Lisbon Trip Cost Calculator

Your Lisbon Budget at a Glance

Lisbon offers incredible value for a Western European capital. Wine costs less than soda, pastéis de nata are €1.20, and the best views in the city are completely free. Budget travelers can manage on $70-120 per day, mid-range travelers should expect $150-260 per day, and luxury seekers will spend $400+ per day.

Where Your Money Goes

Accommodation is the biggest expense, especially in tourist-heavy Baixa and Alfama. The good news: food and wine are very affordable, and Lisbon’s best attractions - its miradouros (viewpoints), neighborhoods, and atmosphere - are free.

Budget Traveler Tips

Maximize your euros by:

• Staying in Graça, Mouraria, or Arroios (close to center but cheaper)
• Eating prato do dia at local tascas (€8-12 for full meal)
• Drinking house wine - it’s €2-4 and often excellent
• Walking the hills instead of paying for trams
• Hitting the free miradouros for sunset drinks (BYOB from supermarket)

Worth the Splurge

Even budget travelers should consider:

• One seafood dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro or similar
• A day trip to Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces
• Authentic fado at a small Alfama venue (not tourist restaurants)

Best Time to Visit for Value

November through February offers the best deals with mild weather (10-15°C rarely drops below that). Spring (March-May) has beautiful weather and moderate prices before summer crowds.

Avoid these expensive periods:

• August (peak Portuguese holiday month - locals leave, tourists flood in)
• Summer (June-September) prices are 30-50% higher
• Easter Week and major festivals
• New Year’s Eve (big celebrations, big prices)

Practical Money Tips

Tipping Culture

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave €1-2 at casual restaurants, 5-10% at nicer places if service was good. Check if “serviço” is included on your bill.

Paying for Things

Portugal is increasingly card-friendly. Visa and Mastercard accepted at most places. Some smaller cafés and tascas are cash-only. ATMs (Multibanco) are everywhere.

Tap Water

Lisbon tap water is safe but has a mineral taste. Many locals prefer bottled water. Asking for tap water (“água da torneira”) is acceptable at most restaurants.

Getting There & Around

From Lisbon Airport

Humberto Delgado Airport is just 7km from the city center:

• Metro (Red Line): €1.80 (or €2.30 with new Viva Viagem card), 25 min to center
• Aerobus: €4.50 one-way, €6 return, direct to Rossio/Cais do Sodré
• Taxi/Uber: €15-20 fixed to center. Uber slightly cheaper.

Getting Around

Lisbon is walkable but hilly:

• Walking: Best way to explore. Bring comfortable shoes for the cobblestones and hills
• Metro: Clean, cheap, efficient. Covers most tourist areas
• Tram 28: Iconic but crowded. Use for part of the route, not the whole thing
• Funiculars/Elevadors: Fun but €4 each unless you have a day pass or Lisboa Card
• Ferries: Cheap and scenic. Great for Cacilhas and Costa da Caparica