How to save on Lisbon hotel rooms
There’s no debating it, Portugal is a budget traveler’s paradise. But while food and drink are consistently a bargain almost everywhere, accommodations in Portugal’s capital and largest city, Lisbon, tend to cost significantly more than elsewhere around the country.
And as the city attracts more and more visitors, getting the best possible price for a place to lay your head can get tricky in Lisbon. So how can you ensure maximum savings on your hotel in Lisbon?
We came up with eight tips that will make it easier for you to get a great deal.
More tips for Portugal
• 10 ways to save on a trip to Portugal
• Lisbon Cheap Eats: How to save on eating out
• The Best free things to do in Lisbon
8 Tips to save on your Lisbon Hotel
Are you ready to get started planning your trip to Lisbon? Check out up-to-the-minute rates for Lisbon hotels and read on for our best tips on how to book comfortable accommodation at a great price.
1. Keep it basic
Much like in Spain, Portugal has a wealth of basic but very clean and cheap accommodations to be had and Lisbon is no exception. Don’t discount 1-star hotels, guesthouses, pensions, and hostels! A few of our favorites include Residencial Dom Sancho I, Pensao Praca de Figueira, and Pensao Residencial Geres.
2. It’s all about location
Lisbon sprawls far beyond its center. But that’s not surprising given the history — it’s the oldest city in Western Europe. Yes, it has been around even longer than London or Paris. Since it’s so big, you really need to consider what you want to see before you book a room. A good rule of thumb for folks who want to see the major sites in the historic center is to stay in the Baixa or Chiado neighborhoods. A little bit further afield, closer to Lisbon’s castle, Alfama is also an excellent option for folks that want to be able to walk to attractions. Bairro Alto is where to be if you want to be close to the nightlife — just remember to bring your earplugs.
3. Stay close to public transportation
When you can’t stay somewhere close to the historic center (because rates or high or there’s nothing available) book a hotel near public transportation. Lisbon has an excellent metro system, and getting around is a breeze once you realize you’re not limited to the antique trolleys.
4. Don’t pay for parking
If you plan to rent a car and drive around Portugal, pick it up after you’re finished with the Lisbon portion of your itinerary, or drop it off after your road trip. You don’t want to deal with trying to park your car in the city center unless you can find a hotel with free parking. Browse rental car rates in Portugal.
Skip the hotel breakfast, unless it’s free like it is at Pensao Praca de Figueira.
5. Skip hotel add-ons like breakfasts
Unless the hotel breakfast is included, don’t pay extra for it. Instead, roll out of bed and grab a café (an espresso) and a pasteis de nata (traditional puff pastries with a creamy filling) for a couple of euros. Read up on more tips for saving on eating out in Lisbon.
6. Come off-season
Prices in Lisbon are highest during the summer peak season from June to September. If you can, plan your trip for early spring and late fall when room rates are generally much more competitive. The weather is still beautiful and you’ll have fewer crowds to deal with! For example, Hotel Avenida Park has decent rates in the summer (around $125), but in October, they drop even lower to less than $90.
7. Keep major events in mind
During Lisbon’s annual festival, or “Festas” in June, national holidays, and major professional conferences, room rates rise with demand. Unless you plan on attending, organize your Lisbon trip with a few days margin on either side of big events. Check the Visit Lisboa tourism website for news on the latest events.
8. Book ahead
For the best room rates in Lisbon, book ahead. At least a month in advance is best, but the further ahead you can manage, the more likely you are to score a deal. Lock in a deal so you don’t have to worry about where you’ll stay during the days leading up to your trip. You can focus on what you want to see, where you want to eat, and all of the fun stuff!
Book a cheap room in Lisbon
Now it’s time to go to Lisbon! Browse through our Lisbon hotel picks to find an affordable room in a central location.
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