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.

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.

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.

However, to make your budget stretch even further, check out these tips on Lisbon’s finest free attractions.

Wander around the Alfama

The Alfama is the oldest part of the city — it was one of the few areas to survive the city’s huge earthquake in 1755. It contains sights such as the cathedral that do charge an entry fee, but there is a huge amount of pleasure to be had purely wandering around the neighborhood’s charming streets. Still largely a residential area, it’s got something of a village feel, with washing hanging out and residents stopping to chat to each other. Do pack comfy shoes to make the most of it, as the roads are steep and narrow.

Related: The best value hotels in Lisbon with doubles from $50/night

If you can afford to spare a euro, you could take part in the tradition of trying to land a coin in the book held by the statue of Saint Anthony outside the Igreja Santo Antonio. It could be a worthwhile investment — if you succeed, it’s said you’ll find a new or improved romantic partner!

Free walking tours in Lisbon

If you prefer to do your exploring in the company of a knowledgeable guide, book on one of Lisbon’s free walking tours. Discover Lisbon offer free tours of Alfama and Belém, or for a citywide introduction, join Lisbon Chill-Out — each tour guided by Lisbon natives.

Viewing the collection at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon. Photo: Pedro R

Take advantage of free entry to museums and galleries

Lisbon’s most popular attractions are ticketed, but there are a couple that offer free entry, such as MUDE (Museum of Design and Fashion). Many of the others have free hours, such as the Museu do Oriente (Museum of the Orient), which is free to enter on Friday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Sunday, however, is the day you should really channel your inner culture vulture — Belém’s 16th century Mosteiros dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém are both free until 2 pm, as is the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art). The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian the impressively opulent collection of art and decorative arts amassed by a hugely wealthy oil magnate, meanwhile, is free all day.

Visit the markets

Perhaps the most famous of Lisbon’s markets is the historic Mercado da Ribeira, a daily affair selling fresh fish, flowers, fruit and vegetables and a place where you can explore and discover traditional Portuguese produce. Half of the market space is now given over to the Time Out market, lined with stalls by different chefs, food shops, and restaurants. It’s free and fun to explore, and while you’ll probably end up buying something, it’ll set you back considerably less than eating in a restaurant.

Flea market lovers should make a beeline for the Feira da Ladra, which takes place in the Campo do Santa Clara in the Alfama each Tuesday and Saturday. It’s far more reputable than its name suggests (it translates roughly as “thieves market”), selling homemade goods and souvenirs alongside secondhand and collectables.

For more artisan and vintage wares, visit the Sunday market in the fashionable LX Factory. A complex of former industrial units, it’s now home to artists and creatives alongside small shops and cafes making it the perfect spot for a weekend mooch. Well worth a look is the impressive bookstore Ler Devagar — although bibliophiles will find it hard to leave without a purchase.

Pick up a few pastry tips

You can’t leave Lisbon without sampling some — or several — of the famous pasteis de nata (custard tarts). You’ll find them in cafes and bakeries all over the city, available to eat in or take away. The guidebooks will probably point you in the direction of those available at Belém, but we recommend picking yours up at Manteigaria in the Baixa / Chiado area of the city. The free bonus is that you can watch the staff at work making this local delicacy through the day until midnight, hopefully picking up a few tips in the process. Wait for the bell to ring to know a fresh batch is coming out of the oven.

Hike up one of the hills for a spectacular view over Lisbon. Photo: Alessandro G.

See the city from another view

Make the most of those comfy shoes we told you to wear earlier and seek out some of Lisbon’s “miradouros”, or viewpoints. Being a city based around seven hills makes for plenty of picturesque spots to stop and admire the view. These viewpoints are an inbuilt part of city life, and you’ll find locals as well as tourists resting together. This list pulls together 30 of the best stops, although part of the fun is stumbling across them yourself.

The post Lisbon: The best free attractions and things to do appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Lisbon is our first stop in EuroCheapo’s 10-day itinerary for Portugal.

Continuing with what might be an increasingly obnoxious California metaphor, Lisbon is to Portugal as San Francisco is to California; it’s hilly, coastal, quirky, and complete with cable-cars and foodie culture to boot. As Portugal’s largest city and capital, it warrants a couple of days (at minimum) on your itinerary.

Free Activities in Lisbon

Spend your first day wandering the city’s cobblestone streets in search of famous monuments like the Jerónimos Monastery and the 16th century Belem Tower, some of Europe’s best graffiti and the Cerca Velha or old city walls. If the weather’s agreeable, stroll Rua Augusta between Rossi Square and Praça do Comercio. Just don’t stop for a snack along the way — it’s a bit of a tourist trap. You’re much better off veering off into narrow side streets in search of authentic eats at local bars and bakeries.

Many must-see museums, like the city’s tile museum, Museu Nacional do Azulejo, are free the first Sunday of every month, and the permanent modern art collection at the Museu Coleçao Berardo is always free.

It’s worth the hike to have a look around and take in the views of the city from the Moorish Castelo Sao Jorge, but unless you’re an archeology buff, you may want to skip the €8.50 entrance fee to see the inside of the castle.

Interested in Lisbon’s version of Fado? Wait for dark, and expect to pay as much as you would for a night in a budget hotel for an evening of traditional Fado music in the Alfama neighborhood. And be sure to make your reservation ahead of time, or risk missing out on all the melancholy.

Related: Budget tips from 7 days in Lisbon

Inexpensive Eats in Lisbon

For food on the cheap, snack on the ubiquitous Pasteis de nata, a type of creamy custard tart, or pull up a chair at a restaurant for a traditional meal of roasted piri-piri chicken or bacalhau à bras, a hearty dish of stir-fried cod with rice, black olives, onions, and scrambled eggs. Fill up for less with fixed price mid-day menus away from main streets and the riverfront.

Residencia Alegria offers a lovely atmosphere and location close to the city center of Lisbon. Photo: EuroCheapo

Sleeping on the Cheap in Lisbon

Staying the night in Lisbon shouldn’t cost you more than €60-80 per night for a centrally located, basic accommodation with private bath. For a private room for less, try guesthouses, but be prepared to share a bathroom. If you’re up for bunks and shared showers at a hostel, expect to spend €10-15 per night per person.

We like the free breakfast, linens, and Wi-Fi, as well as the central location of the Urban Garden Hostel (Rua Camilo Castel Branco n 2C). Or for a BnB feel just off this main drag, check into Residencial Alegria (Praca Da Alegria 12). The hotel features 35 rooms with private bath and a touch of style with rates starting at $69.

Related: More cheap Lisbon hotels and hostels starting at $23

Our 10-day Portugal itinerary

Lisbon is the first stop on our recommended itinerary for a 10-day trip in Portugal. Click below to continue!

Days 3 and 4: Sintra, Cascais & Coimbra

Days 5 and 6: Valença and Ponte de Lima

Days 7 and 8: Braga and Guimarães

Days 9 and 10: Porto

The post Two days in Lisbon: A 10-day Portugal Itinerary appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

There are loads of brilliant and inexpensive options whether you are looking for an arty boutique or just a friendly hostel. When it comes to sleeping cheap in Lisbon, even a central location doesn’t have to mean splurging.

EuroCheapo has a whole guide to budget hotels in Lisbon, but we’ve highlighted five of our favorites that you might want to book on your next trip.

Lisbon Destination Hostel

Rossio Train Station, 2nd Floor
Doubles from: $90
Full hotel review

Now this is a location. To beat the crowds on a day trip to Sintra, you’ll want to stay at the Lisbon Destination Hostel, as it’s situated inside the city’s impressive Rossio train station. Not that you’d notice once you’re inside, as the central atrium is more like a relaxed, green and leafy tropical paradise (complete with hammocks) than busy transport hub. But it’s not style over substance. Friendly staff, no curfew, a self-service bar and pancakes for breakfast means the hostel lives up to its name. Solo travelers who can’t face another dorm room may want to check out their single rooms too.

A friendly hotel with boutique touches awaits at Lisbon Dreams. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Lisbon Dreams Guesthouse

Rua Rodrigo Da Fonseca 29
Doubles from: $54 to $78
Full hotel review

Lisbon Dreams typifies the type of accommodation that the city does so well and that EuroCheapo loves so much. This place is budget boutique, with an arty, independent feel and—perhaps most importantly—a friendly staff. Décor is clean, fresh and white, and many rooms have their own small terraces, while there’s also a back garden and patio to make the most of the Portuguese sunshine. There’s free WiFi throughout the building, and breakfast is also included in the incredibly reasonable price. You do need to share a bathroom, but you’ll be provided with your own bathrobe to make that experience just a touch more luxurious.

One of the stylish common areas at Home in Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the hostel

Home Lisbon Hostel

Rua de São Nicolau
Dorm beds from around: $11
Full hostel review

Another excellent hostel, Home is split over two floors of a historic building right in the heart of Baixa. The lower level is definitely the sociable area, and the mix of vintage and contemporary décor, including a disco ball, is worthy of the hippest hangout. It’s a great place to enjoy Mamma’s dinner, a communal, traditional meal served every night. Want some peace and quiet? There’s an entire floor separating the dorms from the communal area meaning you won’t be disturbed when the partying goes on into the night. Sweet touches such as old photos and retro artwork in the bathrooms work alongside thoughtful details including desks and hairdryers in the women’s dorms to make you really feel at Home.

A colorful room at Residencial Florescente. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Residencial Florescente

Rua Portas De Santo Antão 9
Doubles from: $65 to $103
Full hotel review

Well worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for more traditional hotel option: we recommend Residencial Florescente as a clean, friendly and popular destination. You get a few more facilities for your money compared to the other options, including flat screen TVs in the rooms and private bathrooms. It’s also got an elevator—a rarity for Lisbon’s budget accommodation. However, beware the restaurants on this same street as they’re as tourist trap as Lisbon gets. For a better experience, head to the tiny, delicious and extremely reasonable Jesus é Goês Goan restaurant on the nearby Rua São José.

A comfy four-bed dorm at Lost Inn Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the hostel

Lost Inn Lisbon

Beco dos Apóstolos 6
Doubles from: $80
Full hostel review

Another of Lisbon’s beautiful buildings that’s been repurposed for accommodation, Lost Inn Lisbon’s clean and white makeover means every part of this hostel, from its communal areas to its dorm rooms, feels spacious and airy. It also caters to the needs of the 21st-century traveler with individual reading lights and power sockets for dorm beds, as well as large, electronic lockers. It’s situated near to Cais do Sodré station, a once down-at-heel area now with its own thriving bar scene offering a change of scene from the bustling Bairro Alto. Check out the food market at Mercado da Ribeira for bargain eats, and you can travel from the station to Belém to stock up on custard tarts, an important part of any Lisbon visit.

The post Lisbon Budget Accommodations: 5 Cheapo picks appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Cheapos will love Lisbon; the way you start and end every conversation with “Obrigada” (thank you), the sounds of Fado guitars, the sights of clay roofs and the tastes of Galão (espresso with foamed milk). And, of course, the low prices for just about everything.

Here is a roundup of low-cost activities to do during a seven-day stay, and a collage of photographic memories. Let’s go explore Lisboa!

Avenida da Liberdade at dusk.

Where to Stay

Avenida da Liberdade snakes through Lisbon, making it a convenient home base while you’re in town. For a BnB feel just off this main drag, check into Residencial Alegria (Praca Da Alegria 12). The hotel is run by a French owner and features 35 rooms with private bath and a touch of style across from a park. It’s also within walking distance of most things Lisbon, so it’s a great home base to explore the city. Prices start at $69 for a double room.

Related: More cheap Lisbon hotels and hostels starting at $23

Praca do Comercio along Rio Tejo.

Walking the city

Luckily for those who love exploring by foot, Lisbon is a walkable city with some of the oldest and most breath-taking views Europe has to offer. Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers, as the city’s streets are ancient, and lined with uneven cobblestones and tiny sidewalks. Trust me, the walks are worth it when you stumble upon hilltop views like Santa Luzia (the photo at the top).

Lisbon’s yellow trams.

Soak in the city’s artistic community by walking to the Galeria de Arta Urbana (wall of street art graffiti) where you can see the latest pieces by the city’s most beloved street artists. Make sure to also snap a photo by the graffiti-covered yellow trams, a favorite among visiting tourists.

Keep your eyes out for blue-tiled interiors, and find out their relevance at the National Tile Museum. It’s only a €5 entry fee and free on the first Sunday of each month.

If the weather is nice (which it usually is), take a leisurely stroll to the huge public square at Praca do Comercio where locals sit idly by the river hand-in-hand. The view of the Rio Tejo (Tagus River), that stretches all the way to Spain, will take you back a few centuries.

Soak in the atmosphere and start thinking about what to eat. After all that walking, you’ll be ready for some tasty Portuguese cuisine.

Eating like a local on a budget

If you’re hungry for a quick snack, stop into any of the many cafes that dot the Lisbon streets. Must-eats include an egg-based pastry (like a belem) paired with an espresso or a beer.

Coffee, beer and pastries are a few of the culinary delights of Lisbon.

Family is a huge priority in Portuguese culture. What better way to spend a lunch than with a hearty meal full of freshly grilled fish and veggies, home-cooked by one of the oldest family-run restaurants in Lisbon? Be sure to pop into Tasca do Joao for the real deal. Make the owners proud by ordering an obscure Portuguese wine called “Vinho Verde Tinto”.

A classic fish counter with the day’s catch at Mercado da Ribera.

Speaking of food, no trip abroad is ever complete without visiting the local market. While in Lisbon I took full advantage of whole fish, ordering every type I could—baked cod, grilled snapper and smoked fish (I love the version at Restaurante Fumeiro, a classic old-world hang out).

If you really love seafood, it’s all delicious and worth seeing in person at the Mercado da Ribera in the Cais do Sodre district.

Related: EuroCheapo’s budget tips for Lisbon

Galão (espresso with foamed milk) and a glass of local wine at Chapito a Mesa.

Out on the town with wine and Fado

At night the city comes alive with music and lights. For a mix of both, check out Chapito a Mesa, where I settled into a corner table to do some writing (with wine) underneath a street market selling local knickknacks. If you’re looking for some new threads, head to Principe Real, where all the fashion-obsessed go.

Don’t miss a chance to see authentic Fado music when you come to Lisbon. There are several spots to catch a show, but Sr. Fado is a cozy spot serving up tasty Portuguese cuisine with a side of live Fado music. It’s so romantic, you just might fall in love after an evening here.

Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra.

Day tripping to Sintra

If time permits, I encourage you to take a day trip out of Lisbon. One of the best is up to Sintra, where Moorish castles offer a trip back in time. Prepare to hike up mountains and take plenty of photos along the way. A view from Castelo dos Mouros is something you’ll want to brag about back home.

For more sights to add to your Lisbon to do list, here is a Google curated map:

The author taking a break at Parque Eduardo VII north of Avenida da Liberdade.

All Photos by Alisha Miranda and Philippe LeSaux

The post Budget tips from 7 days in Lisbon appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The Portuguese often refer to Lisbon as the cidade das sete colinas, or “city of the seven hills.” They’re not kidding. Although walking the hilly terrain will be a workout, the seven hills do offer outstanding views that the locals enjoy every day.

Most of these vistas offer dramatic, sweeping views from at least one major terrace. Most also have some sort of cafe or bar, where you can take a seat, take in the view, and enjoy some drinks and food. These wonderful spots are called miradouros in Portuguese, or “lookout places.”

You’ll see miradouros identified on tourist maps in Lisbon. But which ones are worth the climb? Here are my five favorite lookout points in Lisbon:

Miradouro da Graça
Location: Next to Graça church, in the Graça neighborhood
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks served from late morning to sunset

The Graça miradouro is one of the highest in town, offering an amazing view of the city from the east. From here, one can see the 25th of April Bridge, the “Cristo Rei,” the castle, and also look out over Lisbon’s downtown, known as “Baxia chado.” The snack bar is open until after sunset and serves a variety of drinks and things to eat.

Visiting this miradouro is convenient if you’re already planning to check out the Alfama and Graça neighborhoods. If you’re taking the famous tramway 28 (locally called “Electrico 28”), get off at the “Graça” stop, and you’ll be close to the “Igreja da Graça” (Graça Church). The miradouro is right next to the church.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Location: Between Bairro Alto and Chiado, above the Chiado train station
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks only from late morning to sunset

On your way to party in the Bairro Alto, stop by the miradouro of São Pedro de Alcântara. Very popular with both international and Portuguese students, it’s the perfect setting for a drink before or after touring the bars of Bairro Alto. It is probably the largest miradouro in Lisbon, offering both an upper and a lower terrace. On either one you can buy drinks or snacks from a kiosk and sit at one of the outside tables.

However, the tradition here is to head into one of the adjacent streets and pick up a “litrosas” (liter) of your favorite beer (Sagres or Superbock, depending on what Portuguese soccer club you support). Late at night, after all the bars have closed, this is generally where the party continues on. (Tip: You’ll own the scene if you manage to bring a few “litros” and can play the guitar!)

Miradouro da Santa Catarina
Location: Between Bairro Alto and Bica
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks only from late morning to sunset

When it comes to having a nice sunset view and a great atmosphere, there is almost nothing better than the Miradouro da Santa Catarina. Portuguese artists and expats come here to sit in the grass, on the benches or on the terrace for sunset.

As with other miradouros, you’re able to order drinks and snacks. However, when taking in the view at Santa Catarina, you must try their tap sangria. Sweet, sparkling and fresh, it might just make your day, as it has for so many (and it’s cheap–only €1 a glass!). You might also want to try the “tosta mixta,” a sandwich made of two big slices of toasted Portuguese bread, ham and melted cheese.

Castelo Sao Jorge
Location: Alfama district
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from March to October, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to February

This unofficial miradouro is in the castle that dominates the city. In general, guidebooks classify the Castelo Sao Jorge in the “things to visit” category, and don’t list it for its vista. These days, however, apart from the walls and gardens, the only thing to see is the view.

The view from the top of the walls, the garden or from one of the bordering terrace is one of the best in the city. Since you’re probably already planning to visit the castle, why not go there at sunset and bring along a bottle of Portuguese wine? Of course, the entrance of the castle will cost you €5, but you were probably going to pay that anyway… (Just make sure you don’t forget your bottle opener!)

Clube ferroviaro
Location: Behind Santa Apolonia train station
Hours: Evenings only, Wednesday to Sunday

The “railroad club” is a newly renovated space that offers two rooms for concerts, and a gigantic roof terrace equipped, quite appropriately, with train seats. It’s also located close to the Tejo river, which offers an outstanding view from the roof terrace.

It is not the cheapest place (€2 a beer, kind of pricey for Lisbon), but if you go there in the evening, you might be able to enjoy, along with the view, a free electro or funk concert. Tapas and light meals are also served.

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