As a fair and balanced travel writer, I aim to help backpackers make informed decisions. Here’s a comparison of Lisbon and Strasbourg, focusing on typical backpacker budgets and experiences.

Which City Offers a Lower Daily Budget?

Lisbon, Portugal generally offers a slightly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Strasbourg.

• Lisbon Estimated Daily Budget: €35-50 (estimated).
• Strasbourg Estimated Daily Budget: €40-55 (estimated).

A typical backpacker in Europe can expect to spend €35-55 per day, covering accommodation, food, and local transport.

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?

Lisbon typically offers more budget-friendly hostel options.

• Lisbon Hostels: Expect to pay €15-25 per night for a dorm bed in a well-rated hostel (estimated). Prices can fluctuate seasonally.
• Strasbourg Hostels: Dorm beds in hostels generally range from €20-30 per night (estimated). As a French city, accommodation costs are usually slightly higher.

What Are the Food and Drink Expenses?

Both cities offer options for budget travelers, but Lisbon tends to be more affordable for dining out.

• Lisbon Food: Meals at local tascas or casual restaurants typically cost €8-15. Street food like pastéis de nata is very cheap. Groceries from supermarkets are also affordable, allowing for a daily food budget of €10-18 (estimated).
• Strasbourg Food: Meals at casual restaurants often range from €10-20. Bakeries offer excellent value for breakfast and lunch. Supermarkets provide good options for self-catering. Expect a daily food budget of €12-20 (estimated).

How Much is Local Transportation?

Both cities have efficient public transport systems, but their use and costs vary slightly.

• Lisbon Transport: A rechargeable ‘Viva Viagem’ card allows for inexpensive rides on metro, buses, and trams. Single rides cost around €1.50-2.50. A daily transport budget of €5-8 is realistic (estimated), especially if you plan to use it frequently due to the city’s hills.
• Strasbourg Transport: The city center is very walkable. Public transport (tram and bus) is efficient, with single tickets around €1.80-2.20 and day passes available for €4-7. A daily transport budget of €5-10 is typical (estimated), though you might spend less if you walk everywhere.

Which City Offers More Affordable Activities?

Both cities offer plenty of free or low-cost activities for backpackers.

• Lisbon Activities: Exploring historic neighborhoods, enjoying free panoramic viewpoints (miradouros), and walking tours are largely free. Many museums have free entry on the first Sunday of the month or specific hours. Iconic tram rides are affordable.
• Strasbourg Activities: Visiting the interior of Strasbourg Cathedral is free. Exploring the charming Petite France district, walking along canals, and visiting parks are also free. Museum entry fees typically range from €5-15.
• General Tip: Backpackers can utilize resources like AllInMap to find free amenities such as public restrooms, water fountains, and free Wi-Fi spots in both cities.

Consider Seasonal Price Fluctuations.

For both Lisbon and Strasbourg, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer months (June-August). These shoulder seasons also often come with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.