5 Days in Lisbon on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide

Lisbon, the sun-drenched capital of Portugal, has long been a favorite for travelers seeking rich culture, scenic views, and a warm Mediterranean vibe — all without the sky-high prices of Paris or London. With its pastel-painted buildings, vintage trams, soulful fado music, and delicious food, Lisbon offers a memorable European experience that won’t break the bank.

This 5-day budget guide will help you explore the best of Lisbon without overspending. From free attractions to cheap eats and public transport hacks, here’s how to make the most of your time in Portugal’s most charming city — affordably.

🏠 Budget Travel Tips Before You Start

• Accommodation: Lisbon is filled with affordable hostels, Airbnbs, and budget hotels. Stay in neighborhoods like Alfama, Graça, or Cais do Sodré for central locations without the tourist markup.

• Transport: Buy a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) and top it up for unlimited 24-hour access to buses, trams, and metro (about €6.80/day).

• Food: Look for “prato do dia” (dish of the day) in small restaurants — hearty meals often under €10.

• Free Attractions: Many museums are free on Sundays or have discounted entry. Lisbon is also a city best explored on foot.

Now, let’s dive into your five-day budget itinerary!

Day 1: Old Town Charm in Alfama and Baixa

Start your adventure in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most soulful neighborhood.

✨ Morning: Explore Alfama

Wander the winding cobbled streets and admire colorful tile-covered houses, laundry fluttering above, and street musicians playing melancholic fado. Walk uphill to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia — a stunning (and free) viewpoint overlooking the red rooftops and the Tagus River.

Don’t Miss:

• Sé Cathedral (Free entry)

• Miradouro das Portas do Sol

• Alfama street art and tiled facades

🍽️ Budget Lunch: Grab a bifana sandwich (spicy pork) for under €3 from O Trevo or As Bifanas do Afonso.

🏛️ Afternoon: Baixa and Downtown

Head to Baixa, Lisbon’s grid-like downtown rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. Walk around Rua Augusta, visit Arco da Rua Augusta (cheap elevator access for panoramic views), and chill at Praça do Comércio by the river.

Budget tip: Many landmarks are best admired from the outside — save your money for snacks and trams!

Day 2: Belém’s Beauty and Sweet Treats

Hop on Tram 15E or take a bus to Belém, a historic district west of central Lisbon.

🏰 Morning: Monuments and Monasteries

• Jerónimos Monastery – Free on Sunday mornings, otherwise €10

• Belém Tower – €6 entry or admire from the outside

• Monument to the Discoveries – Free to admire; small fee for rooftop views

Stroll along the riverside promenade and enjoy the breeze.

🍮 Sweet Treat: Try Pastéis de Belém, the original egg tart pastry shop (less than €1.50 per tart). Expect a line, but it moves quickly.

🖼️ Afternoon: Museums and Gardens

If you’re a museum lover, check out:

• MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) – €9 or free with Lisbon Card

• Berardo Collection Museum – Free entry, showcasing modern and contemporary art

Budget tip: Pack a sandwich and picnic in the nearby Belém gardens to save on lunch.

Day 3: Views, Vintage Trams, and Bairro Alto

This day blends scenic viewpoints, affordable transportation, and Lisbon’s famed nightlife.

🚋 Morning: Ride Tram 28

Hop on the iconic Tram 28 from Martim Moniz (go early to avoid lines). This old-school yellow tram rattles through the city’s most historic neighborhoods — Alfama, Graça, Baixa, and Estrela — all for the cost of a regular metro ticket.

🌄 Afternoon: Miradouros and Chill

Lisbon is a city of hills, which means amazing miradouros (viewpoints). Check out:

• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Graça)

• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (Bairro Alto)

Relax with a beer or coffee from a nearby kiosk while enjoying the view.

🍽️ Budget Dinner: Try a “tasca” (local tavern) in Bairro Alto — hearty plates like grilled sardines or frango piri-piri for under €10.

🎶 Evening: Bairro Alto Nightlife

Lisbon’s party district comes alive at night. Most bars don’t charge a cover fee, and drinks are cheap — beer or wine for €2–€3. Join a fado night (some are free with dinner), or simply enjoy music in the streets.

Day 4: Sintra Day Trip on a Budget

No Lisbon itinerary is complete without a trip to Sintra, a magical town just 40 minutes away by train.

🚆 Getting There

• Train from Rossio Station to Sintra: €2.30 each way (free with Lisbon Card)

• Use the 434 tourist bus (€12.50 hop-on-hop-off) or hike to save money

🏰 Must-Sees in Sintra

• Pena Palace (€14) – Fairy-tale castle with stunning views

• Moorish Castle (€8) – Ruined fortress with panoramic photo ops

• Sintra Village – Free to explore, full of charm and cheap eats

Budget hack: Skip the expensive restaurants near Pena Palace. Grab a takeaway sandwich in Sintra town or visit a bakery for a quick bite.

🍷 Optional: Try Ginja, a local cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup, often under €1 in Sintra.

Return to Lisbon in the evening and relax — you’ve earned it!

Day 5: Markets, Street Art, and the LX Factory

Your final day is perfect for offbeat exploring and souvenir hunting.

🧺 Morning: Mercado da Ribeira & Time Out Market

Visit the Mercado da Ribeira — the original side (produce and local goods) is budget-friendly and authentic. On the other side, the Time Out Market is more upscale, but good for food sampling.

🎨 Afternoon: LX Factory

Just a short bus or tram ride away, LX Factory is a former industrial complex turned into a hub for creatives. Think street art, vintage bookshops, quirky cafes, and pop-up markets. You can spend hours here with minimal spending.

Budget options:

• Free street art tours (self-guided with your phone)

• Grab a cheap espresso and people-watch

🎁 Souvenirs on a Budget

Pick up azulejos (ceramic tiles), local olive oil, or cork accessories from independent shops — avoid overpriced tourist stalls in Baixa.

💰 Sample 5-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Final Thoughts: Affordable Adventures in Lisbon

Lisbon proves that you don’t need a big budget to have an unforgettable European trip. From wandering ancient alleys in Alfama to watching the sunset from a scenic miradouro, this city offers authentic experiences at low cost.

With a little planning, you can explore history, culture, cuisine, and nature — all while staying under budget. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, 5 days in Lisbon is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Portugal without breaking the bank.

So pack your bags, bring your walking shoes, and get ready to fall in love with Lisbon — affordably.