Lisbon Budget Accommodations: 5 Cheapo picks

A plant-filled lounge at Lisbon Destination Hostel.
A plant-filled lounge at Lisbon Destination Hostel. Photos by Booking.com

From custard tarts and cherry liquor to old-world neighborhoods and historic architecture, the list of Lisbon’s charms is lengthy. Definitely near the top of that list are the many well-priced accommodations, which are a Cheapo’s dream come true.

There are loads of brilliant and inexpensive options whether you are looking for an arty boutique or just a friendly hostel. When it comes to sleeping cheap in Lisbon, even a central location doesn’t have to mean splurging.

EuroCheapo has a whole guide to budget hotels in Lisbon, but we’ve highlighted five of our favorites that you might want to book on your next trip.

Lisbon Destination Hostel

Rossio Train Station, 2nd Floor
Doubles from: $90
Full hotel review

Now this is a location. To beat the crowds on a day trip to Sintra, you’ll want to stay at the Lisbon Destination Hostel, as it’s situated inside the city’s impressive Rossio train station. Not that you’d notice once you’re inside, as the central atrium is more like a relaxed, green and leafy tropical paradise (complete with hammocks) than busy transport hub. But it’s not style over substance. Friendly staff, no curfew, a self-service bar and pancakes for breakfast means the hostel lives up to its name. Solo travelers who can’t face another dorm room may want to check out their single rooms too.

Lisbon Dreams

A friendly hotel with boutique touches awaits at Lisbon Dreams. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Lisbon Dreams Guesthouse

Rua Rodrigo Da Fonseca 29
Doubles from: $54 to $78
Full hotel review

Lisbon Dreams typifies the type of accommodation that the city does so well and that EuroCheapo loves so much. This place is budget boutique, with an arty, independent feel and—perhaps most importantly—a friendly staff. Décor is clean, fresh and white, and many rooms have their own small terraces, while there’s also a back garden and patio to make the most of the Portuguese sunshine. There’s free WiFi throughout the building, and breakfast is also included in the incredibly reasonable price. You do need to share a bathroom, but you’ll be provided with your own bathrobe to make that experience just a touch more luxurious.

Home in Lisbon

One of the stylish common areas at Home in Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the hostel

Home Lisbon Hostel

Rua de São Nicolau
Dorm beds from around: $11
Full hostel review

Another excellent hostel, Home is split over two floors of a historic building right in the heart of Baixa. The lower level is definitely the sociable area, and the mix of vintage and contemporary décor, including a disco ball, is worthy of the hippest hangout. It’s a great place to enjoy Mamma’s dinner, a communal, traditional meal served every night. Want some peace and quiet? There’s an entire floor separating the dorms from the communal area meaning you won’t be disturbed when the partying goes on into the night. Sweet touches such as old photos and retro artwork in the bathrooms work alongside thoughtful details including desks and hairdryers in the women’s dorms to make you really feel at Home.

Residencial Florescente

A colorful room at Residencial Florescente. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Residencial Florescente

Rua Portas De Santo Antão 9
Doubles from: $65 to $103
Full hotel review

Well worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for more traditional hotel option: we recommend Residencial Florescente as a clean, friendly and popular destination. You get a few more facilities for your money compared to the other options, including flat screen TVs in the rooms and private bathrooms. It’s also got an elevator—a rarity for Lisbon’s budget accommodation. However, beware the restaurants on this same street as they’re as tourist trap as Lisbon gets. For a better experience, head to the tiny, delicious and extremely reasonable Jesus é Goês Goan restaurant on the nearby Rua São José.

Lost Inn Lisbon

A comfy four-bed dorm at Lost Inn Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the hostel

Lost Inn Lisbon

Beco dos Apóstolos 6
Doubles from: $80
Full hostel review

Another of Lisbon’s beautiful buildings that’s been repurposed for accommodation, Lost Inn Lisbon’s clean and white makeover means every part of this hostel, from its communal areas to its dorm rooms, feels spacious and airy. It also caters to the needs of the 21st-century traveler with individual reading lights and power sockets for dorm beds, as well as large, electronic lockers. It’s situated near to Cais do Sodré station, a once down-at-heel area now with its own thriving bar scene offering a change of scene from the bustling Bairro Alto. Check out the food market at Mercado da Ribeira for bargain eats, and you can travel from the station to Belém to stock up on custard tarts, an important part of any Lisbon visit.

About the author

Frances Ambler

Frances Ambler has been doing her best to live in London on the cheap since 2003. She works as an editor in one of London’s best – and free – museums, as well as writing for various websites including domesticsluttery.com. An avid second-hand shopper, ten years of "research" culminated in her most recent project: writing for the soon-to-be-published "Rough Guide to Vintage London."

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One thought on “Lisbon Budget Accommodations: 5 Cheapo picks”

  1. Hello everybody .

    I am Hugo and I am an official guide in Lisbon Portugal , the tips are all great .

    I invite all of you to came to Portugal , now we are in October and its almost 68º fahrenheit , and shining .

    Don’t forget that on the Sunday morning , most of the museums are free !!!

    Thank´s and hope to see you in Lisbon.

    Hugo Gonçalves
    http://www.tours.com.pt

    Reply