Lisbon Budget Travel ideas cover all of its three main districts Baixa (low quarter), Bairro Alto (high quarter) and Alfama. Lisbon is built on seven hills, thus, using its transport system is pretty essential. Thankfully, it is also relatively cheap to use. Budget travelers should try to use Lisbon's mass transit to their advantage by taking certain trams that pass through interesting districts. The municipal government has also been creating more bike lanes, so that bicyclists can traverse the Tejo river all the way to Belem, where Portugal's great explorers set off during the Age of Discovery.

Budget Travel Must's

One should get accustomed to Lisbon's tram network and use the funiculars (hill elevators) to reach hilly areas. Some budget travel must's include:

• Taking Tram 28. For the price of one ride, 1.40€, one may traverse the picturesque hilly quarters of Lisbon and possibly get off to visit the Feira da Landra flea market in Graca.
• Visiting Belem and its Jeronimos Monastery. Entry is free. 
• Perusing the art at The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. This museum houses a wide array of Egyptian artifacts as well as paintings by Cassat, Manet and Monet. 2.50-5€. Avenida de Berna, 45A. Closed on Mondays.
• Visiting Pavilhao do Conhecimento (Pavillion of Knowledge) within the 1998 World Expo Parque das Nacoes. An interactive science museum for all ages. 3-7€.

Budget Lodging

It is possible to arrange cheap lodging after you arrive, as it is not difficult to find a double room for between 40€ and 60€. Other specific options include:

• Oasis Backpackers Mansion - breakfast included and dinner offered for 5€. Free Internet. Mixed dorm beds for 20€/person. R. de Santa Catarina 24.  
• Lisbon Old Town Hostel – a new hostel catering to the hipper crowd. Free computer access. Rates vary by season and room desired. 13€ up to 60€ for a private twin bed room during the high season. Rua do Ataíde, 26A.

Where to Eat and Drink

If you want to experience traditional fado music, expect to pay a little more for lower quality fare. Otherwise, Lisbon offers some of the most affordable restaurants in Europe. Your best bet for economical dishes and wine is on Rua dos Bacalhoeiros and Rua dos Correeiros. If you don't want to pick through a Portuguese menu, then the Mercado da Ribeira at the Cais do Sodre offers a lunchtime buffet for only 7.50€.