Lisbon on a Budget: 10 Must-See Experiences for UK Travellers.

I have been flying with Low Cost Vibes for several years, and this was my second trip that I booked using their service. I swooned over the meandering streets of Lisbon, the trams of Lisbon, which are pastel in colour, and the lively fado life of Lisbon last year. This time I was hoping to explore more obscure aspects of this city but not forget about the low-cost vibes philosophy: to experience everything great without paying a skyrocketing price. Below is a brief itinerary that combines the best of what Lisbon has to offer with a personal touch from my own adventures, highlighting the top things to do in Lisbon.

Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Lisbon

1. Visit the old district of Alfama

The Lisbon soul is the oldest part, with cobbled streets which lead into the castle of São Jorge. The panoramic terraces of the castle were my first destination, where I could have the best view of the Tagus River. Since I had booked via Low Cost Vibes, I was able to avoid the paid tickets and instead have the free city pass that they offer as part of most of their itineraries. It is among the top things to do in Lisbon that would make you feel like a local.

2. Ride the iconic Tram 28

The nostalgic tram of the city will make you spend a 2-hour journey through the most renowned areas of the city: Graça, Baixa, and Estrela. It is a ride that should not be missed in Lisbon, and the ticket is typically cheaper than 5, which perfectly fits Lisbon on a budget travel plan. I found a small cafe in my stop in Graça that had the best pastel de nata I have ever eaten, and it was not a high-end tourist place.

3. Walk in Belém and have the pastéis

Belém is a Portuguese historical centre of UNESCO. The Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém, and the Monument of the Discoveries are within a few minutes’ distance of each other. I bound myself to a free walking tour provided by Low Cost Vibes, and I also tried original pastéis de Belém, which is cheap, good and one of the things that one should see when on a tight budget.

4. Visit MAAT and the Oceanário

Although not all museums in Lisbon are cheap, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) is a place providing a modern experience of culture. The cost of entry is less than 10 euros, and the architecture of the building is a masterpiece of modern construction. The Lisbon Oceanário is also a world-leading aquarium located nearby, which could be combined with a low-cost lunch at the nearby food court. These would be a memorable Lisbon cultural attractions package.

5. Take a day trip to Sintra

The itinerary of Low Cost Vibes’ Soulful City of Seven Hills will have a short train ride to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage city covered with palaces and castles. I was touring around the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle all day long, and both are the best cheap places to visit in Lisbon of interest when you purchase the combined ticket. The greens and the fresh air were a refreshing change after the city of Lisbon.

6. Check out the LX Factory 

This old industrial estate has been converted into an artistic centre with numerous stores, graffiti, and a number of odd cafes. I located a walk through the city showcasing the murals on the street, and I came across a small boutique of handmade accessories. The atmosphere in this place is quintessential Lisbon: artistic, energetic, and quiet Lisbon experiences, friendly to a traveller who is seeking an alternative.

7. Have grilled sardines in a local seafood taverna

Lisbon is a city of seafood with the greatest secrets located in the minor neighbourhoods. I discovered a small taverna in Cais do Sodre where sardines were roasted to the best of their ability and local wine was served with them. At a fraction of the cost you would spend in the tourist squares, it was the ideal choice in the list of free activities in Lisbon, considering the inexpensive lunch.

8. Stroll the Miradouros (perspectives)

Lisbon has dozens of different viewpoints, and each has a different outlook on the city, including the rooftops, the river and the hills. The one that I personally prefer is the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, where a panoramic view of the city and the Alfama district is provided. There are no restrictions to walking and boundless photo opportunities, which are good for both social media and a physical remembrance of Lisbon.

9. Experience a Fado night in Bairro Alto

Fado is soul-thumping Portuguese music. I had a cheap dinner and a Fado performance in a little restaurant close to Bairro Alto; I did not need a luxury hotel in order to feel the Portuguese culture. Hearty meals and live music make the combination a typical Lisbon itinerary that will remain with you all your life.

10. Rest in the Restaurant A Vida at the Pavilhão Chinês

One day of sightseeing had passed, and I decided to visit this rather secret spot, a Chinese pavilion-cum-cafe of the 19th century. The decoration is also off-the-wall, and the menu is a mix of Portuguese and Asian delicacies at a pocket-friendly cost. It was the right spot to think about the adventures of the day and design the one to come.

The reason why Low Cost Vibes was a Game-changer

My booking with Low Cost Vibes provided a concise track of what to do in Lisbon, bypassing the overt tourist attractions and going directly to the core of the Portuguese capital. The fact that they collaborated with the local operators allowed me to enjoy discounts, free walking tours, and the so-called city pass, where I saved money on entry fees. Besides, the itineraries were full-day schedules, which meant I had to jump between booking websites all the time; all activities were properly planned on a single schedule, which was balanced. You can also get some ideas from this guide on what to carry on your trip to Portugal to make your Lisbon experience smoother.

The question arises: Is Lisbon expensive? The answer is not necessarily. A city that is authentic and accessible can be found with some planning. Lisbon on a budget is all about having the ability to explore the numerous free attractions the city has to offer, eating out cheaply and using transport to move around smartly. I discovered that the most effective way to explore Lisbon is to mix the above-mentioned list of things to do in Lisbon with the local culture that surrounds them.

Lisbon has a wide variety of attractions worth visiting, yet some are indispensable, as the city offers:

Final Thoughts

When you are going to Lisbon and you are asking yourself what are the things to do in Lisbon to add to your itinerary, this list would be a very good starting point. Lisbon is diverse, and from its bustling markets of Mercado da Ribeira up to the quiet bars of Mouraria, the city is diverse. The second visit to Low Cost Vibes made me realise that you can have a really immersive experience without driving yourself to bankruptcy. 

The trick is to remember the most important points: enjoy the activities that are free of charge, follow the local food culture, and have the local rhythm of the city in your ears. Be it travelling alone, as a couple, or a group of friends, the low-cost side of Lisbon is willing to accept you. Happy travels!

FAQs about Things to Do in Lisbon