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.

I had a bad feeling when I checked into my second hotel on my trip to Lisbon. While in town for the week to review about 50 hotels for our Lisbon guide, I’d be spending three nights at this hotel.

I had just spent three nights at another hotel, the Metropole, several blocks away. My room had been wonderful—a spacious double on the fifth floor, with a small balcony opening to sunny city views. (And yes, it was quite affordable, given the off-season rates.)

But as I checked into this second hotel rather late in the afternoon, I grew nervous. The receptionist tapped away at his keyboard, apparently trying to find something open for my three nights. He frowned a lot. Finally, he handed me a keycard with a sigh and said, “I’m sorry, but this is the only room available.”

Minutes later I opened the door (which banged into the bed) of a very small room that hardly offered enough room to enter. It goes without saying that there was no desk (annoying, as I was in town for work), nor was there room to put away my luggage.

I had to face the facts: I had landed the worst room in the hotel.

Related: When should you book to get the best hotel rates?

I was partly to blame for ending up with this room. After all, I knew better. Here are a few pointers to avoid getting stuck with the “worst room”.

1. Be clear when making your reservation.

Receptionists have all the power. Pictured: The friendly owner of La Macarena Hostal, Madrid.

What exactly are you looking for in a room? Do you prefer one on a high floor overlooking the street? Are you looking for something on a lower floor with windows opening to the courtyard? Do you want one of the rooms with a balcony? Perhaps you need a bathtub instead of a shower?

Mention these preferences in your correspondence with the hotel at the time of making your reservation (but keep in mind that you’re requesting them, not demanding them). Sure enough, when I booked my room (through EuroCheapo, naturally), I did request a “room on a high floor with a view, if possible.” Well, I did get a room on a high floor…

Related: 10 Ways to save time & money before you go to Europe

Joking aside, your requests will usually be considered. When I’m inspecting rooms, I often notice certain rooms with little extras, like terraces, extra-large bathrooms, or great views. I often ask the manager or owner if I can write about the special perk—and if guests can request the room in advance. They almost always say the same thing. “Sure, mention it when reserving. If it’s available, there’s no problem.”

Which brings us to…

2. Show up early.

Although rooms are usually assigned in advance, there’s often a bit of juggling that goes on during the check-in process. Maybe another guest checked in and had an issue with their room. (For example, perhaps two friends had been given a double instead of a twin room. It happens all the time.) Check-in is never flawless and problems surface. People switch rooms. Get to the hotel as early as possible to minimize your chances of falling into the last place of a chain reaction.

However, remember that if you arrive before check-in hours (typically noon or 2 p.m.), you will probably have to leave your luggage in a storage room and come back once your room is ready. If this happens to you…

3. Make sure that you check in.

What? Didn’t you just check in? Not necessarily. Just because you’ve exchanged pleasantries with the hotel receptionist and left your luggage, doesn’t mean that you’ve actually “checked in.”

Ask if you can go through the process of checking in. That way, you’ll probably see a room number associated with your name on all the check-in paperwork.

When checking in, it’s also a good idea to ask nicely about the room. For example: “Could you please tell me if this room faces the back courtyard? I’m a light sleeper and just wanted to make sure.” When you ask nicely, with a smile, this can be the moment that changes everything.

4. Come back early to inspect your room.

So, you’ve left your luggage, checked in, and hit the town. Now what? I’d recommend, if possible, returning to the hotel early in the afternoon to move into your room. (This isn’t just about making sure your room is adequate. It’s also about leaving your possessions in a luggage room that’s shared by countless others.)

By moving into your room early, you can inspect it to make sure that it fits the bill. Does it?

5. If the room isn’t satisfactory—act quickly.

Upon entering the room, look around. Does it work? Be fair. Remember that most European hotel rooms (and especially bathrooms) are small. However, if the room doesn’t work for you and you get the impression that a better room may be available, act quickly.

Very important: Do not open your luggage, flop onto the bed, or (especially) use the bathroom. If, for some reason, you want to change rooms, you’ll need to act quickly, without disrupting anything. In many small hotels, after all, the cleaning staff leaves during the afternoon. In the case of a “sold out” hotel, you will only be able to swap rooms if you haven’t touched anything.

The other reason to act quickly is that as others check in, your chances of changing rooms diminishes.

6. Be nice and offer a good explanation when asking for a new room.

This is rather obvious, but if you return right away to the reception and ask to switch rooms, be as courteous as possible. The receptionist, after all, has all the power in this situation.

Explain why you’d like to switch rooms. Had you requested something else when reserving? Are you afraid of bathtubs and need a shower? Do you prefer a quieter room on the courtyard? Offer some sort of explanation—and smile.

A smile and friendly hello can go a long way with a hotel receptionist. Photo: Paulien Osse

7. Regardless of the outcome, thank the receptionist.

Perhaps the receptionist will bump some things around and offer you another room in the house. Or, perhaps they’ll sigh and apologize, and you’ll be stuck with your room. Either way, you’ll be seeing them for the rest of your stay, so be nice and thank them for their effort.

8. Stuck? Offer to switch the next day.

If you’re stuck in your room and staying for multiple nights, ask if it might be possible to switch rooms the next day. This often works, although it requires that you repack your bags after your first night. (Often the cleaning staff will move your luggage to the new room for you. Thank them with a tip upon departure.)

9. Really stuck? Chill out.

In my case, I was really stuck. The hotel had no vacancies, and there was no possibility of switching rooms on the second day. At first I was upset. My room was tiny, my bed was small and not comfortable, and I really wanted a desk. As I walked the halls, I could see much larger rooms being cleaned—and they had probably paid the same amount that I had.

And then I relaxed. I was focusing so much attention on wanting a larger room, that I wasn’t fully enjoying my evening in Lisbon. That night, I was strolling the Bairro Alto‘s web of narrow streets, looking for a spot for dinner, but still miffed about a room I wasn’t even in at the moment. That was my fault.

After all, my travel experience should be about more than just the size of my hotel room. Yes, it’s nice to attain the best room possible, but I’d caution against letting our accommodation desires (“I asked for a balcony!”) get confused for the reason we travel. If I was just traveling to pamper myself with comforts, I could just check myself into a spa for the weekend—back home.

Part of traveling is about not always being in control. That is what I told myself, at least, as I relaxed and settled into my funny, lumpy, little room.

Which is also why I showed up—and checked in—to my next hotel bright and early.

Your advice?

Do you have any tips on how to avoid getting stuck with a stinker of a room? Share them with us in the comments section.

The post Strategy: How to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel 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.

Here’s one strategy for lowering costs: eschew particularly expensive locations for cheaper alternatives. As always, think broadly about alternatives. In some cases, a neighboring city will be less expensive than a popular tourism draw in spitting distance. In other situations, you might consider swapping one region for another half-way across the continent.

Here are five suggestions to get you thinking.

1. Consider Bratislava instead of Vienna

Vienna is glorious. It is impossible to forget that the city was once the seat of an empire. Though there are low-cost hotels, it can also be expensive and, during the summer months, overrun with tourists.

Enter Bratislava, the cute, relatively diminutive capital of Slovakia, just 40 miles to the east. It is a quieter and far less expensive alternative to Vienna. You can count on paying around €40 per day less in Bratislava between budget accommodations, meals and bar tab. Plus, hotels in Bratislava can go for as little as $40-50 per night when we did some searching for dates in the spring.

Furthermore, it’s easy and relatively cheap to travel between the two capital cities. A one-hour one-way train fare will set you back €15; the almost two-hour bus journey costs only €8. You can upgrade the trip with a 75-minute boat ride for as low as €20.

2. Switch out the Slovenian Alps for the Swiss Alps

Let’s compare two popular Alpine destinations, one in Switzerland and the other in Slovenia.

In the winter, a double at a cheap bed & breakfast in St. Moritz, Switzerland runs 110 CHF ($112) per night; in Bled, Slovenia: €29 ($35). In the summer, rate differentials aren’t quite so dramatic. A cheap studio in St. Moritz in mid-July is 63 CHF ($64); an equivalent property in Bled mid-July runs €36 ($44). Bled is less developed than St. Moritz, and (arguably) more interesting in terms of geology and landscape.

As an aside, Slovenia offers far more than Alpine vistas. Other places of note include Ljubljana, the country’s dynamic, pretty capital, and a tiny little arc of the Adriatic, centered on Koper.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s greatest and cheapest cities to visit. Photo: Francisco Antunes

3. Try Lisbon over Madrid and Barcelona

Lisbon is one of the most appealing cities in all of Europe — and an outstanding value to boot. It’s got everything one might want in a European capital: atmospheric neighborhoods, grand plazas and boulevards, good coffee, affordable public transportation, cheap taxis, great restaurants, and perfect egg tarts at more or less every bakery. It’s much cheaper than Madrid, Barcelona, and even Paris.

Hotels in Lisbon start around $30 for simple rooms, and you can score 3-star accommodations for as little as $60. In other words, Lisbon is still a cheapo paradise!

The French coastal region of Côte Bleue, west of Marseille, is a great alternative to the ritzy Cote d’Azur. Photo: Jeanne Menj

4. The Côte Bleue in place of the Cote d’Azur

The Côte d’Azur remains charming despite the glitz and celebrities that keep it humming. But goodness gracious is it pricey. For a less expensive holiday, look to the Côte Bleue, to the west of Marseille.

Carry-le-Rouet, a fishing village surrounded by a nature reserve, is one idyllic spot. In Carry-le-Rouet, the Villa Arena Hotel offers double rooms for €60. And in the nearby village of La Rove there is a simple, welcoming guesthouse called L’olivier, with double rooms for just €55 in July.

Jahorina in Bosnia offers a fun ski vacation for almost 75% less than the Alps! Photo: vladotesanovic

5. Go east for an affordable ski vacation

A quick glance at the top resorts in France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria turns up exorbitant daily lift pass costing as high as €70 ($86) in Zermatt. Even relatively good value resorts in the region, like Courmayeur in Italy’s Aosta Valley, cost €44 ($54) per day for a lift pass.

A turn to the east reveals much less expensive territory: Jahorina, Bosnia (€20, or $24 for a lift pass); Popova Sapka, Macedonia (900 MKD, or $18); and Brezovica, an ethnic Serbian mountain enclave in the south of Kosovo, where a lift pass costs just €12 ($15) per day.

Related: 5 affordable ski vacations in Europe

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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.

And sure, you’re always welcome to shell out a few euros to climb the stairs or hop an elevator for a bird’s eye perspective. But why would you when in most cases there’s a free option that’s just as good or even better?

More tips for traveling in Europe
• How to plan a European itinerary that won’t leave you exhausted
• Guide to buying a SIM Card in Europe

10 Best free views in Europe

Are you ready to soak in the spectacular views of Europe at no cost? Read on for our top tips on places to get a higher perspective in cities across Europe.

1. Paris: Parc de Belleville

For sweeping panoramas and some peace and quiet for a picnic, head to this 20th arrondissement park. Once you get there, climb to the summit of Paris’s highest park where there’s a 30-meter tall terrace. If you’re short on time, another great place for free vistas of the City of Lights are the steps of Sacre Coeur in Montmartre.

Related: 9 Budget hotels in Paris packed with old-world charm

2. Rome: Capitoline Hill

In the city of the seven hills, there are views all around when you visit Rome. For one of the best vistas at zero cost, we recommend Piazzale Caffarelli on Capitoline Hill. If you’re up for some refreshment, head to Terraza Caffarelli.

3. Berlin: The Reichstag

Not enthused about climbing up somewhere to get a bird’s eye view? Berlin’s got just the ticket. Visitors to the city can hop an elevator to the top of the German Parliament building, free of charge. There’s one catch though — you absolutely — must reserve in advance online (no phone calls).

4. Athens: Mount Lycabettus

Want to see the Acropolis from a distance in Athens? Climb up the highest hill in town, Mount Lycabettus. Standing at 277 meters above sea level, this is the best spot in town for watching the sunset or even spotting the Aegean Sea on a clear day. There’s a café in the vicinity, but prices are as high as the altitude, so you may want to bring your own food and drink.

5. Edinburgh: Arthur’s Seat

Believe it or not, this large hill in Edinburgh, thought to be one of the possible locations for King Arthur’s Camelot, is actually an ancient volcano. While you can hike up it from pretty much any direction you desire, locals advise taking the easy route from the east side straight on up to the top. Note that rock-climbing of any kind requires a permit.

6. Barcelona: MontjuÏc Cemetery

Barcelona’s most famous city of the dead has more to offer than the wildly creative funerary art — it also has sweeping vistas of the city and beyond. To get there you can either take the hour-long walk to the top from Plaça Espanya or hop the buses 107 or 125.

Related: 7 Tips for saving on your hotel in Barcelona

7. London: Parliament Hill

This 98-meter high hill was once attached to a manor given to Henry II’s butler. Today it is part of Hampstead Heath, one the most popular parks in London. From up on Parliament Hill, snap a few shots of the London skyline, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the famous Gherkin building.

Related: The 5 Best cheap hotels in London

Stroll through these beautiful gardens for a stunning view of Lisbon. Photo: Jorge

8. Lisbon: Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara

Walk uphill from Chiado and find your way to this garden overlooking Baixa for panoramas of all of Lisbon, including views of its iconic castle, St. George’s. While you’re there, explore the garden itself with its classical statues of heroes and gods from Greek and Roman mythology.

Related: 10 Ways to save on a trip to Portugal

9. Copenhagen: The Tower at Christiansborg Palace

See Copenhagen from an entirely different vantage point for free. Stroll through The King’s Gate near Palace Square and take the elevator to the top of the city’s tallest tower. You may have to wait in line, especially during high season, but it’s worth the wait to look down on the rooftops of the entire city free of charge. Just be advised that Tårnet, the restaurant at the top, is pretty spendy and probably best avoided by folks on a budget.

Grab a seat and enjoy the view from the Amsterdam library. Photo: Ellen F.

10. Amsterdam: Openbare Bibliotheek

East of Amsterdam Central Station, the largest library in the Netherlands is home to more than a massive collection of books. The top floor at Openbare Bibliotheek is the best spot in town to see the Dutch capital from a higher perspective. There’s even a restaurant with a terrace if you prefer to take in the views from outside.

Related: The 10 Best cheap hotels in Amsterdam

Do you have a favorite spot to enjoy a view of Europe for free? Tell us in the comments below.

The post 10 Breathtaking views in Europe — for free! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.