The Ultimate Budget Tour of Lisbon in 2 Days

Explore Lisbon's charm on a budget.

22 June 2023

Lisbon is a fantastic destination for those looking to explore on a budget. Visitors can enjoy the city's stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture without breaking the bank. With affordable accommodations, delicious street food, and inexpensive transportation options, there are plenty of opportunities to save while still experiencing all that Lisbon has to offer.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Exploring the History & Culture of Lisbon

Hotel Recommendation: Goodnight Hostel
Start your day exploring the history and culture of Lisbon by visiting the following places:
St. George's Castle: This ancient fortification sits on top of a hill and provides amazing views of the city. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 6th century.
Lisbon Cathedral: A magnificent cathedral built in the 12th century. Its Romanesque architecture is a marvel of artistry and craftsmanship.
Belem Tower: This monument is an iconic symbol of Lisbon and was built in the 16th century to guard the entrance of Lisbon's harbor.
Jeronimos Monastery: Another iconic monument built in the 16th century to celebrate the Portuguese maritime discoveries. The architecture is a stunning example of Portugal's Manueline style.
Time Out Market: This market is a great spot to have lunch while exploring Lisbon's rich gastronomy and people-watching.

Day 2

Modern Lisbon & Sintra Trip

Hotel Recommendation: Hub New Lisbon Hostel
Spice up your day with a visit to modern Lisbon and then escape to the fairy tale-like town of Sintra:
LX Factory: A creative hub that houses shops, art studios, and restaurants. A great spot for trendy shopping and unique souvenir hunting.
Park of Nations: A modern architectural masterpiece built in 1998 for the World Exposition. Don't miss out on the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the longest bridge in Europe.
Sintra: A train ride away from Lisbon, this town is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a good reason. You can't miss the stunning Pena Palace, the whimsical Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace.
Pastéis de Belém: Save room for dessert! These buttery, flaky custard tarts are a must-try when in Lisbon.
End your two-day trip embracing the charm and warmth of Lisbon. Until next time, adeus!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lisbon, Portugal by plane is to fly into Lisbon Portela Airport, which has nonstop flights from several major cities around the world.

Car

If you're driving to Lisbon, you can take the A1 highway from Porto to Lisbon or the A2 highway from the Algarve. Once you reach Lisbon, you'll need to navigate the city's roads and find parking, which can be a bit tricky in some areas.

Train

While there are train options to Lisbon, they tend to be slower and less convenient than other modes of transport. However, if you're traveling from within Portugal, you can take a train to Lisbon Oriente station or Lisbon Santa Apolonia station.

Boat

While it's not the most common way to reach Lisbon, you can take a boat to Lisbon via the Tejo River. The city has several marinas where you can dock, including the Lisbon Marina and the Alcantara-Marina.

Bus

Taking a bus to Lisbon is a great way to reach the city on a budget. Several bus companies operate in the area, and you can take a bus from major cities throughout Portugal and neighboring countries. The main bus station in Lisbon is Sete Rios Bus Station.