Lisbon Solo Travel Guide: Why Lisbon Is One of the Best Cities in Europe to Explore on Your Own

I still remember stepping off the bus into Lisbon for the first time, backpack slung over one shoulder and that delicious mix of excitement and nerves bubbling up in my chest. It was my first time in Portugal, and I was traveling solo—but from the very beginning, Lisbon made me feel right at home.

With its sun-drenched viewpoints, pastel-hued buildings, and irresistible pastry shops on every corner, Lisbon solo travel feels more like a slow, sweet daydream than a high-stakes adventure. And after traveling solo across Europe for years (and blogging about it just as long), I can confidently say that Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe for solo female travelers—especially if it’s your first trip alone.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Lisbon solo travel—from safety tips and where to stay to the best things to do alone and why you might just fall in love with this colorful city by the sea.

Planning a longer trip through Portugal? Don’t miss my full 2-week Portugal itinerary—it’s packed with charming towns, coastal views, and easy solo-friendly routes.

Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Let’s start with the question that’s (understandably!) at the top of every first-time solo traveler’s mind: is Lisbon safe for solo female travellers?

In short—yes, Lisbon is one of the safest capital cities in Europe for solo travel. I’ve walked around by myself in Alfama, Mouraria, and Baixa both during the day and at night, and I never once felt unsafe. That said, like anywhere, it’s important to travel with common sense and awareness.

Pickpocketing can happen, especially around popular tram stops and touristy areas like the Santa Justa lift or on Tram 28. Keep your belongings close (crossbody bags with zippers are your best friend), and avoid flashing valuables—especially on public transportation or in busy markets.

At night, I found Lisbon to be well-lit and lively in most neighborhoods, but I’d still recommend sticking to well-traveled streets and avoiding wandering alone in quiet areas like Graça or the upper hills of Alfama late at night.

A few safety tips that helped me feel confident during Lisbon solo travel:

• Save the emergency number 112 in your phone (it’s the European-wide number for police, ambulance, or fire).
• Use Bolt or Uber instead of hailing random taxis—especially after dark.
• Stick to reputable hostels or hotels with strong reviews from other solo female travelers (I’ve got a few recs below!).
• Join a walking tour on your first day to get oriented with the city in a group setting.
• Trust your instincts. They’re powerful.

Lisbon is welcoming, vibrant, and yes—very solo-travel friendly. Just bring your usual street smarts, and you’ll be absolutely golden.

Traveling alone doesn’t have to feel risky. These solo female travel safety tips will help you feel confident wherever you go—Lisbon included.

Why Lisbon Is Great for Solo Travel

Lisbon is one of those rare cities that seems made for solo travelers. It’s safe, compact, and welcoming, with just the right balance of structure and spontaneity. You’ll find enough guided tours, social hostels, and cozy cafés to never feel alone—but also plenty of peaceful corners to enjoy your own company.

Here’s why Lisbon shines for solo travel:

• Walkability: Lisbon is a city best explored on foot (just be ready for hills!). It’s easy to get your bearings and wander without a plan—perfect for solo strolls.
• Affordability: Compared to many other European capitals, Lisbon offers great value on everything from accommodation to meals to transport.
• Welcoming Locals: Portuguese people are friendly and laid-back. Even if you don’t speak the language, you’ll feel the warmth.
• Solo-Friendly Food Scene: Cafés, bakeries, and markets make solo dining low-key and enjoyable—plus, it’s totally normal to eat alone here.
• Hostel Culture: Lisbon has some of the best hostels in Europe, many of which are designed to help solo travelers meet others without awkward small talk.
• Rich Culture & History: With its layers of history, vibrant street art, live Fado music, and stunning viewpoints, there’s always something to engage your curiosity—solo or not.

Whether you want to meet new friends or enjoy a quiet glass of wine by the river, Lisbon lets you do both, effortlessly.

Lisbon is just one of many amazing places to travel solo. Check out my list of top solo female travel destinations if you’re dreaming beyond Portugal.

Where to Stay in Lisbon as a Solo Traveler

One of the biggest factors in how safe, fun, and social your solo trip feels? Where you stay. Luckily, Lisbon is full of amazing accommodations for solo travelers—whether you’re into buzzing hostels, quiet boutique hotels, or apartment-style stays that give you your own space to recharge.

From personal experience (and more than a little research), here are the best places to stay in Lisbon solo:

Best Lisbon Hostels for Solo Travelers

Boutique Hotels for Solo Travelers Who Want Quiet Comfort

Best Areas to Stay in Lisbon Solo

• Baixa + Chiado: Great for first-time visitors and walking access to major sights.
• Mouraria: More local and multicultural with a down-to-earth charm.
• Alfama: Beautiful, historic, and cozy—but hilly and maze-like, so prepare for stairs.
• Bairro Alto: Fun and central, but can be noisy at night—choose wisely if you like quiet evenings.

New to solo travel? I’ve been there. Here’s everything I wish I knew before my first solo trip—from nerves to freedom and all the magic in between.

Getting Around Lisbon Solo

Lisbon may be built on seven steep hills, but getting around the city as a solo traveler is surprisingly easy—and often half the fun.

Whether you’re hopping on a vintage tram or wandering through tiled alleyways, Lisbon’s size and layout make it ideal for exploring solo.

Public Transportation in Lisbon

Lisbon has a reliable and affordable public transportation network that includes metro, trams, buses, and trains. I used it constantly during my solo trip and never had an issue. Most routes are well-marked in both Portuguese and English.

• Metro: Fast and straightforward for getting between neighborhoods.
• Trams: Tram 28 is iconic (and crowded)—ride it early in the day or take Tram 12 for a quieter experience through the historic center.
• Buses: Good for reaching places like LX Factory or Belém.
• Trains: You’ll want these for day trips to Sintra or Cascais—easy to navigate even solo.

Solo tip: Get a Viva Viagem card or buy a Lisbon Card to save money and skip the hassle of individual tickets. Both give you access to public transit across the city.

Walking in Lisbon

Some of Lisbon’s best moments happen when you’re on foot. The Alfama and Bairro Alto neighborhoods are full of winding alleys, viewpoints, and street art that are best explored slowly.

That said: bring shoes with grip. The calçada portuguesa (those pretty tiled sidewalks) can be slick, especially after rain.

Taxis, Uber, and Bolt

Late at night or with luggage? Grab an Uber or Bolt (Portugal’s rideshare alternative) instead of walking. They’re inexpensive and often safer than hailing a taxi off the street—especially for solo female travelers.

Things to Do Alone in Lisbon

One of the best parts about solo travel in Lisbon? You can fill your days however you want—whether that’s chasing viewpoints, sipping espresso at a sidewalk café, or wandering until you’re wonderfully lost. Lisbon is incredibly solo-friendly, with just enough structure to feel manageable and just enough magic to surprise you.

Here are some of my favorite things to do alone in Lisbon:

Join a Walking Tour on Day One

There’s no better way to get oriented (and meet people!) than joining a free walking tour of Lisbon’s city center or Alfama. I joined one with Take Lisboa and loved the energy, storytelling, and built-in sightseeing tips.

Try this top-rated Lisbon walking tour if you prefer to book ahead.

Explore the Miradouros (Viewpoints)

Lisbon is full of dreamy lookouts known as miradouros, and they’re perfect for solo travelers. Bring a book or journal and soak up the views at:

• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Tip: Sunrise and sunset are best, especially for photos or quiet reflection time.

Curious about what it’s like to explore Lisbon beyond the typical tourist route? Read my full review of the We Hate Tourism Tours “King of the Hills” tour—it was one of the highlights of my solo trip and a fantastic way to see the city (including some of the best miradouros in Lisbon) with a local twist.

Visit São Jorge Castle

Wander ancient castle walls with sweeping views of the city. Go early to beat the crowds, and try out an audio tour for added historical context!

Browse Local Markets + Bookshops

• Time Out Market: Great for solo dining and people-watching.
• Feira da Ladra: Lisbon’s famous flea market—perfect for a solo stroll.
• Ler Devagar at LX Factory: A book lover’s dream inside an old printing press warehouse.

See a Fado Show

This hauntingly beautiful style of music is rooted in Lisbon’s history—and experiencing it solo somehow makes it even more powerful. Many shows include a glass of wine or dinner.

I recommend this intimate Fado experience in Alfama:

Museum-Hopping

Lisbon has a solid museum scene for solo travelers. Try:

• MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology)
• National Tile Museum (for major aesthetic inspiration)
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (quiet and underrated)

Take a Street Art Tour

Lisbon has an incredible urban art scene—from massive political murals to tiny stenciled secrets tucked into alleyways. A guided street art tour offers local context and access to lesser-known neighborhoods.

Check out this highly rated Lisbon street art tour.

Ride the Historic Trams

Yes, Tram 28 is a tourist favorite, but it’s also a great way to solo-sightsee the city’s highlights on a budget—if you go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Or hop on Tram 12 for a quieter loop through Alfama.

Take a Sunset Cruise

Watching the sun dip behind the 25 de Abril Bridge with a glass of vinho verde in hand? Pure Lisbon magic. And solo travelers are always welcome on these small group boat tours.

Book this sunset sailboat cruise with a welcome drink + snacks.

Join a Food or Wine Tour

Solo dining can be delightful, but if you’re craving company, a food or wine tour is the perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and conversation. I always meet cool people on these, and Lisbon’s food scene is made for sharing.

This small-group Lisbon food + wine tour is a great choice.

Take a Photo Walk

Lisbon is made for photographers—tile textures, color pops, cityscapes galore. Take yourself on a themed photo walk (tiles of Alfama? doors of Bairro Alto?) or book a photo walk tour with a local.

Slow Down and Soak It In

Grab a pastry and just be. I loved sipping coffee at Copenhagen Coffee Lab, people-watching in Praça do Comércio, and journaling in Alfama.

One of the best parts of traveling alone is the freedom to wander slowly. Let Lisbon set the pace—it’s good at that.

Lisbon Food for Solo Travelers

Let’s be real—eating alone in a new country can feel a little intimidating. But in Lisbon? It’s a delight.

The city is packed with cozy cafés, buzzy markets, and traditional tabernas where solo diners are totally normal (and often treated extra kindly). Whether you’re grabbing a pastel de nata to-go or sitting down for a three-course seafood feast, Lisbon’s food scene is welcoming, delicious, and perfect for savoring on your own terms.

What to Eat in Lisbon

You could plan your whole trip around meals and still not taste everything. These are some of the must-try dishes:

• Pastel de nata – Portugal’s famous egg tart. Best enjoyed warm with cinnamon and espresso.
• Bacalhau à Brás – Salt cod with scrambled egg and potato (tastier than it sounds).
• Grilled sardines – A summer staple, especially at street-side festivals.
• Bifana sandwich – Pork marinated in garlic and spices, served on crusty bread.
• Caldo verde – Comforting kale and potato soup, often served with chorizo.
• Prego no pão – A juicy steak sandwich, sometimes with mustard or egg.

Food Tours for Solo Travelers

If you’d rather not eat every meal alone, a Lisbon food tour is one of the easiest ways to try a bunch of dishes and meet people in a low-key setting.

Try this food tour with dinner in drinks in the Baixa district.

Eating alone in Lisbon doesn’t have to feel awkward—it can feel like freedom. Order what you want, linger as long as you like, and enjoy every bite.

Best Day Trips from Lisbon for Solo Travelers

One of the best things about solo travel in Lisbon? You can escape the city for a day and be somewhere totally different—castles, beaches, monasteries, you name it—without needing a car or complicated logistics.

Whether you’re craving fairytale vibes, salty air, or a culture fix, here are the top solo-friendly day trips from Lisbon that are easy to do on your own.

Sintra

Sintra is the ultimate Lisbon day trip—and it’s popular for a reason. With colorful palaces, enchanted forests, and a serious “did I just step into a Wes Anderson set?” feel, it’s basically a solo traveler’s dream.

Top sites to see:

• Pena Palace (book ahead!)
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Moorish Castle
• Sintra town center for lunch + wandering

Getting there: 40-minute train from Rossio Station. Easy and affordable.

Want someone else to handle the details? Book this small-group Sintra tour with palace entry and guide.

Cascais

If you’re craving ocean air, Cascais is a charming coastal town with chill beach vibes, boutique shops, and a picturesque harbor promenade. It’s perfect for a relaxed, walkable solo adventure.

Top things to do:

• Sunbathe at Praia da Rainha
• Walk or bike the seaside path to Boca do Inferno
• Visit the Cascais Citadel + Museum Quarter
• Eat fresh seafood with a sea view

Getting there: ~40 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré. Trains run all day and are super solo-friendly.

Belém

Technically still part of Lisbon, but far enough out to feel like a mini-escape. Belém is steeped in history, from Portuguese explorers to custard tarts.

Don’t miss:

• Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO site)
• Belém Tower
• Monument to the Discoveries
• Pastéis de Belém (the OG pastel de nata)
• The MAAT and Berardo Collection Museum for art lovers

Getting there: Tram 15 or a short Uber/Bolt from the city center.

Óbidos

A little farther out but absolutely worth it, this medieval walled town looks like it was plucked from a storybook. Stroll cobblestone lanes, sip Ginjinha in chocolate cups, and take it slow.

Getting there: ~1 hour by bus or car. Best as a full-day trip.

Join this Óbidos + Nazaré day tour to make the most of your visit.

Day trips solo = complete freedom. You set the pace, pick the route, and don’t have to share your pastries. Total win.

Solo Travel Tips for Lisbon

Whether you’re planning your very first solo trip or you’ve done this dance a few times before, Lisbon is one of those cities that just works for solo travel. It’s safe, social, scenic, and small enough that you can really feel at home—even in just a few days.

Here are my best Lisbon solo travel tips to help you feel confident, connected, and totally in your element:

1. Start With a Walking Tour

Your first day in a new city can feel a little disorienting, but a walking tour gives you structure, context, and often, a few new friends. Whether it’s a free historical tour or a food-focused one, it’s a low-pressure way to connect with people and ease into solo mode.

2. Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary

Lisbon’s charm lies in its slowness. Between the hills, cafés, viewpoints, and tiled alleyways, rushing from attraction to attraction misses the point. Leave space to wander, sit, and be. Trust me—you won’t regret that extra hour spent people-watching with a pastry.

3. Download Helpful Apps

• Google Maps (download offline maps!)
• GetYourGuide or Viator for tours
• Bolt or Uber for safe, affordable rides
• TravelSpend for keeping your budget in check
• Meetup or Bumble BFF if you’re feeling social

4. Say Yes (Within Reason)

That friendly chat in your hostel? The Fado show your walking tour guide recommends? That spontaneous invite to grab a drink? If it feels right, say yes. Lisbon’s solo travel scene is full of these little magic moments—you just have to let them in.

5. Build in Recharge Time

Lisbon solo travel doesn’t have to mean being on all the time. Schedule downtime—maybe an early night in with Netflix, a solo dinner with your book, or a long morning journal session in a café. Lisbon is full of places where doing nothing still feels like something.

6. Learn a Few Portuguese Phrases

Most locals speak English, but a little effort goes a long way. A simple “obrigada” (thank you) or “bom dia” (good morning) can make interactions feel warmer and more welcoming.

Solo travel isn’t about proving anything—it’s about discovering how you like to experience the world. And Lisbon? It’s the perfect place to start.

Final Thoughts on Lisbon Solo Travel

Lisbon has a rhythm that solo travelers fall into easily—warm tiles underfoot, tram bells in the distance, salty air from the river. It’s one of those rare cities that feels both exciting and gentle at the same time. Whether you’re here for your first solo trip or your fifteenth, Lisbon invites you to slow down, stay curious, and write your own story.

So go sip your coffee at a miradouro. Order the second pastel de nata. Join the tour. Wander without a map. And know that in this city of hills and heart, you’re never really alone.

Planning your own trip? Let me help! → Check out my custom travel planning services

Lisbon Solo Travel FAQ

If you’re heading south after Lisbon, don’t miss Lagos. With cliff hikes, sea caves, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place for solo adventurers who love a dose of sunshine and saltwater.