Touring on a budget can sometimes be challenging, especially when visiting large cities with prestigious history and heritage, such as Lisbon. Whether travelers are looking to explore fancy architecture or just unearth the hidden gems in Lisbon, indulging in outdoor fun without breaking the bank can be difficult. Food enthusiasts always flock to the city to sample Portuguese delicacies at some of the best restaurants in Lisbon. But don’t worry if one is traveling on a budget since the city offers plenty of affordable travel options for tourists to have fun without being extravagant. To help adventure-seekers save while having fun, check out ten tips for affordable travel in Portugal’s Capital.
10 Try Affordable Food In Lisbon
Exploring a large city such as Portugal’s Capital takes a lot of energy, and that’s why it’s advisable to stay on a full belly. Traveling on a budget can limit people's dining options, but it's easy to find cheap eats in Lisbon. Tourists can indulge their taste glands at some of Lisbon's best markets and restaurants for foodies, where they may find local tapas. Eating on the go is a great way to save, so why not try out street delicacies such as the prego (beef sandwich) or the bifana (pork sandwich)?
9 Take A Tour Of Museu Coleção Berardo
One of the must-visit sites in Lisbon is the iconic Museu Colecao Berardo, a place where art lovers can explore a wide collection of both contemporary and modern artworks. Those looking to have fun but spend as little as possible should visit this place on Saturdays. On that day, the museum is usually crowded with curious souls taking advantage of the free entry, making this one of the cheap things to do in Lisbon on the weekend. What a great way to have entertainment without breaking the bank!
A 50% discount is offered to students, people with limited mobility, elderly visitors above 65 years, and young persons aged 7 to 18 years.
8 Explore Lisbon On Foot
Although surrounded by hills, exploring Portugal’s capital on foot can be one of the most fun things a tourist can experience. Walking is a good way for travelers to mingle with the natives while exploring the nooks and crannies of the city. There are several self-guided trails in the city that visitors can follow, with the most popular one being Cais do Sodré to Torre de Belém. It’s a 17-minute walk that allows tourists to view attractions such as the Tagus River and Belém Tower. What makes the route attractive is the poem excerpts by Fernando Pessoa. That's why this is one of the best free things to do in Lisbon.
7 Use Public Transport To Get Around Lisbon
When planning to take a trip to Lisbon, adventure-seekers should apply for the Lisboa Card. This is a helpful card that gives tourists free passes to several places in the city, especially those thinking of using public means to commute. Traveling on a budget can pose some logistic challenges, but with this card, accessing facilities such as the metro, tram, elevators, and funiculars won’t be a problem. The card gives people visiting the city free access to these facilities.
6 Go Shopping In Lisbon Where Locals Shop
Shopping in huge supermarkets and popular malls in big cities can be very expensive and uneconomical for people traveling on a budget. That’s why it's important for shopaholics in Lisbon to find out places where they can buy things on offer, such as Feira da Ladra. Being the oldest market in the city, visitors come here to have a glimpse of traditional shopping habits and have a taste of local culture. Local snacks are also available to help satiate any hunger pangs.
5 Mingle With The Locals At Ribeira Das Naus
Thanks to its strategic location along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Lisbon is a top destination for sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the must-visit sites in the city is the iconic Ribeira das Naus. Visiting this attraction is another one of the top free things to do in Lisbon. People come here to kick back and relax while sipping some locally-made cocktails. It’s also a great spot to soak up the sun as one mingles with the locals.
4 Attend Free Live Performances At Palacio Foz
After a long, action-packed day, there is no better way to unwind than listening to some good music. Travelers who wish to enjoy some live performances in Lisbon should make their way to Palacio Foz. This is an iconic landmark in the city where visitors can spend up to an hour listening to piano and harp recitals, as well as jazz-inspired choir performances. Tourists can also take photos of the building’s stunning architecture.
3 Relax And Unwind At Jardim Do Príncipe Real
Tourists who are looking for a place to take their loved ones for outdoor relaxation in the city should look no further than Jardim do Príncipe Real. The place is always swarmed with visitors and locals alike who wish to wind down their weekends peacefully. The lucky ones might catch the Biological Products Market, where they can buy fresh local produce to take back home. There are benches under the century-old cypress tree where visitors can shield themselves from the scorching sun.
2 Go For A Refreshing Dip At Praia De Carcavelos
An affordable vacation in Lisbon won’t be complete without a dip in the salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Water activities enthusiasts visiting the city always find their way to the popular Praia de Carcavelos. This is one of the top places where both locals and tourists come to spend their lazy days frolicking on the sand. A 20-minute ride from the city center easily takes someone to the beach.
1 Take A Tour Of The Resistance And Freedom Museum
Curious souls and history buffs looking to learn a thing or two about rich Portuguese history can take a tour of the Resistance and Freedom Museum. Since visitors don’t have to pay anything to get in, this is a wonderful place to spend time learning about the struggles that the freedom fighters faced while fighting for their freedom. This attraction is also one of the many off-the-beaten-path things to do in Portugal as a whole.