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Lisbon Solo Travel Guide: Where to Stay

There are various accommodation types where you can stay, from hotels to Airbnbs. However, as a solo traveler, I always prefer to stay in a hostel as it’s the best place to meet other travelers, and it’s also more budget-friendly.

I stayed at Sant Jordi Hostels, and I had an incredible stay there – I highly recommend it! It offers a very fun, friendly environment, and it’s very close to public transportation. For more on it, you can read my full honest review here.

Of course, if you’d like to stay in one of Lisbon’s popular neighborhoods, there are plenty of other accommodation options. The most popular and central areas are Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto.

Book Your Stay at Other Central Hostels in Lisbon:

• The Central House Lisbon
• Goodnight Hostel
• Lisbon Destination Hostel
• WOT New Lisbon

• This is Lisbon Hostel
• Be Lisbon Hostel

• Yes! Lisbon Hostel
• We Hate F Tourists
• We Love F Tourists
• Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel

Lisbon Solo Travel Guide: Getting Around

Option #1: Walking

I usually like to explore a new city on foot the first day I arrive. This way, I get to familiarize myself with the area where I’m staying and its surroundings, and I also get to stumble upon a lot of cool stuff. Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to – it’s incredibly picturesque and every corner is prettier than the other. However, its steep roads are no joke, so make sure to wear comfy shoes and bring a reusable bottle of water to stay hydrated. It’s a killer leg workout, but the views are absolutely worth it; I promise!

Option #2: Public Transportation

Lisbon’s public transportation system and the city’s neighborhoods are very well-connected. The transportation network features buses, trams, and the metro, so you rarely need ride-hailing services. Personally, I found the Lisboa Card very useful as it allowed me to ride public transportation for free!

Lisbon Solo Travel Safety

Generally speaking, Lisbon is one of the safest cities I’ve visited as a solo female traveler. However, regardless of where you go, I believe being vigilant and staying alert is important. So, here are some of my top solo travel safety tips:

• Memorize local emergency numbers (police/ambulance/danger: 112).
• Identify your embassy’s location.
• Share your whereabouts with a friend/family member.
• Don’t share your live location on social media.
• Download an eSIM to stay connected. You can get 10% off your Airalo eSIM if you use my promo code here.
• Don’t tell random strangers you’re traveling alone.
• Learn a few self-defense tricks or take a class.
• Keep an AirTag in your fanny pack/purse just in case it gets stolen.

Lisbon Solo Travel Guide: Top Attractions 

#1 São Jorge Castle

Sitting on top of the São Jorge hill, this castle is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks. The São Jorge castle isn’t just about its impressive architecture and fascinating history, but it also offers one of the best panoramic views of the city.

The admission fee might be a bit pricey, though, as the adult ticket costs €15 and €7.50 for those between the ages of 13 to 25. However, it’s one of the many sites the Lisboa Card offers for free.

#2 Lisbon Cathedral

The Roman Catholic Cathedral is the oldest church in Lisbon. A tour of its hallways is a trip through 800 years of history. Its balcony also offers a spectacular view of the city.

Please note that it’s closed on Sundays and holy days.

#3 Praça do Comércio 

This riverfront square, rebuilt in the 18th century, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic spots. It boasts some impressive buildings and facades, and it’s also where Arco da Rua Augusta is located. There are also lots of stores in this area, just in case you’re a shopper!

#4 Santa Justa Elevator

Personally, I’m a bigger fan of the Miradouros, which I’ll talk about in the next section, but some tourists like this as well. The Santa Justa Elevator is a 19th-century industrial-era lift that takes passengers from Baixa up to the Largo do Carmo, 45 meters above.

You can buy a ticket from the ticket office at the base for €5.30. It’s open every day from 7 AM to 11 PM in the summer and from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM in the winter.

Lisbon Solo Travel Guide: Unique Experiences

#1 Ride the Tram 28

The city’s iconic yellow tram, AKA Tram 28, is probably the first thing that comes to mind when anyone brings up Lisbon. The historic trams, dating back to the 30s, still function to this day. That’s why it’s a very popular ride among travelers, especially since it passes by many historic and significant landmarks.

The scenic route features the popular districts of Baixa and Alfama. The tram also passes by tourist attractions like the Basilica of Estrela, the Lisbon Cathedral, Portas do Sol Viewpoint, and more.

Here are some important pointers to consider:

• The tram is part of the city’s transportation system, not just a touristy ride. The first time I rode the tram was actually a coincidence – I was taking the “E28” ride to get to my destination, which I later discovered was the very same as Tram 28.
• Take the tram early in the morning if it’s for the sake of the ride, as it can be packed with tourists midday.
• Ride the whole route as it’s very scenic, and it’s a great way to tour the city.
• Ride from the first or last stop (Martim Moniz/Campo Ourique) to secure a seat.
• If it gets crowded, watch out for pickpockets.

How much does it cost?

• The ticket for a single ride costs €3, which can be bought from the driver or at the metro station.
• The 24-hour ticket costs €6.60 and offers you unlimited access to public transportation, including the tram, metro, and bus. This one can only be bought at the metro station.
• If you have the Lisboa Card, you can ride the tram (as well as all modes of transportation) for FREE.

#2 Attend a Fado show

Fado, which literally translates to “fate” in Latin, is a traditional melancholic genre and a staple of Portuguese culture. It evokes feelings of despair, heartbreak, and a rollercoaster of bittersweet emotions. However, the amount of passion you’ll witness is just so beautiful.

Attending a Fado show is a MUST-DO when in Lisbon, and there’s no better place for that than Tasca do Chico, an old tavern that has 2 branches: in Bairro Alto & Alfama. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

• It’s extremely offensive to speak or make any noise during the performance.
• All the windows and doors will be shut during the performance – no one can go in or out except during break time between the acts.
• There are Fado shows from 8 PM to 1:30 AM at the Bairro Alto branch every day, but at the Alfama branch from Wednesday to Sunday.
• No reservations allowed.
• The place is pretty small with very limited seating on a first-come-first-serve basis. So 1. show up early to find a spot and 2. be ready for rubbing elbows with random strangers (literally and metaphorically).
• Make sure to have dinner in advance, as it’s not a restaurant – only drinks and appetizers are available.

Fun fact: Many Fado stars actually started out singing in this cozy old bar.

#3 Enjoy panoramic views at Miradouros

Another thing Lisbon is famous for is its breathtaking viewpoints, locally known as Miradouros. These are the best spots for panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. Some of the most beautiful viewpoints to check out include Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

#4 Indulge in the best meals at the Time Out Market

The 19th-century market, formerly known as Mercado da Ribeira Nova, has now been turned into a Time Out Market, the world’s first editorially curated market with branches all over the world. The market brings the best restaurants, bars, and chefs in Lisbon all under one roof and is absolutely worth a visit if you fancy one hell of a gastronomic experience.

It’s open from Sunday to Wednesday from 10 AM to midnight and from Thursday to Saturday from 10 AM to 2 AM.

#5 Spend an afternoon at LX Factory

LX Factory is one of Lisbon’s most fun hangout spots; I was so happy to stumble upon it. Once an industrial complex that dates back to 1846, LX Factory is now one of the coolest commercial spaces in the city. 

It was transformed into an artsy, creative space, and it has so much to offer:

• A wide variety of bars and restaurants.
• SHOPPING – from apparel to concept stores and vintage finds.
• A library that offers books and music records.
• Ateliers, jewelers, and artists’ offices.
• I even got pierced at Queen of Hearts Tattoos (where you can also get inked).
• You can even stay at their very own LX Hostel.

#6 Spend a wild night on Pink Street

As the name suggests, Pink Street is actually PINK – the entire street is painted in the brightest shade of it. It may be known as one of the most Instagrammable spots in town, especially with the hanging colorful umbrellas, but let me tell you, it’s not as pretty as it looks in the pictures. It doesn’t smell that great either *oops*… But if you’re a night owl, it’s the hottest nightlife spot in the city, so you might want to check out the bars and clubs there.

Lisbon Solo Travel Guide: Lisbon Food & Drink 

Local Cuisines

Lisbon is best known for its seafood, specifically the famous Bacalhau a Bras and grilled sardines. Unfortunately, I can’t eat seafood, so I didn’t get to try these popular dishes myself; however, you can try them out and let me know in the comments *wink wink*

What I did try and fell in love with, though, is the city’s iconic pastéis de nata! The pastel de nata is a popular Portuguese egg custard tart pastry. It’s one of a kind, and I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I told you it tastes like heaven! 

Solo-Friendly Places to Eat & Drink

• For breakfast: Dear Breakfast, Seventh Brunch, and Thank You Mama
• For the best Fado show: Tasca do Chico
• For pastéis de nata: Manteigaria (the most popular) and Pastéis de Belém (the original one)
• For endless dining options: Time Out Market Lisboa and LX Factory
• For the best view: Carmo Rooftop
• For the best Italian: Caja Pasta Fresca Italiana

Day Trips From Lisbon

Do you have an extra day or two to spare in Lisbon? Well, some beautiful nearby towns are worth visiting too. So, if you’d like to plan a day trip from Lisbon, here are some places to check out:

Sintra

This is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, as Sintra is known for its unique fusion of picturesque landscapes and mesmerizing castles and palaces. The town’s rich history speaks for itself as it’s packed with plenty of architectural masterpieces listed as  UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sintra is 30 minutes away from Lisbon by bus or train – you can ride the train for FREE if you have the Lisboa Card. Its top attractions include the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and the National Palace of Sintra.

Cascais

Another popular day trip is Cascais, formerly a fishing town and now a bustling resort town known for its beautiful beaches. 

Cascais is 40 minutes away from Lisbon by train – you can ride the train for FREE if you have the Lisboa Card. Its best beaches include the Praia da Rainha, Praia da Ribeira, and Praia da Duquesa.

Belém

Unlike the other two, Belém is actually part of Lisbon but very distant from the center. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, where the largest concentration of museums in Portugal is located.

Belém is 6 KM away from central Lisbon – you can get there via ride-hailing services, train, bus (route 728), or tram (route E15). Its top attractions include the famed Belém Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, and it’s also home to the original Pastel de Nata pastry.

Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to and would definitely love to go back to. So, pin this guide for your next trip, and let me know in the comments all about it when you go!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.

SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.

This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.

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You might also like:

• Lisboa Card: Is the Lisbon Pass Worth the Investment?
• Where to Stay in Lisbon: A Solo Traveler’s Full Review of Sant Jordi Hostels

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