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After TWO solo journeys to Lisbon (as you’ll be able to see from the images on this submit, in some I’m sporting denims in December and others I’m sporting skirts and attire in Could), I do know the town fairly nicely.
On this information, I’ll talk about solo feminine journey in Lisbon together with security, what to do, the place to remain & different helpful suggestions!
Porto and Lisbon are fairly completely different so I can’t choose a favorite. Porto nonetheless has a comfortable, conventional really feel with many elements not but gentrified. Lisbon is your final cosmopolitan, touristic metropolis. Though some authenticity has been misplaced, it’s really certainly one of my favorite cities not simply in Portugal however all of Europe.
Visiting Porto? I’ve blogs on every thing from what to do, tips on how to plan an itinerary, the food, day trips, brunch, coffee, pastel de natas, street art, sunset spots, bars and extra. Mainly, I’m your Porto-obsessed gal!
Portugal’s capital is cool, arty, quirky, vibrant and vibrant. Higher but, Lisbon is protected for solo feminine travellers!
Learn subsequent – my tried & examined 3 day Lisbon itinerary
Need extra solo journey guides?
Tips on how to get to Lisbon
It’s a straightforward metropolis to succeed in. Listed here are the choices:
By air: Humberto Delgado Airport connects different European cities and additional afield locations. I exploit Skyscanner to seek out flights, setting my search radius as ‘entire month’ to see the most cost effective dates for journey.
To get downtown, catch a bus or the Metro. Board the pink Vm line to Alameda then the inexperienced Vd line to the town centre. Alternatively, name a taxi utilizing Uber, Bolt or FREENOW.
By prepare: most arrive into Santa Apolónia station. To achieve the town centre, head downstairs and board the blue Metro line destined for Reboleira. Use Omio to book your train journey in Portugal.
By bus: I like Flixbus for getting round cheaply in Europe. Journey to Porto in Three hours and the Algarve in Four hours. Book your Flixbus journey into Estação do Oriente or use Omio for locations Flixbus doesn’t service.
From the bus station, board the crimson Metro line to São Sebastião and alter to the Blue line for Baixa-Chiado.
Tips on how to get round Lisbon
Solo journey in Lisbon is straightforward since you don’t must depend on taxis. Right here’s tips on how to get round:
Stroll: one of the simplest ways to see the sights! There are lifts and escalators up notably steep hills. Feminine travellers in Lisbon shall be happy to be taught it’s a protected metropolis to stroll at night time.
Cycle: Unlock a Gira bike utilizing the cellular app. Choose the day by day go (€2) which lets you rent bikes at no cost for as much as 45 minutes. I’d suggest this selection for those who’re biking to Belem however typically Lisbon is so hilly {that a} bike might hinder you!
Metro: I discovered the underground to be clear, environment friendly and simple to navigate. The inexperienced line companies Cais do Sodré and Rossio, two in style central places. Faucet in whenever you enter however not whenever you exit.
Bus: these are environment friendly though usually slower than Google Maps suggests because of site visitors. Tickets are round €1.80 for those who pay in money or €1.50 utilizing an Andante card.
Trams: these are typically a slower and extra touristic method to journey. Many individuals will inform you to journey well-known Tram 28 though I discovered this underwhelming with lengthy queues in the summertime.
Via Viagem cards – I might recommend getting certainly one of these. Not solely do they make Metro and bus journey cheaper however they save time shopping for tickets: the machines in Metro stations are surprisingly old-school and clunky.
Lisbon solo journey – the place to remain
In response to Hostelworld, a bunch of the perfect solo journey hostels on this planet are in Lisbon. Excessive reward certainly!
A few of the greatest embrace:
- Sure!Hostel – with a lounge, bar and comfortable quiet Four or 6-bed rooms, this can be a nice hostel for socialising and nonetheless getting a great night time’s sleep. There are hostel dinners, free photographs and strolling excursions. It’s situated close to the Time Out Market and Praca do Comercio. Check availability from €35.
- Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel – because the identify suggests, this place is particularly designed for solo journey in Lisbon – higher but – contains Three free meals a day in addition to free beer and sangria! They’ve privates, 4, 6, Eight or 10-bed dorms and female-only dorms. Check availability from €27.
- Misplaced Inn Lisbon – wanting extra like a boutique lodge than a hostel, this can be a stunning venue within the coronary heart of city with an onsite co-working room (good for distant staff like myself). With Netflix, PS4, guitars and board video games, it’s a terrific place to sit back. Check availability from €18.
- We Love F Vacationers – inside a 10-minute stroll to most points of interest, this hostel is connected to La Frutaria Cafe the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a boujee brunch every morning. The hostel presents tapas & fado nights, bar crawls and day by day Sintra journeys. Check availability from €33.
Browse all Lisbon hotels on Booking.com and Lisbon hostels on Hostelworld
Greatest neighbourhoods for solo journey in Lisbon
Chances are you’ll really feel overwhelmed in the case of the varied areas… There are heaps! Right here’s a fast abstract…
- Bairro Alto – this cobbled, historic hood is now a cool space with improbable nightlife
- Baixa – the business centre is dwelling of many key monuments
- Chiado – centered round Rua Garrett, that is Lisbon’s procuring, leisure and cafe hub simply moments from Baixa
- Alfama – this hilly space is understood for fado, elevated viewpoints and ocean views
- Principe Actual – an upscale space lined with 19th-century mansions and fancy shops
- Cais do Sodré – the tourist-friendly waterfront is enjoyable to wander with points of interest like Praca do Comercio and the Time Out Market
- Belém – west of Lisbon alongside the coast and recognized for historic points of interest like Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, this can be a half-day journey for historical past lovers.
Is Lisbon protected for solo journey?
Sure! Total, Lisbon is tremendous protected for solo journey. The principle crime to pay attention to is pickpockets, particularly within the crowded summer time months. Put on a safe cross-body bag and control your valuables.
Portugal is a progressive nation with a constructive security ranking for LGBTQ travellers. It’s additionally a various metropolis with a longstanding African diaspora so travellers of color are unlikely to face consideration or discrimination.
When you’re involved about solo feminine journey in Lisbon, don’t be: Portugal has progressive attitudes to gender. I by no means skilled catcalling or harassment.
Greatest season to go to Lisbon
In my view, March-Could (avoiding Easter) and September-November are the perfect instances to go to with gentle climate, average costs and fewer crowds.
Summer season (June-August), notably the height of mid-July to August, may be VERY sizzling and crowded. Costs are excessive so I might keep away from travelling on this season myself. However it’s undeniably atmospheric with bars overflowing into the streets and St Anthony Competition taking place all through June.
Winter (November- February) is a surprisingly good time to go to. In contrast to European locations in style for winter metropolis breaks like Vienna, Budapest, Copenhagen and Hamburg, don’t count on a snow-capped Christmas market vibe: Lisbon averages round 9 levels in December. I used to be wonderful in denims and a jacket.
Mainly, it’s a terrific year-round vacation spot!
Is Lisbon costly?
Nicely, this relies what you’re used to. After my travels round Southeast Asia, Mexico and the Balkans, I discover anyplace in Western Europe kinda expensive. Lisbon is actually the most costly a part of Portugal apart from the Algarve.
Nevertheless, in comparison with different Western European nations just like the UK, France, Germany and Italy, it’s fairly reasonably priced. For cheaper costs, keep away from consuming in Baixo and Chiado. Verify Airbnbs a couple of Metro stops from the town centre like Arroios and Alameda. Right here, you’ll discover eating places meals for below €5!
A number of value examples embrace:
- Metro or bus journey – €1.50
- Bottle of wine in a Barrio Alto bar – from €8
- Espresso & pastel de nata – €2
- Trip on Santa Justa Raise – €5
- Trip on touristic Tram 28 – €3
- Museum entry – €5
- Meal within the Time Out Market – €12
- Essential dish in a central restaurant – €7-16.
Greatest issues to do for solo travellers in Lisbon
In my 3 day Lisbon itinerary, I define ALL the perfect issues to do in a wise order (in addition to plenty of foodie inspo) whether or not you’re travelling solo or not.
Nevertheless, listed here are some particular actions I feel are appropriate for these travelling to Lisbon alone.
Go to Belém
It is a stunning space with a lot to do and see. In addition to Jerónimos Monastery and the Discoveries Monument, I loved searching modern artwork at Museu Coleção Berardo. Visiting museums and galleries solo is nice since you’re not distracted by different folks’s interpretations.
Then, after all, there’s Pastéis de Belém. It’s value braving the queue exterior for these scrumptious golden custard tarts.
Store for crafts & books at LX Manufacturing unit
When you’re travelling solo in Lisbon (or anyplace) there are few higher actions than discovering a brand new e-book to learn.
Ler Devagar bookstore has grow to be an Insta hit, usually voted one of many world’s coolest book stores because of its vibrant inside and flying bicycle. In addition they exhibitions and occasions, plus there’s a espresso store inside. Successful!
On the subject of photo-worthy e-book outlets in Portugal, Harry Potter followers might imagine visiting Livraria Lello is among the best things to do in Porto though it was far too crowded for my liking!
However Ler Devagar isn’t the one attraction on the LX Factory. As soon as a Lisbon hidden gem situated inside a historic textile warehouse, this assortment of retailers, eating places and bars has grow to be a hipster playground. It’s nicely value visiting, midway between Belem and the town.
Get misplaced within the Alfama backstreets
Alfama is my favorite space in Lisbon regardless of the various hills it’s important to climb. It was as soon as its personal village, finally encompassed into the city sprawl.
Alfama is a maze of historic buildings, cobbled streets, cute outlets and less-touristic eating places. On account of its elevated place, there are many miradouros providing stunning ocean views.
It’s exhausting to observe Google Maps because the streets are so slender, so the best choice is wandering to your coronary heart’s content material!
Cafe-hop in Chiado
Espresso tradition has been large in Portugal for the reason that 1800s. When you think about their reference to the world’s largest coffee-producing nation (Brazil), it’s hardly shocking. Sitting and sipping espresso is a key method to socialise for locals and you must be part of them!
Though a number of the cafes in Chiado may be overpriced and touristic, it’s a terrific neighbourhood to get pleasure from grand, traditional cafes frequented by the higher lessons over 100 years in the past. A Brasileira and Confeitaria Nacional each have centuries of historical past.
Order a café and also you’ll get an espresso, also called a bica. Fortunately a cappuccino is common!
Browse at Feira de Ladra ‘Thieves Market’
Whether or not or not you make a purchase order, probably the most atmospheric locations in Lisbon come Tuesday or Sunday morning is Feira da Ladra, in any other case often known as Mercado de Santa Clara or the Thieves Market.
From books to jewelry, bric-a-brac, damaged tiles, children toys and extra, it’s someplace between a market and a jumble sale. I purchased three beautiful silver and moonstone rings for €25 that I’ve worn day by day since.
Saint Jorge Citadel
Wander this spectacular fort complicated with spectacular views and strutting peacocks. It’s open ’til 9pm in the summertime (till 6pm in winter) and tickets price €10.
Discover some viewpoints
Translating as viewpoint, there are numerous miradouros to seek out on this hilly metropolis. Pictured above is the stunning Miradouro de Santa Luzia that I discovered whereas strolling Alfama.
Different miradouros in Lisbon embrace
Excursions & actions in Lisbon
Though there are many issues to do independently in Lisbon for solo travellers, I all the time get pleasure from becoming a member of group excursions and actions as a method to meet people while travelling.
Meals tour with Style of Lisboa
Among the finest issues I did throughout my solo travels in Lisbon was a food tour with Taste of Lisboa. I like taking meals excursions since you get to share the dishes with a bunch and subsequently strive so many alternative issues.
The workforce at Style Lisboa are enthusiastic and enthusiastic about their metropolis and delicacies, plus the meals you get to strive is improbable!
Associated learn: group tours vs solo travel
Bar crawl
When you’re travelling solo in Lisbon and need to expertise the nightlife, a pub crawl is a superb place to begin. These price round €20 and infrequently embrace open bars for beer and sangria! Not dangerous in any respect.
Failing this, meet different travellers at hostels to benefit from the nightlife with. Another choice is to easily present up at Jam Club in Bairro Alto. The proprietor, João, is a legend and can remember to introduce you to different travellers.
Take a free strolling tour
I like free strolling excursions when travelling solo since you be taught from a neighborhood information and infrequently befriend different travellers. I’ve taken Sandemans New Europe Tours in a number of cities now. For Lisbon, they’ve 4.9 stars on Google. When you benefit from the tour, go away a tip: I often go together with €5-10.
Bear in mind to make a reservation upfront, they’re mighty in style! English excursions run at 10am and 2pm day by day.
Free Tours by Foot provide a wider vary of strolling excursions together with particular areas and another strolling tour. For Lisbon, I’ve seen they’re now charging a €2.50 reserving charge. Whereas this kinda defeats the purpose of a free tour, it’s not an enormous value to pay.
Discover road artwork
The place to eat & drink in Lisbon
In my view, one of many few downsides of solo travel contains doing all of the analysis your self. Since I by no means need to miss the perfect meals in a vacation spot, this implies hours of analysis for me! Fortunately, not for you as I’ve achieved the exhausting work…
For pastel de nata – you’ll be able to’t do higher than Manteigaria however Fabrica da Nata can be a terrific shout. When you head over to the Belém area, you’ll be able to strive the OG variations at Pastéis de Belém courting again to 1830. Wash down your pastel de nata with an indulgent sizzling chocolate and order some snacks like rissóis, coxinha and croquettes.
For a pleasant, sit-down dinner – Versículo d’O Faia serves scrumptious Portuguese dishes from €14-18 together with contemporary octopus. I didn’t really feel uncomfortable consuming solo and even managed to bag a desk and not using a reservation (though this was in December.)
Price range dinner – O Gaiteiro serves genuine Portuguese fish and meat dishes for below €10. I liked the camarão e bacalhau arroz (prawn and cod rice).
For Portuguese meals in fashionable surrounds – we are able to’t overlook the Time Out Market! The costs are inflated but it surely’s an actual establishment with pop-up stalls by the town’s high cooks and eating places. As an additional profit, the casual setting is ideal for those who’re travelling solo to Lisbon and really feel uncomfortable consuming alone in a restaurant.
For brunch – Barbica serve tasty breakfast and brunch dishes with glorious espresso. It’s undoubtedly ‘vacationer costs’ however the proprietor is pleasant and there’s a restaurant canine! Fauna & Flora can be a trendy cafe with nice brunch choices.
For finances bifanas – O Trevo, authorized by the late Anthony Bourdain, make imply meaty sandwiches slathered with mustard. I paid €Three together with a beer. When you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll be able to’t get less expensive than that!
For Indian meals – Jesus é Goês simply north of the town centre is a vibrant restaurant that got here to fame with Netflix present, Someone Feed Phil. The dishes are uncommon and artistic: strive the holy burger topped with a poached egg, the fish masala or any of the veggie curries.
Suggestions for solo feminine Lisbon journey
- Select your lodging primarily based on location: for instance, for those who’re eager to spend time in charming Alfama, think about staying close by. When you like nightlife, purpose for Barrio Alto
- Take into account a Lisboa Card – there are 24, 48 or 72-hour passes together with entry to high points of interest and limitless public transport utilization
- In peak season, purchase tickets for in style points of interest like Sintra’s Pena Palace upfront
- If there’s someplace you need to eat, make a reserving upfront in peak season. This may really feel cringy as a solo traveller however gal’s gotta get her meals! 😉
- Convey a financial institution card that doesn’t cost worldwide charges to withdraw cash. I like Clever and Revolut. UK travellers also can go for Monzo or Starling
- Keep away from Tram 28 in peak season; it’s so crowded!
- Don’t wait in line for busy Santa Justa Raise: you’ll be able to walk to the top and pay €1.50 to climb the spiral staircase
- Keep away from consuming in Baixa or Chiado (except it’s someplace particular you’ve heard good issues about) because the eating places are fairly expensive.
What to pack & put on
- Comfortable sneakers – that is so necessary! There are many cobbles and hills so put on cozy sneakers with grip. No flip-flops, please!
- In summer time – attire, shorts, tops… No matter you need!
- In winter – denims and a lightweight coat or heat jacket
- In shoulder season – long-sleeved tops and a cardigan/sweater
- A safe cross-body bag to discourage pickpockets.
Occasions in Lisbon
Enliven solo journey in Lisbon by timing your journey round one of many following Lisbon events:
- IndieLisboa Movie Competition (April) – a whole bunch of impartial films are streamed throughout the town. A should for film buffs!
- St Anthony Festival (June) – this pageant devoted to the town’s patron saint lasts an entire month. Streets overflow with music, dancing, drinks and, after all, well-known Portuguese sardines
- Homosexual Pleasure (June) – go to for the parade down Avenida da Liberdade and the road social gathering in Comercio Sq.
- Jazz em Agosto (August) – Portugal’s largest jazz pageant involves city
- New Yr’s Eve – have fun in Comercio Sq. with fireworks and dwell music!
Day journeys from Lisbon
Though Portugal’s capital may preserve you busy for weeks, there are a couple of in style day journeys it’s possible you’ll need to take. These embrace…
- Sintra – this charming city is a vacationer favorite with its 19th-century palace set atop a jagged clifftop. Nevertheless, I’d extremely advise moving into low season or under no circumstances… My Could go to in 2022 was probably the most crowded, irritating experiences in my 10+ years of journey!
- Cabo da Roca – on the westernmost level of the European continent, this rugged headland is a tremendous place to observe the crashing waves
- Cascais – this upmarket area on Portugal’s coast is THE place to see how the opposite half dwell. From parks to mansions and seashores, it’s hardly shocking that rich Portuguese holidaymakers adore it.
The place to go subsequent?
If solo backpacking in Portugal has gone nicely, why not proceed your Portugal adventures? After Three months dwelling in Porto, I can’t suggest it sufficient. It’s a terrific base to discover points of interest in Northern Portugal just like the Douro Valley wine area, Peneda-Gerês Nationwide Park and historic cities like Guimarães and Aveiro.
I additionally love the Algarve. Locations like Faro and Lagos are pretty bases to discover the close by seashores, go kayaking, mountaineering and extra.
Searching for extra Portugal content material?
Browse my many, many Porto guides beginning with the highest things to do in Porto and my 3 day Porto itinerary.
Thanks for studying my Lisbon solo journey information!
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TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING PORTUGAL
Getting there by air – I exploit Skyscanner to seek out the best-value flights, utilizing the ‘search by month’ software to seek out the most cost effective dates. It’s also possible to use the ‘to anyplace’ function for those who’re versatile on the place you’re going.
Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to match automobile leases in European nations (and all all over the world).
Confused about visas? I exploit iVisa to test visa necessities and apply for visas on-line.
For trains, I exploit Omio. The search function lets you evaluate costs, and so they present dwell departure instances on the web site. That is additionally a helpful software to match trains and buses in a single search.
For buses, I exploit FlixBus. Discover journeys between European nations from €1!
For accommodations and self-catering flats, I exploit Booking.com. You’ll be able to filter by assessment rating and value to seek out the best-rated finances locations. For hostels, I exploit Hostelworld.com.
Browse excursions and actions on GetYourGuide.
Want journey insurance coverage? I exploit World Nomads. They cowl 150 nations and have 24-hour emergency help.
Try my resources web page for extra journey reductions and finances suggestions from my 10+ years on the highway!
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