Traveling in Portugal on a Budget

Portugal has long been known as one of the most budget-friendly spots in Europe.

Despite rising costs in recent years due to increased tourism, it's still possible to explore affordably. All of Portugal’s parks and nature reserves are free to enter, along with a variety of trails and greenways.

Kickstart your morning with a bica (espresso) and a delightful pastel de nata (custard tart) for just a few euros. The country boasts numerous free museums and budget-friendly attractions, ranging from medieval structures to innovative contemporary art. If you budget wisely, you can manage on as little as €50 a day. Here are more tips for saving money while visiting Portugal.

Determine the most cost-effective way to travel to Portugal

Portugal features international airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. It's wise to compare prices at each location before finalizing your booking, as you might discover better rates at one airport over the others. If you're thinking about merging your trip to Portugal with a visit to Spain, flying into Madrid or Sevilla could yield cheaper options, with Sevilla just a two-hour train ride from Tavira in southern Portugal.

Utilize public transport from the airport

Save money right upon arrival by skipping an expensive taxi and opting for a bus or metro to reach your destination. Efficient metro services connect to city centers from Lisbon (red line) or Porto (violet line E). Faro’s airport is serviced by a reliable bus network run by Vamus Algarve. The Aerobus offers routes to Faro as well as to Albufeira, Portimão, and Lagos.

Forget the car and opt for trains or buses to get around

The steep costs of rental cars, combined with rising fuel prices, can make your trip to Portugal quite expensive. Save money and reduce your carbon footprint by using the train and bus services instead. Portugal's rail network links major cities from Valença in the north to Faro in the south, passing through Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon. The bus system complements this by connecting smaller towns.

Ticket prices are quite affordable. For example, a second-class train ticket from Lisbon to Lagos (which takes about 4.5 hours) costs around €25, not much more than the tolls you’d incur if you drove via the A2.

Travel from October to April for better accommodation deals

During spring and autumn, Portugal typically enjoys pleasant weather, with wildflowers blooming in March and April and autumn leaves changing in October across various regions. Additionally, you’ll encounter fewer crowds and more affordable lodging, with prices often about 25% lower than during peak season.

Maximize your savings by traveling between November and February. This is the most affordable time of year to visit Portugal, with many hotels offering discounts of 50% or more. Just remember to dress for the weather: pack a rain jacket, scarf, and warm layers for Porto and northern areas. In the Algarve, you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

Make lunch your main meal of the day

Numerous restaurants in Portugal feature excellent lunch deals. Always inquire about the menu do dia (fixed menu) or prato do dia (daily special). Even upscale establishments often provide affordable lunch options.

In the evening, consider skipping traditional dining in favor of a picnic at a park, viewpoint, or by the seaside. A fresh loaf of bread, some cheese, olives, and a bottle of wine create the perfect sunset companion.

Think about staying in a hostel

Portugal boasts some of Europe’s most chic hostels, many located in historic buildings and offering upscale features like rooftop terraces, art-filled lounges, and swimming pools. Prices begin at approximately €22 per night, providing significant savings compared to traditional hotels. Numerous hostels also organize budget-friendly activities such as free walking tours or pub crawls, and offer affordable rentals for bikes, surfboards, and other gear. Some even host communal dinners, creating a great opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers.

Tailor your travel plans to include more affordable locations

Don’t overlook Portugal’s most attractive cities. Cities like Lisbon and Porto provide a variety of accommodation options, and you can find great deals if you're open to staying outside the city center (or in a centrally located hostel). There are also plenty of low-cost activities available, like free museums and neighborhood explorations, allowing you to minimize transportation expenses.

The Algarve offers great deals if you know where to search. If hostels aren't your preference, you can find reasonable room rates in Faro and Portimão. Additionally, the Algarve is ideal for budget-friendly activities: enjoy scenic walks along coastal trails and play in the waves at no cost.

Eat at a tasca, adega, and other local favorites

Wherever you travel in Portugal, you can enjoy delicious meals without overspending if you know where to go. One of the best spots to try is a tasca, a traditional eatery often frequented by locals, offering fantastic daily specials (sometimes not listed on the menu) and classic dishes like bacalhau (cod) prepared in various styles. For a more lively atmosphere, visit an adega, typically adorned with wine barrels, serving hearty, budget-friendly meals alongside inexpensive carafes of wine.

Master the art of picnicking

Scattered across Portugal are mercados (markets) where you can find a delightful selection of cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, and more. If there isn’t a market nearby, visit a local supermarket to snag Portuguese produce at unbeatable prices. With a little planning, you can turn your food shopping into an enjoyable outing, stopping at a picturesque location for a picnic along the way.

Structure your days around free and budget-friendly activities

Some of the most enjoyable experiences in Portugal come at little to no cost. Taking a tram ride through Lisbon or Porto provides stunning views of vibrant neighborhoods without the expense of a guided tour. Many churches, parks, and miradouros (viewpoints) welcome visitors for free.

In the Algarve, spend a day hopping between beaches and enjoy the sunset from one of the region's famous viewpoints (such as Cabo de São Vicente). You can also explore the eastern Algarve islands by taking affordable ferries from Faro, Olhão, and Tavira.

Opt for the house wine

Portugal boasts a selection of excellent yet affordable wines that you can savor with your meal by ordering the vinho da casa (house wine). You can choose to have it by the glass or in a jarro (carafe), with sizes ranging from 0.25 liters (about two glasses) to 0.75 liters. In many family-run restaurants, a glass of house wine often costs about the same as a bottle of water.

Go for a hike

Portugal's stunning mountains and rugged coastlines provide a breathtaking backdrop for one of the country’s best free experiences: hiking. You can design your entire trip around renowned multi-day trails like the Rota Vicentina, which winds along sea cliffs and pristine beaches on the southwest coast. Alternatively, consider staying near one of Portugal’s nature reserves, such as Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês in the northeast.

Daily expenses

• Hostel room: €22-35

• Basic room for two: €50-80

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): starting at €80

• Lisbon metro ticket: €1.50

• Meia de leite (café latte): €2-3

• Bifana (pork cutlet sandwich): €3-5

• Dinner for two: starting at €30

• Beer at the bar: €2-4.50

• Average daily cost: €50-75