There are several poorer, disadvantaged neighborhoods in the Greater Lisbon area. Typically they are of little interest to tourists.
If you do plan on visiting outlying suburbs (e.g. looking for a specific restaurant or store), it is a good idea to double-check if there are any concerns with the specific area before you do.
Hotel Recommendations for Lisbon Solo Travel
Now that you have an idea of the different neighborhoods, letâs look at some hotels that I would specifically recommend:
đ¨ Luxury: Solar do Castelo Inn
If you are looking for a charming, romantic hotel with a strong historical vibe this small hotel in an 18th century mansion is for you. Built on the site of the former kitchens of the Royal Palace, it makes you feel almost as if you are staying at the Castelo itself.
The only disadvantage is that it is located on top of a hill. While the narrow and steep cobblestone streets are quaint, they may be hard to conquer after a long day exploring.
đ Click here to check prices and availability
đ¨ Mid-Range: Moxy Lisboa Oriente
I stayed at the Moxy Lisboa Oriente towards the end of my trip to Portugal and wished I had stayed here longer. While the surroundings were not as quaint as some other neighborhoods, the Parque das Nacoes area was ideal for public transport connections and shopping.
As part of Marriottâs hip, modern Moxy chain, this hotel has a youthful aesthetic with a common work area and a bar in the lobby.
I wasnât quite sure about the playful styling of the room at first, but it actually worked well and was much more practical than I had expected. Moxy Lisboa Oriente will especially appeal to the young and young at heart!
đ Click here to check prices and availability
đ¨ Budget: Ibis Styles Lisboa Centro Marques de Pombal
As part of the Ibis Styles collection this hotel offers comfortable rooms with all the necessities.
Though slightly outside the city center, Ibis Styles Lisboa Centro Marques de Pombal is well connected by Metro and the location right next to Eduardo VII Park is an additional plus.
đ Click here to check prices and availability
Best Things to do Alone in Lisbon for Solo Travelers
There is so much to do in Lisbon that it can be difficult to choose, especially if you are only in town for a day or two. However, my main advice would be to take it easy and enjoy the hip, relaxed atmosphere instead of rushing through to check off all the sights.
Ride a Tram
Riding Tram 28 is one of the most touristy things to do in Lisbon â with good reason. This tram route runs through a good part of the city and passes many of the main tourist attractions. And a ride is inexpensive. You can get the day ticket for public transportation if you plan to use this tram as a hop-on-hop-off ride.
However, there are a couple of disadvantages to riding tram 28, especially in the busy summer season. It is so popular that lines get very long, and the tram can be crowded.
I would advise getting an early start to your day and ideally boarding at Campo Orique, the final stop on the routeâs western end.
Please be aware that Tram 28 is known as an El Dorado for pickpockets so donât take any valuables you donât need with you and keep an eye on your belongings.
If you just want to ride around on one of the cute trams you can avoid a lot of the hassle of Tram 28 by going on one of the other routes. Tram 15 for example will take you from Belem all the way to Rossio in the city center.
If you want to travel the same route Tram 28 takes but in a more comfortable and secure way, consider this highly-rated alternative â a private electronic Tuk-Tuk ride that follows the same path!
Take a Cooking Class
A fun way to meet fellow travelers and get a taste for the local culture through food is by taking a cooking class. In this Portuguese cooking class youâll cook and enjoy a 3-course dinner of traditional food with wine.
If youâre more of a pastry chef, sign up for this Pastel de Nata class instead to learn how to make this famous dessert whenever you want.
Join a Bucket List Tour of Lisbon
For an epic, once-in-a-lifetime experience donât miss this 360-degree tour of the city. This experience has it all â walking tour, tram ride, helicopter tour and boat tour!
Truly an incredible and unique way to see the city of Lisbon as you learn about its history, and more affordable than you might expect based on all thatâs included.
đ Check Prices & Availability
Attend a Fado Show
Fado is traditional Portuguese music that is absolutely worth enjoying while youâre in Lisbon.
There are many opportunities to view a Fado show, but the best is through this experience that includes a stop at a local residentâs home in Alfama, a show with 3-course dinner and drinks included, and a guided walking tour with a local expert.
đ Click here to reserve your spot
Go on a Dolphin Watching Adventure
Did you know you could see dolphins in Lisbon? Hop aboard this dolphin boat adventure and head into the Atlantic Sea for a sighting of local wildlife. Youâll have the chance to see dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds as you enjoy the ocean breezes and onboard refreshments.
A truly breathtaking opportunity and perfect to add to your Lisbon solo travel itinerary!
đ Click here to book
Explore Castelo de S. Jorge
You will have to climb up some steep cobblestone streets to get to this historic castle, located on Lisbonâs highest hill. However, the views from up top are well worth the effort.
There is an exhibit about archaeological discoveries, and you can climb up on the ramparts to walk along the walls. Peaco*cks, courtyards, ruins and gates give this old fortress a fairy-tale-like vibe.
Visit the Cathedral
I enjoyed my visit to Lisbonâs SĂŠ de Lisboa. The high ceilings with Gothic arches and the beautiful stained-glass windows give this building a regal air.
It is located right between Baixa and Alfama neighborhoods so you are likely to pass by during your explorations anyway.
Check out Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
This masterpiece Monastery dates back to 1502 and is a great example of the Manueline and Gothic architecture so typical of Portugal.
Opinions are divided on whether seeing the inside is worth the long lines, but you definitely should at least admire the beautiful exterior â and then get a Pasteis de Belem at the famous bakery just down the road.
Beware though: Do not get in the long, long line if you do not already have a ticket! If you do not have the Lisbon card, pre-buy your ticket either online or at the ticket booth in the park across the street instead.
Stroll through the Alfama District
If you love twisty cobblestone streets and getting lost in old towns, this is for you. Stroll through this historic district and take a break in one of the sidewalk cafes or buy an ice cream along the way.
Be aware that these streets are steep and can be quite slippery when wet so use caution and wear good walking shoes, especially in the rain.
đ Book the Old Alfama Guided Walking Tour
Admire the Tiles and Mosaics
Two of the things I like most about Portugal are the beautiful mosaics on the streets and the fascinating facades of houses. Whether in Lisbon, Porto or the Azores youâll find a stunning variety of mosaics: stars, circles, knots, flowers â every street is different.
Thanks to the Moorish influence, Lisbon has a style all its own and makes a nice counterpoint to the more traditional European cities. For me, a large part of Lisbonâs appeal is in simply meandering around and admiring the pretty details on buildings or the ground!
Take a Day Trip
Lisbon is great and has plenty of sights to see, but I always feel the need to escape out into the countryside for a day on city trips. Luckily, there are plenty of fascinating destinations very close to Lisbon.
I highly recommend a visit to Sintra with its fairy-tale castles, mansions, and gardens, the beautiful seaside town of Cascais or the beach in Guincho.
There are plenty of great Sintra tours to choose from, and this is certainly a must-have experience while in Lisbon.
Eat at Time Out Market
I stumbled upon this cool food market with more than two dozen food outlets while desperately looking for a restroom one day. But I have since come back here for both the cool vibes and the delicious food.
Like similar markets in London, Time Out Market Lisboa offers communal seating and a bustling atmosphere. It is an especially good option for solo travelers looking to comfortably dine out alone.
Additional Tips for When You Solo Travel to Lisbon
- Make sure to always carry a bit of cash AND a credit card with you. Some places only accept either one or the other.
- For some reason most escalators in stations were deactivated so consider taking a taxi if you have a lot of luggage (or pack light).
- When waiting for a bus, wave as it approaches if there arenât many other people also waiting to indicate you intend to ride. Otherwise it may drive right by.
A list of my favorite Facebook groups for fellow solo travelers, with tips on how to make the most of them.
Final Thoughts on Lisbon Solo Travel
Lisbon is a great destination for solo travel. I would even call it a âstarter destinationâ â if you are planning your first solo trip Lisbon would make a great introduction.
The city has plenty to offer without being so big that it is overwhelming, public transportation is plentiful and easy to navigate. The weather in Portugal is pleasant most of the year and you can easily take side trips outside of the city for a change of scenery.
As a popular vacation destination (and popular cruise port) Lisbon caters well to tourists. Finally prices, though higher than in other parts of Portugal, are still reasonable.
About the author: Kitty Maerz has always loved to travel and now enjoys sharing her passion (and what she has learned) with others. After many years traveling with kids, she is once again embarking on solo adventures.
