Lisbon Travel Guide for Solo Travelers: The Best Things to Do, Eat & See
- hazeltehht
- Nov 12
- 6 min read
For solo travelers, Lisbon offers a rare balance: It is safe and easy to explore, yet endlessly surprising. Whether you’re wandering through the narrow lanes of Alfama, journaling beside the Tagus River, or catching the golden light from a hilltop viewpoint, Lisbon invites you to slow down and savor. For the same reason, I personally always welcome a trip back to Lisbon, with each trip allowing me to discover something new about the city.
This Lisbon travel guide covers everything you need to know — from how to get there and where to stay, to what to see, eat, and experience — all tailored to solo travelers.
Why Visit Lisbon
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most welcoming cities for solo travelers. English is widely spoken, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the pace of life encourages you to wander without a plan. It’s easy to meet others — on a walking tour, at a communal dining table, or while watching the sunset from a miradouro (viewpoint).
How to Get to Lisbon
Lisbon’s main airport, Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), is located just 7 kilometers from the city center and is well connected to major European cities.
From the airport to the city:
Metro: The Red Line runs directly from the airport to the city (about 25 minutes to the center).
Aerobus: An airport shuttle connecting key areas like Baixa, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré.
Taxi or rideshare: A convenient option if you’re carrying luggage — fares typically range from €10–€20 depending on traffic.
If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Portugal, trains and long-distance buses are reliable:
From Porto: About 3 hours by train to Lisbon Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations.
From the Algarve (Faro): Roughly 3.5–4 hours by train or bus.
From Coimbra: Around 2 hours by train.
How to Get Around Lisbon
Lisbon’s charm lies in its layers — hills, neighborhoods, and winding streets that reveal a new view with every turn. Thankfully, getting around is both easy and enjoyable.
Public Transport
The city’s metro, buses, trams, and ferries are integrated under one system. Buy a Viva Viagem card (around €0.50) and load it with pay-as-you-go credit or a 24-hour unlimited pass. It’s valid on all public transport, including trams and funiculars.
Metro: Fast and efficient, perfect for longer distances or airport transfers.
Buses & Trams: Great for shorter journeys — and for sightseeing, few experiences compare to Tram 28. This historic yellow tram rattles through Lisbon’s most iconic districts — Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela — offering a moving postcard of the city. It’s often crowded, so try catching it early morning or late afternoon.
Funiculars: The Elevador da Glória, Elevador da Bica, and Elevador do Lavra save your legs from steep climbs and are charming experiences in themselves.
Ferries: Cross the river to Cacilhas for a scenic view of Lisbon from the opposite bank.
Walking
Much of Lisbon’s magic unfolds on foot — but prepare for cobbled streets and steep hills. Comfortable shoes are essential. The reward? Hidden viewpoints, quiet courtyards, and unexpected art tucked between tiled walls.
Rideshares
Ride-sharing options (mainly Uber and Bolt) also operate widely and are often cheaper than taxis.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
Lisbon is a year-round destination as its Mediterranean climate means mild winters and warm summers.
Spring (March–May): Ideal for sightseeing, fewer crowds, and blossoming jacaranda trees.
Autumn (September–October): Warm, golden light and pleasant temperatures — perfect for solo travelers.
Summer (June–August): Lively festivals, long evenings, and beach weather, though prices rise.
Winter (November–February): Quieter and cooler, but still full of charm (and pastel de nata).
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Where you stay depends on your rhythm — nightlife, calm, or convenience.
Chiado: Sophisticated and central, ideal for first-time visitors. Walk to Baixa and Bairro Alto, surrounded by cafés and shops.
Alfama: Lisbon’s oldest district, full of history and soul. Expect Fado music and sunset views from your doorstep.
Baixa: Flat, elegant, and perfect for easy access to sights and transport.
Bairro Alto: Great for nightlife — just stay uphill if you prefer quieter nights.
Príncipe Real: Trendy, leafy, and LGBTQ+ friendly. Boutique shops and brunch spots make it ideal for solo travelers.
Things to Do in Lisbon
Alfama & Graça: Lisbon’s Old Soul
Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood, is a maze of lanes that survived the 1755 earthquake. Once home to fishermen and Fado singers, it’s now a living museum of tiled houses and fluttering laundry. Start at Sé Cathedral, Lisbon’s 12th-century Romanesque gem, then climb to Castelo de São Jorge for sweeping views of the river.
Pause at Largo das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia for classic Lisbon views of red rooftops and blue tiles. Continue to Graça, a quieter district with two top viewpoints: Miradouro da Graça, perfect for sunset wine, and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the city’s highest perch. Bring your journal or some tea and sandwiches for a picnic, as these viewpoints are perfect for enjoying a slow relaxing evening.
Baixa & Chiado: Lisbon’s Elegant Heart
Baixa is the city’s grand downtown, rebuilt in a geometric grid after the earthquake. Stroll through Praça do Comércio, a grand square opening directly onto the river, and walk up Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street leading to the Arco da Rua Augusta, whose terrace offers sweeping views of the skyline.
Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa, an ornate iron lift from 1902 that connects Baixa to Chiado — a sophisticated neighborhood known for theaters, bookshops, and cafés. Visit the hauntingly beautiful Carmo Convent, a roofless Gothic ruin, and stop for a coffee at A Brasileira, where poets once debated under gilded ceilings.
Belém: Lisbon’s Age of Discovery
A short tram or bus ride west brings you to Belém, the district that tells Portugal’s seafaring story. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO masterpiece of carved stonework, and the nearby Belém Tower, a 16th-century fortress that once guarded the harbor. The Monument to the Discoveries celebrates the explorers who set sail from here to map the world. Don’t forget to stop at Pastéis de Belém for the city’s most famous custard tarts, baked since 1837.
Bairro Alto & Cais do Sodré: Music, Color, and Nightlife
During the day, Bairro Alto is a sleepy patchwork of shops and small restaurants. At night, it transforms — music spills from bars, people gather in the streets, and laughter fills the air. For solo travelers, it’s one of the easiest places to meet others.
Down the hill, Cais do Sodré hums with energy. Once a sailor’s haunt, it’s now home to some of Lisbon’s best nightlife. The Pink Street glows beneath string lights, while nearby, the riverside promenade offers a calmer place to unwind with a drink and watch boats glide past.
Parque das Nações: The Modern Edge
For a change of pace, head to Parque das Nações, Lisbon’s modern waterfront district built for Expo ’98. Here, futuristic architecture lines the river, cable cars glide overhead, and the Oceanário de Lisboa — one of Europe’s largest aquariums — invites quiet contemplation. It’s a great area for a leisurely walk or an afternoon away from the crowds.
Money-Saving Tips for Solo Travelers
Lisbon is generous with experiences that don’t cost much — and with a little planning, you can make your trip affordable without missing out.
Get the Viva Viagem card: For around €0.50, it gives you access to trams, metro, buses, and even ferries. Load it with a 24-hour pass for unlimited travel.
Use the free miradouros: Lisbon’s viewpoints — like Senhora do Monte or São Pedro de Alcântara — are completely free and offer some of the best views in Europe.
Look for “prato do dia”: Many restaurants offer a daily lunch special with soup, main course, drink, and dessert for under €12.
Join a free walking tour: A great way to meet other travelers and get local insight.
Skip paid viewpoints: Many rooftop bars or public terraces (like at MAAT or the Arco da Rua Augusta) offer similar views without a fee.
Travel in shoulder season: March–May and September–October bring great weather and lower prices on flights and accommodation.
Carry small change: For tram rides, bakeries, and ginjinha bars, cash still goes a long way.
How long should I stay in Lisbon?
4 to 5 days in Lisbon gives you the perfect rhythm of exploration and rest. You’ll see the main attractions, take a day trip to Sintra, and still have time to wander without rush.
Is Lisbon safe for solo travelers?
Yes — Lisbon is one of Europe’s safest capitals. Petty theft can occur in tourist-heavy areas, so stay alert on trams and around busy squares, but violent crime is rare. The locals are friendly and helpful, and most people speak English.Walking alone at night in central areas is generally fine, though quieter alleyways in Bairro Alto are best avoided after bars close.
How much should I budget for my Lisbon trip?
Budget travelers: €50–€80 per day (hostels, public transport, local eats).Mid-range: €100–€150 per day.Lisbon is affordable compared to most Western European capitals — especially for solo travelers.
Do I need to know Portuguese?
No, but learning a few phrases — obrigado/a (thank you), bom dia (good morning) — always brings a smile.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon rewards those who take their time — the traveler who sits in a square and watches life unfold, who listens to Fado drifting from a doorway, who rides Tram 28 just to see where it leads.
For solo travelers, it’s a city that feels like a companion — warm, unpredictable, and endlessly inspiring. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a month, Lisbon will leave a little light in you long after you’ve gone.
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