This trip was part of my Marrakech-Lisbon 9-day solo travel adventure. Exploring Lisbon was an incredible experience, and I’m excited to share some tips to help you plan your own trip!
🌤️ Weather
I visited Lisbon in mid-May, and it was still cool enough for long pants. I even saw people wearing light jackets during the chilly mornings and evenings. The temperature ranged from 13-21°C (55-70°F). So, pack a few layers to cope with the weather changes. 👖🥻
🚋 Get Around
Lisbon has an excellent public transportation system. I highly recommend getting the Lisbon Card. ✨ With it, you can take any buses, subways, and trains without worries. It also covers most attractions, with many of the popular ones being free of charge. I got the 3-day card, and it was totally worth the money. 💳
🛌 Stay
As a budget solo traveler, I chose a hostel called O Elétrico Guesthouse. It’s budget-friendly and close to the subway. Located in downtown Lisbon, near Alfama and other popular tourist areas, the hostel had all the necessary amenities. The room I stayed in was clean and had a private bathroom, which is quite rare for budget accommodations in downtown Lisbon. Overall, I was very happy with my booking. 🏨
📶 Network
For staying connected, I got an eSIM from eSIM.sm. It provided 3GB of data for less than CA $7, which was enough for my 5-day trip. You just need to purchase it online and follow the instructions in the confirmation email. Super easy and convenient! 👍
🧳 Packing Tips
- Comfortable Shoes: Lisbon’s cobblestone streets are beautiful but can be tough on your feet. Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. 👟
- Portable Charger: Keep your phone charged for all those photo ops and navigating the city. 📱
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring the city. 💧
- Light Jacket: For those cooler mornings and evenings. 🧥
📸 Must-See Attractions
- Belém Tower: A historic tower with stunning views over the river. 🏰
- Jerónimos Monastery: A beautiful monastery with impressive architecture. ⛪
- Alfama District: Wander through the charming, narrow streets of the oldest district in Lisbon. 🏘️
- Tram 28: Take a ride on this iconic tram to see the city’s main sights. 🚋
- Lisbon Oceanarium: One of the best aquariums in Europe. 🐠
💡 Final Tips
- Learn a Few Phrases: Knowing basic Portuguese greetings and phrases can enhance your experience.
- Safety First: Lisbon is generally safe, but always be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Enjoy the View: Take your time to enjoy Lisbon’s scenic viewpoints, known as miradouros. They offer breathtaking views of the city and the Tagus River.
Check out my other blogs about the full itinerary & expense breakdown and must-try local eats to make the most of your Lisbon trip. 🚃
Download Your Travel Planner Template
To make your trip planning even easier, I’ve created a comprehensive Notion travel planner template for Lisbon, Portugal. This planner includes travel tips, flight schedule templates, packing lists, transportation tips, must-see attractions, recommended eats, an expense tracker, and an embedded Google Map Itinerary with all the essential location pins.
Get Your Planner Here: 🚃 Lisbon, Portugal 5-Day Travel Itinerary Planner
Planning a solo trip to Lisbon is exciting! With these tips and a bit of preparation, you’re sure to have an amazing adventure in this beautiful city. Bon voyage! ✈️