Free and nearly free
Lisbon's greatest attraction is the city itself, and much of it costs nothing. Wandering the alleys of Alfama and Mouraria, people-watching in Rossio and following the riverside promenade from Cais do Sodré to Belém are all free. The miradouros give you the best views in town without an entry ticket.
Some museums and monuments offer free entry on certain days, often for residents or on particular Sundays, so it is worth checking policies before you plan. Many churches, including the Sé cathedral's main nave, can be visited at little or no cost, and the gardens of the Gulbenkian Foundation are free and peaceful.
Transport that saves money
A rechargeable transport card lets you pay for metro, buses, trams and ferries at lower prices than single tickets bought on board. The ferry across the Tagus to Cacilhas is one of the cheapest scenic rides in Europe, with wonderful views of the city as you leave.
Historic tram 28 is charming but crowded, and similar routes can be covered by tram 12 or on foot. The street lifts and funiculars are fun but cost more per ride than walking, so use them selectively.
If you plan an intensive day of sightseeing, compare the cost of a daily transport pass with your expected number of journeys. For most visitors who walk a lot, pay-as-you-go credit on a rechargeable card is the simpler and cheaper option.
Eating cheaply and well
Lisbon remains one of the more affordable capitals in Western Europe for eating out. The best value is at lunchtime in neighbourhood tascas, where a dish of the day with soup, bread and a drink is typically good value. Look for handwritten menus in the window and tables full of locals.
Snacks are cheap too: a bifana, a couple of pastéis de nata and a bica make a satisfying light meal. Supermarkets sell excellent Portuguese wine at very low prices, perfect for a sunset picnic at a viewpoint.
Smart planning before you go
If you travel light, an AeroVista Lite fare with just a personal item keeps the cost of getting to LIS down. Book hotels in neighbourhoods just outside the historic core, such as Arroios, Anjos or Campo de Ourique, where prices are often lower and the atmosphere is more local.
Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, when the weather is still pleasant and prices are usually lower than in high summer.
Good to know
- Use the metro from the airport instead of a taxi; it reaches the centre quickly and cheaply.
- Refuse table snacks you do not want, as they are charged if eaten.
- Bring comfortable shoes; walking is the cheapest and best way to see Lisbon.