12 Things To Do on a Solo Trip to Lisbon
Planning a solo trip to Lisbon? This guide is packed with things to do, safety tips, and the best places to stay.
Hilly streets lined with colorful buildings, river views from castle overlooks, Fado music and pastel de nata – there’s a lot to love about Lisbon. The capital of Portugal is perfect for solo trips, with a welcoming atmosphere, affordable places to stay, and lots to see and do.
I’ve been dreaming of traveling to Portugal for years, so when I was looking for a place to add on to a last minute visit to the U.K., it was the first destination that popped into my head. Luckily solo travel in Lisbon is pretty easy and I was able to visit without planning too far in advance.
It’s always better to arrive with an idea of what you want to do and see, though, even if you like to leave some wiggle room for spur of the moment adventures. That’s why I’ve put together this Lisbon solo travel guide full of must-visit spots and tips for where to stay and how to prepare for your adventure.
Make sure you read to the end of the list for my favorite thing to do (spoiler alert, it’s actually a day trip from Lisbon).
Things To Do On a Solo Trip to Lisbon
Explore São Jorge Castle
Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle has roots to the 1st century BC, with the current fortifications built during Moorish occupation around the 10th century. The hilltop site offers breathtaking views of Lisbon’s skyline from the castle walls.
You can wander through the ancient ruins, enjoy the panoramic scenery, and explore its gardens and hidden pathways, where you may encounter peacocks roaming freely. If you visit in the late afternoon, you’ll get to witness one of the best sunset views in the city.
The ticket line can get pretty long, so it’s best to purchase admission online in advance.
Stroll the Praca do Comércio
One of Lisbon’s most famous public squares, Praça do Comércio is a beautiful spot to people-watch, take photos, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Located along the Tagus River, the huge, open plaza is surrounded by bright yellow buildings and the elaborate Arco da Rua Augusta triumphal arch.
Once the site of the royal palace, today the square is home to outdoor cafes, local musicians, and breathtaking views of the river.
Visit Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé de Lisboa, is the city’s oldest church, built in the 12th century. The impacts of its age and numerous earthquakes have resulted in a mix of architectural styles, from its original Romanesque design to Gothic additions and tombs and later Baroque, Neoclassical, and Rococo touches.
During visiting hours, you can purchase a ticket to see the interior naves, Treasure Museum, High Choir, stained glass windows, and bell tower balcony. The cathedral is in the Alfama district, one of the oldest parts of Lisbon.
Ride the Classic Trams
There are only a few places in the world where riding a form of public transit makes it onto the travel bucket list, but Lisbon’s classic trams are so popular that they’re often overflowing with passengers. To be fair, the handy trams are a great way to avoid walking up and down the city’s notoriously steep hills, but the experience has also become a must-do activity while visiting Lisbon.
There are a few different routes to ride, but the most iconic is the classic yellow tram 28, which passes through the tourist zones and offers incredible views along the way. You can buy a single ride on the tram, or purchase a 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket for a day of unlimited rides (if you time it right, you could stretch this from one afternoon through the next morning).
Take the Santa Justa Lift for a City View
The 19th-century iron Santa Justa Elevator connects the Baixa district to Largo du Carmo square and provides stunning views of Lisbon’s skyline. It was designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel (of the tower.
The lift itself is a unique experience, but the real highlight is the views at the top. From here, you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of the city, with the Tagus River and Castelo de São Jorge in the distance.
This is a popular activity and the lines can get long, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you don’t want to wait, you can also walk up to Largo du Carmo (a public square) and follow the alley to the right of the Carmo Archaeological Museum to reach the upper platform views.
Take in the View From Miradouro de Santa Luzia
One of Lisbon’s best lookouts, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers breathtaking views over the Alfama district with the Tagus River beyond. The blue and white tiled benches and vine-covered pergola walkway create a picturesque setting and you’ll see lots of tourists perched on the low walls snapping photos with the background.
It’s a great spot for photography, especially at sunset, but can get super crowded with visitors. Because of all the people, it’s not a great spot to set up a tripod for a solo photo shoot, so try coming early in the morning if you want to get pics walking through the breezeways or perched on the half walls. I found this spot to be a bit too busy to be enjoyable in the middle of the day.
Browse the Bookstores
Without intending to, I stumbled upon a couple of incredible bookstores while walking around the Chiado and Barrio Alto neighborhoods. If you’re a bibliophile or just looking for interesting souvenirs, I recommend popping into these spots to find local authors, vintage books, postcards, and more.
Livraria Bertrand Chiado holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest operating bookstore. It’s part of a Portuguese chain, with the Chiado location dating to 1732. The interior has beautiful woodwork and several small rooms with a variety of genres, plus an attached cafe.
Livraria Sá da Costa is small and stuffed with a collection of rare and antique books, plus unique vintage decor items. Livraria Antiqua is another treasure trove, full of old maps, art, and books right next to the Bica Funicular, a popular spot to snap photos of the yellow tram atop a slope with the river below it.
Snap Pics on Pink Street
Lisbon’s famous Pink Street, or Rua Nova do Carvalho, is an Instagram-worthy spot with a vibrant nightlife scene. With pink pavement and umbrellas strung above, it’s a fun place for photos.
By day, it’s a quieter street with trendy cafes and after dark, it buzzes with bars, music, and nightlife. I recommend visiting in the early morning if you want photos on a solo trip to Lisbon, because the crowds later in the day make it hard to get a good shot. Make sure you stroll beyond the stretch with the hanging umbrellas for more of the pink street and other art features.
Find the Miradouro do Recolhimento View
This hidden gem is one of Lisbon’s quieter lookout points and a great alternative to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Located near São Jorge Castle, Miradouro do Recolhimento features stunning views of the Lisbon rooftops rolling down toward the river.
With fewer crowds, it’s a great place to rest and take in the scenery. There is a small playground and some places to sit, perfect for a break in the middle of sightseeing (which you’ll need after walking uphill to the castle).
Eat at Time Out Market
This bustling food hall showcases some of Lisbon’s best culinary offerings. Featuring a variety of food stalls covering a global assortment of cuisines, Time Out Market is a great place to sample local dishes.
Whether you’re craving seafood, pasta, pastries, or croquettes, you’ll find something delicious here. While the casual, counter-service vibes are ideal for solo travelers, the open seating area can be difficult to navigate when the market is busy, as you can’t really save a seat when you’re on your own and have to wander around looking for a spot to squeeze in while holding your food.
Even so, I think it’s a great experience, and some of the eateries in the side halls had some bar-style seating. I recommend looking up reviews for individual counters before deciding where to eat as not every spot is a winner.
Visit Belem Tower
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Belem Tower on the Tagus River is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built in the 16th century as a fortress and gateway to the city, the tower is a stunning example of Manueline architecture.
Visitors can climb to the top for sweeping views over the Tagus River and the surrounding city. The tower is about a 15 to 20 minute drive outside central Lisbon, but you can also visit the Jerónimos Monastery and try the famous pastel de nata (custard pastries) from Pastéis de Belém, which has been open since 1837. The bakery has nearly 90,000 Google reviews if that tells you anything.
Day Trip to Sintra and Cabo da Roca
A day trip to Sintra is a must for solo travelers to Lisbon. This hilly town is known for its beautiful, fairytale-like palaces and lush gardens. I actually ended up spending four nights there, and loved being able to experience the village after the crowds had cleared out. I recommend spending at least a full day exploring the castles.
The highlights are the vibrant yellow and red Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira with its hidden tunnels and mystical wells, the Moorish Castle, where you can walk the walls for sweeping views, and Monserrate, which has absolutely stunning gardens.
If you book a guided Sintra day trip, it often also includes a short journey to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Here, dramatic cliffs meet the vast Atlantic Ocean, creating an awe-inspiring landscape. Standing at the edge of the cliffs, with the wind in your hair and the endless sea before you, is a truly unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect way to end your solo trip to Lisbon.
You can also get to Sintra via train, which allows you to customize your day a bit more, but a tour is convenient if you’re short on time.
Lisbon Solo Travel – Things to Know
Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Lisbon is known as one of the safest destinations in Europe for solo female travelers. Violent crime is rare, and locals are generally friendly and helpful.
However, as in any major city, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas like the trams and busy plazas. Stay aware of your belongings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
I felt very safe walking around alone on my Lisbon trip and even stayed out late a couple of times. I found ride share prices to be pretty low here, so it was easy to grab an Uber or Bolt if I didn’t want to walk back to my hotel after dark.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?
Lisbon enjoys pretty mild weather year-round, but the best time to visit is arguably either spring or fall. The months of March to May and September to November offer comfortable daytime temperatures for walking around as well as fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices than in the summer tourist season.
Summer can be hot and crowded, making it less ideal for those who prefer a quieter experience. Winter, while cooler, can still be a great time to visit, since Lisbon experiences more sunshine than many other European cities.
I visited in late May, just before the summer crowds peaked, though it was still pretty busy since there was a huge concert in town (ahem, Taylor Swift). All decently priced hotels were completely booked over the weekend, and I ended up spending a couple of extra days in the nearby town of Sintra, which I highly recommend doing if you have enough time.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
I haven’t stayed in all of these Lisbon districts yet, but this is what I learned during my research and while exploring the city.
Baixa and Chiado – Central, lively, and great for first-time visitors
Alfama – Historic district surrounding the castle
Bairro Alto – Bohemian with bars and Fado music
Principe Real – Trendy, upscale neighborhood with galleries and boutiques
Cais do Sodré – Full of good food, nightlife, and entertainment
Each neighborhood offers a different experience and you’ll find lodging ranging from hostels to upscale hotels. If you prefer a central location with easy access to tourist sites, Baixa and Chiado are excellent choices. Alfama is also close to tourist attractions and ideal for those who love old-world charm and a maze of narrow streets.
Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré are perfect for night owls and foodies but can be loud in the evenings. Principe Real offers a mix of boutique shops, cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it great for slow travelers.
How to Get Around Lisbon
Lisbon’s public transport is efficient and affordable. Nevertheless, I ended up walking the most and used Bolt to get to and from the airport, since it was pretty cheap and convenient.
Trams and Buses: Great for navigating the city, especially the popular Tram 28
Metro: Fast and reliable for longer distances
Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance, though some streets are steep
Taxis and Rideshares: Bolt and Uber are commonly used and cheaper than traditional taxis
Ferries: Useful for crossing the Tagus River
Elevators: Lisbon’s funiculars and elevators go up and down the city’s slopes
While Lisbon’s iconic colorful trams are a fun way to get around, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours. Walking is one of the best ways to explore Lisbon’s charming streets, but the city’s hills can be steep, so comfortable shoes are a must and bring some water when it’s hot out!
The metro is a fast and convenient option for covering longer distances, and the train for connecting to nearby towns like Sintra. Rideshare services like Uber and Bolt also provide affordable alternatives to traditional taxis.
Tips for Visiting Lisbon Solo
While Lisbon is solo travel friendly, it always helps to be prepared! Here are some tips for your trip.
Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.
Stay Connected: You can buy local SIM cards or eSIMs for data access. I typically add an international policy while I’m traveling for convenience, but a SIM card is typically cheaper.
Learn Basic Portuguese Phrases: While many locals speak English, knowing a few words always helps and is polite.
Be Aware of Scams: Ignore overly friendly strangers offering deals or free items.
Travel Insurance: Always have travel insurance for peace of mind. You can pick options that include trip cancellation/interruption, but definitely get one that offers emergency medical coverage at least.
