10 Things to Do in Lisbon on a Small Budget
What are the Cheap Things to Do in Lisbon?
Lisbon is one of the best Western European cities to visit if you’re travelling on a budget thanks to the array of affordable, fun things to do. Whether you’re looking to see national monuments that are freely accessible or you want to check out the local street art, you’ll never be short on things to do.
Some of the most iconic aspects of Portuguese culture are generally low budget and welcoming to everyone, and that includes iconic fado shows. While they can be expensive, most aren’t. Find fun with things to do in Lisbon on a small budget.
1. Bairro Alto
Enjoy the local party district
Ideal para: História, Vida noturna, Econômico
Bairro Alto is a popular neighbourhood in town for nightlife, but you’ll also find plenty of art and history to explore during the day. You’ll find quite a bit of street art throughout the district, as well as food samples from the local restaurants.
At night, bars tend to be the star of the show here, with plenty of discount bars available. The funiculars can be fun no matter what time of day you visit, so don’t miss out on this popular neighbourhood activity. Bairro Alto is just southwest of the town centre.
Localização: Portugal
Bairro Alto
2. Chiado
Visit a neighbourhood popular with locals
Ideal para: Compras, Econômico
Chiado is one of the best neighbourhoods to visit if you’re looking to experience life like a local away from other travellers with shops and art. This neighbourhood isn’t quite as famous as some of the others in town, so you won’t have to worry about crowds of travellers all that much.
When you visit this neighbourhood, you’ll find plenty to do on a budget. Taking in the unique iron structures and churches is free, and the local shops tend to offer serious discounts compared with more traveller-heavy areas. It’s located south of the town centre.
Localização: Lisboa, Portugal
Chiado
3. Lisbon Cathedral
Check out a historic cathedral
Ideal para: História, Econômico
The Lisbon Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the city dating back centuries where you can see a satisfying combination of architectural styles. The church was built in 1147, and it has survived quite a bit in the centuries since, including numerous earthquakes.
While the church has survived, it didn’t make it through the centuries without damage. Thanks to renovations and repairs throughout the ages, you’ll be able to see a combination of architectural styles. It’s accessible for free as well. You’ll find it in southern Alfama.
Localização: Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +351 21 886 6752
Lisbon Cathedral
4. Panteão Nacional
Visit a famous burial site
Ideal para: História, Econômico
Panteão Nacional, or the National Pantheon, is a former church that has been converted into a final resting place for important Portuguese people. When you visit, you’ll be able to take in its stunning baroque architecture that was originally designed to function as a church.
The interior of the building is quite striking, with coloured marble paving the way. You may want to check out the terrace as well for the stunning views of the city and river. It requires climbing 187 steps, though, so keep that in mind. It’s located in eastern Alfama a mile or so from the town centre.
Localização: Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471 Lisboa, Portugal
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +351 21 885 4820
Panteão Nacional
5. Parque Eduardo VII
Check out a famous park with English influences
Ideal para: Econômico
Parque Eduardo VII is completely free to visit and lets you enjoy stunning greenery among well-maintained attractions showing off diverse flora. The park was named after Edward VII of Britain in honour of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance.
When you visit this park, you’ll want to check out the estufas, or the hothouse and greenhouse. The greenhouse showcases plants from Portugal and the tropics, while the hothouse is even more exotic. You can get to this park not too far from the town centre due north of Príncipe Real.
Localização: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal
Parque Eduardo VII
6. Church of São Roque
Explore an early Jesuit church
Ideal para: História, Econômico
The Church of São Roque is an old Jesuit church you can visit for free to not only appreciate its architecture but also learn a bit of history. This baroque church was completed in the early 17th century, and it has stood strong ever since.
One of the more interesting aspects of this church is that it utilises a trompe-l’oeil Mannerist ceiling. This is an art technique that makes 2-dimensional objects appear 3-dimensional, so this relatively modest church looks grand from within. See it for yourself in Bairro Alto south of the town centre.
Localização: Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal
Telefone: +351 21 346 0361
Church of São Roque
7. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Enjoy relaxing views
Ideal para: Econômico
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is a popular viewpoint in town that’s freely accessible and notably calm with several landmarks in sight. When you visit this viewpoint, you likely won’t find much of a crowd, as it tends to be off the beaten path for most travellers.
At this viewpoint, you’ll be able to see quite a few notable sights, including panoramic views of the city. You can also see the castle from here as well as a church. The hillside is visible too, with houses seemingly set on every inch of it. You can see it for yourself on the southeastern side of the town centre.
Localização: Largo Monte, 1170-107 Lisboa, Portugal
Abre: 24/7
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
8. Museu do Teatro Romano
Take a trip back in time
Ideal para: História, Econômico
Museu do Teatro Romano is a museum and historical site that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back to when Emperor Augustus ruled the city. The ruined Roman theatre here is still remarkably well preserved after being buried in 1755 and subsequently unearthed in 1964.
Access to this museum is completely free, and the theatre ruins are just the beginning. You’ll find viewing platforms as well as 3D renderings you can examine to give you a better idea of what the past was like here. See it for yourself at your own pace or with an English guided tour in southern Alfama.
Localização: A, R. de São Mamede 3 A, 1100-532 Lisboa, Portugal
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +351 21 581 8530
Museu do Teatro Romano
9. Street art on Calçada da Glória
See a street art gallery
Ideal para: Econômico
Street art on Calçada da Glória is a gallery of legal street art that lets you see a variety of different artistic styles expressed by local artists. The city has been quite supportive of the street art here, so you’ll find that it’s all well preserved and protected.
While you don’t have to worry about the art here being removed as vandalism, certain panels are renewed every year. This means you could see new additions on subsequent visits. You’ll find this gallery on the north side of Bairro Alto southwest of the town centre.
Localização: Calçada da Glória 41, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal
Abre: 24/7
Street art on Calçada da Glória
10. Fado shows at Tasca do Chico
Listen to fado
Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna, Econômico
Fado shows at Tasca do Chico are one of the best ways to take in Portuguese culture with a popular pastime that’s accessible and affordable. This old tavern is adorned with photos and pictures of fado singers and performers with an atmosphere dedicated to the practice.
When you visit this bar, you’ll find the prices relatively affordable compared with the more high-end and luxurious fado establishments. You’ll find food available here as well, prepared the traditional Portuguese way. It’s located near the centre of Bairro Alto.
Localização: R. do Diário de Notícias 39, 1200-141 Lisboa, Portugal
Abre: Sunday–Thursday from 7 pm to 2 am, Friday–Saturday from 7 pm to 3 am
Telefone: +351 961 339 696
Fado shows at Tasca do Chico
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