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

Should you visit Lisbon or Alicante?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Alicante? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of Lisbon is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lisbon travel costs.

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Alicante travel costs.

Lisbon and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Alicante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Alicante, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lisbon is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Lisbon different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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

Lisbon is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Lisbon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Lisbon or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Lisbon or Alicante Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Lisbon 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.

Alicante is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Alicante Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Alicante are good choices.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Is Lisbon or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Alicante?

Lisbon is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Lisbon or Alicante More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Lisbon is one of the main draws. 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.

Alicante is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lisbon or Alicante Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Alicante.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. 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.

Alicante is a very family-friendly place to visit. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Is Lisbon or Alicante Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Alicante make for a great place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Is Lisbon or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is terrific for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lisbon. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Lisbon or Alicante Better for Students?

Lisbon is well known for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

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

Lisbon is terrific for its public transit. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Lisbon or Alicante a more walkable city?

Lisbon is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Lisbon or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lisbon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Alicante 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 Lisbon or Alicante?

Lisbon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alicante. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Alicante?

Lisbon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Alicante 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.

Five days in Lisbon or Alicante?

Lisbon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lisbon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. 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.

A week in Lisbon or Alicante?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Alicante. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Alicante, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Alicante?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Alicante, 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 Lisbon or Alicante?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisbon or Alicante in the Summer?

Both Alicante and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in July than Alicante. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Alicante in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Alicante. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Alicante in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Alicante. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Alicante. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Alicante averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Alicante in the Spring?

Both Alicante and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches.

In April, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Alicante. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Lisbon