Solo travel in Lisbon is a safe and exciting way to experience Portugal’s capital city. This guide shares all you need to know about traveling to Lisbon solo, especially as a woman!
Lisbon is a colorful, coastal city that’s long filled my Insta feed and captured the attention of sun seekers. You can find the city along the central coast of Portugal, nestled amongst seven hills responsible for its steep cobblestone streets and many incredible lookout points.
Besides the colorful architecture and the 300 days of sunshine a year, this city has so much to offer visitors, even those coming to Lisbon solo.
And thanks to a lovely Valentine’s gift from my partner, I had the chance to experience solo travel in Lisbon for myself! I spent a long weekend soaking up its beauty completely on my terms, and I loved every minute of it.
If you’re considering experiencing a taste of Lisbon solo travel yourself, here’s how to have a fantastic visit even on your lonesome.
Read more: Complete Guide to Solo Travel in Portugal
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Table of Contents
Is Lisbon safe for solo travel?
Where to stay in Lisbon
Best hotels and hostels in Lisbon
Best time to visit Lisbon
How much time is needed in Lisbon
Places to visit in Lisbon for solo travel
Things to do in Lisbon for solo travel
Travel tips for solo travelers in Lisbon
Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Portugal as a country is so safe not only for solo travel but just in general, that it’s ranked as the world’s fourth safest country in 2021 according to the Global Peace Index. The GPI takes into account each country’s crime rate, any current international or domestic conflicts, etc, so that’s saying a lot! For perspective, the U.S. was ranked 121st.
Lisbon is also remarkably safe, and is consistently ranked as one of the safest capital cities in Europe.
When I was there, I never felt uncomfortable or like I was in a situation I shouldn’t be in. In fact, I found the locals to be insanely friendly and chatty.
Where to Stay in Lisbon as a Solo Traveler
Here’s a breakdown of the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon and hostel/hotel recommendations.
Baixia: downtown Lisbon and most central place to stay
In my opinion, staying in Baixa or downtown is the absolute best place to stay in Lisbon. This city is somewhat compact, and many of its top attractions are within walking distance from downtown, except for the Belem Tower and Monastery, which is a 30-minute tram ride.
Cais do Sodré: trendy and best for taking advantage of nightlife
Right next to the downtown district is Cais do Sodré. This neighborhood is a short walk from the center and is often described as “rougher,” probably because it’s home to the city’s famous club-lined pink street.
But don’t let that deter you. This area is really fantastic for street photography and is also home to some creative spirit. The Time Out Lisbon market is also in this neighborhood.
Alfama: Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood boarding downtown
On the opposite side of downtown is Alfama. This old and charming district is extra hilly and is famous for its narrow, winding streets. It’s also where many traditional shops are situated and where you can ride the famous tram 28 to stops like the Cathedral and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol lookout point.
Best Hotels and Hostels in Lisbon
Here are some of the best places to stay in Lisbon that I had on my radar.
I personally stayed at My Story Hotel Tejo during my solo Lisbon trip because it was reasonably priced (€48/night in Feb), in a fantastic location right next to the Rossio metro in downtown Lisbon, and I wanted a private room.
But my second choice was Yes, Lisbon Hostel!, because it’s been ranked as the world’s best hostel twice and is known as a social place to stay! It’s also conveniently located to the ocean, and the iconic Praça do Comércio square.
Another noteworthy downtown hostel is Home Lisbon hostel on the edge of Alfama in downtown boasting a great social atmosphere, location, and famous nightly home cooked dinners.
The Lumiares Resort and Spa offers more upscale accommodations in the heart of Lisbon for solo travelers who appreciate a quality stay. The hotel boasts an incredible rooftop terrace with a private panoramic view of Lisbon.
Read More: 12 Best Cheap Lisbon Hotels + Hostels
When is the best time to visit Lisbon
Lisbon (and Portugal in general) is one of those destinations that offers pleasant weather any time of year! The summer is supremely sunny, with average temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s.
And even the winter, in my opinion, is a fantastic time to visit, with temperatures that average in the 50s and 60s. It’s also much cheaper and much less crowded.
Read More: Lisbon Winter Guide: Why You Should Visit Lisbon in Winter
How much time is needed in Lisbon?
I spent a long weekend in Lisbon (three nights, four-ish days), and felt it was a great amount of time to see not only the best of Lisbon but also take a day trip to Sintra solo (which I recommend to everyone who has time!).
But if you are short on time, two days in Lisbon is enough time to see the best of the city.
Read More: A Perfect Lisbon Itinerary: How to See Lisbon in 3 Days
10 Best Places to Visit For Solo Travel in Lisbon
This list is just the tip of the iceberg of the best things to do in Lisbon! But here are some of the can’t-miss and easy to explore as a solo traveler.
1. Bélem Tower
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 5:30pm (6:30pm in summer), closed Mondays
The Torre de Belém, or Belém Tower, is a medieval tower that sits right off the edge of the ocean shore. It’s been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, dates back to the 16th century, and has become an iconic landmark for Lisbon.
Visitors can go inside and marvel at the incredible architecture up close while soaking up ocean and city views from the top. The tower doesn’t open until 10:00 am and requires an advance ticket purchase.
2. Jerónimos Monastery + Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm, closed Mondays
The Jerónimos Monastery is a gorgeous landmark that was a former monastery for the Order of Saint Jerome. Its design is a prime example of the Portuguese late Gothic. Visitors need about two hours to see the grounds, which feature gardens, a courtyard of cloisters, tombs of historical figures, and an ornate church interior.
Housed on the same grounds as the monastery is the National Archaeological Museum. You must pay an additional entrance fee, but the museum is worth it for history buffs. Ancient artifacts from all over the world are on display inside.
3. Elevador de Santa Justa
Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 10:45 pm
The Santa Justa Elevator is an urban elevator connecting Baixa with the upper Bairro Alto district. It features a filigree design made from cast iron that is truly beautiful to see.
You can ride the elevator to the top for a small fee and take in sweeping views of Lisbon. If you want to skip the long line and the €5.30 round trip elevator ticket, you can walk up to the viewing platform and pay €1.50 for the top observation deck alone.
4. Alfama neighborhood
Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods and is known for its tightly packed homes and beautiful lookout points. I recommend taking the time to explore the narrow streets of Alfama while on that side of the city. Just be sure to mentally prepare for lots of uphill climbs! Or take the tram instead 😉
5. Carmo Convent
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm (7:00pm in summer)
The Carmo Convent is a Gothic church that was hit by an earthquake and suffered severe damage in 1755. However, the stone walls and rooftop arches were left intact, and today it has been turned into a beautiful archaeological museum.
You must first walk through the eye-catching roofless courtyard to reach the museum’s interior. Inside, you can marvel at various displays that showcase mummies, old libraries, ancient engraved tombs, and more.
6. Praça do Comércio + Arco da Rua Augusta
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm
The Praça do Comércio is a large public square on the ocean that features a famous statue of King José I of Portugal. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic white Arco da Rua Augusta arches surrounded by yellow wings.
For a small fee of €3, you can climb into the arches to view the central city streets. You don’t need much time here, but I recommend taking a moment to sit and enjoy the ocean views.
7. Museum of Art Architecture and Technology
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 7:00pm, closed Tuesdays
The MAAT, or the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, is probably one of the most famous museums in Lisbon, outside of the National Archaeology Museum.
The exhibits are housed in a stunning modern building that’s become a popular landmark in and of itself. The displays are dedicated to sharing the history of electricity and technology, specifically as it revolves around the old Tejo Power Station.
8. Lisbon Cathedral
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm
The Lisbon Cathedral is unique because it features different architectural styles. Originally built back in the mid-1100s, it’s been hit by numerous earthquakes over the centuries and has required many restorations and repairs, resulting in its unique look.
But remarkably, the church continues to stand, and visitors can enter the ground level for free or pay to climb up into the church to see various exhibits and look out at the mid-level viewing deck.
9. São Jorge Castle
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Castelo de São Jorge, or the Sao Jorge Castle, is a historic landmark with origins that date back to the 8th century BC! Various groups have occupied the castle grounds over the years, including the Romans, Moors, and eventually the Portuguese.
Today, this Moorish castle offers a unique glimpse into the past and features ruins you can climb, an exhibit of artifacts, an archaeological dig, and some pretty fantastic city views. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
10. Sintra
Sintra is by far one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. While there are many incredible things to see in Sintra, it’s only feasible to see 2-3 places in a single day trip, maybe four if you have a private tour and do the sights quickly.
On my day trip to Sintra, I saw the Park and National Palace of Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira. The Monserrate Palace was also on my bucket list, but I ran out of time.
10 Best Things to Do in Lisbon for Solo Travelers
Lisbon solo travel doesn’t have to be boring! Here are some of the best things to do in Lisbon even if you’re visiting on your own.
1. Cafe hop and savor the stellar brunch scene
I’m a total brunchaholic, so you can imagine I was pretty stoked to find out that Lisbon has many incredible brunch spots. And better yet, they are pretty reasonably priced. Some of the most popular Lisbon brunch spots include Nicolau Lisbon and Zenith Brunch and Cocktail bar.
2. Eat all the Portuguese goodies and Port wine
Pastéis de Belém is the birthplace of the pastel de Belem or the famous Portuguese custard tart. The cafe’s interior is super old-school, and they serve up many different types of baked goods and hot drinks.
- Pastel de Nata – creamy, egg tarts
- Bifana sandwiches – marinated sliced pork on a white bun
- Bacalhau + Pasteis de Bacalhau – salted cod fish and cod fish fritters
- Sardines – canned sardines are a popular Lisbon souvenir
- Ginjinha – sour cherry liqueur from chocolate cups
- Cozido à portuguesa – hearty meat stew
3. Learn how to make pastel de nata
Pastel de Natas are a Portuguese dessert that I have come to truly love and adore. These creamy and perfectly sweet egg tarts feature a flaky crust and are usually dusted with cinnamon and sometimes powdered sugar.
When you’re in Lisbon, eating a pastel de nata is a must! But you could take it a step further and learn how to make one yourself with a pastel de nata baking class! Classes generally take a couple of hours, and you get to eat your creations when you’re finished.
4. Shop til you drop along one of Lisbon’s shopping streets
There are a few classic streets in Lisbon lined with popular shops, souvenir stalls, pastel de nata bakeries, cafes, and more. You don’t have to try hard to stumble upon them, but I thought I’d call them out because they’re a classic thing to see in Lisbon.
- Rua Augusta spans from the Arco de Rua Augusta to the Rossio Metro, through the length of Baixia.
- Rua do Carmo is a short stretch of pedestrian street behind the Santa Justa Elevador and is not far from the Carmo Convent.
- Avenida da Liberdade is where you can find posh shopping, and it’s even known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in Europe.
5. Ride the famous Tram 28, a retro tram still in use
Riding Tram 28 has become an iconic thing to do in Lisbon for many reasons. First, the historical and classic yellow tram has become an iconic symbol of Lisbon and Lisbon photography. Second, it travels between Lisbon’s top attractions, climbing up and over the city’s cobblestone hills.
The tram’s route can be easily found on Google Maps, and to pay for the ride, you pay the driver in cash or show your 24-hour public transport pass. Some of its stops include Martim Moniz, Portas do Sol, the Lisbon Cathedral, Baixia, etc.
6. Eat more at the hip and cool Time Out Market Lisboa
The Time Out Market Lisbon is a modern space that houses various eateries. From traditional Portuguese to Asian dishes and all the sweets you can imagine, there’s something for everyone at this market.
I grabbed some Portuguese tapas, wine from the Miguel Castro e Silva stand, and a donut for dessert from Crush Donuts. It was all delicious! It’s also housed in the same building as a traditional Portuguese market, which I recommend strolling through if it’s still open when you arrive.
7. Lisbon River Cruise
One unique way to see Lisbon is on a sightseeing river cruise! The pretty Tagus River flows past Lisbon on its way to the Atlantic Ocean, providing a long stretch of green space to soak up and enjoy.
There are a few different options to consider including a sunset catamaran tour or a more classic day-time boat cruise along the river passing iconic landmarks like Belem Tower and the Sanctuary of Christ the King in Almada, two landmarks a bit far from downtown.
8. Listen to Fado Music
Traditional Fado music originates in Lisbon and, more specifically, the Alfama district. It can be described as mournful tunes that often relate to the dangers of the sea, a nod to Portugal’s maritime history.
One of the best ways to hear Fado music is at a club that serves dinner and a performance. The Clube de Fado is a popular place to catch a Fado show in Lisbon.
9. Tick off as many of Lisbon’s viewpoints (miradouros) as possible.
Lisbon is said to have been built upon seven hills, which overlook the sparkling ocean and colorful streets of the sprawling city. So many hills mean numerous lookout points where visitors and locals can sit and take it all in.
While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to visit all of Lisbon’s lookout points, or Miradouros, here are some of the best that you should consider visiting.
- Miradouro Portas do Sol: Classic Lisbon view of Alfama and Church of São Vicente de Fora on the hill.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia: A romantic, garden-filled terrace with a charming pergola and great views of Alfama and Lisbon.
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: One of the highest (and furthest) points, but it provides a clear view of nearly the entire city.
10. Snap a pic or two at one of Lisbon’s best Instagram spots
Lisbon is one of those cities that just screams photogenic. From the golden sunshine to the rolling city hills and the colorful buildings that line cobblestone streets, Lisbon is so darn pretty.
That means there are plenty of opportunities for snapping a new photo for your social media feeds. Just don’t forget to bring your tripod!
Some of the best Instagram spots in Lisbon are:
- Lisbon’s Pink Street (which is lined with nightclubs)
- Ler Devagar Bookstore
- The MAAT Museum
- Village Underground Lisboa (colorful shipping container shops)
- Lisbon street art (many noteworthy works of art scattered around the city)
5 Lisbon Travel Tips for Solo Travelers
Although Lisbon is safe for solo travelers, and solo female travelers to be more specific, it’s always a good idea to come prepared with some basic safety tips to stay comfy during your travels.
1. How to meet people in Lisbon as a solo traveler
Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely, and I’ve managed to make friends while traveling solo on every solo trip I’ve ever taken—no joke!
That’s because I put myself out there in order to meet like-minded travelers and do these simple things to better my chances of making friends abroad:
- Stay in a dorm at a hostel
- Take part in an organized tour
- Don’t be too shy to say hello to other travelers out in the wild
- Connect with others in Facebook groups like Solo Female Traveler Network
Read More: 15 Unspoken Hostel Rules Everyone Should Know
2. Don’t be afraid to enjoy the nightlife
Part of the fun of Lisbon is its vibrant nightlife and fado music scene. Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice enjoying this side of the city. I recommend keeping your wits about you, keeping an eye on any drinks to ensure nothing is added, and even making friends at your hostel.
3. Come knowing how to get around Lisbon
One of the most stressful parts of travel, at least for me, is navigating around a new place. Thankfully, Lisbon is a pretty easy city to get around in, both on foot and by public transportation!
But here are some helpful things to keep in mind to help you get around Lisbon:
Taxi: Taxis in Lisbon are easy to hail and are generally quite affordable compared to other major cities. I recommend coming with the FreeNow app downloaded to your phone, which is Uber of Europe. From the airport, it’s about a 15-20 minute drive and costs less than €20, depending on where you’re going.
Lisbon metro: The metro is my preferred way to get around any city, and in Lisbon you have access to both the metro and trams.
You can take the Lisbon Red Metro Line from the airport to the city center (it ends at the São Sebastiãon station) and transfer if needed. The metro departs every 6 to 10 minutes and the tickets are comparable in price to the buses.
Buses and the AeroBus Shuttle Service: Buses are also an option! The airport bus is the most affordable way to get downtown from the airport. A single ticket is less than €2, but you can also buy a 24-hour public transportation pass or the Lisbon card (transportation and attractions) that includes unlimited rides on both the buses and metro.
4. Save money with a student card or Lisbon City Card
If you’re a student, you can save on many attractions in Lisbon by showing your student ID.
You should also consider buying the Sintra Green Card (if planning on visiting Sintra) or the Lisbon City Card for unlimited public transportation and entrance discounts to many popular museums and local attractions.
5. Watch out for pickpockets
While pickpockets aren’t as common in Lisbon as other European capitals, it’s still worth being on guard. Pickpockets most often strike in crowded places like on the metro or popular tourist attractions.
To safeguard against pickpockets, make sure to keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables out of your easily accessible pockets, both on your clothing and your bags—pickpockets are surprisingly good at unzipping large pockets undetected. I also recommend wearing your backpack or purse on your front when in a crowd.