Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) is Portugal’s capital. It is known for its mosaic pavements, medieval Alfama quarter, Fado music, and Art Nouveau cafes. Whether you are a backpacker or traveling on business, there are tons of enjoyable things to do in Lisbon alone.
With plenty of budget accommodation options and cheap public transportation, solo travel in Lisbon is easy.
Lisbon received financial investment for the Expo of 98 and the 2004 European Football Championship, ushering in much needed modern amenities at the time. Preserving historic buildings that survived the 1755 Great Earthquake, tsunamis, and fires, many monuments from the 16th century can still be found today throughout this hilly city. Because of this, Lisbon has a good mix of historic and modern vibes. This makes a Lisbon solo trip all the more enticing – not to mention the nearly year-round pleasant weather!
In the last decade, tourism in Lisbon has become an increasingly important contributor to Portugal’s economy. Aside from the drop during the pandemic, the inbound numbers have been steadily been on the rise. Over 18 million visitors came to Portugal in 2023, with most from Europe, the United States, and Brazil.
Good to Know for Portugal
Currency: Euro
Capital City: Lisbon
Primary Language: Portuguese
Bordering Countries: Spain
Part of Schengen Zone: Yes
Lisbon is a great place for exploring and relaxing, plus its relatively affordable compared to many other parts of Europe. I spent a week in Lisbon solo and absolutely loved it.
Wondering what to see in Lisbon in one day or more during your solo venture? Here are 11 cool things to do if you’re visiting Lisbon solo.
1. See Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
About 3.7 miles (6 km) west of the city center is the suburb of Belem. This famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Built in the 16th century, it stands as a sentinel at the mouth of the Tagus River and offers fantastic views of the river and the city.
In 1497 Vasco da Gama set sail for India from this area. In part funded by the spice trade, the turreted tower is set near the Jerónimos Monastery. This landmark was built in the last five years of Dom Manuel’s reign and was meant to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s port.
Within Belém there is a can’t miss treat – the Pastéis de Belém. Portugal’s famous custard tarts, known as Pastéis de Nata or Pastéis de Belém can be found here. Don’t miss the historic Pastéis de Belém bakery in the Belém district to try one (or three), ideally with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar on top.
2. Visit LX Factory
Full of murals and quirky art, one of Lisbon’s coolest cultural centers is the LX Factory. Here you can explore Lisbon’s creative hub, a former industrial complex transformed into a vibrant cultural and shopping destination. You can discover art galleries, unique boutiques, trendy cafes, and street art installations in this vibrant reclaimed space.
Don’t miss the iconic international bookstore Ler Devagar which has transformed an old printing press into a bar. I also highly recommend the chocolate cake at Landeau. A Lisbon solo trip is truly incomplete without some time checking out this unique part of the city and all its shops. The LX Factory is a great spot to pick up a higher quality souvenir.
Related: 6 Quirky Things to do in Uzupis
3. Stop by Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
As one of the oldest churches in Lisbon, the Lisbon Cathedral is a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Built in 1147, it is one of the oldest things you can find in the city.
If you’re visiting Portugal solo, you’re likely no stranger to the religious and historic sites in the country. The Lisbon cathedral’s façade is characterized by its two massive towers and a rose window, which are prominent features of Portuguese Gothic architecture.
In Portuguese the cathedral is called Sé de Lisboa, which translates to Lisbon Cathedral. The term “Sé” comes from the Latin word “sedes,” meaning “seat,” signifying that it houses the bishop’s seat.
You can also climb to the top of the cathedral’s towers for great views of Lisbon. Admission is a few euros.
4. Explore the Alfama District
Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, the Alfama district is characterized by its narrow streets and colorful houses. Here you should wander through its maze-like layout, visit the São Jorge Castle, and enjoy traditional Fado music in one of the many local bars. You can find lots of music and street performances depending on the day here in the Alfama area.
Alfama is considered the birthplace of Fado, Portugal’s traditional music genre known for its melancholic tunes and expressive lyrics. Many Fado houses (casas de fado) and taverns in Alfama host live performances.
Alfama was the only neighborhood in Lisbon to survive the 1755 earthquake relatively intact. The name “Alfama” is derived from the Arabic word “al-hamma,” meaning “hot springs” or “baths.” This reflects the district’s Moorish heritage.
The district hosts several traditional festivals throughout the year, including the popular Feast of Saint Anthony (Festa de Santo António) in June.
The Feira da Ladra flea market, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is a must-visit for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts. The market offers a wide range of items, including antiques, clothing, books, and handicrafts. Perfect for souvenirs!
5. Relax at Rossio Square (Praça do Rossio)
This bustling square is the heart of Lisbon and the Baixa neighborhood. It’s a great place to soak in the city’s atmosphere. This is the perfect spot to relax in one of the surrounding cafes, especially if you’re a first time Lisbon visitor.
The Rossio Fountain is the square’s most-photographed site along with the tall sculpture of Dom Pedro IV, King of Portugal. I personally love the black and white wavy mosaic tiles in the square. It is totally free to hang out in the square. You may even like to bring a book and relax.
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6. Ride Tram 28
Hopping on Tram 28 is one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon. It is a scenic, open-air trip through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods that helps you see Lisbon in a short amount of time. Not to mention, the tram saves your legs a bit from all the walking you’ll undoubtedly be doing in this hilly city. This typically yellow tram takes you past major landmarks, offering a convenient and charming way to explore the city. The trams were originally built in England in the early 20th century.
Tram 28 can get pretty crowded so stay mindful of your pockets and purses. If you prefer to escape the crowds, you could take a private tuk-tuk tour through the city covering the same route as Tram 28, plus get a narrated tour of historic sites.
Taking a ride on Tram 28 is a perfect, entertaining activity if you’re traveling in Lisbon alone.
7. Check Out Arco da Rua Augusta
Located in the Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) in the Baixa district of Lisbon, the arch is a can’t miss stop in Lisbon. It is also near the Tagus River. At the top of the arch, there are statues of Glory, Ingenuity, Valor, and Genius, symbolizing the qualities that contributed to Portugal’s maritime exploration.
For a few euros, you can even climb to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. There is an elevator inside as the arch was renovated in 2013, although the earliest version of it dates back to 1775.
8. Bairro Alto by Night
Every weekend, narrow streets of Bairro Alto (literally “upper neighborhood”) fill up with a buzzing crowd. In this labyrinth of streets, you’ll find plenty of little bars and cozy restaurants.
For drinks, check out Pavilhão Chinês. This unique bar resembles a museum with its eclectic decor, featuring walls lined with vintage toys, antique furniture, and curiosities. Located on the rooftop of a parking garage, Park Bar offers views of Lisbon’s skyline.
Another fun option is the Red Frog Speakeasy Bar. Inspired by the Prohibition era, Red Frog Speakeasy Bar transports guests back in time with its clandestine atmosphere. To enter, visitors must find the hidden entrance and ring the doorbell, adding some adventure and playfulness to the night.
9. Stroll along the Riverfront
Another fun thing to do solo in Lisbon is to take a leisurely walk along the Tagus River waterfront and enjoy stunning views of Lisbon’s skyline. You can explore riverside promenades, relax in waterfront cafes, and watch the sunset over the river for a memorable end to your day. Its waterfront promenade, known as the Ribeira das Naus, provides lovely views of the river and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. You can also find lots of bikes here for rent.
The Tagus River, also known as Rio Tejo in Portuguese, is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, flowing through Spain and Portugal.
Interestingly, several dams along the Tagus River use its natural power for hydroelectricity generation, contributing to Portugal’s renewable energy production. Although not visible in Lisbon, the Alcántara and Castelo de Bode dams are among the largest hydroelectric facilities on the river.
You could even catch a fun, sunset boat cruise down the Tagus with an open bar.
10. Take in the View from Miradouros
With all the hills you’ll be climbing, you’ll soon notice that Lisbon is full of panoramic views from its numerous viewpoints scattered across the city. Popular viewpoints include Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro de Santa Catarina, and Miradouro da Graça.
Atop one of Alfama’s hills is São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge), a Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century. This is another noteworthy spot to take in a great view and snap some pictures. You can skip the admission line by booking in advance here.
11. Do a Day Trip to Sintra
If you have more than one day in Lisbon, I highly recommend a day trip to Sintra to see Pena Palace. Fairytale-like-Pena Palace is truly one of the most unique castles in Europe. In addition, you can stroll through lush gardens and wander around the small town of Sintra.
You can take a solo trip to Sintra from the train station in Lisbon and visit Pena Palace upon arrival. Alternatively, for a relatively fair price you could also join a small, guided group to handle all the logistics (plus a bonus trip to the fishing village of Cascais). A guided trip is also a fun option for solo travelers as you usually get to meet and chat with new people and learn more in depth history of a place from the guide.
Related: 12 Easy Day Trips from Nice, France
Where to Stay in Lisbon Solo
Budget
Your best option for solo travelers on a budget will be to stay in a hostel. The best ones can be booked through Hostelworld. When I visited as a solo traveler I stayed at Inn Possible. It was very clean, excellently located, and quiet. If you are looking for more of a social hostel try Lisbon Central Hostel or the unique Lisbon Destination Hostel with its cool central oasis lounge.
Mid-Range
For a perfectly located, moderately priced hotel in Lisbon, head to Hotel Mundial. This four-star hotel has an amazing roof top and clean modern rooms. Weekend bookings are about $200 a night as of 2024, with weekday prices lower.
Luxury
For a more luxurious experience at a high price point, try the five-star EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel. Located next to the Parque Eduardo VII, this hotel offers high end finishes and attention to detail, not to mention a roof top pool. Weekend rates are around $400 per night as of 2024.
With so many things to do in Lisbon for solo travelers, I have no doubt you’ll find the city to be a charming and fun place to hang out. This Lisbon solo travel guide has highlighted 11 cool things to see in Lisbon and suggested a range of accommodation options for every budget. Hopefully you’ll find Lisbon as delightful as I did.
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