Lisbon is a cheap city, but it can be expensive if you fall into the traps that many other tourists do, which can really cheapen the experience and . It is an unforgettable place, but it requires a little bit of know how to survive it on the cheap. I hope you enjoy reading about it and hopefully it will save you a little bit of money and help you to have a much more authentic experience!
Food
Food is the biggest of all tourist traps in any city and this is especially the case in Lisbon. There are many small winding alleyways in Lisbon and taking a walk down these is a good way to find some great places to eat that won’t break the bank. Also be aware that restaurants with pictures for menus can never be good, so avoid these at all costs. You definitely need to try seafood in Lisbon because it is located right on the coast and is super fresh. The best way to experience food is with Withlocals where you can . You can definitely find some amazing food and a truly authentic eating experience.
Make friends with the locals
This may seem like an odd thing to do in order to save money, but it is true that the locals are the best source for cheap things to do, because they do it themselves on a daily basis. The best experiences in Lisbon can be had by doing something with local people that know exactly where to go and it is pretty much guaranteed that you will have a great time. This is another time where Withlocals can help you to connect with these people and enjoy these experiences, like private tours and events, that you wouldn’t have as a traditional tourist.
Mix public transport and walking
To keep your costs down in Lisbon I would highly recommend walking and taking public transportation in order to get where you need to go. The public transport in Lisbon is very good, but can be expensive if you are taking single trips. If you plan to use it a lot then buy a day pass (which costs about €6), but if you know you will only take one or two single trips you should buy single tickets rather than a daily ticket. It is important to plan your days well in this regard to keep your costs low and not spend unnecessary money. Walking is also a great way to get around, so make sure you do some research about what is in the area and plan your day accordingly. This is something of an art, but once you do it in Lisbon you can do it more or less in any city in the world!
Visit museums on Sundays
Museums in Lisbon naturally charge entry but if you visit on a Sunday before 2pm, entry is completely free. Set yourself a goal to get there at opening time and see how many museums you can fit in in these few hours. Personally this is one of the best ways to get one of the cheapest experiences in Lisbon and it really motivates you to maximise those precious days in this beautiful city.
Don’t stay in a hotel
Hotels are nice to stay in but the relaxed atmosphere of Lisbon is all part of the experience that you should also try to find with the right accommodation. Local apartments are simply amazing and the way locals live is something that I would love to have in my everyday life. Especially those amazing rooftop terraces that overlook the city and you can have this too. Renting apartments is also much cheaper and gives you a more authentic feel than staying in a hotel, where you probably don’t have the best chances to meet the locals.
