A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Lisbon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Hue or Lisbon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hue and Lisbon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hue

Hue is a imperial, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Hue travel costs.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty in Lisbon as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Lisbon travel costs.

Hue and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Lisbon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Hue. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hue is famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Hue different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lisbon and Hue. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hue or Lisbon?

Lisbon is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lisbon on the map. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hue. It's an ancient city that is filled with many sights from its imperial past. The Imperial City in Hue is the city's most important attraction. Other sights include the Thai Hoa Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.

Is the Food Better in Hue or Lisbon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hue. Local dishes were once served to the city's emperors, but today you'll find them in restaurants and food stalls. Dishes are either sweet or spicy with lemongrass, basil, chilies, and mint herbs mixed in. Soups and grilled meats are popular such as bun bo hue and nem lui.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Lisbon is a must-see party destination. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hue. For the best nightlife, many visitors head to the Western Area, particularly around the streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is another popular area for nightlife in Hue.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is terrific for its music scene. However, Hue is not a live music destination.

In Lisbon you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Hue is not a live music destination.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Lisbon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Hue. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Lisbon?

Lisbon is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Lisbon is a world class destination for shoppers. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hue. The city has many local markets where you can find traditional and authentic handicrafts. Some of the most interesting things to purchase at the markets include silk paintings, antiques, and lacquerware.

Is Hue or Lisbon More Beautiful?

Lisbon is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Lisbon as well. With its bright colors and dramatic hills, many people consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many spectacular viewpoints that look out over the city.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for Families?

Lisbon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lisbon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Hue is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring the Imperial City, visiting Ho Quyen Arena and Long Chau Temple, or wandering through the city's local markets. The Demilitarized Zone is also an interesting side trip.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a well-known place for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Hue is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy boat rides or sunset cruises along Perfume River. There are also interesting temples and fascinating day trips that you can take from the city.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is terrific for backpackers. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lisbon is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Hue is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It is a popular stop over in central Vietnam. There are plenty of hostels and budget guesthouses to accommodate the backpacker crowds. There are also cheap restaurants and interesting activities relating to the city's long history.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for Students?

Lisbon is a well-known place for students. However, Hue is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Hue is not popular with students.

Is Hue or Lisbon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisbon is terrific for its public transit. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lisbon can take you anywhere. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Hue has some public transit options. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Is Hue or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Hue is very walkable. Many of the sights can be reached on foot and the city is relatively compact.

For even more information, also check out Is Hue Worth Visiting? and Is Lisbon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Hue?

How long in Hue or Lisbon?

Both Hue and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Hue. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Hue. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lisbon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Hue. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Hue if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lisbon.

One day in Hue or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Hue or Lisbon?

Hue is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Lisbon for a weekend. When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hue or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Hue or Lisbon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Hue. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lisbon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hue is in Asia and Lisbon is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hue and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Hue.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hue Expensive? and Is Lisbon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hue or Lisbon?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Lisbon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Hue or Lisbon?

Lisbon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hue experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hue or Lisbon in the Summer?

Both Lisbon and Hue during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hue is a little warmer than Lisbon in the summer. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hue. In the summer, Hue often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun.

Hue usually gets more rain in July than Lisbon. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August is the dry season in Hue. September to December is the rainy season in Hue.

Should I visit Hue or Lisbon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Lisbon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Hue is a little warmer than Lisbon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hue in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Lisbon averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. Hue usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during autumn. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hue usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue.

Should I visit Hue or Lisbon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hue as well as Lisbon. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hue is generally much warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 22°C (71°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Hue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. Hue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hue usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lisbon. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season.

Should I visit Hue or Lisbon in the Spring?

Both Lisbon and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

Hue is much warmer than Lisbon in the spring. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during spring. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hue usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Hue