5 Days of Budget-Friendly Bliss in Lisbon

Discover the beauty of Lisbon without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Lisbon, Portugal on a limited budget can be a rewarding experience. With plenty of affordable accommodation options and a well-connected public transportation system, exploring the city's historic neighborhoods, sampling its delicious food and wine, and taking in its scenic vistas doesn't have to break the bank. Some budget-friendly must-sees include iconic landmarks such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, as well as the charming Alfama district, with its narrow streets, colorful facades, and vibrant street life.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Getting to know Alfama

  • Navigate the maze of narrow alleys in the historic Alfama district
  • Admire the stunning views from the top of Miradouro das Portas do Sol
  • Sip on a freshly squeezed orange juice at Cafe Tendinha
  • Visit the Fado Museum to discover the origins of the haunting Portuguese music
  • Watch a live Fado performance at one of the many restaurants in the area
  • Stay at the cozy and affordable Hotel Borges Chiado, located in the heart of the city
Day 2

Exploring Belem

  • Marvel at the grandeur of the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Taste the famous Pastéis de Belem at the historic bakery of the same name
  • Visit the Jeronimos Monastery, another impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Wander through the beautiful gardens of the National Palace of Queluz
  • Watch the sunset over the Tagus river from the Monument to the Discoveries
  • Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at the local favorite Cervejaria Ramiro
Day 3

Day trip to Sintra

  • Take a train to the picturesque town of Sintra, known for its fairy tale castles
  • Visit the colorful Pena Palace with its eclectic mix of architectural styles
  • Explore the romantic gardens and hidden pathways of Quinta da Regaleira
  • Admire the Moorish-inspired architecture of the Castle of the Moors
  • Stop by the charming Sintra Village for a traditional Portuguese lunch
  • Return to Lisbon and treat yourself to a glass of wine at the trendy Wine Bar do Castelo
Day 4

Discovering Bairro Alto

  • Stroll through the trendy neighborhood of Bairro Alto and its chic boutiques
  • Take in the panoramic views from the top of Santa Catarina's belvedere
  • Browse the contemporary art exhibitions at the Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia
  • Try the authentic Portuguese codfish cakes at the popular Tasca do Chico
  • Sip on a ginjinha, a traditional sour cherry liquor, at A Ginjinha
  • Relax at the charming and budget-friendly Lisbon Destination Hostel, perfect for solo travelers and groups alike
Day 5

Savoring Lisbon's cuisine

  • Indulge in a brunch of locally sourced products at Heim Cafe
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the trendy LX Factory, a former textile factory turned creative hub
  • Sample the famous Portuguese wines at the Wine Cellar 17 56
  • Feast on a dinner of grilled fish or meat at the cozy and authentic Restaurante Santo Antonio
  • Dance the night away at the lively Bairro Alto district, which comes alive after dark
  • Bid farewell to Lisbon, already counting down the days until your next visit.

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.

Destination

Lisbon

Welcome to the city where the hills are steep, the food is delicious, and the wine flows like water. Just don't forget to wear comfortable shoes – those cobblestone streets aren't playing around.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Experience Lisbon's Charm in a Day

As a tourist, a trip to Lisbon, Portugal would include wandering through charming, historic neighborhoods such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, taking in the vibrant street art and stunning views from Miradouros, and indulging in local cuisine such as fresh seafood, custard tarts, and port wine. A visit to iconic landmarks such as the medieval São Jorge Castle, the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, and the colorful Pena Palace in nearby Sintra would also top the itinerary.

3 Days of Fun in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city filled with history, culture and stunning scenery. As a tourist, explore the narrow cobbled streets of Alfama, take a ride on the iconic yellow tram and marvel at the magnificent architecture in Belem. Don't forget to indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine and the famous port wine while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this charming city.

Lisbon's Budget-Friendly Adventure

A trip to Lisbon on a limited budget will be a fascinating cultural experience for any traveller. You can wander through the picturesque streets, savour traditional local cuisine and enjoy the beautiful architecture, all at affordable prices. Don't forget to take a stroll around the historic Alfama district, famous for its intricate tiles and fado music.

Lisbon in 4: Budget-Friendly Fun in Portugal!

A trip to Lisbon, Portugal on a limited budget can be both enjoyable and affordable. With plenty of inexpensive restaurants, affordable accommodation, and free attractions, visitors can explore the city without breaking the bank. From the historic Alfama district to the picturesque views from the Castle of Sao Jorge, this trip is a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment.