To manage your budget effectively, it is worth noting that while card payments are widespread, “cash is king” in many small bakeries and traditional local establishments.

🍺 Beer: Imperiais and Craft Brews

In Lisbon, you don’t just ask for “a beer”; you ask for an “Imperial” (a small draught beer). While the market is dominated by the classic Sagres and Super Bock, the craft beer scene has exploded in neighborhoods like Marvila.

• Imperial (0.20L – 0.30L): €1.50 – €2.50. In a local neighborhood tasca, you can still find them for €1.20, but expect to pay more on the terraces of Chiado.
• Craft Beer (0.40L): €5.00 – €8.00. Local brands like Musa or Dois Corvos are popular choices in modern bars.
• Supermarket (0.33L Can): €0.80 – €1.20.

☕ Coffee and the Essential Pastel de Nata

Coffee culture is the heartbeat of Lisbon. The “Bica” (espresso) is a daily ritual, almost always accompanied by the crown jewel of Portuguese pastry.

• A Bica (Espresso): €0.70 – €1.00. In tourist-heavy plazas, prices can climb to €1.50.
• Pastel de Nata: €1.10 – €1.50. A custard tart at a local pastry shop costs around €1.10, while at the famous Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria, the price is slightly higher due to their artisanal reputation.
• Coffee + Nata Combo: Many local cafés offer this classic “breakfast” for between €2.00 and €2.50.

🚕 Taxis and Ride-Sharing: An Efficient Network

Lisbon has excellent coverage of traditional taxis (beige or black-and-green) and ride-sharing platforms (TVDE) like Uber and Bolt.

• Taxi Base Fare: €3.25.
• Average City Center Trip: €7.00 – €12.00.
• TVDE (Uber/Bolt): Prices fluctuate with demand, but a 15-minute trip generally costs between €6.00 and €10.00.
• Pro Tip: From the airport, the Metro (€1.80) or a ride-share app is usually more cost-predictable than a traditional taxi, which may charge extra for luggage.

🍽️ Dinner: Flavors of the Atlantic

From Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod) to fresh grilled sea bass, dining out in Lisbon is a social must.

• Budget Meal (Prato do Dia): €8.50 – €12.00. This “plate of the day” usually includes a main course and coffee, and sometimes a drink, found at local spots during lunch.
• Mid-range Dinner (3 courses for one): €20.00 – €35.00. In a cozy restaurant in Bairro Alto or Graça, assuming moderate drink choices.
• Dinner for Two (Including Wine): €50.00 – €80.00. Portugal offers world-class wines at very competitive restaurant prices.

💡 Money Tips for 2026

• The “Couvert” is Not Free: In Portugal, the bread, olives, and cheese placed on your table at the start of a meal are charged if you eat them. If you don’t want them, simply say “No, thank you” and they will be removed.
• Tipping: There is no rigid tipping rule. If the service is good, rounding up the bill or leaving 5% to 10% is appreciated but never mandatory.
• Lisboa Card: If you plan on visiting several museums and riding the iconic Tram 28, this pass can save you a significant amount on entrance fees and transport.

❓ FAQ about prices in Lisbon

Is it cheap to eat out in Lisbon?
Compared to Paris or London, yes. However, prices have risen. Stick to the “Tascas” (traditional taverns) if you want high-quality food at local prices.

Do taxis accept card in Lisbon?
Many traditional taxis still prefer cash. If you want to pay by card, it is best to use a ride-sharing app or ask the driver if they have a working terminal before starting the trip.

Is the Pastel de Nata very expensive in Belém?
No. Despite its worldwide fame, the price at Pastéis de Belém remains very close to other high-end bakeries, costing around €1.30 per unit.

Can I pay with card everywhere?
In larger establishments, yes. However, many small cafés and shops in Lisbon still have a “€5 or €10 minimum” for card payments. Always keep a few coins on you for small purchases.

The post Lisbon Price Guide: Beer, Coffee, Taxi & Dinner appeared first on Guide to Lisbon.

According to the person writing the comment, she found the information on the website of Carris, the company responsible for the trams and the buses in Lisbon. In other words, if it is so, that would be a drastic change in public transportation in Lisbon. So, what is the truth? Do you need to buy separate tickets if you want to travel with the buses and trams in Lisbon, or can you use the same tickets and the same 24-hour card for these transportation vehicles?

Same tickets for public transportation in Lisbon

So, let us take a look at the price list currently available at the Carris website, valid from August 1st in 2019.

If you take a look at the price list above, all uncertainty should go away at once. How come? You can see the normal tickets costs 1,50 Euro and they are for Carris and Metro. Again, Carris is the company responsible for buses and trams, while the metro – that is the metro. In other words, the same ticket is valid for both.

But, what about the 24-hour tickets in Lisbon?

Once again, you can see that the 24-hour ticket costs 6,40 Euro. And what is written next to it? It says, Carris/Metro. Once again, you can use the same 24-hour ticket at all these vehicles, including metro, buses, and trams. If you want to go on a longer trip to other regions a bit outside Lisbon, you might have to buy the extended ticket (more expensive), or simply buy some extra tickets to use those transportation means, but for transportation in the center of Lisbon, the 24-hour ticket should work perfectly.

What about traveling from the airport?

If you come to the airport in Lisbon, you can buy the 24-hour ticket there (or single tickets) and travel by metro towards the city center. It is very easy, and it works great. But, if you want to get faster to your hotel and more efficiently, the best solution is a private airport transfer. We can help you with that, and we have way better prices (and much safer) compared to what you will get if you just find a driver upon arrival at the airport in Lisbon. If you want to know more about our airport transfer service in Lisbon, click the link and book your transfer today!

We hope these answers will help you. We wish you a pleasant stay in Lisbon!

The post Can the 24-hour transportation ticket in Lisbon be used on metro only? appeared first on Guide to Lisbon.