Lisbon's Affordability in 2024: Has it priced out budget travelers?

I'm planning a trip to Lisbon later this year and remember hearing great things about how affordable it used to be, especially compared to other major Western European cities. However, with the recent surge in tourism and global inflation, I'm starting to worry that its reputation for being 'cheap' might be outdated. For those who've visited recently, how have you found the costs for accommodation, dining out, public transport, and activities? I'm aiming for a mid-range budget, not super luxury but also not hostel-only, and I'd love to hear if it's still possible to have a great experience without breaking the bank.

I visited Lisbon in March 2024, and while it's definitely not as 'cheap' as it was pre-pandemic, it's still very manageable for a mid-range budget. Accommodation saw the biggest jump, so book early! We found charming Airbnb apartments for around €80-€100/night outside the absolute busiest areas. Dining out can still be very affordable if you stick to local tascas and avoid the super touristy spots. A 'prato do dia' (dish of the day) is your best friend!

Just got back last week! You're right, the 'bargain' reputation is a bit outdated, but it hasn't priced out mid-range travelers. We stayed in a lovely boutique hotel in Alfama for €120/night. Meals were generally €15-€25 per person for a nice dinner with wine. Public transport is still incredibly cheap – buy a Viva Viagem card and load it up. Activities like museums and Fado shows have increased, but there are plenty of free things to do like exploring neighborhoods and viewpoints.

Lisbon is certainly more expensive now, especially for accommodation. Expect to pay similar prices to Berlin or parts of Spain, but still less than Paris or London. My advice for a mid-range budget is to prioritize where you splurge. We saved on food by doing picnics and eating at market stalls, then splurged on a couple of really nice dinners and a day trip. It's all about balance!

I was there last summer, and yes, prices are up. I'd say it's no longer a 'cheap' destination but a 'good value' one. You can still find delicious meals for €10-€15 if you look a bit beyond the main squares. Public transport is excellent and very affordable. Activities like visiting castles or monasteries are usually €10-€15. It's totally possible to have a great experience without breaking the bank if you're mindful.

Compared to my visit in 2018, Lisbon is significantly pricier, particularly hotels. However, if you're aiming for mid-range, you'll be fine. Look for apartments further from Baixa/Chiado. We found great deals on groceries and enjoyed cooking some meals, balancing it with eating out. It's still one of my favorite cities, and the charm outweighs the slight price increase for me.

Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! While not dirt cheap, it felt much more affordable than Rome or Barcelona, where I visited recently. For a mid-range budget, you can definitely eat well, stay comfortably, and enjoy activities. We used the metro constantly, which is super efficient and cheap. Don't fall for the tourist trap restaurants right on the main streets; venture a block or two away.

It's true, Lisbon has gotten more popular and thus, more expensive. Accommodation is the main culprit; hostels are still cheap, but private rooms in good locations can be €100+. Dining is still a strong point for affordability – look for 'menus do dia' at lunch for incredible value. Public transport is still a steal. Don't expect backpacker prices, but mid-range is very achievable.

I'd say it's moved from 'budget-friendly' to 'mid-range friendly.' You'll still find better prices than many Western European capitals. For dining, skip the fancy places every night and embrace the local bakeries for breakfast (pastel de nata!), and small, family-run restaurants for dinner. The free walking tours are fantastic for exploring and learning without spending a fortune.

We went in April and found it perfectly fine on a mid-range budget. Our Airbnb was about €90/night for a charming one-bedroom. We ate incredibly well for about €40-€50 a day for two people, including a nice dinner. Public transport is super efficient and cheap with the Viva Viagem card. Don't worry too much; it's still a fantastic and relatively affordable destination!

It's definitely not the 'super cheap' Lisbon of 5-7 years ago, but it's far from breaking the bank if you're smart. Stay slightly outside the absolute city center, eat at local tascas, and use the metro/tram. Public transport is still incredibly cheap. For activities, look for free walking tours and enjoy the views – they're priceless! If you're really trying to stretch every euro, you might be looking at backpacking Scandinavia levels of planning, but Lisbon offers more bang for your buck on a mid-range budget.

I was there last month, and while accommodation has certainly jumped (book well in advance!), food and transport are still reasonable. We found great dinners for €15-€20 per person, including wine, away from the main squares. The Lisboa Card is great for museums and unlimited transport. It's not a budget destination like it once was, but it's still a fantastic mid-range option. If you're looking for truly off-the-beaten-path and super cheap, maybe look further east, but Lisbon still delivers great value. I'm actually planning my next trip and considering the Black Forest in Germany for something different, which also seems to offer good value.