Just realized how much cheaper Lisbon is compared to 5 years ago

I went back to Lisbon last month after not visiting since 2019 and the prices for hostels and food have gone way up. A bunk in a decent hostel that used to be 12 euros was 28 now. But I found this little pastel de nata shop near Alfama that still sells them for 1.10 euros each, which felt like finding a time capsule. Has anyone else noticed certain things in a city stayed cheap while everything else ballooned?

3 comments

3 Comments

beth_park19d ago

Oh man, the pastel de nata shop is basically a holy grail find at this point! I wonder if places like that survive because they're cash-only and under the radar of the big delivery apps that force everyone else to raise prices. It's like they're running a different economy than the rest of the city.

richard_young8019d ago

Wait, is that place still cash only? My buddy went there last week and forgot to hit the ATM, dude had to walk six blocks to find a bank machine and came back to a line out the door. He said it was worth it though, best custard tart he's had in years, but he almost missed his train because of the whole ordeal.

felixlane19d ago

Is it possible they're also avoiding credit card fees by keeping it cash-only? Those processing charges add up fast for small shops, especially if they're selling something cheap like pastries where every penny of profit matters.