Can anyone give me an idea of how expensive Lisbon is? I have an opportunity to go to Europe in March but want to keep costs down. Would Lisbon be a good place to go for shopping, eating and people watching?

Yes, esp. if you use Priceline for your hotel.

Portugal (including Lisbon of course) is much more expensive than it used to be, but is still the cheapest country in western Europe.

Well everything is more expensive than it used to be. But I was just in Portugal in July and was delighted at how economical it is. I go to Europe twice a year and have been to most of the countries in Western Europe and Portugal was definitly the cheapest. Lisbon was more expensive than other towns though, at least for things like buying ceramics, etc. But it was still considerably less expenisve than Italy, France, etc and much, much less than England, Scandinavia, Switzerland. Plus it's just a delightful place with beautiful scenery, interesting architecture, nice people, great shopping, good food. What's not to like.

I have a trip report at: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34854723

In that report I give prices of hotels I stayed at and some meals, ceramics, etc.

If you use Priceline for your hotel room, you will more than likely win the Marriott. It is a business hotel and really not in the thick of things. Some kind of transportation would have to take to to-from the major sights and that will add to the cost. It is a nice hotel, and the bid price usually comes in really low.

That said. Lisbon can be very economical. Most meals are more than generous, in fact, you may be able to do with half portions in some restaurants.

Transportation cost is inexpensive also. The subway is good and cheap.

Read Isabel's trip report. That will give you a good idea.

We were there in May 2005 and also will be returning in October and I am curious to compare also.

Thanks for the info

I spent a few days in Lisbon in late February and I think you will be very happy with the on-the-ground expense situation there because it's a comparative bargain for western Europe. In addition, its seaside location and latitude makes it a great choice for March from the standpoint of weather. You'll have no problem finding plenty of places for shopping, eating and people-watching.

I like Lisbon, but I am a cheapskate. I stay in Hostals or 2-star Hotels (i.e., Residenciales): I have stayed a couple of times at Residencial Estrela do Saldanha, Avda Republica, 17 (Metro Saldanha: Duque de Avila exit). Carlos Ferreira, co/Owner- Manager speaks pretty good English. Do a Google search on Estrela do Saldanha - he has a website.
I've also stayed at Residencial 5 de Outubre, a couple of blocks away. I think it's a fairly safe neighborhood - close to sete rios bus station and EntreCampos tranvia Intercambiador.

Yes, Lisbon is good for shopping and people watching; but you might want to spend a few days in Sintra or Cascais, either of which you can reach by public transportation.

You'll also want to visit Parque dos Nacioes, site of Expo'98, part of which now houses an upscale shopping mall.

As a way to judge how expensive/inexpensive Lisbon is, I can say that a taxi to cross almost the whole city (from Saldanha to Belem) was 7 euros a year ago. I say this because taxis use to be very expensive everywhere, so they give a good sign of what you are going to find