Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers? Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe to visit alone! During a solo trip to Portugal, you’ll be blown away by Lisbon’s fabulous waterfront location, great value, and friendly atmosphere.
Similar to the lovely northern city of Porto, there are many fun Lisbon things to do! The city is colorful, sunny, and picturesque. If you’re wondering, “Is Lisbon safe for solo female travelers?” I’m happy to say the answer is yes! Let’s jump into this solo travel Lisbon guide to staying safe in Portugal and what to do in Lisbon.
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Best Lisbon Tours: Click here to check out the top Lisbon tours
Best Lisbon Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Lisbon
Best Lisbon Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Lisbon
Solo Travel Lisbon: What to Expect
When you take a solo trip to Portugal, you’ll encounter many travelers and backpackers visiting the country alone. English is widely spoken, public transportation is straightforward, and Lisbon’s airport is a significant travel hub—meaning many cheap flights! This makes Lisbon the perfect location for people interested in trying solo travel for the first time. Don’t forget to pack all the essentials you can carry for long flights to Portugal!
Some of the best things to do in Lisbon, such as local museums and attractions, are ideal for solo travelers. Nobody will give you the side-eye for exploring Lisbon alone, whether hanging out in the park, picking up a delicious pastel de nata at a bakery, or grabbing a drink at the bar.
Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers? From my experience, it is. As a solo female traveler in Lisbon, I was never uncomfortable and (surprisingly) didn’t receive any catcalls. After speaking to countless Lisbon solo backpackers, I haven’t found anyone with a bad experience to report.
Where to Stay in Lisbon Solo
Stay at a hostel if you’re a solo traveler on a budget who wants to meet others. They’re cheap and perfect for meeting like-minded solo travelers of all ages and backgrounds.
This hostel is one of Lisbon’s top-rated options. The bar’s nightly “power hour” offers free beers and sangria—most guests attend, so it’s the ideal way to meet others taking a solo trip to Lisbon.
The hostel staff will arrange group trips for a sunset picnic or a day in Sintra, so you have a built-in friend group upon arrival! You can’t miss the hostel’s complimentary breakfast, the best I’ve ever had! We’re talking fresh waffles, scrambled eggs, cheese toasties, and more.
If you prefer having peace and personal space when you solo travel Lisbon, there are many places to stay for all budget types. Book as far in advance as possible for the summer since accommodations sell out fast. This top-rated hotel is centrally located, has rave reviews, and is one of the most affordable places to stay in the city without sacrificing quality.
Best Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal Solo
Are you wondering what to do in Lisbon alone? Endless activities, landmarks, and sights are just as fun to visit solo as with others. Lisbon is incredibly welcoming, so these are just some of the top Lisbon things to do solo.
1. Go to a Fado Show
Fado, a heart-stirring musical style famous worldwide, originates from Lisbon’s Alfama district. While you can experience fado in Northern Portugal, Lisbon is the best place to catch a performance. Fado is significant in Portuguese culture and identity and has been a cherished tradition for centuries. Expect a one-hour fado performance served with a glass of port wine.
2. Take a Free Walking Tour
While this activity isn’t actually free (tours are tip-based), going on a free walking tour in any city is the best way to get your bearings. You’ll see the city’s most famous landmarks, learn local history from your guide, and visit off-the-beaten-path hidden gems.
3. Sample a Pastel de Nata
If you haven’t tried a Portuguese custard tart or Pastel de Nata, you’re in for a treat! You can find these tiny, delicious tarts throughout the city. They’re cheap (around €1.20 each) and perfect for enjoying a snack on the go. People argue about where to find the best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon—unless you’re a connoisseur, they all taste the same. Delicious!
4. Explore Belém
The UNESCO Belém neighborhood is one of the city’s most beautiful, making it easy to spend a day exploring. Start your day at the Monument to the Discoveries, a massive sculpture overlooking the sea, before wandering to the Belém Tower for excellent photos. Don’t miss the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, a jaw-dropping building you must visit during your solo trip to Portugal.
5. Walk Through Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is a picturesque central square that’s a top solo travel Lisbon destination. It’s directly on the harborfront, so many locals and tourists head here in the evening to watch the sunset.
On the square’s northern side, you’ll find the Rua Augusta Arch and brightly painted yellow buildings. In the center of the square, admire the extravagant statue of King Joseph I of Portugal.
While there isn’t much to do at Praça do Comércio, you can’t visit Lisbon without seeing it!
6. Tour São Jorge Castle
Located on a hilltop overlooking the city, São Jorge Castle is an 11th-century building where you can learn about Lisbon’s Moorish history. Over the centuries, it’s acted as a Roman fortification, a Moorish castle, and a royal residence. The castle is an incredible viewpoint, so the hike is worth the city views.
7. Visit Sintra
You can’t plan a solo trip to Portugal without visiting Sintra! This breathtaking town is full of beautiful palaces, and it’s a popular day trip from Lisbon.
If you’ve ever seen photos of a bright red and yellow Portuguese palace surrounded by hills, that’s Pena Palace. You can visit this stunning location in Sintra by taking a half-hour train from Lisbon.
The Sintra countryside is jam-packed with fancy residences, ancient castles, and picture-perfect architecture. It’s great for solo travelers because it’s safe and relaxing. You can stroll around the palaces in complete peace!
Getting Around Lisbon
Lisbon is easy to navigate and extremely walkable. There are buses, trains, and a metro to take you anywhere in Lisbon, so you rarely need taxis.
Is Lisbon safe for solo female travelers after dark? If you’re staying in central Lisbon, walking around at night should be fine since there are people around most hours. Don’t forget the safety rules: stay aware of your surroundings, hide valuables, and call a taxi if you’re nervous about walking alone.
I recommend avoiding the Martim Moniz if you’re a solo female traveler. There are large groups of men standing around who can be pretty creepy, though they’re mostly harmless. If you’re walking around at night, buddy up with someone from your hostel.
Should You Solo Travel Lisbon?
Yes! Lisbon embraces solo travelers with open arms, and you likely won’t receive weird looks from locals for exploring or eating alone. Like most cities worldwide, pickpocketing is the most common crime tourists experience in Lisbon. Provided you exercise common sense, Lisbon is safe for solo travelers.
Street harassment is infrequent in Lisbon. You can dress however you like without raising an eyebrow—eyebrow—ensure you cover up when entering religious buildings, though.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Lisbon Travel Guide Planning
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads, check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance. I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here.
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers cheap flights with cashback. Use code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise, Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight-searching platforms.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Israel?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options available!
🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?
I strongly recommend using RentalCars. They are available in over 60,000 locations and have customer service support in more than 40 languages.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices, and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical SIM card or use their local carrier.
Regarding my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than swapping out my regular SIM card, I can download the app and buy a virtual SIM card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage in multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The three best platforms I use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options, and I check all three to ensure the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products I recommend, which you can check here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Solo Travel Lisbon Guide: Final Thoughts
Lisbon is one of the most amazing cities in the world for solo travel! Whether you’re an experienced solo traveler or have never traveled alone, you’ll have a fantastic time in the city. It’s super beginner-friendly, and there are many fun things to do in Lisbon alone.
Author’s Bio
Ella Moore is the travel blogger behind Many More Maps, a blog focused on exploring the most excellent parts of the UK. With a passion for sharing her travel experiences and tips, she dedicates her time to showcasing the best things to do, see, and experience in the UK, Europe, and beyond through her blog.
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