Lisbon Travel Guide: My First Solo Adventure in Portugal’s Capital

Welcome To My Lisbon Travel Guide

Welcome to my ultimate Lisbon Travel Guide — your go-to resource for exploring Portugal’s vibrant capital as a solo traveller. Lisbon had always been on my bucket list, but it wasn’t until I finally ventured there alone that I understood its true magic.

The idea of navigating a new city alone was both exhilarating and intimidating. Yet Lisbon — with its cobbled streets, pastel-coloured buildings, rich history, and welcoming locals — felt like the perfect place to discover myself. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but one thing was certain: this journey changed both my travel style and my personal growth forever.

The Charm of the City for a Solo Traveller

Lisbon’s narrow alleys brimmed with charm. The stunning viewpoints made me fall in love with sunsets all over again. The warmth of its people made me feel both welcome and free — something only solo travel can offer. If you’re considering your first solo trip, or wondering what it’s like to explore Lisbon alone, this guide is for you.

Every Journey Starts With A First…

I decided five days would be ideal for my first solo experience. After reading dozens of reviews and joining travel groups, I found that most people only spend a weekend in Lisbon — but I wanted more time to explore.

This was not only my first solo trip but also my first hostel stay, which pushed me far out of my comfort zone. A little about me: I’m an introvert and usually spend time with my cat, Lucy, barely socialising. But Lisbon had a way of revealing parts of me I didn’t know existed

Arrival Chaos (and a Late Start)

Early on into my trip I was thrown into fight or flight mode (pun intended) as my flight was delayed due to fog, and after a 7-hour delay in Amsterdam, (yes, 7!!), I finally landed in Lisbon at 10:30 pm instead of 3:00 pm, which added stress to an already overwhelming experience.

I had hoped to arrive before dark. Safety is a priority for me, and being in a foreign country late at night made me nervous. The airport signage was poor, and I got lost trying to find the exit.

Still, seeing many other solo female travellers around reassured me.

Getting Around- Safe and Convenient Travel Tips

Map of Public Transport, Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon – My Hostel Pick for a Solo Trip

I stayed at Good Morning Hostel, which I chose after extensive research. 

Located in the heart of Lisbon, it’s a 1-minute walk to Rossio train station and a variety of attractions, shops and restaurants are also a short walk away. The hostel itself sits above a souvenir shop, and the welcoming, warm staff made it feel like home immediately. It was a bit pricier than the other hostels, but they have a ‘Not So Solo Package’—which includes breakfast and dinner (that were delicious!!), unlimited drinks, and daily group trips—contributing to your value for money.

The cleanliness (which was a key factor in my choosing) was impeccable, and daily housekeeping ensured everything stayed pristine. FYI, they do not have an elevator and there are quite a few stairs, so if you have mobility issues it might not be suitable for you. They have different dorms, and I chose the female-6-bed one, with lockers under the beds for storing your belongings at a cost of 3 Euro’s for a padlock, so I recommend bringing your own lock if you don’t want to pay. All of the beds are fitted with curtains for privacy, as well as a light and charging ports.

Day 1  First Impressions and Rooftop Views

My first day in Lisbon was spent exploring nearby attractions and bonding with my lovely roomies. One of them took me to Honest Greens Avenida for lunch, offering a variety of healthy meals with unreal views of the city from their rooftop (content creators will love this spot for taking pics!) If you’re planning a Lisbon Itineriry make sure to add this spot! The climb to reach the high point of the restaurant may be challenging in hotter months, but the soft January breeze made it pleasant, and I immersed my eyes in the colourful ancient architecture of the neighbourhoods like Santo Antonio, with their wrought-iron balconies.

After a delicious Mediterranean salad and conversation with a new friend, she had to catch her flight home, but my adventure was just beginning. I wrapped up the perfect first day in Lisbon with a group from the hostel, heading to Café Luso in the lively Bairro Alto district to watch a Fado show. The soulful music, rich with history, truly captured the essence of Portugal’s culture. P.s you can get a feel for this type of music at the end of this blog!

Day 2 Food Markets & Hidden Gems

I visited the Time Out Market at Mercado da Ribeira, a vibrant food hall offering both Portuguese and international cuisines with over 40 vendors. This is a must add to your Lisbon travel guide! For someone like me, coming from Scotland where food halls are rare, this was an absolute delight. The atmosphere was electric, with an array of flavours and aromas that made me feel like I was tasting my way through Lisbon.

This was followed by a Walking Tour (to walk off the calories), and If there’s one activity that I would recommend to anyone visiting, it’s to go on a walking tour, even if you’re not a fan of them. This is the single best way to experience the true essence of the city’s history, culture, and lifestyle, and a real life travel guide to Lisbon!

Discovering Lisbon’s Neighbourhoods

Even though it rained for the rest of my trip (typical), I braved the weather and finished the tour drenched but happy. I stopped by Café A Brasileira in the Chiado district at Rua Garrett, one of Lisbon’s most iconic cafés, renowned for its Pastéis de Nata (traditional Portuguese custard tarts- absolutely addictive, like the Stroopwaffel’s I spoke about in my Amsterdam Blog!), and Portuguese espresso. I indulged in a mashed potato dish with octopus (I can’t remember the exact name, but I’ve added a photo. It was divine).

Later, I made my way to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of Lisbon’s highest viewpoints, to catch the sunset. From there, I was treated to panoramic views of the city, with the Tagus River stretching out below. A perfect end to the day.

Day 3 Sintra – A Must  in Any Lisbon Travel Guide 

By day 3, I was falling head over heels for Lisbon and didn’t want to leave. I started my day early after a communal breakfast with my hostel family and took the train from Rossio Station to Sintra, a must-visit destination just 40 minutes from Lisbon.

Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the Serra de Sintra mountains. The palaces, mystical gardens, and ancient castles took my breath away, especially with the fog rolling in—it felt like stepping into Harry Potter’s world. 

Sintra Travel Guide

I paid 20 Euros for the entry fee to visit the stunning Pena Palace, a 19th-century royal summer residence that’s painted in vibrant yellow. Local guides are everywhere in town, offering their services which can be a bit pricey. You can always check online for options, I would definitely recommend booking one as it’s an excellent way to learn more about the area, such as this guided tour!

Day 4 Creative Corners and Tram 28

I visited the LX Factory in the Alcântara district, a creative hub full of boutique shops, restaurants, bars, and art studios. The street art and industrial chic vibe were a treat, and I even bought a homemade scented candle that’s still burning in my room today. Afterwards, I headed to Martim Moniz Square to experience the iconic Tram 28, a vintage yellow tram dating back to the 1930’s, which passes through touristic landmarks such as the Lisbon Cathedral. The que was long!! So, I advise going in the morning to avoid crowds.

Later, I enjoyed a meal at Faz Frio, a charming historic restaurant on Rua Dom Pedro, where I indulged in petiscos—traditional Portuguese tapas. The atmosphere was vintage and cosy, offering the perfect setting to savour each bite.

Day 5 Bittersweet Goodbyes

Time seemed to fly by faster than I had expected as the final day quickly arrived. As I sat down for my last breakfast in the homely kitchen, savouring my Nutella-covered pancakes and chatting with everyone, I couldn’t help but feel a bittersweet mix of emotions, reflecting on all that had happened and the thought of saying goodbye to a place that had felt so much like home, and the incredible people I had met who quickly became like my family.

Making friends with people from all different walks of life allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures—and of myself. I realized that I’m not actually an introvert; I just hadn’t had the opportunity to connect with likeminded people where I live.

A New Me… 

By the end of my trip, I had grown more outgoing and found it easy to form connections with new people, thanks to this wonderful experience. If you’re traveling solo, I highly recommend staying in a hostel (but you must do your research, read reviews on Hostelworld etc), as it’s the perfect way to meet new people and step out of your comfort zone.

My Final Lunch

For my final lunch in Lisbon, I stopped at Bonjardim, just a 60-second walk from the hostel, after reading great reviews online. The cuisine reminded me of my Middle Eastern roots, popular for their rotisserie chicken, crispy fries, and a plate of rice, which I shared with a new friend. The meal was filling and at a low cost for the quality and quantity of the food.

Afterwards, I took a long walk, soaking in the city one last time, saying goodbye to Lisbon and the incredible people I met along the way. From Lost in Lisbon, to Found!