Lisbon on a Budget
As one of the cheapest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon has long been a popular destination for travelers exploring the continent on a budget. However, there’s much more to recommend the city than its sheer affordability alone!
From its attractive historic streets to its lively nightlife, Lisbon combines all the excitement and culture of a great capital city with a laidback vibe that sets it apart from much of urban Europe.
Cheap Hostels
As you would expect in such an inexpensive city, budget accommodation is plentiful in Lisbon, starting at just $20 a night.
In fact,
Lisbon hostels include some of the best available in Europe, from the well-equipped Oasis Backpackers’ Mansion perched above the river on the Miradouro do Santa Catarina, to the super-stylish Lisbon Lounge Hostel a little further to the north.
Lisbon for Free
When it comes to sights and museums, there’s even more good news for budget travelers – Lisbon is full of free attractions! The international collection at the Centro Cultural Belem is free to explore, as are the masterpieces at the Museu de Fundacao Calouste Gulbenkian every Sunday.
There’s also plenty of free architecture and heritage, including the beautiful and ancient Convento do Carmo church (which also houses a small museum of archeological treasures from the monastic era), and the 16th century Jeronimos Monastery with its unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
In addition, the remains of the Roman amphitheatre at Patio do Aljube – and the museum that showcases the excavations – are similarly free to enter.
Affordable Eats
Backpackers will find that eating and drinking in Lisbon is just as budget-friendly, with coffee from an old-fashioned kiosk or a copo of wine costing as little as $2 across the city.
Home to dozens of reasonably priced restaurants – particularly those selling Portuguese cuisine – Lisbon is a great city for budget travelers looking to treat themselves to a few meals!
The best value spots tend to be around the Rua dos Correeiros (east of Rua Augusta) or Rua das Portas de Sao Antao to the north of the city center. The latter is known for its quality fish restaurants where local specialties such as sardinhas asadas (chargrilled sardines) are served.
East of Alfama, Graca is another great place to head for a meal. Here the district’s large Brazilian population has influenced the culinary scene, and as a result there’s a cluster of excellent restaurants offering traditional Brazilian fare.
Nightlife
Aside from the great culture and restaurants, Lisbon is worth visiting for its nightlife alone! Home to one of the liveliest scenes in Europe, Lisbon’s numerous venues cluster among the city’s historic narrow streets, and allow jubilant revelers to party until dawn finally comes.
Bairro Alto is a particular hotspot for bars and clubs, whilst the Parque das Nacoes (to the northeast of the city center) is home to a handful of laidback cafés that are perfect for an early evening drink.
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for Twizi. Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Portugal, he checked out a variety of the country's budget’s accommodation, and stayed in one of
Lisbon hostels .
