This post is based on my trip to Lisboa and Porto in May 2024
Portugal had been one of my top destinations to visit for quite a while due to my admiration for the most famous athlete on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo. My original plan was to visit Madeira, where Ronaldo is from, but ultimately, I chose to visit the capital, Lisboa, and Porto after hearing suggestions from my co-workers. I’m sure glad I listened. It turned out to be a very economic friendly trip from hospitality to meals to transportation. I ended up staying in Lisboa for five days and Porto for four. Here are my best tips to saving money while exploring both of these beautiful Portuguese cities:
#1: USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION!
I would say it’s only necessary to pay a taxi the first time you arrive to Portugal, especially if it’s getting dark or the bus/metro doesn’t leave you within 10 minutes of your hotel/Airbnb. You won’t be familiar with the area, but after a few hours you should feel comfortable using public transport. Some streets are hard to find, but if you know how to use Apple Maps as a navigator like I do, you should be fine.
Lisboa has a public bus and metro transportation system that will take you pretty much anywhere in the city and even outside. I paid EUR 2.25 for one bus ride going from Rossio Square to the Jeronimos Monastery. To put it into perspective, the same trip via taxi would’ve been EUR 10.00, and that’s going one way. The bus was very clean and I felt safe. I paid in cash and the driver gave me change, but there is a card called Navegante you can buy that makes the bus cheaper if you use it multiple times. I feel like the bus gave me insights towards the less touristy parts of Lisboa and I was surrounded by locals on the bus, which is always a nice experience. Definitely a cheap and enjoyable way of traveling within the Portuguese capital.
Porto also has the same systems as Lisboa, but I only used the metro. I used the metro from the airport to where I stayed, and it was so easy and cheap to navigate. For some reason the ride from the airport to the place I stayed was EUR 8.80, but on the way back it was EUR 2.50. Either way, when I searched how much a taxi would cost me, it was EUR 15.50 for one way. It was a no brainer for me, and besides, the metro is so easy to use and a walking distance from everywhere you can possibly need to go. You pay at a machine that gives you an Andante card and from there you scan it to go into the station and you’re all set. Simple to use and convenient to travel.
#2: BOOK TOURS IN ADVANCE ONLINE!
A rule of thumb I always use is to book tours online in advance before traveling. You get to find tours that include lunch and transportation, which are two less expenses you need to worry about for the day. You also get the read more reviews and don’t feel so overwhelmed choosing something last minute. The tours offered online also tend to be cheaper than if booked in person. Portugal was no exception and the tours I went on took me to local cuisine places I never would’ve found on my own. Honestly, the tour prices felt like a bargain in Portugal. I recommend using Get Your Guide if traveling to Lisboa and Porto. I would also recommend leaving one day empty on your vacation in case the tour guides mention places they recommend visiting or other tours they do that catches your attention.
#3: STAY AT A HOSTEL!
Portugal was my first time trying out a hostel. It definitely seemed a bit scary, sharing a room with six people from all around the world, but I’m glad I tried it. I stayed at a hostel in Lisboa for 5 nights for a price of EUR 267 and one in Porto for 4 nights for EUR 90. Those prices were easily the price for one night at a hotel. I call that a bargain in any universe, especially with the location I stayed at for both places.
I will admit it can be annoying hearing people enter the room late at night once everyone is asleep, but sometimes you don’t even hear anything because of how tired you are. The hostels I stayed at offered to rent a lock to protect things in a drawer, but I didn’t take it and just made sure to travel with my valuables (wallet, passport, electronics) everywhere. My hostel in Lisboa offered breakfast, which is a nice option you can pay for if you feel lazy to go out for breakfast. Another good thing about the hostel when traveling alone is that you get to interact with new people. I met a girl from Germany and one from South Korea. I probably would’ve never met them if I hadn’t stayed at a hostel. Overall, my experience was good and I saved a lot of money on the hostel.
#4: EAT OUTSIDE OF THE TOURISTY AREAS!
I noticed that in Lisboa, the cheapest places to eat were in local streets. Not to mention that I noticed this while getting lost my second day, so I’m very thankful for this experience just this once. At some places I was able to get a glass of sangria, appetizer and entree for just under EUR 20. When I went to the Castelo de Sao Jorge, the same meal cost me EUR 44 around the area. Now picture this, in Porto, one of my tour guides said that there was a fisherman village 20 minutes from the city that have restaurants that offer a complete meal (app, entree, dessert, drink) for EUR 16. The only thing these places offered for entrees were fish they caught, but the size was huge and if you love fish what more can you ask for. I believe the village was called Afurada. I didn’t try it myself, but my point is that if you can, try exploring local towns and neighborhoods away from the touristy attractions and you’re sure to find meals much cheaper.
Ask your tour guides what they recommend trying and they’ll give you great recommendations. My tour guide in Porto recommended a place called Brasao for a local sandwich called francesinha that feels like an appetizer and entree in one. I paid EUR 13 for one of those sandwiches with fries and a glass of sangria. Some places charged EUR 18 for the sandwich alone. Make sure you ask around to get the best experience with food.
BONUS: BUY A GIANT WATER BOTTLE AT LIDL!
I was spending EUR 1.50 for regular water bottles during 90% of my trip in Portugal, until I ran into a LIDL, in which I bought a giant water bottle for EUR 0.20! It lasted me three days. I was upset I didn’t think of shopping there sooner, but I definitely learned my lesson for next time.
#5: WALK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!
I can’t stress enough how good walking in Lisboa and Porto felt. The city felt safe, the people were friendly, the environment was welcoming, and the vibes in general screamed vacation. You don’t realize how much there is to Lisboa and Porto unless you walk. I walked about an hour from my hostel to the Porto Stadium and I found so many nice shops and cafes that I wouldn’t have found by bus or taxi. That’s how I found the LIDL I just mentioned. Like I said, the cities were safe, even at night, so walking can save you money and show you crazy things.
I hope this helps! I definitely recommend visiting Portugal for at least a week. It’s a beautiful country with interesting history. Read more about my recommendations for Lisbon and Porto to learn how you can get the best experience from both cities. Enjoy!
