But in Lisbon, just like in any other large metropolis in Europe, it matters when, where, and what you eat. These factors can have a dramatic effect on how much you end up spending.

Related:

• Exploring the top free attractions in Lisbon
• The top budget hotels in Lisbon
• 10 Ways to save on a trip to Portugal

Lisbon Cheap Eats Guide

Are you ready to dine out in Lisbon? Here’s how to eat on the cheap in this beautiful Portuguese city.

1. Feast on fixed-price fare at lunch

If you want to try a variety of local dishes at a fraction of the cost, go out at lunch and order a local restaurant’s fixed price menu, called the prato de dia. Ordering the same dishes a la carte will cost you approximately more than twice as much in the evening.

A typical Lisbon lunch paired with a glass of local beer. Photo: Tim C.

2. Research before you go

Knowing what’s out there, what prices to expect, and what times things are actually open will save you money hand over fist, as you won’t end up stuck in a chain restaurant or a tourist trap because you wandered around aimlessly until well after everywhere shut down for a break between lunch and dinner. That’s right, some of the city’s best budget restaurants close for a couple of hours before dinner after serving up daily menus to the lunch crowd.

3. Get away from the busy main streets

This is especially true in the Old Town of Lisbon. If a restaurant is really prominently located next to a tourist attraction, or even just somewhere very convenient, the fare is likely to be more expensive—after all, they’re paying rent, and the saying goes, “location, location, location.”

If you want to find cheaper eats in Lisbon’s Old Town, head to the seaside of things near the Fado Museum where you’ll find a good selection of reasonably priced places serving up authentic local fare.

Related: How to spend two days in Lisbon on the cheap

4. Go where the locals go

When you see a place full of people speaking Portuguese and free of anyone with a camera around their neck, chances are, it’s a good place to try authentic and inexpensive local fare. Another good clue? Older folks running the kitchen or serving drinks behind the bar.

You’ll find plenty of fresh seafood, like these grilled sardines, around Lisbon. Photo: Theo K

5. Eat on Portuguese time

If you can manage to adapt to the local schedule, you’ll have a much easier time finding good deals on local meals. Look for breakfast offers from early morning until around 10 a.m. At lunchtime, fixed price feasts on special peak around 1 p.m., while dinner starts at around 8 p.m. on weeknights. However, many locals sit down to dinner much later with some folks having their evening meal at 11 p.m.

6. Snack at neighborhood bars

Neighborhood bars around town may not be much to look at, but they’re the perfect choice for a tipple and some stripped down bar food. Think olives, chicken pot pie (torta de frango), and the like paired with lots of local wine and beer.

Find a classic neighborhood bar for cheap (and tasty!) eats in Lisbon. Photo: We Love Lisbon

7. Drink house wine

House wine is good enough in Portugal for pretty much anyone except for serious wine connoisseurs. Plus, it’s much cheaper than ordering a specific vintage in a bottle.

Related: 5 Lookout points offering a drink with a view in Lisbon

8. Skip mixed drinks

Mixed drinks may be cheaper in Lisbon than they are in say London or Paris, but they can still dig into your daily dining budget. If you don’t want your bar tab to soar, stick to wine and beer.

9. Don’t leave a big tip

Service workers are paid living wages in Portugal, and they’re not depending on your tip to make it. A tip of a few coins is usually plenty, but if you get exceptional service and want to make a splash, leave something foldable.

10. Skip hotel breakfasts

Hotel breakfasts are usually a bit pricey for what you get. Unless breakfast is included with your room, skip it and head out for a coffee with milk called a galão and fresh-baked pasteis de nata, a custard filling in a flakey pastry shell topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

The cost? €2 or less!

And book a cheap hotel in Lisbon and start dreaming about Portuguese pastries.

11. Leave that plate of olives alone

In Lisbon, when restaurants bring out bread and olives before a meal, it’s generally not a freebie. So unless you’re down on your gluten and olive quota for the trip, skip them. It’s much cheaper to snack on fresh bread from the bakery and olives from the market on a picnic in the park.

12. Order a half-ration

If you’re not very hungry and aren’t keen on begging for a doggy bag (taking your leftovers home is still taboo here), you can always order a half-ration, sometimes called mini pratos. Half-rations aren’t available in a lot of European cities, but they are available in Lisbon.

The best part? Mini pratos are dirt cheap, starting at just €3-4 for a generous helping.

Your tips for cheap eats in Lisbon?

Have a tip for ways to save on dining in Lisbon? Share with us in the comments section below!

If you’re ready to visit, check out our full list of budget hotels in Lisbon.

The post Lisbon Cheap Eats: How to save on eating out appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, Porto is a budget traveler’s paradise. Eating and drinking, even in more upscale, sit-down restaurants is still substantially cheaper here than elsewhere in Europe, and centrally-located, comfortable accommodations can be had for less than a nice meal out in London or Paris.

While Porto proper reaches further than you might imagine, its historic old town, Ribeira, is easily explored on foot. If you want to wander beyond the center, city transit options (trams, buses, and metro) are reasonably priced and relatively easy to use if you buy an Andante ticket — which is valid for all three.

Getting There

From Lisbon, Porto is an hour and twenty minutes via plane, 2 hours and 50 minutes on the train, or between four and five hours on the bus.

Flights: Budget airlines fly direct to Porto from all over Europe and Lisbon, and start at around €70 round-trip.

Train: From Vigo, Spain, or Lisbon, you can also catch the train to the lovely São Bento Railway Station in Porto from about €25-30. You can search for tickets on the official train site, Comboios de Portugal.

Car: If you’d rather rent a car, expect to spend €70 or less (not including gas) for a two-day rental. For groups traveling together and planning on exploring the countryside, renting a vehicle is probably worthwhile for flexibility and cash savings. Just remember, Portuguese drivers are notoriously aggressive on the road, and centrally-located budget accommodations don’t usually include free parking, so it might be best to rent a car just for trips out of town.

Hop on one of Porto’s historic trams. Photo: jocelyn777

Getting Around

The city is great for walking (and even biking), and Porto is well-connected with a modern metro system, a few tram lines, a light rail, and buses.

Andante Ticket

If you plan on using transit to get around the city, go for an Andante Tour ticket. At €7 for a one-day pass or €15 for a three-day pass with unlimited trips on buses, metro, and train, it is well worth the investment. You also won’t have to worry about figuring out the zone system.

However, if you’re only planning to grab the metro to and from the airport, grab an Andante card for €0.60 and charge it up with one Zone 4 (Z4) trip. Wait to add a return trip until you’re ready to leave Porto, as each Andante card can hold only one type of zone ticket at a time. For example, if you wanted to use the bus to get around the city center on a rainy day, you’d either have to waste a Z4 ticket, or buy another Andante card to keep track of it.

Whatever Andante ticket you choose, make sure to validate it — the fines can be steep, to say the least.

Historic trams

The city’s historic tram lines are popular with visitors, but they are not included in the Andante ticket. You can buy tickets on board for €6 or combine with a visit to the Museu do Carro Eléctrico for a slight discount.

Stroll the shops and stands at the Mercado do Bolhão. Photo: celine181

Free and Cheap Entertainment and Attractions

Your number one free option in Porto is touring its charming old town, Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy great people-watching in the city’s sun-soaked plazas and venture into free attractions as you go. Don’t miss the city’s massive Sé Cathedral and the stunning golden interior of São Francisco Church or tile murals at São Benton Train Station.

Shopping

The recently renovated 19th-century Mercado do Bolhão is a great place to buy olives, local sweets, sample local cheeses and charcuterie, and eat freshly caught fish on the cheap. The market features a mix of traditional stalls and modern eateries, offering an interesting blend of old and new Porto. Browse a wide range of local wares (everything from soap to sneakers) on display at A Vida Portuguesa.

Later on, continue to Avenida Miguel Bombarda to get a glimpse of some of the city’s coolest graffiti and galleries full of work by local artists and artisans. Peruse the ancient shelves at the stunning Lello & Irmão Bookstore, considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful bookstore. Note that there’s now an entrance fee of €8, but it’s redeemable against book purchases.

Douro River Walk

Another great option is a walk along the Douro River, snapping shots of the colorful houses along the banks and the city’s iconic bridges.

The most famous is the Ponte D. Maria railway bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), often confused with the strikingly similar Ponte Dom Luís, designed by one of Eiffel’s former partners. There’s a trick to distinguishing the two: The Ponte D. Maria is a one-level bridge whereas the Ponte Dom Luís is a double-decker. Head to the pedestrian walkway on top for views of the city’s old town from above.

Porto’s Green Spaces

Get away from the traffic and noise in the center. Pack yourself a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring the city’s green spaces. Head to Portugal’s biggest urban park, City Park, designed by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal or the Pasteleira Urban Park to see a few of Portugal’s famous Cork trees.

You can also follow one of the themed learning trails from the Romantic gardens at Palácio de Cristal to the riverside to find interesting factoids about the city plus sweeping views of the river Douro and Porto. If you’re after avoiding the crowds, midweek is best.

Related: The perfect Cheapo day in Porto

Cheap eats in Porto

Local restaurants serve up hearty traditional fare, like the ubiquitous Francesinha, a Portuguese take on a Croque monsieur, as well as Italian, Chinese and Turkish options. The Francesinha is made with local sausage, steak, and ham with a thick tomato and beer sauce, and usually served with fries or tripe and bean stews (if you’re not a fan, avoid dishes listing tripas among the ingredients),

As in the rest of Portugal, creamy pasteis de nata pastries and bacalhau (salt cod) are ever-present, and portions are generous, to say the least. Order up a “Prato do Dia” (dish of the day) at small local cafes from €6, or a multi-course menu at upscale establishments for as little as €12.

Wine in restaurants and bars is very cheap, particularly if you stick to Vinho Verde whites and Douro reds. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a glass of the heady local drink famous the world over, Port. You can sample this fine fortified wine at one of the city’s oldest makers, The House of Taylor’s.

For the freshest fish and seafood at the best price, take the metro to Mercado station in Matosinhos and choose from dozens of restaurants that grill fresh fish in the area around Rua Herois de França. For the best Francesinhas in town, head to Capa Negra (Rua Barros Lima 487), but expect to set down between €12-18 for your Francesinha and fries with a beer or two. (That said, it’s totally worth it, as chances are you’ll be so stuffed you’ll want to skip your next meal.) Or you could always learn to share and split the plate with a friend.

The Moov Hotel Porto Centro

Sleeping cheap in Porto

Comfortable mid-range budget hotels can be had from around €55 a night. Like neighboring Spain, Portugal has plenty of clean, basic accommodations at rock-bottom rates. Want to go even cheaper? Dorm rooms in hostels start at around €12 per night.

A few hotel suggestions:

• We like the clean, and stylish Moov Hotel Porto Centro –within walking distance to historic sights in Porto’s city center. Make sure to request a room on an upper floor facing away from the Praça de Batalha for a quieter night.
• Traveling with a big group of friends? For a slightly more expensive but infinitely cooler hostel experience, we recommend CATS Porto Hostel. It’s centrally located and bright and airy with a boutique feel.

Want more suggestions? Search over 700 hotels in Porto on EuroCheapo.

The Porto Card

Starting at €7.50 per day, the Porto Card can be a good deal if you’re really interested in seeing many of Porto’s museums. The basic card covers free entrance to five museums, and depending on the card, may also cover transportation.

Have fun!

The post Budget travel guide to Porto, Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That said, the savviest Cheapos are always looking for new ways to save a few extra euros. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place!

Related articles:
• 10 Days in Portugal: A budget-friendly itinerary through Lisbon, Porto Braga
• Saving in Sintra, a perfect day trip from Lisbon
• How to save on dining out in Lisbon

Portugal budget travel guide

Here are 10 of our best tips to stretch your budget even further in Lisbon, Porto and beyond.

1. Embrace the off-season

For the best prices on flights, accommodations and pretty much everything else, try to plan your trip to Portugal any time other than peak travel dates. If you can, avoid June through September along with the Easter and Christmas holidays. Generally speaking, late January through mid-March (depending on when Holy Week and Easter fall) bring lower prices and fewer crowds.

2. Book last-minute hotels

For the best prices on many aspects of travel, plan way ahead (months, not weeks) or wait until the last possible moment to book. In our experience, this works better with accommodations and package deals than with airfare. For the most extreme savings on hotels and hostels, the best prices are quite often found at the last minute, when rates tumble as push comes to shove. Search EuroCheapo to find a deal on Portugal hotels.

TAP flies non-stop to Portugal from the US. Photo: Miguel C.

3. Keep flight costs down

Because Portugal is already a very budget-friendly destination when it comes to food and lodging, the best way to cut your expenses way back is to spend less on your airfare to Europe. While flying to Porto will usually save you some cash, TAP Portugal flies direct to Lisbon from the US, while Iberia makes one stop in Madrid.

Serious Cheapos should consider flying into another major European hub (think Paris, Dublin or London) and then hopping on a low-cost flight to Lisbon, Porto or Faro. Since low-cost flights on carriers like Vueling and Ryanair are priced each way, to save time and money on ground transportation, consider flying into Porto in the north and back from Lisbon in the South or vice versa.

4. Sleep cheap in pensions

For a charming (and budget-friendly) local experience, stick to pensão, small, family-run inns. Some also offer inexpensive but authentic home-style meals, too. Hostels and apartments are also very reasonable, and if you plan to stay in one place for two or more nights, you may even be able to negotiate a discount.

In bigger urban areas like Porto (Search over 4,000 hotels in Porto) and Lisbon (search for budget hotels in Lisbon), pick something central to save time and money on transportation.

Related: Search for affordable hotel rooms across Portugal

5. Walk

Pack comfortable shoes and walk as much as you can. It’s free, and Portuguese towns and cities are wonderful for pedestrians. If you must, take the odd joy ride on one of the old-fashioned cable cars, but after that, stick to your own two feet whenever possible to keep your transportation costs down.

6. Skip the taxis

Good public transit options, rideshares and reasonably priced rental cars make splurging for a taxi seem silly. Take the trip from Lisbon Airport to the city center, for example. Whereas a taxi fare will cost you around €10 to €15, public transit costs only €2, while a shuttle or rideshare option starts at about €5.

Related: How to save on your rental car in Portugal

7. Spend less on dining out

For the best way to save on dining, go for the fixed price menus at lunchtime. Many restaurants offer a menu of the day, “prato do dia,” “menu do dia” or sometimes “menu fixo” in Portuguese. When dinner rolls around, opt for snacks on-the-go from bakeries or supermarkets.

In restaurants, just say no to the bread and olives the waiters bring out unless you really want them. They’re an added charge on the bill at most establishments.

And don’t overtip. In Portugal, as in many European destinations, tips are a bonus, not part of your server’s salary, so most of the time a few euros are more than enough. Generally, you shouldn’t even think about leaving more than 10% on top of the bill. Also, check to make sure a service charge hasn’t already been tacked on to your bill.

8. Pick up a fresh meal at a local market

While eating and drinking out is cheaper in Portugal than in other parts of Europe, it’ll still save you money to pick up fresh produce, bread, and snacks at outdoor markets and supermarkets. Grab a nice Vinho Verde, some local cheese and charcuterie, and a few pasteis de nata (traditional egg custard tartlets) for dessert, and you’re all set — no complicated cooking skills or formal kitchen required.

9. Some of the best sights are free

You’ll find that many popular activities that normally charge admission are free some of the time. Wherever you are in Portugal, it’s pretty likely that local museums have a free morning, afternoon or day, so asking around is well worth the effort. For example, the first Sunday of the month, you can take in major museums in Lisbon (like the Tile Museum and Jeronimos Monastery) without paying admission.

Related: Free attractions and things to do in Lisbon

Porto’s sweetened the pot for tourists even further — every Sunday morning from 10 am to 1 pm, museums and cathedrals are free. We recommend the Port Wine Museum (although it is currently under renovation) or the Serralves Foundation’s modern art collection.

Want someone to show you the sights on the cheap? In both of Portugal’s major cities, there are free walking tours (tips are encouraged). Check out these walking tour options in Porto and Lisbon.

10. Slow down

Spending more time in one place is a sure-fire way to keep your budget in check and stay sane. Instead of rushing around on an organized bus tour, or driving from one city to the next, consider making a temporary home base in a small town, renting a nice room or apartment and exploring an area in a leisurely fashion.

Don’t overbook your time with activities. Instead, take your time and wander — it’s free. You’ll save money on transportation and have a much more relaxing trip.

The post 10 ways to save on a trip to Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Not all vacations can be so dreamy, especially not on a budget. But Lisbon has a lot to offer cheapo travelers. Budget hotels can sometimes be a gamble, but we’ve combed through Lisbon to find the city’s gems.

More tips for Lisbon
• Lisbon Cheap Eats: How to save on eating out
• How to spend two days in Lisbon
• The top free attractions and things to do in Lisbon

The best budget hotels in Lisbon

Are you ready to take off to Lisbon? We’ve gathered our favorite budget hotels in Lisbon.

Enjoy a comfortable, attractive, and cheapo-friendly room at Living Lounge Hostel. Photo: Booking.com

Living Lounge Hostel

Neighborhood: Baixa
Doubles from $68

Spotless and with a trendy design and atmosphere, you can get a lot of bang for your buck at Living Lounge Hostel. Book a shared dorm or a private room, then enjoy unique perks like bike rentals, free walking tours, and meals prepared by the hotel’s own chefs. Read the full review

The breakfast room at Pensao Praca de Figueira.

Pensao Praca de Figueira

Neighborhood: Baixa
Doubles from $70

The Pensao Praca de Figueira has plenty of options for Cheapos. Choose from basic budget rooms that have shared bathrooms and incredible views or budget plus rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, mini-fridges, and TVs. Every floor has a kitchenette, and the 4th floor has a TV lounge. We love the owner Leonardo’s photographs throughout the place. Read the full review

A stylish room at Residencial Dom Sancho I.

Residencial Dom Sancho I

Neighborhood: Avenida da Liberdade
Doubles from $85

Quiet, elegant rooms at the Residencial Dom Sancho I are positioned along the swanky Avenida da Liberdade, a street filled with luxury boutiques. Rooms feature an Old World style with modern amenities, like air conditioning and televisions. Read the full review

The four-star HF Fenix Lisboa offers some surprisingly good deals for its high level of service and great location. Photo: Booking.com

HF Fenix Lisboa

Neighborhood: Marques de Pombal & Saldanha
Doubles from $104

Booking at HF Fenix Lisboa is all about location, location, location. While the boxy exterior may not seem charming or exciting, the interiors feel a little more welcoming. You’ll find modern rooms with all the comforts of home, like individually controlled A/C and flat-screen TVs. There’s also a restaurant on-site. Read the full review

The view from a beautiful terrace at Residencial Florescente.

Residencial Florescente

Neighborhood: Baixa
Doubles from $136

The Residencial Florescente is a cute, charming hotel on a pedestrian street. Perks include a complimentary breakfast buffet and free Wi-Fi. Check into a room in the front for a lovely street view. The skylights through the hallways give the hotel plenty of natural light. Plus, it has a great location just a short walk from Rossio Square. Read the full review

Search all hotels in Lisbon

Know your travel dates? Find rates and book now through our reservation partner, Booking.com.

Lisbon Budget Hotels

If you want even more hotel picks for Lisbon, we have plenty of great options. Check out our entire list of budget hotels in Lisbon. Do you have a favorite place to stay in Lisbon? Tell us in the comments.

The post The top budget hotels in Lisbon for 2024 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It may require a bit of diligence to ignore the masses of tourists hurling themselves up and down the town’s hilly roads at virtually all times of the year, but the sense of wonder Sintra imparts will be well worth the effort.

Related: 10 Days in Portugal on the cheap through Lisbon, Porto & Braga 

How to get there

Considering that stepping within Sintra’s limits feels akin to time travel, the ease of reaching the town for a day trip from Lisbon is surprising. Simply purchase a €4.50 round-trip ticket at Rossio Station, located in the historic center of Lisbon, for one of the trains departing the station; depending on the time of day, trains depart every 10-20 minutes.

Board the train, get comfortable in one of the trains’ cozy seats and savor a leisurely 40-minute ride out of the hustle and bustle of Lisbon and into a world of both natural and human-made splendor. As the train passes buildings covered in graffiti followed by a series of quaint towns, choose to quietly absorb the rapidly shifting landscape, rest, meditate, daydream, or read — perhaps consider digesting Eça de Queirós’s The Relic or other equally good Portuguese Renaissance literature to accompany the journey into Sintra’s wondrous world.

Getting around Sintra

Once on Sintra’s hallowed ground, exploring the town’s every nook and cranny is a low-cost delight. The 434 bus route was specifically designed for visitors to Sintra, and at €6.90 for round-trip travel, it is much less expensive than the €25 Hop-On/Hop-Off and other tour buses. In fact, while researching this post, we waited 20 minutes at each of two Hop-On/Hop-Off bus stops. When the buses finally arrived, we were told by the drivers that we could not board because no one was disembarking and there were no free seats.

This could potentially happen to you while you wait for the 434 bus, of course, and you should definitely expect exceptionally long lines of people queuing up to wait for the bus at every stop (especially the Palácio de Pena). Your alternatives are to rent a car in Lisbon and do the driving yourself (not at all a bad idea, and affordable if you are sharing the cost with others) or hire a tuk-tuk driver or taxi driver to take you for a private tour (at least €50per person).

The Hop-On/Hop-Off bus does offer two bus routes with many more stops than the 434 bus, but we found that unless you have physical limitations or are going to spend the night in Sintra (not a bad idea, either, if you have the time — then you can experience the town virtually free of tourists in the morning and evening!) the 434 is your best bet for a single day of exploration.

Accommodations: Search more than 250 hotels and vacation apartments in Sintra

Eating in Sintra

If you find yourself hungry after all your exploring, pop into Saudade (the Portuguese word for something close to nostalgia) for whatever your body craves, whether coffee, tea, a sandwich, or a full meal. The varied offerings will tantalize omnivores and vegetarians alike.

Day trip tip

Take the earliest train you can (maybe 7:01 am?) and return as late as you can (11:20 pm, perhaps?) and — though Sintra’s magnificence cannot be absorbed in a day — you will have grasped at least an appetizer portion of the area’s marvelous offerings to tide you over until your next visit.

The post Portugal: Saving in Sintra, a perfect day trip from Lisbon appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

This fact has driven the traditionally low prices up, but despite this boom, eating well in the city has stayed very affordable compared to other European capitals.

With these tips by Lisbon locals, you’ll be sure to find really cheap eats whether you want classic Portuguese bites or cuisine of an international variety.

More Lisbon tips:
• When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
• The top budget hotels in Lisbon for 2018
• Lisbon: The best free attractions and things to do

5 Spots for cheap dining in Lisbon

We’ve written about how to save on dining in Lisbon, and now our friends at Spotted By Locals have come up with five restaurants where you can always eat for cheap.

As Bifanas do Afonso

Rua da Madalena 146

Having a bifana is part of experiencing Lisbon, and while there are plenty of places that offer this beloved Portuguese sandwich, many agree that As Bifanas do Afonso has some of the best, with pork tenderloin cooked in a sauce of white wine, garlic, laurel, and red pepper powder. Bifanas go perfectly with “imperial” beer — a 250ml glass and a sandwich together won’t set you back more than €5.

Accommodations: Search for hotels under $100 per night in Lisbon

Pastelaria Aloma

Rua Francisco Metrass 67

Another supremely Portuguese classic is the emblematic pastel de nata, or egg custard tart. It’s virtually impossible to walk through Lisbon without running into multiple ‘cakeshops’ that sell this pastry, but local Nuno swears that you won’t know a real one before you try Pastelaria Aloma‘s, which by the way, won the award for the town’s best natas in 2012, ’13 and ’15. Served warm straight from the oven and going for a modest €1.20 a piece, make sure you never refuse cinnamon when asked.

Feel Rio

Rua do Crucifixo 108

One of the exciting aspects of Lisbon is that it serves up the cuisines of countries that used to be Portuguese colonies and still have cultural ties with the former motherland. Enjoy food from Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, and of course Brazil. Feel Rio has typical ‘Carioca’ snacks and fast food, such as chicken croquettes, empanadas with mince and egg (€2.30) and also serves the legendary sugarcane juice. It makes Brazilian-born local Claudio homesick — what more can one ask for?

Topo

Cc Martim Moniz, 6th floor

Rooftop bar Topo is best known for its hip cocktails and amazing views over the castle, Alfama and the Old Quarters. Chicken satay and gyoza are not typical Portuguese dishes of course, but when’s the last time you had good, inexpensive food with such views? Dishes here go for about €5 each. And if you like cocktails,  don’t forget to try the gin, black pepper, and basil cocktail.

Related: Affordable hotels in Alfama, Lisbon’s castle district

Carvoaria Jacto

Rua Maria Andrade 6 B

Carvoaria Jacto is a carnivore’s paradise — just like Portugal as a whole. Get a red wine from Alentejo, pick your kind of meat, the cut (local Nuno recommends the perfect round steak) and the weight of the portion (300g or 500g), choose your favorite garnish (fries, rice and/or spinach mash, etc), perhaps add a salad from the salad bar, and you’re good to go. Just make sure you save some space for the chocolate mousse! The daily menu here costs around €7.50.

The post Lisbon Dining on a Budget: 5 spots that locals love appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The off-season is the best deal (think late January and all of February when the weather is too drizzly for folks chasing the sun on winter trips). On the other hand, fall and spring have the best combination of travel variables like decent weather, excellent prices, and minimum crowds. (This “shoulder season” is our favorite for traveling throughout Europe, as we discuss here.)

But what about the high season? Should you avoid it at all cost?  Not necessarily. It’ll cost you substantially more but Lisbon is still so much cheaper than destinations elsewhere in Europe. So it may be worth the investment, particularly for folks who want to combine their sightseeing with sun worshipping or major local events and festivals.

 More tips for Lisbon:
• Our favorite best budget hotels in Lisbon
• Fun and free things to do in Lisbon
• How to spend 2 days in Lisbon on a budget

The best time to visit Lisbon

So what do we recommend? Read on for reasons why and why not to visit Lisbon during each season, and then make a decision based on your personal priorities and budget.

Go when it’s cheapest: Lisbon in winter

We’re going to go out on a limb here and claim winter as our favorite time of year to visit Lisbon. Sure, the weather can be chilly and rainy occasionally, but a little wet and cold never stopped a determined Cheapo! Besides, as winters in Europe go, Lisbon’s is generally mild (with daytime temps in the 50s on average), and it’s a city that easily retains its charm, even under drizzle and cloud cover.

Travel plans around the Christmas holidays may cost you slightly more than the rest of the winter, but as Lisbon isn’t a popular holiday market destination, they’re still likely to be more affordable as compared to Munich or Budapest. But from mid-January through mid-March, accommodations, and flights are as cheap as they’ll be all year long, and there are virtually no crowds at monuments around town. Bring a lightweight coat and an umbrella and you’re golden.

Go when the flowers bloom: Lisbon in spring

This is the time of year when most other travelers will claim it’s best to visit Lisbon. And they’re not wrong about the city’s appeal. The combination of blooming flowers, sunnier skies, and warmer temps (think 60s and 70s) without the masses make Lisbon a lovely choice for a spring holiday. Of course, if you choose to plan your visit around Easter Week, be ready to brave crowds and higher prices, as travelers from around Europe tend to take time off around these dates.

That said, if you’re interested in the pomp and circumstance of Portugal’s traditional processions, it may be worth dealing with higher prices and adding a couple of days in Braga (3.5 hours from Lisbon) to your itinerary to get an eyeful of the faithful in traditional grab hefting around massive religious relics. Just be sure to book many months in advance.

Related: Explore Braga, Portugal’s third largest city

Go when it’s sunny: Lisbon in summer

Summers in Lisbon can be scorching (slather on a high SPF — the sun can be intense), but the long hours of dependable sunlight make for uninterrupted exploring. It’s also perfect weather for folks who want to head to nearby fishing villages like Cascais for swimming or surfing.

Related: Lisbon Day Trips: Exploring Sintra, Cascais, and Coimbra

For minimum crowds and lower room rates, try earlier in the summer, as August is a popular vacation month throughout Europe. And if you’re committed to summer in Lisbon, book far in advance to save a few euros. If celebrating in the streets with locals sounds like your type of vacation, visit around June 13th, when Lisbon hosts a massive citywide party for its patron saint, Saint Anthony.

Visit Lisbon in the fall with more clouds in the sky but fewer crowds in the streets. Photo: donchili

Go when it’s less crowded: Lisbon in fall

After winter, fall is our second favorite time of year to spend some time in Lisbon for less. Like spring, it’s a shoulder season, and the weather is slightly more unpredictable than in summer. But Cheapos will be happy because prices are low, the weather is still pretty reliably warm and sunny, and the crowds are smaller in comparison to the summer months.

Late in the season, there’s a slight uptick in visitors for Thanksgiving holidays, but even then, prices and occupancy are reasonable. Just be warned that on average, November is the rainiest month in the city. So pack water-resistant shoes and a hooded jacket — wet feet can make exploring on foot pretty unpleasant.

Lisbon hotel advice for any season

• Our top 20 hotels in Lisbon
• Lisbon hotels under $100 per night
• Lisbon budget accommodations: 5 cheapo picks

Have you been to Lisbon? When’s your favorite time to visit the Portuguese capital? Share in the comment section below.

The post When is the best time to visit Lisbon? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And as the city attracts more and more visitors, getting the best possible price for a place to lay your head can get tricky in Lisbon. So how can you ensure maximum savings on your hotel in Lisbon?

We came up with eight tips that will make it easier for you to get a great deal.

More tips for Portugal

• 10 ways to save on a trip to Portugal
• Lisbon Cheap Eats: How to save on eating out
• The Best free things to do in Lisbon

8 Tips to save on your Lisbon Hotel

Are you ready to get started planning your trip to Lisbon? Check out up-to-the-minute rates for Lisbon hotels and read on for our best tips on how to book comfortable accommodation at a great price.

1. Keep it basic

Much like in Spain, Portugal has a wealth of basic but very clean and cheap accommodations to be had and Lisbon is no exception. Don’t discount 1-star hotels, guesthouses, pensions, and hostels! A few of our favorites include Residencial Dom Sancho I, Pensao Praca de Figueira, and Pensao Residencial Geres.

2. It’s all about location

Lisbon sprawls far beyond its center. But that’s not surprising given the history — it’s the oldest city in Western Europe. Yes, it has been around even longer than London or Paris. Since it’s so big, you really need to consider what you want to see before you book a room. A good rule of thumb for folks who want to see the major sites in the historic center is to stay in the Baixa or Chiado neighborhoods. A little bit further afield, closer to Lisbon’s castle, Alfama is also an excellent option for folks that want to be able to walk to attractions. Bairro Alto is where to be if you want to be close to the nightlife — just remember to bring your earplugs.

3. Stay close to public transportation

When you can’t stay somewhere close to the historic center (because rates or high or there’s nothing available) book a hotel near public transportation. Lisbon has an excellent metro system, and getting around is a breeze once you realize you’re not limited to the antique trolleys.

4. Don’t pay for parking

If you plan to rent a car and drive around Portugal, pick it up after you’re finished with the Lisbon portion of your itinerary, or drop it off after your road trip. You don’t want to deal with trying to park your car in the city center unless you can find a hotel with free parking. Browse rental car rates in Portugal.

Related: How to save on your rental car in Portugal

Skip the hotel breakfast, unless it’s free like it is at Pensao Praca de Figueira.

5. Skip hotel add-ons like breakfasts

Unless the hotel breakfast is included, don’t pay extra for it. Instead, roll out of bed and grab a café (an espresso) and a pasteis de nata (traditional puff pastries with a creamy filling) for a couple of euros. Read up on more tips for saving on eating out in Lisbon.

6. Come off-season

Prices in Lisbon are highest during the summer peak season from June to September. If you can, plan your trip for early spring and late fall when room rates are generally much more competitive. The weather is still beautiful and you’ll have fewer crowds to deal with! For example, Hotel Avenida Park has decent rates in the summer (around $125), but in October, they drop even lower to less than $90.

7. Keep major events in mind

During Lisbon’s annual festival, or “Festas” in June, national holidays, and major professional conferences, room rates rise with demand. Unless you plan on attending, organize your Lisbon trip with a few days margin on either side of big events. Check the Visit Lisboa tourism website for news on the latest events.

8. Book ahead

For the best room rates in Lisbon, book ahead. At least a month in advance is best, but the further ahead you can manage, the more likely you are to score a deal. Lock in a deal so you don’t have to worry about where you’ll stay during the days leading up to your trip. You can focus on what you want to see, where you want to eat, and all of the fun stuff!

Book a cheap room in Lisbon

Now it’s time to go to Lisbon! Browse through our Lisbon hotel picks to find an affordable room in a central location.

The post How to save on Lisbon hotel rooms appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

What should you expect to spend getting from Lisbon to Sintra, and Porto to Guimarães and back again? Will hopping a train or booking a rental car break your budget?

As it turns out, probably not. Throughout Portugal transportation costs are very reasonable and savvy travelers can save even more by following through with the tips below.

Related
• 10 Days in Portugal: A budget-friendly itinerary
• A Budget travel guide to Lisbon
• 10 Ways to save on your trip to Portugal

5 Tips for getting around Portugal on a budget

Taking the train to Porto means you get to travel through this stunning station. Photo: Jumilla

1. Hop on the train for views and low-key travel

On the train in Portugal, it’s easier to soak up views and relax. For about the same price as taking the bus — and half the travel time — it’s much more comfortable and the train routes are usually more picturesque than what the tollway buses travel. Plus, with no need to get behind the wheel, you won’t have to worry about swearing off Vinho Verde at lunch.

That said there are some limitations to train travel — the trains just don’t go to some places. If you want to explore Portugal’s tiny villages, you’re better off with a rental, a GPS and a detailed regional map.

Check rates and destinations on the official Portuguese train website (Comboios de Portugal).

Hailing a taxi in Lisbon might not be the cheapest option. Photo: McPig

2. Book a rideshare before an Uber or a taxi

Taxis in Portugal are cheaper than in destinations like France or Germany, but they’re still quite expensive when compared to public transit. But how do they compare to Uber and rideshares?

First off, at the time of writing, Uber isn’t widely available in Portugal, so for the best and most dependable Uber experience, you’re pretty much limited to the Porto and Lisbon metropolitan areas.

Secondly, even for short trips in those cities, Uber is only slightly cheaper than taking a cab (most of the time). But your savings are only likely to be a few euros at best, so if there are taxis waiting at a stop or transit station nearby, you may not find it worth your while to wait around for an Uber driver — although Uber has one major advantage — no cash necessary.

For longer trips, (20 minutes or more) Uber is about half the price of a taxi, but depending on the distance and route you may also be able to book a ride with a European ridesharing company called BlaBlaCar for a fraction of the cost. (Check out our guide to using BlaBlaCar in Europe, here.)

If getting to your destination as quickly as possible is your priority, you may want to spend a few more euros on an Uber or a taxi — rideshares often make multiple stops to drop off passengers along a route.

3. Skip the bus (most of the time)

Portugal is connected by multiple bus and coach lines run by public transit authorities, as well as private companies such as ALSA, Bus Rede Expressos, Bus RenEX, and Bus Groupo AVIC. While these buses are reasonably priced and comfortable, they can also be terribly slow with limited timetables and destinations.

To find the cheapest possible deal on bus travel (or any travel) between a route in Portugal, head to Rome2Rio.com and search for your route. Under your results, in the bus section, you’ll see an approximate price and the names of companies that operate on it.

For the most part, buses are cheap (if very slow way) to travel between off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren’t connected via national rail routes, although you’ll often have to make multiple connections to get to Portugal’s truly tiny villages.

All things considered, buses are rarely the cheapest option for longer trips. Between cities, driving, ride sharing, training it, or even hopping a budget flight is usually as cheap as (and sometimes cheaper) than taking a bus. If you’re traveling deep into Portugal’s gorgeous rural areas, a rental car is almost always a better and cheaper choice. And speaking of rental cars…

Driving along the Douro River in a rental car. Photo: pedrik

4. Go where you want (and when) in a rental car

If you’re traveling in a group of two or more, or are committed to seeing lots of small towns and villages, renting a car is the best bet for your money, personal comfort, and time. Having a vehicle will allow you to sleep in less expensive towns (make sure your accommodations include free or cheap parking) and will save you time spent waiting on trains and buses.

For the cheapest rentals, book as far in advance as you can manage. You can pick up your rental at a major airport (Porto, Faro, or Lisbon). Check rates for car rentals in Portugal and across Europe

For more tips on the cheapest and safest ways to drive in Portugal see our guide to driving in Portugal. Don’t forget to bring your international driver’s license!

Nice view! Flying Ryanair over the Azores. Photo: Adamina

5. Get there faster (and sometimes cheaper) on budget air carriers

If you want to get from the one end of this long and skinny country to the other in short order, your fastest (and sometimes cheapest) option may be to fly between big hubs on budget carriers. Ryanair has flights from Lisbon to Porto for as low as €20 round trip, and we found flights with TAP starting at €68.

In short, it’s worth at least checking budget flights before booking ground travel. We recently tested out a trip from Porto to Faro and found we could spend five hours on the train (from €35), a rideshare (from €36) or a rental car (from €85). Or you can get there in one hour and 10 minutes for €26 on a cheap flight (plus time getting to and from the airport, of course).

CheapoSearch: Check airfare for budget flights across Europe

The post Portugal Transportation: 5 tips for saving on trains, buses, rental cars and flights appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

An island of gardens, inland valleys and flowing levadas — irrigation channels, which double as hiking trails — Madeira draws legions of tourists, including many retirees from across Europe all year long. For decades, huge numbers of British tourists have visited Madeira, and one consequence of this tourism history is that Madeirans tend to speak English very well.

Funchal is the largest city on the island, as well as the regional capital. It’s so cute it hurts. The municipal gardens overflow with flora, and the streets are full of beautiful Portuguese tile work. The museums are great, too. The Old Town (Zona Velha) is beguiling and atmospheric. The modern bits of Funchal are also charming.

Many use Funchal as a jumping-off point for countryside walks or even the neighboring island of Porto Santo. Check out Outdoor Madeira, published by the Madeira Islands Rural Tourism Association, for more information on Madeira beyond Funchal. While you won’t come to Madeira for the beaches, you can find idyllic beaches on the nearby island of Porto Santo. Reach Porto Santo by ferry (€57.40 round trip April to September, €47 in low season; 2.5 hours’ duration) or plane (round-trip fares starting at €83; 15 minutes). For more information, check the official tourism resource for Porto Santo.

Related:
• A 10-Day budget itinerary through Portugal
• 10 Easy ways to save in Portugal
• Budget guide to Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Funchal, Madeira budget travel tips

Here are five easy ways to save on your trip to Funchal, Madeira:

1. Take the cable car… one way.

By all means, take the Madeira cable car (Teleférico do Funchal) up the mountain to the Botanical Garden. The views are amazing and there are some lovely gardens to check out.

But instead of coughing up €15 for a round-trip fare, pay €10 for a one-way journey up the mountain and walk back to town. The hills are very steep, and you’ll need to wind your way down carefully. (If you’re quite fit, walk uphill and take the cable car down the mountain.) Whether you walk or ride, the views are amazing.

2. Explore Funchal’s affordable museums

Take advantage of Funchal’s very inexpensive museums. The Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas (€3) has a remarkable tile collection. The over-the-top Universo de Memórias João Carlos Abreu (€3.50) houses its namesake’s personal collections. The worldly Abreu, Madeira’s former Minister of Tourism, has a quirky aesthetic vision, and this museum makes for a very entertaining exploration. There is also café on the premises.

3. Eat well for cheap

It is easy to eat well in Funchal without breaking the bank. One good local restaurant among many is Taberna Madeira (Travessa de João Caetano 16). Sandwiches start at €2.50 and the local soup of the day is €3. Order the roasted lamb for two for only €20.

For snacks and fresh produce, try the Mercado Dos Lavradores, a vibrant farmer’s market.

4. Shop for local gifts (while you sip glass of wine)

Stop by Made in Madeira (Rua Serpa Pinto 27) for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine — and a spot of shopping. This lovely little shop-cum-café sells reasonably priced local handicrafts and delicacies as well as clothing. It focuses on local production in an attractive and compelling manner.

A budget stay at Hotel do Carmo includes a beautiful rooftop pool!

5. Stay at Hotel do Carmo

Madeira resident Kash Bhattacharya recommended this lovely budget-friendly charmer, located in the middle of Funchal. The style of the gorgeous lobby is late 1960s Portuguese modernism, with sharp lines and a well-lighted bar at night. It looks like the set of a period spy caper.

Rooms are very simple no-frills affairs and rates start at €54 per night for a double room. The best perk of staying at Hotel do Carmo? There is a rooftop swimming pool, too! Find out more about Hotel do Carmo.

More hotel options: Search over 500 hotels in Funchal and over 1,200 properties across the Madeira islands.

Your Funchal tips

Do you have suggestions for ways to save when visiting Funchal or Madeira, in general? Share your tips in the comments section below.

The post Funchal, Madeira: 5 Budget tips for an island getaway in Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.