What's a realistic daily budget for Lisbon as a backpacker in 2026?

Question

I keep seeing wildly different numbers online — some say €40/day others say €80+. What does it actually cost if you're staying in hostels, eating local food and doing free activities?

Accepted Answer

Hostel dorm: €20-30/night. Lunch at a tasca with a prato do dia (soup + main + drink): €8-12. Dinner if you cook at the hostel kitchen: €5. Beer at a local bar: €1.50-2. Metro day pass: €6.60. Realistically €50-60/day if you're not going crazy. You can do €40 if you're disciplined — cook breakfast, eat the prato do dia lunch, street food for dinner. €80+ is for people eating at tourist restaurants and taking Ubers everywhere.

What's a realistic daily budget for Lisbon as a backpacker in 2026?

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