A solo female traveler's guide to Lisbon

Solo female travel in Lisbon

Solo trips to Lisbon are all about wandering the colorful streets of Alfama, riding the iconic yellow trams, and indulging in as many pastel de natas as you can. In our guide to Lisbon solo female travel, we cover the must-see sites and things to do as well as advice on accommodation and tips from a local. We also explore safety in Lisbon, Portugal, because being a street-smart traveler is all part of the adventure, read on to discover everything this city has to offer for solo female travelers.  

Best time to visit Lisbon

While many tourists travel to Lisbon in June, July, and August, the summer months bring big crowds and inflated prices. For this reason, the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are far better times to visit, with warm temperatures meaning you can still enjoy a day at the beach without having to elbow your way through a sea of tourists. And what about winter? Lisbon might not be the first place you think of when planning your winter escape, but its mild climate and bright, sunny days set it apart from much of the rest of Europe. As this is considered low season, it’s also the perfect time to avoid the crowds. 

Must-see places in Lisbon

Alfama

Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, is a maze of cobblestone streets and ancient houses that tower above the rest of the city. Filled with artisan shops, local restaurants, Fado houses, and numerous viewpoints (miradouros), this hilly neighborhood is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

São Jorge Castle

Perched on top of one of the highest hills in the historic center, São Jorge Castle dates back to the 11th century when it was a Moorish fortress. Today, it offers panoramic views of the city, including the Alfama district, the Tagus River, and beyond. 

Belém

The beautiful Belém, located on the western side of Lisbon, is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. You could spend at least half a day here visiting the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém before heading to the museums to learn about art and history. This is also the place for Pastéis de Belém - need we say more? 

Praça do Comércio

You don’t need to plan a visit to the Praça do Comércio as you’ll likely stumble across it a few times, seeing as it’s one of the biggest squares in Europe. Located beside the Tagus River, the square is surrounded by symmetrical, yellow-colored buildings with arcades, which today house various government offices, restaurants, and shops.

LX Factory

Once a hidden gem but now a tourist hotspot, you’ll find the LX Factory tucked under the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge in the Alcântara district of Lisbon. Originally a texture warehouse, this trendy place now houses an eclectic mix of artisanal shops and boutiques, fusion restaurants, and hipster bars. One of the highlights is the famous Ler Devagar bookstore, where bookshelves stretch from floor to ceiling and a bicycle hangs from above.   

Things to do in Lisbon

Shop for treasure at Feira da Ladra

The Feira da Ladra, translating to “Thieves Market”, comes alive every Tuesday and Sunday morning. Bring your cash and be prepared to haggle for everything from antiques, vintage clothing, and vinyls to handcrafted jewelry and ceramics.

Experience Fado

Fado is a sad yet beautiful form of music with emotional lyrics about the sea, love, and loss. It’s typically performed by a solo singer accompanied by a classical Portuguese guitar and the viola. Don’t worry about going to a Fado performance alone - you’ll be packed onto a table with locals and tourists, meaning it’s a great opportunity to meet people!  

Enjoy the view 

After spending so much time walking uphill (it’s not called the City of Seven Hills for nothing), it’s only fair to be rewarded with a good view. These are some of the best viewpoints (miradouros) in Lisbon:

• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara 
• Miradouro da Graça 
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

If you want to save your legs, the Santa Justa Lift, which connects the Baixa neighborhood to the Bairro Alto, also offers excellent views from the top, although you’ll have to be prepared to queue.  

Cross the river

Take the 15-minute ferry across the Tagus River to Almada to enjoy the best views of Lisbon, the 25 de Abril bridge, and the Cristo Rei statue. Dine right on the seafront or continue your adventure to the Costa da Caparica, where you’ll find beautiful beaches and water adventures. 

Eat!

Lisbon is a well-known foodie hotspot, and there’s no shortage of dishes for you to try. Savor fresh plates of seafood, from grilled sardines to bacalhau (salted cod), which is said to have 365 different preparation methods - one for every day of the year. If you’re looking for a cheap eat, try the bifana, the pork sandwich that is Portugal’s pride and joy. Last but not least we have pastel de natas, the custard tarts topped with cinnamon that can be found all over Lisbon, but are an absolute must if you’re in Belém. 

Go hunting for street art 

Areas like Bairro Alto, Alfama, Graça, and Mouraria are filled with impressive street art, featuring works by Vhils, whose chiseled portraits create a 3D effect, and Bordalo II, known for his large-scale animal murals made from trash.

Get out of Lisbon

If you’re spending more than two days in Lisbon, there are plenty of trips out of the city for you to take. Visit Sintra for a fairytale experience of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Cascais for a luxury seaside escape, and Ericeira to watch (or join in with) the surfers. 

Getting around Lisbon

Walking is one of the best ways to get around Lisbon, but let’s face it, those hills can be rather daunting. But with a bit of clever planning, you’ll be able to cut out some of the biggest uphill battles by taking the escalators all the way to the top - yes, there are over 200 escalators in Lisbon! Cycling is another great way to get around Lisbon, and don’t let the thought of pedaling up steep hills put you off - there’s a (beautifully flat) cycle path that runs along the seafront to Belém.

In terms of public transport, Lisbon has a choice of metro lines, buses, and of course, iconic trams. While trams might not be your fastest mode of transportation, they’re certainly a popular experience for tourists, many of whom spend hours queueing for the famous Tram 28 (nowadays though, you’re better off taking a different route unless you want to wait). 

Weather in Lisbon

Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate brings mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers, making it a great place to visit all year round. During springtime, the city sees less rainfall than in previous months and temperatures begin to rise, typically ranging from 11°C to 22°C (52°F to 71°F). Summers are hot and dry with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures range between 18°C and 29°C (64°F to 84°F), occasionally creeping higher, but a refreshing breeze can make it feel cooler. Autumn brings colder temperatures of around 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F) and more rainfall. Winter is the wettest and coldest time of the year but is still relatively mild when compared with many other European cities. Snow is rare, and temperatures usually hover between 8°C and 15°C (46°F to 59°F), making it a comfortable off-season destination for solo travelers.

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Lisbon

Lisbon is well known for its travel scene, which means it’s got a whole host of interesting accommodations for solo explorers. It’s home to some of the most famous hostels in the world, but also has a variety of boutique hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. For those seeking a more authentic experience, why not try house and pet sitting in Lisbon? This offers a unique and cost-effective way to see the city, allowing you to live like a local (often in a residential area away from the typical tourist spots) with the joy of a pet for company. 

Is Lisbon safe for solo female travelers?

Lisbon is generally considered to be a safe place for solo female travelers, with low levels of crime targeting tourists and a big police presence in the city center. So is Lisbon a safe city? While violent crime is rare, pickpockets do target visitors, so keep your bag on you at all times and leave valuables at your accommodation. Pay extra attention to your surroundings when in busy areas and on public transport - it’s a common tactic for thieves to grab valuables like a phone out of your hands as they run through the closing doors of a bus or train.  

Meeting people and connecting with locals

As Lisbon is such a traveling hotspot, you’ll have lots of opportunities to meet other travelers and connect with locals. Join free walking tours, go on food tours, and make the most of any activities organized by your accommodation to meet other travelers, and chat with locals at markets, classes and workshops, and cozy neighborhood cafes. There are also plenty of meetup groups and social events ranging from language exchanges to hikes in nature, and apps like Tinder and Bumble can be used to meet locals and fellow solo female travelers in Lisbon.

Tips from a local

• Book restaurants in advance, even if you’re visiting outside of peak season. Places fill up quickly, although it’s often possible to queue for a table in low season.
• Traveling around Lisbon on foot is the best way to see the city!
• Although English is widely spoken, it never hurts to learn a few phrases in Portuguese. 
• Take Ubers - they’re cheap, even for solo travelers.
• Don’t be put off by the queue when buying a Pastéis de Belém - people are often waiting for a table inside, but if you’re looking to grab a few tasty treats to go, the queue is usually short. 
• Wear walking shoes and dress comfortably - you’re likely to be on your feet for most of the day.

Lisbon for solo female pet sitters

There are plenty of house and pet sitting opportunities that make female solo travel to Lisbon a breeze. Whether you’re looking for new friends of the furry, pawed, or clawed variety, you’ll find pets who need a sitter just like you all over the city. 

Things to do with dogs in Lisbon

• Hang out in dog-friendly green spaces such as Parque Jardim Campo Grande and Parque Jardim de São Bento (but keep your four-pawed pal on the leash at all times).
• Explore attractions like Belém Tower and São Jorge Castle.
• Wander through the neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiada, and Glória.
• Take a hike through Parque Florestal de Monsanto or Serra da Arrábida.

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Lisbon

Lisbon is a very pet-friendly city, with many cafes and restaurants welcoming well-behaved furry friends both inside and out. As always, remember to ask a member of staff before entering the establishment with your pup. 

• Manifest Lisbon 

Address: Rua da Sociedade Farmacêutica 31, 1150-103 Lisboa, Portugal

• Café Janis

Address: R. Moeda 1A, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal

• The Whisk Cafe

Address: Rua do Sol ao Rato 9D, 1250-260 Lisboa, Portugal

• Dear Breakfast - Chiado

Address: Calçada de São Francisco 35, 1200-201 Lisboa, Portugal

• Caffè di Marzano Vermuteria

Address: Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 32, 1200-369 Lisboa, Portugal

• Josephine bistro & bar

Address: Portugal, Largo do Intendente Pina Manique 59, 1100-285 Lisboa, Portugal

House and pet sits

Want to learn more about how to live like a local in Lisbon? Discover house and pet sitting opportunities all over the city and get to know Lisbon and the furry friends who call it home, as you enjoy a travel experience like no other.