A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Playa del Ingles for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisbon or Playa del Ingles?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa del Ingles? 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.

Where Should I go: Lisbon or Playa del Ingles?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

Playa del Ingles

Translating to "Englishman's Beach," Playa del Ingles is a sea resort located on the south coast of the Gran Canaria island of Spain's Canary Islands. Since the 1960s it has been built up to accommodate tourists from around the world, especially from Europe. Some of the most popular attractions include an abundance of bars and clubs as well as beachside activities like swimming, surfing, scuba, and snorkeling.

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 Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Playa del Ingles or Lisbon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Lisbon Prices
    Portugal Prices
    Playa del Ingles Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Lisbon 167
    Playa del Ingles 216

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €167, while the average daily cost in Playa del Ingles is €216. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and Playa del Ingles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 63
    Playa del Ingles 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 126
    Playa del Ingles 186
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Playa del Ingles

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or Playa del Ingles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lisbon


Hotels in Playa del Ingles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lisbon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 25
    Playa del Ingles 61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • lisbon private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $71
  • VIP transfer from the airport to Lisbon hotels: $42
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lisbon APT-HTL (LIS): $36
  • Transfers in Lisbon Center To and from the Airport : $48
  • Transfers from Lisbon airport and to Lisbon Airport: $179
  • Transfers and Tours safely and comfortably aboard a Tesla M3: $42
  • Transfer: To/From Airport to where you want in Lisbon: $53
  • Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley from Lisbon: $762
  • Transfer to Setubal (not Troia or Comporta) from Lisbon: $60
  • Transfer to Porto Covo from Lisbon: $277
  • Transfer to Peniche /Amoreira / Baleal from Lisbon: $243
  • Transfer to Nazaré from Lisbon: $256

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Playa del Ingles?

Prices for flights to both Playa del Ingles and Lisbon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lisbon 73
    Playa del Ingles 84
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Exclusive Sunset Cruise – Pizza, Open Bar & Dolphins: $29
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $32
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $35
  • Traditional Walking Food Tour: $50
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $57
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $58
  • Lisbon Sangria – Exclusive Luxury Cruise with Pizza & Music: $58
  • Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks: $59
  • Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $60
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Playa del Ingles 33

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $173
  • 2 Hours Surf Lesson Experience in Costa da Caprica: $42
  • Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $215
  • Expert Guided Walking Tour of Belém with Stunning view & History: $191
  • Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos Small Group Tour From Lisbon: $90
  • Guided Tour to Sintra with 4 Monuments Visit, Private Full Day: $263
  • Lisbon Essential Walking Tour: History, Stories and Lifestyle: $30
  • Private Sailing Experience: $179
  • Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Coast with Tickets from Lisbon: $76
  • Tour of Groutes Mira de Aire + Battle Monastery: $179
  • from Sintra half-day sightseeing tour: $215
  • Évora Tour: $179

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Playa del Ingles 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room: $19
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots & VIP Club Entry: $23
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar (Premium Upgrade Available): $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: Unlimited Drinks, Shots & V.I.P Club Entry: $23
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $24
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting: $25
  • Guided Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif: $28
  • Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif at Portuguese Wine Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Wine Tasting: $29
  • Catamaran Luxury Sunset and Wine Tour: $42


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Playa del Ingles, we can see that Playa del Ingles is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Playa del Ingles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Ingles than you might in Lisbon.

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


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Playa del Ingles?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Playa del Ingles. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Playa del Ingles, 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 Playa del Ingles?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa del Ingles in the Summer?

Both Playa del Ingles and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Playa del Ingles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Ingles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Ingles during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa del Ingles in the Autumn?

Both Playa del Ingles and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lisbon is generally cooler than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Playa del Ingles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Ingles. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 213 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Playa del Ingles. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa del Ingles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Playa del Ingles. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lisbon is cooler than Playa del Ingles in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Ingles during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Playa del Ingles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Playa del Ingles. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lisbon is cooler than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Ingles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Ingles. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 225 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Ingles. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Playa del Ingles and Lisbon

Lisbon Playa del Ingles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)