The Best 7 Things To Do Solo in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon wasn’t always at the top of my travel list, and I didn’t know much about Portugal before making a spontaneous decision to visit. I’d heard it was safe for solo female travelers and that the people were incredibly kind and accepting. But the truth? The moment I touched down, I fell head over heels for this country and its people.

Everything felt so wonderfully foreign and exciting. I quickly realized that the Portuguese I thought I knew was actually a mix of Americanized phrases and Spanish. But after two weeks in the country, I’m proud to say I can now navigate self-checkout in Portuguese all by myself!

So, here’s your sign, my darlings: If you’re thinking about traveling to Lisbon or Porto solo, don’t just think about it—book that ticket! Prepare yourself for a whirlwind of pastel de natas and port wine, and let the adventure begin!

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The Best 7 Things To Do Solo in Lisbon, Portugal

Here’s a rundown of my favorite inexpensive solo activities in Lisbon, but first, let me share a quick food recommendation, especially if you’re staying in the oldest part of the city, like I did. I stayed in Alfama, the historic old red light district, now home to the sweetest Portuguese grandmothers (and the reason the famous yellow line was built)!

For the best breakfast/brunch of your life, I highly recommend Quase Café. Seriously, it’s a hidden gem the influencers haven’t discovered yet. The staff is amazing and will treat you like family—perfect for solo travelers! I went on my second day and couldn’t resist going back every day after that.

Alright! On to the list!

Wander through Alfama

Alfama, the oldest and most cherished part of Lisbon, is special because it survived the devastating earthquake of 1755. If you didn’t learn about this in school, don’t worry—I didn’t either! I found out about it during a free Sandeman walking tour (highly recommend). The earthquake wiped out a third of Lisbon’s population and remains the worst recorded in history

Alfama is a maze of narrow, winding streets where you can get wonderfully lost while soaking in traditional Fado music and absolutely stunning views. It’s my favorite area in the city and feels the most traditional.

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

Get ready for some tiny, winding stairs! Lisbon Cathedral, the city’s oldest church, dates back to the 12th century and features a stunning blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. The view from the top is breathtaking, and inside, you’ll find incredible Catholic treasures, including a few reliquaries (yes, human remains!).

Whether you’re religious or not, this church is a must-see. It’s packed with art, gold, and offers a cool escape on hot summer days or a cozy spot to dodge the rain. For just 5 euros, I spent 2-3 hours soaking in all the beauty!

Ride or Follow Tram 28

Fun fact: the trams have been around since 1884! While they’re super popular with tourists today, my tour guide told me they were originally built to help the little elderly grandmothers get up and down Alfama’s steep hills. How sweet is that? The historic tram is hands down the most scenic way to explore Lisbon’s charming districts, running from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique. Just be sure to let those sweet grandmas have your seat—you’ll make their day!

Relax at Miradouro de Santa Catarina

If you’re looking for a laid-back, beautiful spot that’s easy to walk to, you’ve got to check out Miradouro de Santa Catarina. It offers one of the most stunning and unforgettable sunset views over the city. You can grab a drink from a nearby kiosk or relax with a book on the balcony. It’s perfect for people-watching and unwinding if you’ve got some downtime.

Explore the National Tile Museum

Tile, tile, tile everywhere! Honestly, you’ll see so much tile around the city that you might think you don’t need to visit the National Tile Museum—but if you skip it, you’ll miss the history behind this beautiful art form! It’s such a rich and captivating tradition, and the museum is the perfect place to soak it all in. Definitely worth a visit, especially on a rainy day. You’ll be escaping the weather while diving deep into Portugal’s culture!

Take a Street Art Tour

Just like the endless tiles, Lisbon is bursting with incredible contemporary street art around every corner! It’s truly unbelievable. You’ll find street art tours all over, but I personally recommend using Viator. If you’re more of a self-guided adventurer, don’t miss wandering through the Bairro Alto and Mouraria neighborhoods—they’re filled with stunning murals and graffiti masterpieces!

Visit the Carmo Convent Ruins

Explore the hauntingly beautiful Carmo Convent Ruins, a Gothic convent that now serves as an archaeological museum. These ruins are a poignant reminder of the tragic 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which struck on All Saints Day. The church was filled with worshippers and lit candles, and when the earthquake hit, the roof collapsed, followed by a devastating fire from the candles. To make matters worse, a 20-foot tsunami followed the quake, wiping out much of the city. It’s heartbreaking to think that 60,000 people—1 in 3 of Lisbon’s population—lost their lives that day. While the ruins are breathtaking, I encourage you to visit with reverence and respect for this piece of history.

Carmo Convent Ruins are nestled in a unique spot where the city was built around them. Right next door, you’ll find some lovely restaurants, perfect for a meal after your visit, and the stunning Chafariz do Carmo fountain, which adds to the charm of the area. It’s such a peaceful little square—a beautiful contrast to the history of the ruins!

I’d love to hear about your favorite spots in Lisbon! My time there was nothing short of magical, and I’m already dreaming about a return trip someday. Every morning, I felt so safe, energized, and eager to explore the city. It was such a beautiful, unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to go back!

Happy traveling, darlings!