Lisbon Is Still Europe's Best Value City
While Amsterdam and Paris have priced out most backpackers, Lisbon still feels like Europe from 10 years ago. Good wine for €2, world-class pastries for €1.20, and hostels that actually have a social scene. $1,500 for 10 days is very doable — here's how.
Budget Breakdown: 10 Days in Lisbon
- Flights (return from US): $500–$750
- Accommodation (10 nights): $150–$250 (hostel dorms avg €12–18/night)
- Food + drink: $200–$280 (€10–15/day eating well)
- Transport: $40–$60 (metro day pass €6.45, trams free if you walk)
- Activities + day trips: $100–$150
- Total: ~$1,100–$1,490
Best Hostels in Lisbon
Yes! Lisbon Hostel (Baixa) — consistently rated one of Europe's best, legendary free dinners, great for meeting people. Dorms from €16.
Home Lisbon Hostel (Mouraria) — family-run, local neighborhood feel, rooftop with castle views. Dorms from €14.
The Independente Hostel & Suites (Bairro Alto) — more stylish, great for slightly older crowd. Dorms from €18.
10-Day Lisbon Itinerary
Days 1–3: Central Lisbon
Walk from Baixa to Alfama (the old Moorish quarter) — best done on foot, not tram 28 which is overcrowded and overpriced for tourists. Catch live Fado music at Tasca do Chico in Mouraria (show up at 8pm, tiny place, authentic). Eat a pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém — the original, dating to 1837.
Days 4–5: Sintra Day Trip
40 minutes by train from Rossio station (€2.25 each way). Sintra is one of the most surreal places in Europe — fairy-tale palaces rising out of misty forest. Pena Palace is the standout (€14 entry). Get there before 10am to beat crowds.
Days 6–7: Cascais + Setúbal Coast
Another easy train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais (€2.35) — beautiful beach town. From there, buses or bikes to stunning Atlantic beaches like Praia do Guincho.
Days 8–10: Eat, Drink, Explore
Time Out Market is worth one visit for the quality (not the price). Mercado de Campo de Ourique is the local version — cheaper, better vibe. Evening: Bairro Alto for bar-hopping, pre-drinks from any minimercado for €1.50 a beer.
Where to Eat Cheap in Lisbon
- Prato do dia (dish of the day) at any tasca: full meal with drink for €8–10
- Cervejaria Ramiro for seafood splurge (worth it once)
- Any minimercado for snacks — Portuguese supermarkets have incredible food
- Avoid: restaurants with photos on the menu near any viewpoint (miradouro)
Build my Lisbon itinerary free →