Solo Trip to Lisbon: Our Guide for Individual Travellers

Portugal’s charming capital is set among seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Fabled for colourful tiled buildings, intriguing history, vintage trams and tantalising food, Lisbon has long captured the hearts of travellers. The city has also gained a reputation for being a safe and affordable destination for individual visitors eager to test the waters of a solo trip. Lisbon’s rich and diverse history has created a vibrant, tolerant and inclusive culture, making the city a safe and welcoming destination for solo travellers with a case of wanderlust.

Sprawling parks, historic sites, tuk tuk tours, and modern museums are some of the memorable activities and cultural experiences for individual travellers to enjoy in Lisbon. Whether you prefer history, art, nature or a combination of it all, Lisbon has diversions in spades.

Thanks to its spectacular natural harbour, Lisbon has long been a thriving port city and became Portugal’s capital in 1255. As the Age of Discovery dawned and Portugal’s wealth grew, the city became renowned for its glorious architecture. One of these beautiful landmarks is the Belém Tower along the Tagus River. This 16th-century limestone fortification built during the Portuguese Renaissance was a symbol of Portugal’s maritime power and was used as a ceremonial gateway to the city. Today, you can climb a spiral staircase to reach the tower’s rooftop, which features stunning views of the river and the city.

Next up on your historical tour of Lisbon is Castelo de São Jorge. Although it appears to be the epitome of a medieval fairytale castle, this formidable fortress was actually built in the 11th century and has since served as a fortified residence for the royal family, as well as at times a menagerie, a theatre, a prison and a military barracks. Get lost in time as you wander the crenellated ramparts while looking out over the red rooftops of the city below.

• Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisbon
• Open daily 9am–9pm Mar–Oct, 9am–6pm Nov–Feb
• Skip the lines by booking online

Perhaps the most ethereally beautiful place you’ll experience on your solo trip to Lisbon is the Convento do Carmo. This Gothic convent built in the late 1300s was once the city’s largest but was decimated during the earthquake of 1755. All that remains of the convent today is the graceful skeleton of the Gothic Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the crumbling arches and intricate columns a reminder of history’s ephemeral nature. There’s also a small archaeology museum on the site.

The most prominent historic site is Praça do Comércio fronting the Tagus River. Arguably Lisbon’s most popular meeting place, the plaza was created after a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 1755 destroyed the palace that had previously been on the same grounds. A monumental rebuilding project undertaken by the king led to the construction of the plaza which was named the “Square of Commerce” and intended to be the new economic centre of the city. Today it’s a bustling spot filled with cafés, street performers and stunning views over the river.

Lisbon’s riverfront location, sprawling parks and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean make it a city break perfect for nature lovers. Exploring the free and beautiful outdoor spaces is also a great way for travellers make the most of their time in Lisbon on a budget solo trip. Start the day with a wander through the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden), famed for its butterfly greenhouse and its “enchanted forest” which is filled with plants from Brazil, Asia and Africa brought back from expeditions in the 18th century.

• Rua da Escola Politécnica 58, 1250-102 Lisbon
• Daily 9am–8pm Apr–Sep, 10am–5pm Oct–Mar

Continue on your outdoor itinerary to the city’s most famous park, Parque Eduardo VII. This elegant green space is set on a hill sloping gently down towards the city centre. Stand at the top of the hill to admire the park’s geometric topiary framed by red rooftops and the sparkling river beyond.

Portugal is famous for its magnificent beaches, and while Lisbon isn’t on directly on the Atlantic, it’s close by. Less than 30 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré station, Praia do Tamariz is renowned as the trendiest beach in the area. The white sand, azure water, sunset views and collection of lively beach bars make this the perfect spot to wind down after a long day of sightseeing.

The city’s long and storied history, combined with its distinctive architectural style and diverse cultural heritage, are perhaps best explored on your solo trip in one Lisbon’s many museums. Start at the National Museum of Ancient Art, home to over 40,000 items, including the nation’s most prized collections of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts.

• Rua das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisbon
• Tue–Sun 10am–6pm

To explore the history behind the beautiful azulejo tiles gracing the exterior of so many of Lisbon’s historic buildings, visit the National Tile Museum, set in a 16th-century convent.

• Rua da Madre de Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisbon
• Tue–Sun 10am–6pm

Set in both a historic power station and a streamlined, futuristic building that stands out conspicuously amidst the red tile roofs of Lisbon’s city centre is the MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. This intriguing riverfront museum houses immersive exhibitions and rotating installations showcasing pieces at the intersection of art, architecture and technology. And the views along the Tagus to the graceful Ponte 25 de Abril bridge are spectacular.

• Avenida Brasília, 1300-598 Lisbon
• Wed–Mon 10am–7pm

There’s no better way to connect with locals and fellow travellers on your solo trip to Lisbon, and to pick up insider tips and secrets, than by joining a group tour. Take your pick from Lisbon’s wide array of options. For a ride encompassing a general overview of the city, try a tuk tuk tour. Options range from city exploration in the Old Town to riverside drives and tours focused on local cuisine, all with sustainable electric tuk tuks. For an immersion into Lisbon’s history, try a scholarly tour with an art curator, archaeologist or historian as your guide. There are also riverboat, walking, wine and medieval-themed tours, as well as day trips to nearby beaches and towns.

Solo travellers will find that Lisbon is a safe, welcoming and culturally diverse city that’s easy to navigate and beautiful all year round. Portugal’s diversity and progressive politics have created an atmosphere that’s safe for LGBTQ and female travellers and people of colour alike. The main crime to beware of is pickpocketing, especially during the peak summer months.

Lisbon’s hilly, picturesque streets may seem challenging to navigate at first, but fortunately, a network of buses, trams and a metro make getting around the city easy, affordable and convenient for solo travellers on a budget. In fact, Lisbon is a wonderful walking city, with many winding alleys, steep staircases and hillside lifts and escalators. Spend time wandering aimlessly through the city on your solo trip to Lisbon – you never know where you’ll find those hidden gems like the perfect view, charming café or secluded fountain.

While the weather in Lisbon is welcoming all year round, the best seasons to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Winter in Lisbon has its special charms, and while temperatures can be high and the streets crowded during the summer peak season, refreshing beach dips aren’t far away.

For any solo trip, Lisbon has a plethora of hotels sprinkled throughout the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. While visitors can find affordable accommodation in all areas of the city, the best neighbourhood in Lisbon for solo travellers to stay in is Baixa. The lively heart of the city, Baixa is within walking distance of most of the major attractions and is also easily accessible from the airport and train stations. This vibrant district is home to excellent hotel options, including Mama Shelter Lisbon, the epitome of bohemian French style paired with colourful Portuguese verve. On a budget? Check out ibis Styles Lisboa Centro Liberdade or Ibis Lisboa Centro Liberdade, both mere steps away from Lisbon’s most famed attractions.

From sipping a zesty glass of vinho verde in a lively sidewalk cafe to ambling through the cloisters of a historic monastery to making new friends on a food tour, Lisbon is the perfect destination for your next solo travel adventure.