Solo Travel Lisbon Guide For The Independent Woman in 2023

Considering solo travel Lisbon style? An affordable fairytale trip is around the corner!

There are few cities as pleasant as Lisbon for solo travelers, and if you’re over 50, you’ll find this incredible city a true discovery, one that offers culture, history, and a massive amount of charm. Plus, Lisbon solo travel is surprisingly affordable for Western Europe, something we always look for!

I love to hear what others have to say about my favorite destinations and this article, originally written by Samantha Glauser, tells us why Lisbon is one of the best places to travel solo, even if it’s your first time – along with helpful travel tips for Lisbon, and amazing things to do when you’re there.

Why visit Lisbon?

Visiting Lisbon alone offers an incredible opportunity to wander through some of the most important times in history, as well as a beautiful city with a sea of terra cotta rooftops overlooking the Tagus River. 

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe. There’s evidence it was inhabited as early as 1300 BCE and later, it was the site of a Roman settlement.

Lisbon, and the neighborhood of Belém, ​​played a prominent role during the Age of Exploration in the 15th century. Some of the most influential explorers left for the New World and established new trade routes from Lisbon.

Lisbon enjoyed a time of prosperity until the mid-18th century, when the earthquake of 1755 destroyed most of the city except for one area – the Alfama. And here’s why this is interesting.

First, the earthquake was on All Saints’ Day on November 1, and second, Alfama was the neighborhood where prostitutes, thieves, and other “undesirables” lived. The only part of Lisbon left standing on a day of religious significance was the neighborhood of ill repute.

The Alfama survived the massive earthquake, the resulting fires, and the flooding from the Tagus River. Today, it is a lively maze of steep streets and alleys full of artisan shops, restaurants and clubs. If you’re planning a solo trip to Lisbon, this is where you should start.

Top 5 things to do in Lisbon alone

There are a lot of incredible things to see in Lisbon and you’ll find great lists in guidebooks. But to really get the pulse of this extraordinary city, you’ll want to learn about its past and wander around the most historic areas in the city center. If you can spend three days in Lisbon, you’ll have time to see the best of Lisbon.

1. Lisbon walking tours

I recommend solo travel in Lisbon to women over 50 because it’s definitely a walker’s city – so prepare your walking shoes.

Just strolling around without a plan and soaking in the sights is one of the top things to do alone in Lisbon.

But if you have limited time, a walking tour is a wonderful way to visit Lisbon and explore this area to learn more about its history. Here are a few solo tours you might consider:

• a tour of central Lisbon
• a tour of Alfama
• one for both Alfama and Graça

When you walk around Lisbon, be on the lookout for Fernando Pessoa, the most influential poet you’ve never heard of. It’s fun to find sightings of him throughout the city among statues, paintings, and pictures. The best known is a statue of him sitting in front of his favorite haunt, A Brasileira. 

You’ll also find his statue perched on a balcony and in other places around town. It’s like a modern-day historical scavenger hunt – there’s even a tour dedicated to Pessoa sightings, so check it out.

Learn about the Carnation Revolution, where a dictator was overthrown by a peaceful protest of people carrying red carnations, and about the anti-seismic rebuilding of Lisbon after the great earthquake. The city has an incredibly rich and full history when you scratch beneath the surface, and that’s easier to do with an experienced guide.

2. Things to do in Alfama and Graça

Alfama is one of the most picturesque areas of Lisbon.

The narrow, winding streets offer a glimpse into what it might have been like hundreds of years ago. And given its location high on one of the hills of Lisbon, it offers some incredible views from the miradouros, or lookouts.

Some favorites for views are:

• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• Miradouro da Senhora Do Monte
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia

For a lesser-known travel tip, many tourists take the Santa Justa Lift for the views and because it climbs part-way up the hill to Graça. You can actually climb up the back steps of the lift near the Carmo Convent (an impressive sight in its own right) for free to take in the views.

If you visit Alfama on a Tuesday or Saturday, check out Feira da Ladra, the Thieves’ Market. And although ladra does mean female thief, the market is actually named for the ladro, a bug found in antique furniture.

Graça is at the top of the hill in the neighborhood of Castelo de Sao Jorge (Saint George Castle). Though the castle itself is a ruin, it also offers incredible city views. And, where else can you “conquer a castle by elevator,” thanks to the Santa Justa Lift?

You’ll find plenty of street art in this area, including a unique wall filled with cartoons that provide a brief summary of the neighborhood’s history.

3. Dine at an “illegal” Chinese restaurant

The Moorish quarter, also known as Mouraria, is a historic neighborhood near Alfama, full of narrow winding streets and remnants of Moorish architecture that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past. While it may seem a bit run down, Mouraria Lisbon’s safety is as high as elsewhere in the city.

For something interesting and a little different, head to Mouraria to eat in one of Lisbon’s underground Chinese restaurants.

These illegal Chinese Lisbon “off-the-books” places are located in a residential and non-touristy area. They were originally started by Chinese immigrants opening an unofficial restaurant in their homes. It caught on, and now it’s a fun thing to do when you visit Lisbon.

You won’t see many signs giving them away. But you’ll be able to find them by the incredible smell. And sometimes, you’ll see discreet red lanterns hung above the door.

4. Enjoy a night of Fado music in Lisbon

One thing you will not want to miss is Fado. This style of music originated in Portugal and is soulful and beautiful. It’s like the Portuguese version of Spanish flamenco or the US blues. 

The Portuguese are a seafaring people, known for both fishing and exploring. They took center stage during the Golden Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries with explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan leaving the harbor of Belém. It is said that fado was born of the women waiting for their men to return home.

Fado is found in certain bars and restaurants late at night, usually starting at eight or nine p.m. and sometimes later. It’s sad, beautiful, emotional, and quintessentially Portuguese. You could visit Lisbon without seeing fado, but why would you?

Tasca do Chico in the Bairro Alto neighborhood is one of the most popular places to go. However, this busy place may require waiting for a chance to get a table. Worry not! This neighborhood is known for its nightlife, with a lot of well-known bars and restaurants to explore while you wait. 

You can go solo: they pack people in and you’ll sit at a large table with locals and tourists to enjoy the haunting tunes. Fado is very much a group participation event, so be prepared to clap, sing, and maybe even shed a few tears.

If you’d feel more comfortable going with a group in the evening, take your pick of these Fado and Portuguese tapas or foodie get-togethers.

For something more cultural, learn all about Fado with a Fado singer on this guided walking tour.

5. Take a day trip from Lisbon

You can also take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra’s Pena Palace (also a World Heritage Site).

Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is a popular getaway with sights that look straight out of a fairytale. Visit the iconic, brightly colored Pena Palace atop a lush hill, the Quinta da Regaleira estate, the Moorish Castle, or the Monserrate Palace, all of which are quite close one to another.

Other great locations that are easy to reach from Lisbon include Cascais and Fatima.

Solo travel Lisbon travel tips

Lisbon may be a large city, but its historic center is very walkable. It’s easy to get around Lisbon and you’ll get a great workout climbing the steep hills (although be careful if it’s hot!) If you get tired, there is ample public transportation with trams, buses, trains, and funiculars to help you navigate the inclines.

For an even better deal, get a Lisbon City Card for 1-3 days, which includes public transportation, some nearby trains, and plenty of Lisbon attractions.

How safe is solo travel to Lisbon for solo travelers?

Solo travel in Lisbon is perfectly safe, and Lisbon is widely considered to be one of the best places to travel solo in Europe. That said, no place is 100% safe so here are some helpful Portugal solo travel tips to make sure traveling to Lisbon alone will be unforgettable – in a good way.

• Hold onto your belongings
  The crime rate is quite low for violent crimes, so you can feel safe walking around, even at night. However, you’ll want to take standard precautions that you would in any city. Pickpocketing is common, so keep an eye on your belongings and tuck away items of value either in an anti-theft bag or a money belt.

• Be careful on public transportation
  One thing to be aware of in Lisbon is the “snatch and run” on public transportation. According to locals, people will wait until right before the doors close to snatch something and run with it since you won’t be able to chase them if they time it right. So, be especially careful on trams and buses right before the doors close.
  
• Don’t overindulge
  While it’s safe to walk around Lisbon at night, you’ll still want to be careful. Walk down well-lit streets, and be aware of your surroundings. And, while Portugal has some delicious wines, take care to not overindulge, especially if you’re walking alone at night.

Where to stay in Lisbon: Best hotels in Lisbon for solo travelers

If you plan to travel to the City of Seven Hills, you’ll want to find the best place to stay in Lisbon for solo traveler, especially if you’re traveling as a solo woman over 50.

• Lisbon budget hotel: Hotel LX Rossio. This low-cost hotel is in the heart of Lisbon in the Baixa/Chiado neighborhood. It literally is in the center of it all, and it’s the perfect location for solo travel Lisbon exploration of what this incredible city has to offer. And, don’t let the price tag fool you as this hotel offers some nice amenities.
  
• Lisbon hotel Mid-Range: Dalma Old Town Suites. This surprisingly affordable hotel features themed apartments so you can feel like a local even if you’re traveling to Lisbon alone for the first time. It’s nestled in the Alfama neighborhood, just a short walk from the castle and other popular sights.
  
• Luxury hotel Lisbon: Solar do Castelo. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to live like a queen, here’s your chance – and your solo travel to Lisbon is the perfect oportunity! This former 18th-century mansion is built on the site of the former royal palace kitchens within the walls of Castelo de Sao Jorge. You’ll find every modern comfort in this premium location.

Here are additional accommodation options if the above ones aren’t suitable:

Where to eat in Lisbon

Portuguese foods are richly flavored and seasoned.

Given Lisbon’s proximity to the ocean, seafood is very popular and includes bacalhau (salted cod, which tastes much better than it sounds!), sardines, and shellfish. Solo dining in Lisbon is easy and fun, but if your time is limited and you want to taste all the city’s specialties, a Lisbon food tour might be just right.

The Portuguese are obsessed with pastries, and just as there is a coffee shop in the US on almost every corner, pastry shops can be found everywhere in Lisbon. One that this area is famous for is the pastel de nata. It’s a rich egg custard in a pastry shell, but you’ll have to try it to truly understand how amazing it is.

You’ll need to go to Pastéis de Belém in the Belém neighborhood of Lisbon for the best this city offers. They are delicious, but try Manteigaria for a delightfully good alternative. You may even like these better.

Love them so much you want to learn how to make them? Check out this pastel de nata cooking class – it’s one of the many things to do in Lisbon as a solo traveller.

Not familiar with these sweet little custard tarts? They were invented by monks and nuns, with the recipe kept secret – until it was finally given to the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém pastry shop. And the rest is history.

One of the best restaurants for a solo female traveler is Taberna Sal Grosso. This tiny establishment only opens for a few hours at lunch and dinner and has few tables, so you’ll be seated with others to maximize space. It’s a great way to meet people while enjoying a wonderful meal. 

The menu is informally written on a board on the wall and is based on whatever fresh goodies are found at the market that morning. You’ll want to arrive before opening hour as people line up waiting for this incredible find. It’s located near the Santa Apolonia train station just down the hill from Alfama. They also take reservations.

A great historic option in the Chiado neighborhood is A Brasileira. For well over 100 years, this cafe has fed artists and satisfied patrons, earning its place of prominence in Lisbon’s history. Dining here is walking through the pages of Lisbon’s varied history. You can even enjoy a bite with the great Pessoa himself at his favorite table.  

Another great place to eat is Atira-te ao Rio in Cacilhas. Hop on the ferry across the Tagus River and it’s a ten-minute walk along the water. You’ll get incredible city views along with views of the 25 April Bridge and Christ the King statue. Request one of the outdoor tables overlooking the river and enjoy their amazing fresh seafood dishes with a glass of vinho verde.

Why you should travel solo to Lisbon

There’s no reason to worry if is Lisbon safe to travel alone – it is, and you’ll enjoy your Lisbon solo trip. The city is easy to get around, people are friendly and helpful, and it’s safe for all kinds of travelers (although taxis have been known to “take the long way” in the hopes you might not notice!)

There are plenty of things to do in Lisbon, a city filled with rich history and culture. It’s a city you’ll love if it’s your first time, and you’ll definitely want to repeat the experience.

FAQ Solo Travel Lisbon

When is the best time to go to Lisbon?

The shoulder season is the best time to visit Lisbon, either late spring or early autumn. This means you’ll avoid the heat of summer and the crush of tourist crowds but enjoy wonderful weather.

How many days do you need to see Lisbon?

Lisbon is not particularly large, but it’s densely packed with attractions and surrounded by great locations for a day trip. You’ll need at least 3 days to explore the major attractions and things to do alone in Lisbon, and more would be better.

Is Lisbon an expensive city?

While Lisbon is not a cheap place to live, visiting Lisbon is more affordable for tourists than most West European cities, especially capitals. Portugal tours for solo travellers can help you find good deals if you’re looking to save a buck!

How can I meet locals in Lisbon while traveling alone?

Meeting locals when you travel can be tricky (especially if you don’t speak Portuguese), but there are a few clever ways to find some local company when you’re solo in Lisbon. 

For example, you can mingle with locals at local markets like Mercado da Ribeira or Feira da Ladra, attend workshops and classes or walking tours (though you may need to pick an English-speaking one for your convenience), or simply frequent smaller, non-touristy cafés and restaurants, where locals gather, and strike up conversations with fellow diners, especially when you are seated together (this does happen).

Platforms like Facebook groups can also be an easy way to find local events, meetups, or activities that align with your interests.

Solo female travel Lisbon: Is Lisbon safe for solo female travellers?

Lisbon solo female travel is perfectly safe. In fact, Lisbon is reputed to be one of the safest cities in Europe for solo women.

Is Lisbon safe at night?

Lisbon is generally considered safe at night, especially in well-traveled and tourist-friendly areas. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and many people enjoy exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife without encountering safety issues. However, as with any city, it’s important to take some common-sense precautions to ensure your safety wherever you go.

Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers?

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, you might be wondering: Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers in general? The answer is, fortunately, yes.

Is Lisbon a good place to travel alone?

Yes, Lisbon is a fantastic place to travel alone! It offers a great blend of history, culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a popular destination for solo travelers. This walkable city boasts scenic views, a vibrant cafe and restaurant culture, plenty of attractions (some very ancient), friendly locals, and a very high level of safety (even at night), along with plenty of cafés in which to stop for a rest if you’ve walked too much.

How do you travel Lisbon to Porto?

Travel from Lisbon to Porto by air takes only an hour but you then have to contend with travel at either end, plus security clearance time. The train takes longer, about 2h 30 but in the grand scheme of things, door-to-door, you’ll probably get there sooner than if you fly. You can book your Lisbon tickets here.

You can also drive, which takes about three hours, or take the bus, probably the cheapest, which takes about four hours. You can do the same thing in reverse to travel from Porto to Lisbon.

Is Porto safe for solo female travellers?

Yes! Like most of Portugal, Porto is very safe and welcoming to solo female visitors. 

What is the best neighborhood to stay in Lisbon for a female solo traveler?

The neighborhoods Chiado, Baixa, and Alfama are the most popular choices for solo women looking for accommodation in Lisbon.

Make Lisbon your next solo travel destination

The blend of history, culture, and affordability make solo travel Lisbon ideal.

Use this guide to roam through historic streets, eat all of the pastries pastries, and embrace Fado’s soulful melodies. From Alfama’s charm to Sintra’s fairytale allure, Lisbon beckons with open arms. 

Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog—join her in creating a life to dream about on My Flying Leap!

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