How much spending money do you need a day in Lisbon?

For most travelers, $60-$80 USD (€50-€75 Euros) is how much spending money you need per day in Portugal. This covers the cost of food, transportation, and a little extra for attractions in most cities like Lisbon and Porto.



For a trip to Lisbon in 2026, a mid-range traveler should budget approximately €100 to €130 per day, excluding accommodation. This covers a daily Navegante travel card (€6.80), a casual lunch at a "tasca" (€15–€20), a high-quality dinner with wine (€35–€50), and entry to one or two major attractions like the Jerónimos Monastery or São Jorge Castle (€10–€15 each). Budget travelers can manage on €50 to €60 by sticking to street food like bifanas (pork sandwiches), visiting free viewpoints (miradouros), and using the extensive metro system. Conversely, luxury travelers enjoying fine dining in Chiado or private tours to Sintra should plan for €250+. Lisbon remains one of the more affordable Western European capitals, but prices for coffee, pastries (pastéis de nata), and local "vinho verde" have risen slightly over the last few years due to the city's popularity. Always carry a small amount of cash for the older trams, though most shops and restaurants now prefer contactless payment.

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Growing in popularity as a travel destination and famous for its beaches, port wine and custard tarts, Portugal is a semi-affordable European country that can be visited with a budget of $50 to $200 a day.

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Tipping is not mandatory, and you should only do so if you feel comfortable about it and if you want to reward truly exceptional service. Tipping for great service is very much appreciated.

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Use your debit or credit card to withdraw your money or pay by card. If you're visiting its most remote areas, it's a good idea to carry some cash.

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Cash, card and ATMs When travelling to big cities like Lisbon and Porto, you can usually use a card in most places. However, be prepared to come across smaller shops and restaurants that do not accept cards. Especially in smaller towns, you are expected to pay with cash for small purchases.

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Dinner Time in Portugal (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) The best time to have dinner in Portugal is between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. While some restaurants will open at 7 p.m., most of them will still be empty at that time. There are a few exceptions of course, especially if it's a famous restaurant like Cervejaria Ramiro.

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It's generally safe and healthy to drink the public tap water across Portugal. Get a water filter such as TAPP 2 to improve the taste and reduce the risk of contaminants. Avoid plastic bottled water in Portugal as most plastic doesn't get properly recycled. Get a high quality reusable water bottle like TAPP.

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Drinking tap water in Portugal is considered safe in all regions and the water meets all EU standards. Lisbon tap water is of a medium hardness, rich in minerals and has chlorine added during treatment. It can have a strong taste, so most Lisbon residents drink bottled water and use tap water for most everything else.

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Famous Food Locals Love to Eat in Lisbon
  • Bifanas (Portugese pork sandwich)
  • Sardinhas (sardines)
  • Caldo verde (green soup)
  • Cozida a Portuguesa (mixed meat stew)
  • Polvo a lagareiro (octopus in olive oil)
  • Queijo de azeitao (semi-soft cheese)
  • Alheira (Portugese sausage)
  • Pastel de nata (custard tart)


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Budget-Friendly Travel Planning How much money will you need for your trip to Portugal? You should plan to spend around €136 ($144) per day on your vacation in Portugal, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

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While the cost of living can vary depending on location and personal preferences, Portugal tends to be slightly cheaper than Spain for accommodation, food, and transportation. Both countries offer beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, making them great destinations for travelers on a budget.

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Yes, Portugal is very safe for American tourists, with many US citizens visiting and even moving to Portugal each year.

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