Want to go on a budget trip to Lisbon? Or even without the budget part but looking for some ideas of what to do? Here is a little budget Lisbon trip guide to help you out.
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is alive with colour and charm. A coastal city built on hills, meaning views aplenty and with a desirable climate year round, this city is a great visit on any Europe trip. Welcoming for even the budget travellers out there, there is plenty to keep you occupied without breaking the bank, whether visiting for 2 days or up to a week.
I went on a solo budget trip to Lisbon and had a great time, so in this post I’ll give you some tips on how to make this happen and how to keep yourself occupied.
First things first…
The budget part of a budget trip to Lisbon can start from the onset, especially if travelling from elsewhere in Europe. Cheap flights are generally readily available, in particular if you’re at least semi-flexible on time.
I booked three days before, and got a bargain return flight of £37 from Scotland. The fact it was January most likely helped with these prices, but in general being flexible is always key. It was literally cheaper to fly return to Lisbon than to take a train one way to England, insane, right? Of course, this meant budget airline Ryanair and only hand luggage. But trust me, if I can take just hand luggage so can you. That was running shoes and more clothes than I wore in one small (very full) carry on sized backpack.
Lets cover some key points to help you with your budget Lisbon trip:
When to visit?
Lisbon is definitely a year round destination.
Lisbon’s climate means even a trip in peak winter can feel somewhat tropical in comparison to other destinations in Europe. Ok, tropical is maybe ‘slightly’ OTT but from coming from Scotland in January at least, the milder day time temperatures and sunshine was certainly desirable. Out-with summer – whether spring, summer, autumn you’ll only be treated with more opportunities to discard of your jacket/jumper and don your swimwear for a visit to the nearby beaches. I would definitely love to go back during the warmer months as I can only imagine the buzz of the coastal city vibes during that time – I am a beach gal, but even so I was highly satisfied with my trip. There is plenty to keep you occupied without having the luxury of lazing on the warm sand.
As I said I was flexible, so my trip was spontaneous but also purposefully done in the fact that the flights were super cheap and the weather showed a big sun for the duration of time I’d be going for. I wanted winter sun real bad, and the winter sun that week was very much in Lisbon. There was barely a cloud in the sky for 5 out of the 6 days I was there. Winter for me had transformed into just what I needed, the sunshine and 13-15 degree day time temperatures made me a very happy gal. It felt warmer in the sun I swear, I also saw more sunshine than I had in MONTHS, no joke.
So January, winter in general, is great as the city is still buzzing but not too busy can’t deal gotta book everything in advance kind of buzzing. Nice busy. More importantly, accommodation is cheap and readily available. This isn’t to say you can only do a budget trip in winter, just that winter makes it extra budget! So, that takes me to….
Accommodation
Living the budget trip to Lisbon life means of course hostel accommodation is key, at least if travelling solo this will be the cheapest option. There are plenty of hostels in various areas of the city so you can be assured that you will find one which suits your desires.
Booking.com and Hostelworld are always my go to to check out the best accommodation. From there I’ll book through the cheapest between them, or even through the hostel’s own site as sometimes that is cheaper than the ‘deals’ offered on the partner sites. Don’t trust just one site!
For my budget trip to Lisbon I didn’t opt for the cheapest hostel available, I don’t like to go quite ‘budget budget’. In other words I’ll spend a few extra euros to get something slightly nicer and in a location that suits me best. As a runner, I prefer to be close to the water aka somewhere with an easily accessible, nice, extensive (hello long runs) running route. Also a kitchen and a supermarket nearby are pretty key to me.
Sunset Destination Hostel, located in Cais do Sodré was therefore my hostel of choice.
– Sunset Destination Hostel
Positive attributes:
- Fully equipped kitchen – everything you need to cook proper meals, even an oven (most hostels lack this)
- Rooftop bar/terrace open day and night – perfect for chilling catching some sun rays through the day, or partying up at night
- Option of female only ensuite dorm rooms (sometimes you just don’t want to be faced with guys snoring)
- Located right at the water
- Located at the train station, as in basically IN the train station – metro station attached
- Bus stops right outside
- Supermarket next door (in train station)
- 2 minute walk to Cais do Sodré ferry terminal
- 5 minute walk to Time Out Market Lisbon
- 10 minute walk to Praça do Comércio
- 10 minute walk to Bairro Alto district
- 20-25 minute walk to Castelo de São Jorge
Biggest downside would have to be one of the perks, the fact that it is next to (in) the train station. It can be noisy (from the outside) very early in the morning and until late at night. I’m not really a morning person but there was certainly not much sleeping in when you could hear the station announcements coming in from around 6am.
How to get around Lisbon on a budget
If there is one thing you will probably know about Lisbon, is that it is known for its trams. I am almost ashamed to admit however, that I did not take one tram on my visit. The reason being that the best (and cheapest way) to get around, in my view, is to walk. Lisbon, for the most part, is a walk-able city. Walking allows you to take in the true atmosphere of a city and stumble across streets you otherwise may not. My step count was high, and that’s just how I like it when travelling. Of course, not everyone has the time or willingness to walk as much as I like to, but don’t fret as public transport is not only readily available but also very affordable.
Lisbon has all your main forms of public transport:
- Tram
- Train
- Metro
- Bus
- Ferry
The journeys are all relatively cheap. Fares vary depending on zones travelled. To get an indication, a trip 40 minutes away to Cascais, for example, is only €2.30 each way.
You will need a Viva Viagem card for public transport during your trip.
- Viva Viagem is a top up card costing €0.50.
- Necessary for all transport besides trams and busses, on which you can use this card or pay the driver directly. However, the journey will be cheaper with the Viva Viagem card.
- One card can be used for the duration of your visit, just don’t lose it!
- There are different options for determining how much you top up the card with. Most notably you can top it up before each individual/return trip, OR can deposit a larger sum of money on the card which can then be used throughout your visit. I’d recommend topping up before each trip as you don’t want to be left with money on the card at the end of the trip, unless you intend to keep hold of the card and return to use it within the next year.
- Swipe the card at the validator and you will be ready for your trip on your transport of choice.
What to do in Lisbon on a budget?
Parque Eduardo VII
A fan of green spaces and good views? Parque Eduardo VII is your place. Take a stroll up Lisbon’s main avenue, Avenida de Liberdade and at the top you will reach Parque Eduardo VII.
The park is free to enter.
Essentially it is a well maintained grassy area with tree lined avenues on either side and a lovely city view from the top. That’s to say, the park ascends (such is a common theme throughout Lisbon), leading to a monument from where you will see the city and have a good photo op! There are plenty of benches so you can take time to sit and chill when visiting, with the grassy area providing ample space for everyone to lounge on too. A good space for a picnic lunch I’d say!
Miradoura de São Pedro de Alcântara
A beautiful lookout spot over the city, great for sunset. It is a good spot to head to after Parque Eduardo VII. It is around a 25 minute walk from the park, however feels much less as you can walk back down the lovely Avenida da Liberdade. It’s a nice walk with things to look at therefore goes by quickly. There is, however, of course, a bit of a climb involved. Nothing too extreme, quite steep but not too long and it is worth it!
It is a relatively large lookout area, with a garden, from which you can gain a panoramic view of Lisbon.
I actually had no intention of heading here, simply because I hadn’t done my research and didn’t know it existed. Walking back from Parque Eduardo I spotted it on Google Maps. It was almost sunset and I’m a SUCKER for a good sunset especially with a view. Consequently, I rerouted and headed up the hill to this Miradoura. No regrets.
Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge is a key historic landmark of the city and therefore one of the main attractions.
The castle, found on Lisbon’s highest hill, is unmissable.
Entry to the castle might ruin the ‘budget’ part of a budget trip slightly as unsurprisingly it is not free.
- Adult ticket €15
- 25 and under €7.50
The adult ticket is a bit steep at €15 however the €7.50 25 and under is definitely worth it.
So, bonus budget travel points to you if you’re under 25, as this saves you half the entrance fee. Here’s the deal, I am not 25 or under, however, the ticket man simply asked ‘are you under 25?’ to which I replied ‘yeah, 24′. I’m not sure if they usually ask for ID to check age (I assumed they would but I decided to risk it for cheaper entry).. It worked out well as no questions were asked. So, I paid €7.50 and happily entered the castle grounds. It was also getting later in the day so that may have helped them being less strict? Not sure, but you could try it if you are part of the younger looking crew!
To make the most out of your castle visit I recommend going later in the day so that you can be there for sunset. I almost didn’t go because I thought maybe it was getting a bit too late, but in reality I couldn’t have timed it better. I had plenty time to walk around and explore under blue skies, then was treated to a magical sunset, looking out over the castle walls to the city below, the sun setting beyond Lisbon’s iconic 25 de Abril Bridge.
Miradoura de Santa Luzia
Miradoura de Santa Luzia, situated in the Alfama district, is another key lookout spot in the city. Easily visited before/after the castle as it is a mere 5 minute walk away.
There is a lovely café on the terrace should you want a drink or bite to eat in a beautiful spot from where the views extend over Alfama and beyond.
Miradoura de Santa Luzia is probably the most famous ‘Instagram’ view points..
Belém
Belém is situated along the Tagus river, just beyond Lisbon’s famous bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril.
Accessible by tram, metro or a long riverside walk from the centre.
The sights you will want to look out for (and can’t miss!) include the Belém Tower, The Padrao dos Descobrimentos and Belém Palace.
I hit up Belém kind of accidentally when I went for a long run (I had planned to go later that day), and stopped to take in the waterfront sights when I reached it – so makes for a good long run route heading towards Belém!
Lisbon itself is great, but what makes is great is also its surrounding areas. Luckily, a budget trip to Lisbon can also go beyond the city itself. Day trips/half day trips are easily and cheaply done thanks to Lisbon’s public transport network.
Cascais
The beach town of Cascais, a 40 minute train ride from Cais do Sodre is well worth a visit. At less than a 4 euro return fare, there is no reason not to (unless short on time!). You could visit for a couple hours, a half day or make the whole day of it.
Whether its warm enough to laze on the beach or not the trip is worth making. Cascais is a great place for a lovely coastal walk, perfect in the cooler months. On the other hand, beaches are readily available to relax under the warm sun should you be so lucky!
As I went in January I headed down to the marina to then continue on a coastal walk, before returning and watching a beautiful sunset from one of the beaches. I can only imagine how alive this town will feel in summer!
Sintra
A day trip to Sintra should be on the cards if you have time.
Getting to Sintra is relatively cheap, and you can make this day as affordable or expensive as you wish. Maybe you’re super into history, or maybe too many historical sites at once is, well, too many. If the latter is you (as is me), simply head to the colourful Pena Palace, perched on the hilltops. If this is the only main site you visit in Sintra, it will still feel like a worthwhile trip.
The entry fee to Pena Palace and gardens is 14 euro, or 13.30 if you book online. If there in Peak season you will most likely need to book the ticket in advance – it is timed entrance slots. I turned up and booked it from my phone at the gate – I don’t plan much.. Perks of travelling off-season, more freedom!
You can also book here if you want to be prepared and ensure you will be able to enter:
Again with affordability in Sintra, and how to get around – busses are readily available to give you the whole tour of Sintra, the option the majority of people choose. BUT walking trails are there for you if you, like me, are not most people. That’s to say, I hiked up to Pena Palace (and down again). Whether I was being a ‘budget traveler’ or not I would have hiked because that’s the kind of person I am. That is how you really explore (especially when getting lost on trails in almost dark.. don’t recommend that!). The hike up isn’t too bad, I feel like some people would claim it is – it isn’t! I did it in Vans and just normal clothes – no stress. If you’re relatively fit you can walk up for sure.
So, whether going for two days or a week there is plenty to keep you occupied, even on a budget trip to Lisbon. Of course you will also wander the streets and take in the main districts in general such as Alfama, Baixa, Bairro Alto, with shopping aplenty, restaurants, and don’t forget to visit the well known Time Out Market for eats.