I love Lisbon! It’s one of those cities that you can immediately fall in love with. It’s all about the beautiful Portuguese pavement, gorgeous architecture, delicious food and friendly people. I always say “I can see myself living here” wherever I travel to, but honestly, I can really see myself living here!
As the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is charismatic and stunning in every way. You can sense the rich history in the city with a hint of modernism. Gastronomy is one of the highlights and not to mention the nightlife. You cannot even tell that the city went through a devastating earthquake.
And travelling solo in Lisbon is super easy and fun. If you are starting your research for your first solo trip to Portugal, then keep reading. In this post, I included all the information you will need to know before going to Lisbon. Plus, I included my top ten favourite things to do alone and a three-day itinerary for first-time visitor.
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Solo Travel in Lisbon: What you need to know
Before you take a solo trip to Lisbon, take a look at my travel tips that you may find useful:
- It is possible to get by with English only. But it would be nice to learn a few basic Portuguese phrases like hello (olá) and thank you (obrigada).
- Portugal has 3 network providers for cell phones and data. SIM cards do not require registration and topping up your card is easy. But there is free wifi (almost) everywhere.
- Plan your visit to Lisbon with the following festivals and events:
- Lisbon Carnival (Shrove Tuesday, between mid-Feb to early March) – like Rio Carnival, the event is full of music, dance, costumes and traditional Portuguese food.
- San Antonio Festival (June 12-13) – celebrate Portugal’s patron saint, Santo Antonio, with parades and street parties.
- Festival Santa Casa Alfama (September 29-30) – listen to Portuguese Fado music at this 2-day annual event.
Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travellers
Generally, Lisbon is safe for female solo travellers. The city’s crime rate is low, pickpocketing is not a major concern, and violent crime is pretty rare.
As for my own perspective and experience, I’ve been to Lisbon three and spent over three months in the city. I stayed in Alfama and other parts of the city and never had any issues. I walked around alone during the day and night and felt safe.
Tips for staying safe in Lisbon
Even though Lisbon is a pretty safe city, I still recommend practicing regular travel safety precautions. Here are some safety travel tips to keep in mind while you are in Lisbon:
- Be aware of your belongings (bags, mobile phone, etc), especially in a crowded area. Be aware of pickpockets when Tram 28 becomes super busy.
- Leave your passport, (large sums of) money and other valuables at your hotel.
- Avoid poorly lit alleys at night when you are walking home at night.
- Walking through Martim Moniz Square is okay during the day. Don’t linger around too long or visit it at night.
How to Get to Lisbon Portugal
Plane
Humberto Delgado Airport or Lisbon Airport (LIS) is 6km north of the city centre.
The easiest and best way to get to the Lisbon city centre is by taking the Lisbon Metro. The subway ride from Aeroporto Station to Baixa-Chiado Station takes about 30 minutes and costs €2.35 (0,50€ for the Navegante Card (formerly Viva Viagem) and €1.85 for the one-way ticket).
Train
Lisbon has four main train stations and each of them serve a different train line within Comboios de Portugal train network.
If you are taking a train to Lisbon from other parts of the country, you will arrive in one of these stations:
- Lisboa Oriente Station – trains connecting to Central and Northern Portugal and the Algarve
- Santa Apolónia Station – trains are on the same lines as Lisboa Oriente Station
- Rossio Station – connecting trains between Sintra and Lisbon
- Cais do Sodre Station – connecting trains between Cascais and Lisbon
How to Get around Lisbon on your own
Walking
Lisbon is a compact city and is best visited on foot. I’ve always loved to see a city on foot. Not only do I get an up-close and personal experience with the city but walking is also a sustainable way to travel. But some areas in Lisbon is quite hilly, so wear your comfortable walking shoes with a rubber sole (Portuguese pavement can be slippery especially in the rain).
Lisbon Metro
If you took Lisbon Metro from the airport to the city centre, you will already have the Navegante Card. Keep the card because you already paid €0.50 for it and you can top up individual rides for up to a year after purchase.
You can use the Navengante Card for the metro, bus, tram and suburban trains (for Cascais and Sintra).
Uber
Uber is also another transportation option. Remember to download the Uber app before you travel to Lisbon.
Where to stay in Lisbon for Solo Travellers
The price for accommodation in Lisbon has gone up a lot for the past few years. From my first visit in 2016, I noticed a significant increase in price for hotels, hotels and Airbnb apartments.
However, there are still excellent affordable accommodations in Lisbon. For a first-time traveller, I recommend staying in central areas like Chiado, Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama. To get more value for your money, you can also search areas like Arroios (east of centre) and Campo de Ourique (west of centre).
For my last trip, I stayed in Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show in Arroios. I quite liked the hotel as it was new and the walk to the city centre is not far. Definitely good value for the quality of the room and proximity to the city.
Below are a few more suggestions on places to stay. I included several budget, mid-range, and luxury options.
- Budget: Selina Secret Garden Lisbon (Agoda | Booking)
- Mid-range: Mama Shelter Lisboa (Agoda | Booking), Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show (Agoda | Booking)
- Luxury: The Lumiares Hotel & Spa (Agoda | Booking)
Top 10 Things to Do on a Solo Trip to Lisbon Portugal
Honestly, there are so many sights and activities in Lisbon that the list of things to do can go on forever. But I condensed it to a top 10 list so you can easily plan your trip to Lisbon. So without further ado, here are the top 10 things to do alone in Lisbon.
1. See many famous tourist attractions in Lisbon
If it is your first time travelling solo to Lisbon, then you’ll want to start with all the famous tourist attractions in Lisbon. There are many so put on your walking shoes and explore these sites:
- Praça do Comércio – the largest public square in Lisbon. See traditional buildings lining all three sides and the Tagus River.
- Carmo Convent – see how the earthquake of 1755 destroyed parts of the church. The roof is non-existent and the interior is completely exposed.
- Castelo de S. Jorge – see a castle complex from 2nd century BC in the hilly neighbourhood of Alfama.
- Panteão Nacional – go up to the terrace level and see a panoramic view of Lisbon. Free with Lisboa Card.
- Sé Cathedral – see the oldest church in Lisbon. Fun fact: this is the start of the Camino Portuguese trail (if you start in Lisbon).
2. Ride the famous Tram 28
Tram 28 is the most famous transportation in Lisbon. The actual tram is a vintage tram from the 1930s. And 7km tram route crosses many popular neighbourhoods between Martim Moniz Square and Campo de Ourique.
The ride on the vintage tram can be busy. Many people start in Martim Moniz. I recommend starting in Campo de Ourique since the queue is shorter and a higher chance of getting a seat.
The tram ride costs €3.20 regardless of where you get on. The entire ride takes about an hour. Or you can ride Tram 28 for free with the Lisboa Card.
3. Ride unique elevators and funiculars in Lisbon
Because of hilly terrain in Lisbon, the city has four elevators where three of them functions as a funicular (goes up and down a steep slope on a cable railway system), and one of them is an actual elevator.
When you are roaming around Lisbon, look for these one-of-a-kind elevators:
- Ascensor da Bica – the most famous yellow funicular. Take a photo (the best view is from Largo do Calhariz) or ride the funicular up the hill in Bairro Alto. Free with Lisboa Card.
- Ascensor Glória – walk up the steep graffiti street or ride the funicular.
- Ascensor do Lavra – built in 1884, this is the first funicular in the world.
- Elevator Santa Justa – it’s an actual elevator within a 45m tall Neo-Gothic-style tower in Baixa. It is super touristy and always a long wait. But free with Lisboa Card.
4. Visit many viewpoints around Lisbon
Whenever you get up to the highest point in Lisbon, there is always a gorgeous view waiting for you. You can search for “miradoura” (means viewpoint) in Google Maps and many search results will show up. Or visit some of my favourite ones below:
- Miradouro de Santa Catarina – listen to music and drink beer while watching the sunset at the small park in Bairro Alto.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia – see Alfama and the Tagus River at this popular observation deck in Alfama.
- Miradouro da Graça – see all of Lisbon from Jardim da Cerca da Graça.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – excellent day and night views of central Lisbon from Jardim dos Namorados.
5. Learn about Portuguese culture through unique museums in Lisbon
There is no shortage of museums in Lisbon. But there are a few special ones that are unique to the city. If you only have few days in Lisbon, learn about Lisbon and Portuguese culture through these museums:
- Museu Nacional do Azulejo – the museum has several floors displaying traditional Portuguese tiles called azulejo, which are decorative blue and white glazed tiles. Free with Lisboa Card.
- Fado Museum – learn everything you need to know about Fado (Portuguese music genre) through exhibits and audiovisual displays.
- Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea – Museu do Chiado – see Portuguese art from the 19th century to the present day.
- Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga – there are four levels of Portuguese, European and other cultural painting and decorative art. I really enjoy the furniture, ceramics, and jewellery collection on the second floor. Free with Lisboa Card.
- Lisbon Story Centre – learn about the history of the city through various displays. Discount with Lisboa Card.
6. Admire Portuguese Pavement and Blue and White Tiles
Portugal is known for many things. But two of the most unique things that Portugal is known for are Portuguese pavement and Blue and White Tiles.
Calçada Portuguesa (Portuguese pavement) is a cobblestone pedestrian street where small, flat pieces of black and white stones are arranged in a pattern. These can be found throughout Portugal. And in Lisbon, places like Rossio Square, Avenida de Liberdade, Rua Augusta and many other areas have this unique mosaic art.
The other is Azulejo, which are decorative blue and white glazed ceramic tiles and found on the interior and exterior of churches, regular houses, and many other buildings. When you roam around Lisbon, look inside places like Museu Nacional do Azulejo and pay attention to the facade of many buildings in Chiado, Baixa, and everywhere else.
7. Buy traditional Portuguese souvenirs
If you want to bring souvenirs from Portugal, there are many places in Lisbon where you can buy Portuguese blue and white tiles, ceramics, items made with cork, and other knick knacks. Food souvenirs is also an excellent gift. Check out Conserveira de Lisboa, a store that only sells canned sardines.
As for shops, there are many souvenir shops on Rua Augusta and surrounding area in Baixa. Other souvenir shops are also found throughout Chiado, Alfama and other touristy neighbourhoods.
Moreover, there is a flea market every Tuesday and Saturday at Feira da Ladra. It’s quite a specular scene to see all the vendors displaying all their goods and the massive crowd enjoying the atmosphere. Plus, you can find something unique and special by rummaging through boxes of goods.
And if you are at the west end of the city, check out LX Market. Many vendors setting up stalls selling handicrafts and homemade goods.
8. Try traditional Portuguese food
The food in Lisbon is sooo good! No joke – I had some of the best food in Lisbon. And as a solo traveller, it didn’t feel intimidating eating on my own. Solo dining is fairly common especially at local cafes and restaurants.
There are too many good places to list in this post. But here are my favourite places to eat:
- Cervejaria Ramiro – this is the best seafood restaurant in Lisbon! Go for an early dinner (between 5-6pm) and you can easily get a table.
- Pastéis de Belém – considered to be the best custard tarts in Lisbon. The takeout line-up is long and looks intimidating. But if you have a few moments, go to the back and sit in their lovely cafe and enjoy the egg tart and other treats.
- Bifanas do Afonso – the best Bifana (pork sandwich) in Lisbon! Go early to avoid the long queue.
- A Ginjinha – drink a shot of Ginjinha, a Portuguese liqueur made with Morello cherries at this popular shop.
9. Get a Lisbon Card and see many attractions for free
If you are only spending a few days in Lisbon, it might be worth getting a Lisbon Card so you can take free transportation and see some of the tourist attractions around the city for free. With the Lisbon Card, you can see many attractions in Lisbon, Belem, and Setubal.
There are three types of Lisboa Card. Choose 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour. A Lisbon Card can save time and money if you can take advantage of seeing all the attractions that are part of the deal. I put together a post on how you can make the most out of the Lisbon Card if you are spending one, two or three days in Lisbon. The itineraries include many free activities in Lisbon and day trip plans for Belem and Setubal.
10. Taking day trips from Lisbon
And speaking of day trips, Lisbon is an excellent home base for visiting smaller towns around the capital city.
If you are spending a few days in Lisbon, venture outside of the city and visit Belém, Sintra, Cascais and/or Setubal. These are just some of the best Lisbon day trips that you can take as a solo traveller. Here’s what you can see in each city:
- Belém – Jeronimos Monastery, Torre de Belem, MAAT, and many museums. Try the famous custard tart at Pasteis de Belem.
- Sintra – Pena Castle is definitely the highlight. But also check out the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira.
- Cascais – spend the day relaxes on one of several beaches in Cascais and visit Boca do Inferno and the Lighthouse Museum of Santa Marta.
- Setubal – Fortress São Filipe, Mercado do Livramento and Setubal Museum, and try the choco frito (deep fried cuttlefish with fries).
Lisbon Neighbourhoods and Things to Do in 3 Days
Lisbon is the biggest city in Portugal, and you can leisurely see the city in about three days or so. Stroll through Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Principe Real, Alfama and Graça (neighbourhoods in Lisbon).
Here is a quick guide on the main areas in Lisbon and the attractions and activities in each neighbourhood. I organized all the info into an itinerary so you can plan your time in Lisbon efficiently. Take a look at the map below so you can see where the areas are located.
Day 1: Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto and Principe Real
Baixa
Baixa is the heart of the city, a bit touristy but it is the best place to start exploring Lisbon. Here are some the best historical attractions in the city centre:
- See: Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta, Arco da Rua Augusta, Praça do Rossio, Museu Arqueológico do Carmo
- Eat: Manteigaria (pastel de nata), Fabrica da Nata (pastel de nata), Manteigaria Silva (cheese), Uma Marisqueira (seafood rice), A Merendinha do Arco Bandeira (tasca), Bonjardim (piri piri chicken), A Ginjinha (cherry liquor)
- Shop: Avenida da Liberdade (high-end boutique shops), Rua de Augusta (souvenir shops), Rua do Carmo (shopping street – Muji, H&M and handmade gloves and shoes), A Vida Portuguesa (home goods store)
Chiado & Bairro Alto
Both Chiado and Bairro Alto are west of Baixa. Chiado has many shops, cute cafes, and traditional Portuguese restaurants whereas Bairro Alto is a bohemian area with steep cobblestone streets and graffiti walls. There are many small bars and nightclubs for those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife. Check out these highlights:
- See: Largo do Chiado, Ascensor da Bica, São Roque Church, Pink Street, Miradouro de Santa Catarina
- Eat: O Trevo (bifana), Lumi Rooftop Bar and Restaurant (brunch), Taberna da Ruas das Flores (bistro), A Brasileira (cafe), Castro (pastel de nata)
- Shop: Livraria Bertrand (oldest bookstore in the world)
Principe Real
Principe Real is an upscale hip neighbourhood with many boutique shops and bistros serving various international cuisine. Check out this trendy area and find these highlights:
- See: Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, Ascensor Glória, Jardim Botânico de Lisboa,
- Eat: Faz Frio (bistro), Coyo Taco (Mexican), A Cevicheria (Peruvian), Imanol Barra Basca (Spanish), Pomme Eatery (wine bar), Pavilhão Chinês (bar), Olá Sangria (sangria takeaway)
- Shop: EmbaiXada (concept and design stores), Bernardo Atelier Lisboa (clothing), Loja Real (clothing), Solar Antiques (antique), Rutz Brandz (ceramics)
Day 2: Alfama & Graça
Alfama & Graça
Alfama is Lisbon’s most traditional neighbourhood. It was home to fisherman back in the day. Today, tourists roam through the narrow alleys in Alfama to find a castle, historical monuments, viewpoints and Fado performances (where Fado was born).
Also check out Graça, a small area north of Alfama that has a similar feel but not as touristy.
Here are some of the best attractions in these two areas:
- See: Castelo de São Jorge, Sé de Lisboa, Panteão Nacional, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro da Graça, Museu do Fado, Casa dos Bicos, Museu de Artes Decorativas
- Eat: Bifanas do Afonso (bifana), Penalva da Graça (seafood), Alfama Cellar (bistro)
- Shop: Feira da Ladra (flea market)
Day 3: Belém
Belém is a district west of the city centre of Lisbon. This area has a high concentration of museums and attractions that first-time visitors shouldn’t miss. And if you like pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart), you have to try one that is made with the original recipe.
If you get a 24-hour Lisboa Card, you can see many attractions in Belém for free. And transportation to Belém is also free with the Lisbon Card.
Here are some highlights in Belém:
- See: Jerónimos Monastery, Torre de Belém, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), Popular Art Museum, National Coach Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB
- Eat: Pastéis de Belém (pastel de nata)
- Shop: LxFactory (on the way back to Lisbon)
Things to avoid in Lisbon Portugal
I rarely put negative comments on my blog but I feel like there are some information that a first-time (solo) traveller should be aware of. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Martim Moniz Square – bad vibes all around. Walking through the square during the day is okay but I wouldn’t linger, especially at night.
- Taking Tram 28 from Martim Moniz – most people start at Martim Moniz Square. The queue is super long and the area is sketchy. I would start at the other end of the tram line which is at Campo de Ourique. The queue is shorter and bigger chance of getting a seat.
- Going up Ascensor de Santa Justa – the queue is always long and it costs €6.10. There are plenty of free viewpoints around Lisbon that they have better views. Unless you have a Lisbon Card and there is no line, then this is the only time I would suggest going up the elevator.
- Eating at Timeout Market – the popular modern food hall is super busy and food is pricey. There are many more affordable and authentic Portuguese restaurants everywhere else.
Are you ready to take a solo trip to Lisbon?
I didn’t know much about Portugal before my solo trip but after I spent a few weeks in Lisbon and other parts of Portugal like Porto, Faro and Lagos on my first trip, I immediately feel in love with the country.
As a solo traveller, I thought Lisbon is an easy city to navigate as everything is in English. The city itself is interesting and has many highlights. And most of all, I felt very safe while being on my own.
I highly recommend Lisbon to anyone who has never been to Portugal. Get a taste of the Portuguese city and you will love it too.
I hope you found this post useful for planning your solo trip to Lisbon. Let me know in the comments what other questions you have about travelling to Lisbon alone.
Ready to plan your trip to Lisbon? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Lisbon accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Get Your Guide or Klook for the best tours around Lisbon.
Thank you for reading my solo Lisbon Portugal Guide
I have many posts on Portugal, and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Portugal:
Lisbon region posts
Northern Portugal posts
- 2 days in Porto: things to do alone in Porto
- Porto Food Guide: what and where to eat in Porto
- 7 excellent day trips from Porto
- Day trip to Guimarães from Porto: 1-day itinerary
- Day trip from Porto to Espinho: 1-day itinerary
Central Portugal posts
Algarve posts
- Algarve solo travel guide: 13 best places
- Best things to do in Albufeira for solo travellers
- Loule itinerary: best things to do in one day
- Vilamoura and Quarteira: 1-day itinerary
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
