Alexander Meddings
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Verified Writer
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2.5 hrs
Flexible TravelLisbon has it all as far as European cities go: stunning architecture, delicious food, and plenty of things to do for all kinds of travelers. But while the Portuguese capital is still relatively affordable, at least compared to the US and other European cities, prices are on the rise—not least because of its thriving expat community and growing population of digital nomads.
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon but don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket, this guide is for you. Carpe Diem’s team of locals has packed it full of plenty of tips for sightseeing, and cultural and food-related things to do.
Few districts exude as much charm and character as Lisbon’s Alfama district.
Rising up from the Atlantic coastline towards the 11th-century São Jorge Castle, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood is brimming with artisan shops and traditional restaurants. Letting yourself be guided by your senses and curiosity is rewarding in itself, but the best way to discover this district and others in the centre of Lisbon is through an affordable group walking tour with an expert guide.
Bear in mind that Lisbon isn’t the flattest city, and all that walking is bound to boost your appetite. Here’s a list of reasonably priced restaurants nearby.
Address: Largo São Cristóvão nº3, 1100-179 Lisboa, Portugal
Price Range: €10 - €30
Address: Rua de São João da Praça 94, 1100-521 Lisboa, Portugal
Price Range: €20 - €50
Address: Rua do Paraíso 49B, 1100-395 Lisboa, Portugal
Price Range: €20 - €50
A genre whose name most likely derives from the Latin fatum, meaning ‘fate’, Fado is a particularly poignant, melodic, and often mournful kind of music.
Its origins are loosely located in the 1820s, though they undoubtedly stretch back further. But if you wander the streets of Lisbon by evening and take in its Fado melodies emanating from streets and bars, it’s back this time that you’ll be transported.
There are plenty of places to listen to Fado, though just wandering the streets and letting your senses guide you can be just as rewarding.
Lisbon is a paradise for food lovers,
TasteAtlas ranks it as the 12th best food destination in the world—with Florence and Rome ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. Taste your way through its culinary delights and pesticos menus, and no doubt you’ll concur.
From sizzling seafood to hearty stews, each dining spot here promises a warm and inviting atmosphere where every dish feels like a hug from the city. And to make sure you don’t miss out on anything while steering clear of the tourist traps, we’ve created our own food tour of Lisbon! Check it out below:
If you’d rather risk it going solo, check out these locally-recommended restaurants situated in the center of Lisbon where you can enjoy affordable Portuguese cuisine:
Address: Av. 24 de Julho 54, 1200-657 Lisboa, Portugal.
Price Range: €5 - €15 per person for a meal without drinks.
Address: Rua de São Lourenço 5, 1100-530 Lisboa, Portugal.
Price Range: €10 - €20 per person for a meal without drinks.
Address: Praça Luís de Camões 48, 1200-243 Lisboa, Portugal.
Price Range: €5 - €10 per person for a meal without drinks.
While Lisbon’s neoclassical architecture is a reason for visiting in itself, it can be nice to take a break from the freneticism of the city by relaxing in one of its parks or gardens.
Here are some of the best parks near the central part of Lisbon.
Address: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-099 Lisboa, Portugal.
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa, Portugal.
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Rua da Escola Politécnica 54, 1250-102 Lisboa, Portugal.
Entrance Fee: €3 for adults, with discounts available for students, seniors, and family groups. Children under 6 enter for free.
Photo by LX Factory
If you want to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s modern art scene without breaking the bank, make sure to check out the LX Factory
Situated in an industrial complex not far from the port of Alcântara, this bustling hub is open daily from 9:00 am until 10:30 pm, and offers a vibrant blend of installations, workshops, and street performances.
To Lisbon’s locals this might just be another public transport route, but Tram 28 has become something of a sightseeing phenomenon in recent years owing to the fact that it passes so many picturesque spots.
You might recognize Tram 28 from Instagram shots (or, if you’re our generation, postcards) of Lisbon: its classic yellow trams retain their original 1930s features like brass dials and polished wood interiors.
Use your Lisboa card to ride or purchase tickets from the driver for just €3, and enjoy a charming way to soak in Lisbon's beauty.
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If you’re looking for budget-friendly things to do in Lisbon during the spring and summer months, you can’t go wrong with a day trip to the beach!
Not far away are stretches of golden sand beaches and traditional restaurants serving up tasty seafood. Just bear in mind that the waters around Lisbon are cold—this is the Atlantic Ocean after all!
Check out these stunning beaches near Lisbon along with directions on how to get there.
How to Get There: You can reach Carcavelos Beach by taking a train from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station to Carcavelos, which is a journey of about 20-25 minutes. Once at Carcavelos station, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the beach.
How to Get There: To get to Guincho Beach, you can take a train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais which takes about 40 minutes. From Cascais, it's a 15-minute drive to the beach, and there are taxis or Uber services available.
How to Get There: You can take the train from Rossio or Cais do Sodré station to Sintra, which takes about 40-50 minutes. From Sintra, take a bus (No. 441 or 403) or tram to Praia das Maçãs, which will take about 30-40 minutes.
Remember to check public transport schedules and the availability of Uber or taxi services for your return journey before heading out to enjoy your beach day.
Whether you're exploring historic neighborhoods like Alfama, indulging in the culinary delights at affordable Portuguese eateries, or soaking up the sun at the nearby pristine beaches, Lisbon offers plenty of things to do without breaking the bank.
But the best way to enjoy the Portuguese capital to the fullest and avoid the tourist traps is to treat yourself to Carpe Diem Rome's Lisbon Tours.
Our Lisbon Food Tour fully immerses you in the rich, delicious world of Portuguese cuisine, feeding your curiosity while filling your stomach!
If you believe the best way to experience a city is through its nightlife, be sure to check out our Tipsy Tour. This unique tour immerses you in the city’s more scandalous history while giving you a taste of its traditional drinks, and is a great way to meet other travellers!
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The hills in Lisbon are no joke so it’s best to stay hydrated with the Lisbon Tipsy Tour. Forget about a mundane walking tour— this is where history meets a night out on the town. Meet fellow travellers from around the world while exploring Lisbon’s bustling nightlife with a local, expert guide.
We’ll kick off the tour at Largo do Carmo where we’ll introduce you to the darker side of Lisbon’s history. You’ll hear a dramatic and bloody love story between a Portuguese prince and a Spanish lady of the court. After such a riveting retelling you’ll deserve a drink–or four, so we’ll head into Bairro Alto to discover some local, trendy bars. Start the night with a refreshing drink before breaking the ice over more twisted and fascinating tales. You’ll hear scandalous stories you won’t hear on your standard walking tour, including facts about Lisbon’s naughty past that will make you gasp.
As the adventure continues, we’ll visit some of the most sought-after bars in the city including the only one that serves a one-of-a-kind shot you can only find there. If you’re still thirsty for more you can get more shots in exchange for giving up your bra—yes you’ve heard that right. A bra for shots? It’s a win-win! You’ll also try a long drink featuring bitter almond liquor and other classic Portuguese shots. Learn about the origin stories of locally loved drinks all the while discovering Lisbon’s hidden gems. Still thirsty? The tour might be over, but the night is still young. Take to the streets and continue exploring Lisbon’s nightlife with your newfound friends.
Forget the standard boring walking tour. Learn about history all the while sipping on tasty, local drinks because let’s be honest, if you’re going to do a tour you might as well do it tipsy.
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You might have heard of the “Seven Wonders of the World” but did you know this phrase also applies to food? Try three of the seven wonders of Portuguese cuisine on our Lisbon Food Tour where you’ll taste your way through the historic Baixa neighbourhood.
A local guide will take you and a group of fellow foodies to three of the city’s most delicious eateries to try traditional petiscos and drinks. Tantalise your taste buds with Portuguese presunto, chourico, and seafood, all perfectly paired with four local beverages. You’ll try the country’s favourite drink, Ginjinha, a traditional liqueur. You’ll also get the chance to indulge in the flavours of local wines including the iconic vinho verde or “green wine”. And of course, no tasting is complete without a sweet treat. To end your tour you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic dessert before continuing the night with your newfound friends.
What are you waiting for? Eat like a local and book our Lisbon Food Tour today.
5(118)Let’s explore all of Lisbon’s hills together! The Portuguese capital isn’t just winding cobblestone streets and beautiful squares, it’s also the second oldest city in Europe with centuries of history to uncover. Join us as we take you back in time to explore the best bits of the city, all the while hearing stories, facts, and legends that bring Portuguese culture to life. Your local guide will lead you around four of the city’s most bustling neighbourhoods including Chiado, Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Alfama.
Over two hours you and a group of fellow adventurers will discover 3000 years of Lisbon’s history and loads of hidden gems. Our route takes you to the viewpoint of Santa Justa where you’ll witness jaw-dropping views of Lisbon. We also pass the oldest cafe in the city as well as Bertrand bookshop, the longest operating bookshop in the world! Along the way you’ll learn about the devastating earthquake that rocked the city over two hundred years ago and brought the Royal Palace crashing to the ground. You’ll also be immersed in the birthplace of Fado, a local musical tradition, developed over centuries in the tabernas and back alleys of Alfama.
Make the most of your time in Lisbon and let us show memorable sights and tell you the fascinating stories behind them. Our guides will answer your burning questions, show you the prime selfie spots, and give you insider tips for the best recommendations in the city.
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