.
When Is Lisbon Less Expensive to Visit?
Timing your visit strategically can significantly impact how expensive Lisbon is for your trip:
Low season (November through February, excluding the holiday period) offers the best value, with accommodation prices 30-40% lower than peak season rates. While winter temperatures in Lisbon are mild compared to most of Europe (averaging 8-15°C/46-59°F), you might encounter some rainy days.
Shoulder seasons (March-May and October) provide an excellent balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and moderate prices. Accommodation costs are typically 10-20% lower than during summer, and you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures for exploring.
High season (June through September) brings the warmest weather but also peak prices and larger crowds. If you must visit during this period, early June or late September offer slightly better value than July and August.
Is Lisbon Expensive for Food? Money-Saving Dining Tips
Food costs in Lisbon can be remarkably affordable if you know where and how to eat:
Embrace the “menu do dia” (daily menu) for lunch. These fixed-price weekday lunch specials typically include three courses and a drink for €7-12, offering exceptional value at traditional restaurants.
Seek out tascas and local eateries away from main tourist streets. Even just one or two streets off the main thoroughfares, prices can drop by 20-30% while quality and authenticity often improve.
Visit local markets like Mercado de Alvalade or Mercado 31 de Janeiro for fresh, affordable produce if you have access to cooking facilities. Even without cooking, these markets often have food stalls serving excellent, inexpensive meals.
Try Portuguese fast food options like bifanas (pork sandwiches, €2-4), prego (steak sandwiches, €3-5), or bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish fritters, €1-2 each) for quick, authentic, and budget-friendly meals.
Lisbon Luggage Storage
When exploring Lisbon, dealing with luggage before check-in or after check-out can be a significant concern. Fortunately, the city offers several convenient and affordable luggage storage options that allow you to maximize your time without being weighed down by heavy bags.
Lisbon provides various solutions for temporary luggage storage, each with different pricing structures and convenience levels:
Radical Storage offers one of the most convenient and straightforward options for travelers in Lisbon. With multiple locations throughout the city, including spots near major attractions, train stations, and popular neighborhoods, Radical Storage provides a flat rate of €5 per bag per day regardless of size or weight. Their service includes insurance coverage up to €3,000 per item, giving you peace of mind while exploring the city. Booking is easily done online, allowing you to reserve space in advance and ensuring availability even during busy periods.
Train station lockers are available at Santa Apolónia and Oriente stations. These automated lockers charge based on size and time, typically €3.50-4.50 for small bags and €5.50-7.50 for large bags for a 4-hour period, with rates increasing for longer storage. While convenient for train travelers, these lockers have limited capacity and can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons.
Airport lockers at Lisbon Airport provide short-term storage at similar rates to train station lockers (€4.50 for small bags and €7.50 for large bags for 4 hours). These are primarily useful for long layovers rather than regular city exploration.
For the best experience, we recommend using Radical Storage for its combination of convenience, fixed pricing, and security. Their multiple locations throughout Lisbon allow you to drop off and pick up bags near your actual points of interest rather than making special trips to transportation hubs.
Is Lisbon Expensive in 2025? Our Verdict
After examining Lisbon’s costs across various categories and traveler types, we can confidently answer the question: Is Lisbon expensive?
Lisbon occupies a sweet spot in the European travel landscape—more affordable than Western European capitals like Paris, London, or Amsterdam, yet offering similar quality, infrastructure, and cultural richness. While prices have increased since 2021, particularly for accommodation, the city still provides excellent value for money when compared to its peers.
For budget travelers, Lisbon remains one of the most accessible Western European capitals, with affordable public transportation, reasonably priced food options, and numerous free or low-cost attractions. Backpackers can comfortably experience the city on €45-65 per day with strategic choices.
Mid-range travelers will find Lisbon particularly appealing, as €100-150 per day provides access to comfortable accommodation, quality dining, and most attractions without the premium prices found in other major European destinations.
Even luxury travelers benefit from Lisbon’s value proposition, with high-end experiences available at prices 30-50% lower than comparable offerings in more expensive European capitals.
The key to managing costs in Lisbon lies in making informed choices: visiting during shoulder or low seasons, staying in less touristy neighborhoods, taking advantage of set lunch menus, using public transportation, and prioritizing the many free or low-cost experiences the city offers.
Ultimately, Lisbon’s unique blend of historic charm, cultural richness, culinary excellence, and relative affordability makes it not just worth visiting but one of Europe’s best-value destinations in 2025. The city’s authentic character, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere provide an experience that often exceeds expectations regardless of your budget level.
This article was last updated in March 2025 with the most current pricing information available.
According to Lisbon’s official tourism website, the city offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for various budgets. For the most up-to-date information on costs and activities, we recommend checking their official resources before your trip.
For accurate cost of living data, you can refer to Numbeo’s cost of living index, which is regularly updated with current prices across various categories.