I remember the first time I stepped off the plane in Lisbon. The air felt warm and smelled like sea salt and grilled fish. I had heard so many stories about this land of fairy-tale castles and stunning beaches. However, I was worried about my wallet. Many European trips can be very expensive. Portugal is different. It is a place where your travel dreams meet your financial reality. This country is one of the best places to travel in Portugal on a budget because it gives you huge value for every euro you spend.
I spent weeks exploring the cobbled streets and hidden corners of this beautiful country. I found that Portugal budget travel is not just a dream for students. It is perfect for mature travelers like us who want comfort without a high price tag. You can survive and thrive on a daily budget of only €40 to €60. This budget covers a cozy place to stay, local food, and public transport like buses and trains. In fact, it is much cheaper than France, Italy, or Spain.
First of all, I want to share my list of the top 15 places to visit in Portugal that will not break your bank. This guide is based on my own adventures and the amazing things I saw. Whether you love history or just want to sit by the ocean with a cold beer, I have a spot for you.
The Magic of the Capital: Lisbon
Lisbon is the biggest city in the country and one of the top 5 cities in portugal. It is known for its hills, history, and city lifestyle. I think it is the best places to visit in portugal for first timers because there is so much to do.
I learned quickly that you do not need to spend a lot of money to see the sights. First of all, skip the expensive tourist buses. I took Tram 28 instead. It is a rickety, historic ride that winds through the most iconic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. It is the most authentic and cheap way to explore.
Additionally, I found many free things to do. I visited the Money Museum (Museu do Dinheiro) which is completely free for everyone. I also explored the ancient Roman ruins at Casa Dos Bicos and the Roman Teatro for zero euros. Later, I walked through the Alfama district. It is the oldest part of the city. Winding streets. Charming alleyways. Beautiful tiles on every wall.
When I got hungry, I looked for a tasca. These are small, family-run eateries that serve authentic food. I ate at Restaurante Bonjardim for budget-friendly chicken and A Merendeira for fresh chorizo bread. At a tasca, you can get a full plate of food for less than €10. I highly recommend the prato do dia, which is the dish of the day.
Gradually, I realized that Lisbon is more than just museums. It has a soul. You can feel it in the music. I listened to Fado echoing through the alleys in the evening. It was magical.
The North: Porto and Beyond
If you want a more quiet and laidback vibe, you must visit Porto. It is the second biggest city and sits along the Douro River. Many travelers debate whether to visit Lisbon or Porto. In my experience, Porto is one of the cheapest places in portugal to holiday because food and drinks cost a little less than in the capital.
I fell in love with the Ribeira district. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colorful houses and narrow streets. The best part? The whole city center is very walkable. I spent almost nothing on transport here. I walked across the Dom Luís I Bridge to get a spectacular view of the city for free.
Porto is famous for its Port wine. I went for a wine tasting at a local winery in the evening. On top of that, I tried a francesinha. This is a traditional, heavy sandwich that is very budget-friendly.
Similarly to Lisbon, Porto has beautiful tiles. I visited the Capela das Almas to see the blue and white tile facades. It is truly one of the most beautiful spots in the country.
On the contrary to the busy city, you can take a day trip to Aveiro. People call it the “Venice of Portugal”. It has many canals and colorful boats called moliceiros. I rented a bike to ride around the town, which was very cheap. I also tried the local pastry called Ovos Moles. It was a sweet treat for a small price.
Fairytales and History: Sintra and Tomar
You cannot go to Portugal without seeing Sintra. It is a short trip from Lisbon and feels like a fairytale. It is one of the top 3 places to visit in portugal because of its historic castles and quirky mansions.
I walked through the lush forests and had a picnic to save money on food. I recommend you go early to avoid the crowds. While some palaces have entry fees, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park has many free trails and stunning views. I also visited the free gardens of Quinta da Regaleira.
Additionally, I made a stop in Tomar. It is located in the center of the country and is very historic. I visited the Convent of Christ, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you like weird things, you should see the Museu dos Fósforos. It is a matchbox museum! Some people say it is one of the best museums in the world. Later, I watched the sunset at Castelo de Almourol, which sits on a rocky perch over a lake.
Finally, do not forget Évora. It is in the Alentejo region. It is perfect for people who love “slow travel”. I saw Roman ruins and the famous Chapel of Bones. The prices here are much lower than in the big cities. I ate a three-course meal at a traditional restaurant that was very budget-friendly.
The Best Surf Towns: Ericeira, Peniche, and Nazaré
Portugal has some of the best waves in the world. If you love the ocean, these towns are great for portugal budget travel.
Ericeira is the only World Surfing Reserve in Europe. It is a picturesque village with whitewashed houses. I saw surfboards everywhere. The town has a mix of old fishing culture and modern vibes. I spent my afternoons at Praia dos Pescadores to watch the fishermen and the sunset.
On top of that, I visited Peniche. This town is on a rocky peninsula and has waves for everyone. It is famous for Supertubos, which people call the “European Pipeline”. Though the town is not the prettiest, the energy is amazing. I ate fresh fish and a traditional fish stew called caldeirada.
However, the most jaw-dropping place was Nazaré. This is the home of giant waves that can be 30 meters high. I visited the lighthouse to watch the surfers. It felt like a stadium. In the summer, the town is a peaceful seaside resort. I saw fishermen’s wives drying fish on the beach just like they did generations ago.
The Sunny South: The Algarve
The Algarve region is famous for its beaches. Many people think it is only for rich tourists. Therefore, I was happy to find affordable spots like Lagos, Faro, and Sagres.
Lagos is rustic and very hot. I visited Ponta da Piedade to see the beautiful rock formations in the ocean. I watched the sun go down with an ice-cold beer. It was a perfect moment. I also found a place called Beats & Burritos for a cheap and tasty meal.
Faro is a buzzing student city. Because there are many students, there are plenty of cheap food and drink options. I took a ferry to Barreta Island to find quiet, sandy beaches. It felt like a different world.
Finally, I reached Sagres. It is at the south-western tip of Europe. It has a wild, windswept charm. I visited the Fortaleza de Sagres for a small fee. The dramatic cliffs and crashing waves are something I will never forget. I also went to Cabo de São Vicente to see the “End of the World” at sunset.
Island Escape: The Azores
If you want to get off the beaten track, you must go to the Azores. These islands sit in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They are great for nature lovers and hikers.
I found the Azores to be very budget-friendly. I hiked the Praia-Lagoa do Fogo trail and finished with a swim in a volcanic lagoon. I hardly spent any money because I spent my time exploring the outdoors. It is one of the top 10 places to visit in portugal if you want to escape the crowds.
How to Save Money on Your Trip
I learned many tricks during my stay. I want to help you plan your own Portugal budget travel adventure.
Transport Tips
First of all, use local transport. Buses and metros are efficient and affordable. I used Rede Expressos for long trips between cities. The website is easy to use, and you can show your ticket on your phone. You can get discounts if you are a senior over 65 or a youth under 29.
Additionally, the train is a great option. Portugal has a reliable rail network. If you book at least 7 days in advance, the train is often cheaper than the bus. However, sometimes the bus is faster or drops you right in the city center.
Plus, you can buy 24-hour transport passes in cities like Lisbon. This gives you unlimited rides on metros and buses for about €7.
Eating on a Budget
I already mentioned the tascas. I cannot stress this enough. These are the best places for authentic and cheap meals. Look for handwritten menus and plastic tablecloths.
If you want a quick snack, buy a pastel de nata or a bifana (pork sandwich). I also bought groceries at local shops to make picnics. Many hostels have kitchens where you can cook your own food to save even more.
When to Visit
I suggest you visit during the off-season. Do not go during Easter, Christmas, or the height of summer. I went in late May, and the weather was perfect. Prices for flights and hotels are much lower when it is not a peak period.
Summary of the Best Places
To make it easy for you, here is my list of the top 15 places to visit in portugal:
- Lisbon – The vibrant capital.
- Porto – The home of Port wine.
- Sintra – The fairytale town.
- Lagos – Stunning rock formations.
- Cascais – A lovely coastal retreat.
- Évora – Ancient Roman history.
- Coimbra – A famous student city with an old university.
- Aveiro – The Venice of Portugal.
- Tomar – Historic castles and quirky museums.
- Sagres – The edge of the world.
- Ericeira – A surfer’s paradise.
- Peniche – A peninsula of waves.
- Nazaré – Home of the giant waves.
- Faro – A gateway to the Algarve.
- The Azores – Remote nature and volcanic lakes.
Whether you choose the top 5 places to visit in portugal or explore all fifteen, you will have a wonderful time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable part of Portugal?
The northern city of Porto often works out a little cheaper than the capital because beer and eating out cost less. You can also find great value in the Alentejo region and the Azores, where everything revolves around the outdoors. Additionally, the Algarve has affordable spots for those who avoid the expensive beach clubs.
What is the most beautiful part of Portugal?
Sintra is like something straight out of a fairytale with its historic castles and quirky mansions. Tomar is another stunningly beautiful and historic location. Aveiro is often called the “Venice of Portugal” because of its picture-perfect canals and colorful boats.
Is Portugal a cheap place to visit?
Yes. It is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. You can survive on a daily budget of €40 to €60. This budget covers a cozy place to stay, local food, and public transport. Portugal budget travel is wildly affordable compared to neighboring countries.
Where to visit in Portugal for first timers?
I recommend you start in Lisbon. It is the capital and full of historic charm and diverse neighborhoods. From there, you can easily take a short trip to the enchanting landscapes of Sintra. Porto is also a great choice for its riverside delights and world-famous wine.
What is the safest city in Portugal?
Both Lisbon and Porto are super safe for travelers. Pickpocketing is rare, and you do not need to have major safety concerns in either city. However, some consider Lisbon to be a little safer.
What is the prettiest town in Portugal?
Sintra is jaw-droppingly pretty with its lush forests and palaces. Aveiro is another picture-perfect town filled with a network of canals. Cascais offers a historic center and a rugged coastline that is very beautiful.
Is Lisbon or Porto better?
Lisbon is better if you want a city with a huge number of things to do. It is glamorous and polished. Porto is better for a short weekend trip because it is very walkable and has a local, laid-back atmosphere.
What not to do in Portugal as a tourist?
Do not visit during peak holidays like Easter or Christmas to avoid high prices. Do not rely only on credit cards at small tascas because many only accept cash. Additionally, do not skip the “prato do dia” or daily special at local eateries.
What is the cheapest month to go to Portugal?
The off-season is the cheapest time to visit. Late May is a great time because accommodation is still affordable before the summer rush. Avoid the month of June in Lisbon and Porto because the large festivals increase the price of everything.
How much is a meal for 2 in Portugal?
You can eat a full meal at a local tasca for €10 to €12 per person. This means a meal for two would cost around €20 to €24. Many of these meals include a main dish, a side, and sometimes even a drink or dessert.
Which three cities to visit in Portugal?
The most popular trio for a budget trip is Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto. You can see all three in about ten days. Lisbon gives you the city buzz, Sintra offers fairytales, and Porto provides a laid-back riverside vibe.
What is the best month to go to Portugal?
May is a fantastic month to visit. The weather is pleasant, and you can find affordable accommodation. September is also mentioned as a popular time for travel.
What not to miss in Portugal?
Do not miss a ride on Tram 28 in Lisbon for an authentic tour. You must see the giant waves in Nazaré during the winter. Also, enjoy a Port wine tasting in Porto and a fresh pastel de nata.
What to be careful in Portugal?
Be careful with the Atlantic water because it stays cool even in the summer. Pack a good wetsuit if you plan to surf. While the cities are safe, you should always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
What is the nicest part of Portugal?
This depends on what you love. Sintra is the nicest for fairytale landscapes. The Azores are the nicest for nature lovers who want to get off the beaten track. The Algarve is the nicest for those seeking sunny beaches and blue skies.
Concluding words
Portugal is a dream destination for travelers who want to see beautiful sights without spending too much money. You can enjoy the historic hills of Lisbon, the fairytale palaces of Sintra, and the famous wine cellars of Porto on a smart budget. Local tascas offer delicious and affordable meals, while the public transport system makes it easy to move between cities. Whether you love the giant waves of Nazaré or the quiet nature of the Azores, this country gives you huge value for every euro you spend. It is a land of rich history and warm people that will stay in your heart forever.
