For most travelers, $60-$80 USD (€50-€75 Euros) is how much spending money you need per day in Portugal. This covers the cost of food, transportation, and a little extra for attractions in most cities like Lisbon and Porto.
If you are visiting smaller cities throughout Portugal, the cost should be lower and you can easily get away with $40-$60 per day.
If you want to visit multiple cities, add an extra $30-$60 per city you visit. Traveling around Portugal is relatively inexpensive but don’t forget to add the extra cost of train tickets to the budget.
Portugal remains one of my favorite countries in Europe because of its affordability. Compared to its neighbors, Portugal stays friendly to budget travelers wanting to experience Western Europe.
During my two weeks visiting Portugal, I explored the country and visited four different cities. When it comes to putting together a budget for Portugal, I have experience dealing with all aspects of the trip.
In this guide, I answer common money questions about Portugal, what you can expect to spend, and how to budget for your next trip to Portugal.
Is Portugal Expensive For Food And Drink?
Portugal is NOT expensive for food and drink compared to the rest of Western Europe with plenty of delicious meals ranging from €10-€20 per person and beverages at local bars going for about €2-€5.
Just like any destination, there are cheaper and more expensive food options throughout Portugal, with a few restaurants claiming spots as one of the best restaurants in the world.
Even the best restaurants in Lisbon can be had at an affordable price, but it all depends on how you spend your budget.
Since the food costs were extremely affordable, I dined out for just about every meal and expect you will do the same. Restaurants, throughout cities like Lisbon, range from inexpensive street food to high-end fine dining, providing many great options at multiple price points. I found the meal portions quite generous and most meals can be shared.
Eating Bifana sandwiches remains one of my favorite meals during my two week trip to Portugal. These are thinly sliced pieces of pork, usually simmered in wine, that are placed on a sweet potato roll and lathered in a sauce similar to buffalo wings but not as spicy. These delicious sandwiches tasted light with impeccable flavor, and only cost €2.50!
If you love wine, then Portgual will become your new favorite destination. GREAT bottles of wine at the grocery store cost between €5-€15, with bottles at restaurants ranging from €10-€30.
At bars around the city, a glass of local beer called Sagres will run you about €2, and a glass of delicious wine for about €4.
From seafood rice to roasted chicken, I consider Portugal one of the best countries for budget travelers since the food and drink options are so inexpensive.
How Much Money Will I Need For 7 Days In Portugal?
Travelers need $400-$600 USD (€370-€560) for 7 days in Portugal which covers the cost of food, transportation, and attractions. This is a loose rule and will depend on what you want to do in the country and how many cities you wish to visit.
Getting around Portugal is also inexpensive and very efficient. Public transportation, like buses and trams, costs between €1.50 to €3 per ticket.
If you plan to travel between cities, I highly recommend using trains, which are reasonably priced. A train journey from Lisbon to Porto, for example, might cost around €25 to €40, and closer cities like Cascais only cost about €8.
Accommodation and lodging are relatively cheap with most hotels ranging from €60- €150 a night or an Airbnb from €30-60 a night in cities like Lisbon.
I believe that seven days in Portugal is one of the most affordable European trips available to travelers that everyone should try to experience.
How Much Is A Meal In Portugal?
Meals cost between €10-€20 per person in Portugal for a local Portuguese restaurant in cities like Lisbon. If you want a nicer meal with multiple courses, restaurant prices range from €20- €40 per person.
Inexpensive Restaurant In Portugal
In a basic or inexpensive restaurant in Portugal, you can expect to pay around €10 to €20 for a meal. These are usually Portuguese restaurants that serve local fare.
Trust me, this is where you want to spend most of your money no matter the budget. The local and regional cuisines offer special preparation and flavors you can’t find anywhere else. This is why I travel in the first place, to experience how the culture influences the food in a particular country!
Cost of Mid-Range Restaurants in Portugal
Dining at a mid-range restaurant in Portugal will typically cost between €20 to €40 for a three-course meal, excluding drinks. These restaurants range from serving local Portuguese to a broader European cuisine.
Cost of Fine Dining Restaurant
Being in Europe, you will find amazing fine dining options in Portugal with the cost of a meal varying greatly. Expect to pay €50 or more per person for a multi-course meal, not including wine or other beverages.
If you plan on visiting one of the best restaurants in the world while visiting Portugal, expect to pay more than €150 per person.
Cost of Fast Food and Street Food In Portugal
The cost of fast food and street for in Portugal ranges from €2 to €10, making it the perfect inexpensive meal for a quick bite. Again, I suggest going local and trying as many traditional Portuguese favorites as possible.
I love the example of Bifanas I used earlier. An amazingly delicious sandwich at such a low price, it’s hard to believe it only cost €2.50.
Cost of Cafés and Pastelarias In Portugal
A coffee and pastry might cost around €2 to €5 in Portugal and is definitely worth the time to try a variety of options.
The Pastel de Nata in Portugal is a small egg tart that can be found at numerous locations throughout every city. For €2, you can enjoy these creamy pastries but trust me, you will definitely buy more than one. I tried the plain or chocolate covered and I prefer the plain egg tart, a national favorite.
How much cash should I bring to Portugal?
You should bring at least €100 cash in small bills to Portugal for a seven day trip. This gives you enough cash to buy delicious street food, local souvenirs or art, and tipping tour guides or waiters.
No matter where I travel, having ready and available cash comes in handy. I hate running to an ATM, paying extra fees, and wasting extra time, scrambling to find cash to pay for something I really want or need.
If you want to save extra money on fees, see if your local bank can convert the money for you before leaving for Portugal. Many large banks, like Wells Fargo, have currency exchanges available at local branches.
If you can’t exchange the money before leaving, then find an ATM in the city at a bank location and withdraw the cash that way. I recommend avoiding the ATMs at airports and tourist areas to avoid higher ATM fees. I found plenty of bank ATMs in the larger cities and remember to decline the automatic exchange conversions. This allows the bank to set a less favorable exchange rate and they may add a markup or foreign transaction fees.
How Much Are Hotels In Portugal?
Hotels in Portugal cost between €20-€150 a night for larger cities like Lisbon or Porto. This price range includes budget options up to a nicer three star hotel in the city center.
Budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, and basic hotels can be found throughout Portugal. Prices for budget options typically range from €20 to €60 per night. These options are suitable for travelers looking to minimize lodging expenses.
Mid-range hotels offer a balance between comfort and affordability. Expect to pay around €60 to €150 per night for a mid-range hotel room. These hotels often provide additional amenities such as private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
Portugal also includes a range of luxurious hotels, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. Prices for luxury hotels can start at €150 per night and go well beyond €500 per night for premium suites and exclusive experiences. These establishments offer top-notch service, spa facilities, gourmet dining, and stunning views.
In my opinion, I recommend focusing on the location of your hotel as a top priority. If you are within walking distance from most of what you to explore and see, I think it’s worth the extra money. I stayed in two different hotels while in Lisbon to take advantage of using points. The first stay, using points was a bit far and I spent time on metros and taxis that could have been better spent exploring the sites. My second hotel was right on Rossio Square, within walking distance to many attractions and close a major train stations that made is super easy to access the sites and neighboring cities.
Portugal showcases some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and the more time you spend on the streets enjoying the city, instead of in a tram or taxi, the happier you will be with your trip to Portugal.
Final Thoughts On How Much Money To Bring to Portugal
Portugal offers a little bit of everything for everyone, ranging from budget friendly to high end luxury. Despite the often high price tag of traveling Europe, Portugal remains distinct with its affordability without losing the quintessential Western European charm.
If you’re like me and love food, then Portugal must be on your list of must visit destinations. Don’t let the fear of spending too much stop you. By following my advice and sticking to a budget, your trip to Portugal will become a reality.
