Lisbon on a Budget: 7 Days for Under €60/Day
Lisbon remains one of Western Europe's most affordable capitals, but that window is narrowing fast. If you want great value with real character — fado bars, electric trams, world-class seafood and views that make you gasp — go now. Here is how to do it for under €60 a day.
The €60/Day Budget Breakdown
| Category | Daily Budget |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20–25 |
| Food & Drink | €20 |
| Transport | €5 |
| Activities | €10 |
| Buffer | €5 |
Free Things to Do
Lisbon is surprisingly generous to budget travellers:
- Miradouro da Graça — locals' favourite viewpoint, no tourist markup
- Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery exterior — free to admire from outside
- Museu Nacional do Azulejo — tiles tell Portugal's history (€5, free first Sunday of month)
- Time Out Market — window-shopping and food stall gazing is free; eating costs but is surprisingly good value
- Alfama neighbourhood — the most atmospheric part of the city; just wander
Eating for Under €15/Day
- Tascas (traditional neighbourhood restaurants) serve a prato do dia (dish of the day) for €7–10 including bread, wine and dessert
- Pastéis de Belém on Rua de Belém — the original custard tarts, €1.30 each
- Taberna da Rua das Flores — excellent wine and small plates, won't break €20/head
- A Cevicheria — the best ceviche in Portugal; worth the splurge at €35/head
Getting Around Cheap
- Viva Viagem card (€0.50) + 24-hour unlimited ticket (€6.40) covers Metro, tram and bus
- 28E tram — Lisbon's most scenic tram route; use it for transport, not as a tourist ride
- Most sights are walkable within Alfama, Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real
Where to Stay
Budget Hostels (€20–30/night): The Independente Hostel & Suites is Lisbon's most stylish hostel — a converted 19th-century mansion in Bairro Alto with stunning views and a brilliant bar.
Living Lounge Hostel near Rossio station is well-run, clean and great for solo travellers — excellent social events most evenings.
Mid-range (€50–80/night): Palácio Camões is a small, character-filled boutique hotel in Príncipe Real — a quiet neighbourhood ideal for those who want to live like a local.
Bairro Alto Hotel is a Lisbon design institution — rooftop views across the Tejo estuary, great restaurant, and central location that can't be beaten.
Day Trips Worth the Train Fare
- Sintra (40 min, €2.30 each way) — fairytale palaces in misty hills
- Cascais (40 min, same train) — chic coastal town with excellent seafood
- Setúbal & Arrábida (1h by car) — turquoise water that looks like the Caribbean
