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I’ve been super excited to start off this budget breakdown series with Portugal. Besides the sheer joy of travel itself, one of my favorite aspects is planning a trip on a budget and tracking expenses.
Portugal is a wonderful place for a budget trip. It is one of the more affordable Western European countries, and there are many things to do and see. From historic cities to stunning beaches and delicious food, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal on a budget, you are in the right place. Stick around as I share my tips and insights for exactly how my boyfriend and I explored Portugal for 2 weeks for just $2000.
- Our Travel Style: Exploring Portugal on a Budget
- Details of the Trip
- The Good Stuff: Complete Budget Breakdown
- How to Travel Portugal by Public Transportation
- Additional Tips and Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Portugal
- Final Thoughts: Exploring Portugal on a Budget
- My Go-To Travel Favorites
Our Travel Style: Exploring Portugal on a Budget
My approach to travel isn’t set in stone – it varies depending on who I’m traveling with and the duration of the trip. When I’m traveling with my boyfriend, our style tends to lean towards comfort and convenience without skimping on experiences, while still finding the most affordable options.
For this trip, we opted for private rooms in hostels and guest houses, striking the perfect balance between affordability and privacy.
When it came to dining, we ate out at affordable local restaurants for most meals or grabbed pre-made to-go salads, etc. from the grocery store. We didn’t do any cooking at our accommodations.
In terms of budgeting, we took a relaxed approach. There were no strict limits on spending for alcohol or activities. However, we remained mindful of our overall expenses and made choices accordingly.
Given that my birthday fell during our trip, we had a particularly nice meal out that evening, but it was still half the cost that it would have been back home. Additionally, we splurged on a memorable wine tour of the Duoro Valley.
My philosophy is simple: I prioritize experiences, even if it means stretching the budget a bit.
So, here’s the bottom line: Portugal can definitely be explored on a tighter budget than this.
Details of the Trip
We did this budget Portugal trip doing shoulder season, in the month of November. This meant fewer crowds and more affordable prices. We had beautiful sunny weather gracing us throughout the entire two weeks, it felt like we hit the jackpot.
Route
Our route began in the capital city of Lisbon, then took us to the historic town of Evora, followed by the fairytale-like landscapes of Sintra. From there, we went to the coastal city of Nazare and the walled town of Obidos before making our way to Porto. While Portugal has many more destinations that looked amazing to visit, our two-week itinerary offered the perfect introduction to this country.
Lisbon: 4 nights
Évora: 1 night
Sintra: 2 nights
Nazaré: 2 nights
Óbidos: 1 night
Porto: 3 nights
Transportation
So far in my travels, I’ve never opted for a rental car, I’ve always just relied solely on public transportation.
For this trip, we briefly considered it before ultimately deciding to rely on buses and trains.
Now, about our decision to skip the rental car – it wasn’t just about cost. Rental cars in Portugal are relatively affordable, but we wanted the freedom from worrying about driving, navigating, and parking. While this required more strategic planning to reach the places we wanted to see, honestly, the challenge just seemed more fun, and I wanted to demonstrate how this itinerary was possible without a rental car.
Planning our route without a rental car presented a few challenges, especially for the stretch between Lisbon and Porto. We didn’t want to simply take the direct train from Lisbon to Porto and miss out on Nazare and Obidos. Yet, day tours from Lisbon to these places didn’t align with our desire to stay overnight.
Balancing time, budget, and transportation schedules was not easy. But I’ll share exactly how we navigated this logistical puzzle below – because let’s face it, I wish I’d found a blog post like this during my planning phase.
Flights
One savvy move we made was booking open-jaw flights, flying into Lisbon and out of Porto. Not only did this eliminate the need for backtracking and extra travel expenses, but it also saved us valuable time and hassle.
Pro Tip
I highly recommend looking into open-jaw tickets for your own travels – you’d be surprised how often they’re the same price as round-trip flights, if not cheaper.
The Good Stuff: Complete Budget Breakdown
Note: All numbers in this blog post are rounded to the nearest dollar for simplicity. I do not include international flights in this budget breakdown because they can vary widely depending on where you’re coming from.
For full transparency our round trip flights from Traverse City, MI to Lisbon, Portugal were $584 each.
Totals Per Category
| Accommodation | Food | Activities | Transportation (Local) | Alcohol | Misc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $650 | $581 | $306 | $190 | $140 | $150 |
| We opted for private rooms in hostels and guest houses for our 13 nights in Portugal. | Our food expenses included meals at local eateries, occasional splurges, and groceries for snacks and pre-made meals. | Guided tours and entrance fees to various landmarks. | Ticket fares for busses and trains. + 1 taxi. | Any alcohol that wasn’t a part of dining. | Data, travel insurance, souvenirs, tips, random things. |
Accommodation:
Here’s a breakdown of our nightly accommodation costs for each city.
Lisbon – GoodMorning Hostel $59 per night.
Evora – ZOETIC Guest House, $51 per night.
Sintra – Blue House Hostel, $44 per night.
Nazare – Nazare Hostel, $36 per night.
Obidos – Casa S. Thiago d’Óbidos, $53 per night. If you’re thinking of visiting Óbidos, check out my experience of spending A Night in Óbidos for some travel inspiration.
Porto – Clerigos Studio, $50 per night.
Data (eSIM):
Total Cost: $3.50 for the entire trip (I had some credit on Airalo)
Tips for Saving: local SIM cards can be more affordable than eSIMS such as Airalo, but most times I prefer being able to connect right when I land, and also prefer the other conveniences of eSIMs so I will pay a little more for convenience.
Daily Average Per Category
| Accommodation | Food | Activities | Transportation (Local) | Alcohol | Misc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40 | $36 | $19 | $12 | $9 | $9 |
Sample Day: Exploring Lisbon on a Budget
This is how our second day unfolded in Portugal. All of these prices are for two people.
Accommodation:
Private room at Good Morning Hostel: $59
Food:
Breakfast: Huge waffle breakfast included with hostel
Lunch at Grill Burger: $13.50
Dinner (Sausage Plate, Large Salad and a bottle of wine) : $23
Activities:
Guided walking tour: $23
Alcohol:
Drinks: 2 beers + 2 sangrias + tip at hostel. $6
Misc:
Travel Insurance: $5
Total: $130 or $65 each
How much cash should I bring to Portugal?
This is obviously going to vary widely on spending habits, but I will let you know that ~ $274 of our two week trip was in cash, the rest on credit card. Hopefully that can give you an idea of how much cash to take out in Portugal for this style trip.
How to Travel Portugal by Public Transportation
Since this was a big part of how our trip worked, I’m making it it’s own section. I will detail our exact bus and train information and expenses below.
Navigating Trains, Buses, and Metro
Trains: Portugal’s national railway company, Comboios de Portugal (CP), operates an extensive network of intercity and regional trains. Tickets can be purchased online and at train stations. Consider using the Intercidades or Alfa Pendular trains for longer journeys between major cities.
Buses: Several bus companies operate in Portugal, providing connections to destinations not served by train. Rede Expressos is one of the largest bus operators, offering comfortable and affordable long-distance services. Local buses are also available in cities and towns, with ticket purchases made directly from the driver or at ticket offices.
Metro: Lisbon and Porto both have metro systems, providing efficient transportation within the cities and to nearby suburbs. Metro tickets can be purchased at station ticket machines or customer service centers.
Pro Tip
Rome to Rio is a great tool for researching train and bus routes.
Our Exact Bus and Train Information & Costs
Lisbon ↔ Evora (Round Trip)
Mode of Transport: Intercity Train
Operator: Comboios de Portugal
Cost: $17 each
Details: We departed on the 10am train to Evora, and came back the next morning on the 11:35am train.
Book Here: Comboios de Portugal. I booked 5 days ahead because we wanted these specific times.
Lisbon ↔ Sintra (Round Trip)
Mode of Transport: Urban Train
Operator: Comboios de Portugal
Cost: $6 each
Details: We took the train from Sete Rios, because that’s where we came in from the Evora train but you can take the train from Rossio if you are already in Lisbon.
Book Here: In person at train station. There are many trains per day.
Lisbon → Nazare
Mode of Transport: Bus
Operator: Rede Expressos
Cost: $23 total
Details: We left on the 5pm bus from Sete Rios.
Book here: Rede Expressos. I booked this 1 day ahead of time.
Nazare → Obidos
Mode of Transport: Bus
Operator: Rodoviária do Oeste
Cost: $13
Details:
We left on the 13:50 bus which is part of their Rapida Verde Service, we changed busses in Caldas da Rainha which then took us to Obidos. They do have some direct busses but those are usually in the mornings.
Book Here: In person
Taxi from Obidos to Caldas da Rainha
Cost: $14
Caldas da Rainha → Porto – Sao Bento
Mode of Transport: Interregional, Intercity, Urban Trains
Operator: Comboios de Portugal
Cost: $22 each
Details: We departed at 11:15 AM. We had a 12min stopover in Coimbra to switch trains. Then we switched trains at Porto – Campanha, to get on a short train to Porto – Sao Bento.
Book here: Comboios de Portugal.
Public Transportation Total
$190 for our trains, busses and one taxi. That comes out to $95 each.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
Packing: Consider packing light with a backpack instead of a large suitcase, especially if you’re exploring Portugal on a budget. It’s easier to navigate public transportation, and more convenient on cobblestone streets in historic cities. Plus, there are many benefits to packing carry on only.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Portugal is during the shoulder seasons of September to November and April to June. These months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer season. We went in November and it was perfect.
Splurge on Experiences: Consider splurging on unforgettable experiences during your trip, such as a Douro Valley wine tour. Exploring Portugal’s renowned wine region, tasting local varieties, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery is an experience worth indulging in.
Credit Card Recommendation: As for credit cards, I personally use Chase Sapphire Preferred. If you’re going to be traveling, get yourself a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Portugal
How much money do I need to travel Portugal?
We managed to enjoy a two-week trip to Portugal for two people on a budget of just $2,000. Here’s a brief breakdown of how we made it work:
Accommodation: Staying in private rooms in hostels and guest houses.
Food: Eating at affordable local eateries and grabbing pre-made meals from grocery stores.
Transportation: Relying entirely on buses and trains.
Activities: Enjoying both free and low-cost attractions (with splurges here and there).
Miscellaneous: Keeping extra expenses, like souvenirs, to a minimum.
What is the cheapest month to visit Portugal?
The best months to visit Portugal if you’re on a budget are the off-peak seasons. According to travel data:
Low Season: December to April, where you can find lower prices on flights and accommodations.
Shoulder Seasons: September to November and April to June, offering a balance of fewer crowds and reasonable prices.
How much is a dinner in Portugal?
Dining in Portugal can be very affordable. On average:
Budget Restaurants: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €10 ($11).
Mid-range Restaurants: A three-course meal for two people costs about €40 ($44).
Street Food and Cafés: You can find even cheaper options, like snacks and coffee, for just a few euros.
Check out my Complete Guide to Eating Affordably in Lisbon, for more details about eating out on a budget.
Final Thoughts: Exploring Portugal on a Budget
As you can see, exploring Portugal on a budget is definitely achievable. By breaking down our expenses and sharing my insights, I hope I can help you plan the trip of your dreams. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Lisbon, the stunning beaches of Nazare, or the picturesque streets of Porto, Portugal offers something for every traveler.
I encourage you to use my budget breakdown as a starting point for planning your own adventure. With careful planning and a willingness to embrace the journey, you can experience the beauty of Portugal without overspending. I can wait for the next budget breakdown in the series.
Have questions or insights to share? Comment down below!