A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Rio de Janeiro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of Lisbon is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Lisbon travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a festive, diverse, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Lisbon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its beaches and hiking, while Lisbon attracts visitors for its music and historical sights. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Lisbon and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music.

How is Lisbon different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rio de Janeiro that are not to be missed. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Is the Food Better in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro can be an enjoyable experience.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Rio de Janeiro has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

The terrific nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a world class party destination. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Many people head to Lisbon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lisbon is revered around the world. 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.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

People visit Rio de Janeiro specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Rio de Janeiro is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of terrific scenery and beauty in both Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.

Lisbon is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro make for a excellent 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 Rio de Janeiro frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Lisbon is a great destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lisbon can get you around easily. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is very walkable. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro?

Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lisbon than Rio de Janeiro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Rio de Janeiro. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Lisbon has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lisbon is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Should I visit Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Rio de Janeiro. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In January, Lisbon is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Lisbon is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon