How Much Does Lisbon Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Lisbon is a sun-drenched coastal capital where Atlantic breezes meet centuries of maritime history. While it remains one of Western Europe’s more affordable capitals, prices have risen as its popularity as a premier waterfront destination has grown. Visitors should anticipate a daily budget range of $88 / €75 for solo travelers up to $847 / €720 for those seeking high-end luxury at the water's edge. The cost landscape is defined by its hilly terrain, historic riverfront districts like Belém, and a unique blend of traditional seafood taverns and modern terrace bars. Navigating the city effectively requires a mix of historic tram rides and scenic walking routes along the Tagus River.
Is Lisbon expensive to visit?
Lisbon is a moderately affordable coastal city—expect to spend between $88–$282 / €75–€240 per day depending on whether you prefer hostel dorms or mid-range hotels.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Lisbon
$88
per person /day
$282
per person /day
$847
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $265 | $847 | $2,542 |
| 5-Day Trip | $441 | $1,412 | $4,237 |
| 7-Day Trip | $618 | $1,977 | $5,932 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to set aside a 15% buffer to cover the Lisbon Municipal Tourist Tax, which can total ~$33 / €28 for longer stays, and incidental 'couvert' charges. This also provides flexibility for spontaneous river activities like a Tagus River Sunset Sailing Cruise.
How Does It Compare?
See how Lisbon stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Lisbon
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pastel de Belém (Single) Available for takeaway or table service. Expect a queue, but it moves fast. | $1.53 €1.3 |
| Draft Beer (Imperial - 0.2L) A small beer (Imperial) is usually ~$1.77–$2.94 / €1.5–€2.5. Larger pints are ~$3.53–$5.89 / €3–€5. | $2.94 €2.5 |
| Espresso (Bica) at a Café A standard 'Bica' (espresso) costs ~$0.94–$1.41 / €0.8–€1.2 when standing at the bar. | $1.29 €1.1 |
| Street Food Bifana The classic pork sandwich, usually served with mustard and piri-piri oil. | $5.3 €4.5 |
Transport (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Carris/Metro Single Ticket Requires a reusable Navegante occasional card which costs ~$0.59 / €0.5. | $2.24 €1.9 |
| 24-Hour Public Transport Pass This is the best value if you plan to take at least 4 trips or use the historic trams and Santa Justa Lift. | $8.53 €7.25 |
| Airport Taxi to City Centre There is a surcharge for luggage and traveling after 21:00. Always ask for a receipt. | $26 €23 |
| Historic Tram 28 (On-board Ticket) Buying from the driver is almost double the price of using a pre-loaded Navegante card (~$2.02 / €1.72) or a 24h pass. | $3.65 €3.1 |
| Santa Justa Lift (On-board Ticket) The 24h network pass covers this, making it a 'free' ride for pass holders. | $7.06 €6 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hostel Dorm Bed (Alfama/Chiado) Prices spike significantly during summer months and major festivals. Book 2–3 months ahead for popular spots like Home Lisbon Hostel. | $45 €39 |
| Mid-Range Hotel Double Room Look for hotels near Avenida da Liberdade for modern amenities or Alfama for a traditional atmosphere. | $194 €165 |
| Luxury 5-Star Hotel Room Includes properties like the Four Seasons Ritz or Olissippo Lapa Palace. Service is exceptional but often comes with high incidental costs. | $565 €480 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Jerónimos Monastery Entry Book online to avoid massive queues. Prices for non-residents are fixed at this higher tier. | $21 €18 |
| São Jorge Castle Entry Price includes the archaeological site and camera obscura. Discounts for youth (13–25) at ~$8.83 / €7.5. | $18 €15 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining scene is centered around fresh Atlantic seafood and iconic pastries, with a single Pastel de Belém costing just $1.53 / €1.3. Budget-conscious travelers can find hearty street food like the pork bifana for $5.3 / €4.5, while a small draft beer (Imperial) typically ranges from $1.77–$2.94 / €1.5–€2.5 at local cafes.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Casa das Bifanas
$4.12–$9.42 / €3.5–€8Praça da Figueira · Local chain
Grab a bifana and a small beer (imperial) for a quick lunch under ~$7.06 / €6.
O Trevo
$4.71–$12 / €4–€10Praça Luís de Camões · Street food area
This was Anthony Bourdain's favorite bifana spot; eat at the bar to save on the terrace fee.
A Ginjinha Espinheira
$1.88–$2.35 / €1.6–€2Rossio · Local chain
Ask for 'com elas' to get the ginja cherries in the glass.
Padaria Portuguesa
$7.65–$14 / €6.5–€12Multiple locations · Local chain
The most reliable place for a quick, high-quality breakfast or light lunch.
Mercado da Ribeira (Budget Stalls)
$9.42–$21 / €8–€18Cais do Sodré · Food court
Avoid peak hours (20:00–22:00) when it becomes nearly impossible to find a seat.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the hills is best done via the public network, where a 24-hour pass for $8.53 / €7.25 offers the best value, covering trams and the Santa Justa Lift. Single metro tickets are $2.24 / €1.9, but those opting for a taxi from the airport to the city center should expect to pay around $26 / €23.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation prices fluctuate significantly by season, with budget hostel beds in historic Alfama averaging $45 / €39. Mid-range hotel rooms typically cost $194 / €165, while luxury waterfront or heritage properties like the Four Seasons Ritz reach upwards of $565 / €480 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Lisbon
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use a pre-loaded Navegante card for Tram 28 to pay ~$2.02 / €1.72 instead of the $3.65 / €3.1 on-board cash fare.
- 2 Buy the $8.53 / €7.25 24-hour public transport pass to ride the Santa Justa Lift for free instead of paying the $7.06 / €6 individual ticket.
- 3 Avoid blue and yellow Euronet ATMs to save on the $4.71–$5.89 / €4–€5 transaction fees; use local Multibanco (MB) machines instead.
- 4 Refuse the 'couvert' of bread and olives brought to the table to save $2.35–$7.06 / €2–€6 on your restaurant bill.
- 5 Drink your 'Bica' (espresso) standing at the bar for $1.29 / €1.1 to avoid the terrace surcharge of up to $0.82 / €0.7.
- 6 Book Jerónimos Monastery tickets online for $21 / €18 to skip the lengthy on-site queues.
- 7 Look for 'Prato do Dia' (lunch specials) at local spots like O Trevo for significant savings over dinner menus.
- 8 Take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais for an affordable beach day rather than booking private coastal transfers.
- 9 Youth travelers (13–25) should present ID at São Jorge Castle to secure a discounted entry of ~$8.83 / €7.5.
- 10 Fill water bottles at the city's many public 'chafariz' (fountains) to avoid the high cost of bottled water in tourist areas.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
+30-50%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-25-40%
Apr, May, Oct
Spring (April–May) offers the best balance with temperatures around 18–22°C (64–72°F) and moderate hotel prices.
Events to Watch
- ● Web Summit (November): Hotels can spike +200%
- ● Santo António Festivals (mid-June): Alfama is packed and expensive
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Take in the city's highest view at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for $0.
- 2 Watch the sunset over the Tagus River from the Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
- 3 Explore the industrial-chic LX Factory in Alcântara, free to enter and wander.
- 4 Visit the historic Feira da Ladra flea market in Alfama on Tuesday or Saturday mornings.
- 5 Wander through the tropical greenery and duck ponds of Jardim da Estrela.
- 6 Admire the scorched interior of the Church of São Domingos, a relic of the 1755 earthquake.
- 7 Stroll the waterfront promenade in Belém from the 25 de Abril Bridge to the tower.
- 8 Visit the Money Museum (Museu do Dinheiro) housed in a former church in Baixa for free.
- 9 Photograph the vibrant 'Pink Street' (Rua Nova do Carvalho) in Cais do Sodré.
- 10 Walk through the Parque das Nações to see the contemporary architecture and water gardens.
- 11 Enter the Basilica da Estrela to admire the marble work (climbing the dome has a fee).
- 12 Enjoy the panoramic vista of the red rooftops from Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Fado Dinner & Show at Clube de Fado
It is the most authentic way to experience Lisbon's soul-stirring traditional music in an atmospheric setting.
Tagus River Sunset Sailing Cruise
Seeing the city's hills and the Belém Tower from the water as the sun sets is an unforgettable perspective.
Tasting Menu at Michelin-Starred Alma
Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa offers a world-class interpretation of Portuguese flavors that justifies the premium.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Lisbon
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Lisbon and what they cost
Sintra (Pena Palace & Regaleira)
$5.65 / €4.8 by train
$38 / €32
$77 / €65
Cascais & Boca do Inferno
$5.65 / €4.8 by train
Free
$59 / €50
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
High in shops and hotels; some small 'tascas' and market stalls remain cash-only.
5–10% in restaurants is generous but not required; rounding up to the nearest ~$5.89 / €5 is standard. Leave ~$1.18–$2.35 / €1–€2 for hotel cleaning.
Always use 'Multibanco' (MB) branded ATMs for zero or low fees. Choose 'Continue without conversion' to let your own bank handle the rate.
Connectivity
eSIM: $12–$19 for 10-20GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $24 / €20 for 30GB (Vodafone/NOS)
WiFi: Excellent in most hotels, cafés, and major public squares like Rossio.
Airalo's 10GB plan for ~$12 / €10 is the most convenient; for heavy data, buy a local Vodafone SIM at the airport for ~$24 / €20.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Lisbon.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit Lisbon?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lisbon expensive to visit?
How much does Lisbon cost per day?
How much does a trip to Lisbon cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit Lisbon?
What are the hidden costs in Lisbon?
How can I save money in Lisbon?
More Lisbon Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown