Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Cascais
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $43-107 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Cascais
Accommodation
$20-45 per night
Shared dorm rooms in hostels, basic guesthouses, or budget rooms slightly outside the town center
Food & Dining
$15-30 per day
Local cafes, Portuguese bakeries, supermarket meals, occasional traditional tascas, self-catering
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Public buses, walking, occasional train to Lisbon, cycling
Activities
$5-20 per day
Beach time, free walking tours, public parks, occasional museum entry, hiking coastal paths
Currency: € Euro (EUR)
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local Portuguese cafes and tascas instead of tourist-focused restaurants (typically 40-60% cheaper)
Use public buses and trains instead of taxis for transportation (usually 70-80% savings)
Stay in accommodations slightly outside the historic center for 20-40% lower rates
Visit free beaches and coastal walking paths instead of paid beach clubs
Shop at local supermarkets and prepare some meals yourself (can reduce food costs by 50-70%)
Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance for early booking discounts of 15-30%
Travel during shoulder seasons (October-November, March-April) for 20-35% savings on accommodation
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Eating exclusively in the tourist areas near the marina and main squares (typically 100-150% markup over local spots)
Taking taxis for all transportation instead of using efficient public buses and trains (3-4x more expensive)
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season without comparing options (often 50-100% premium)
Paying for expensive organized tours when many attractions are easily accessible independently