Things to do in Lisbon for solo travelers are abundant.
Lisbon is one of the most beautiful European cities, with winding cobblestone streets, iconic trams, colorful buildings, and hilltop views, Portugal’s capital city has so much charm and beauty.
As a solo traveler in Lisbon myself, you’ll never be bored at times.
From museums and palaces to food markets and walking tours, there are endless things to see and experience by yourself in this lively city.
What to Do in Lisbon As a Solo Traveler
There are many things to do when walking the narrow streets of Lisbon, and I have a helpful list here.
The Easy Lisbon Quiz
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I’ve made an easy Lisbon quiz with 5 questions. Let’s see if you can get them right. 🤞
Things to do in Lisbon For Solo Travelers: Walk Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most iconic neighborhood. Get lost wandering the narrow, winding streets lined with tile-adorned buildings. Pop into quaint shops, admire street art murals, and stop at tiny outdoor cafés.
Climb the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for stunning panoramas over terracotta rooftops and across the Tagus River. As the birthplace of fado music, Alfama is also a great area to catch an intimate fado performance in the evening.
Hot Tip🔥: You can even find some great places to enjoy delicious food. Also, check out the free walking tour guide of Alfama.
Explore The Streets of Baixa-Chiado
Baixa is the heart of downtown Lisbon, with grand 18th-century buildings and many shops and restaurants. The parallel Chiado district is Lisbon’s sophisticated shopping and culture hub with great hotels.
Wander through the neighborhoods to view beautiful plazas, stop at pastry shops and cafés, or shop. Don’t miss riding the iconic Tram 28 through Baixa’s lively streets.
You are also close to most of the public transport in Lisbon.
Comercio Square Visit The Rua Augusta Arch
One of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks is the Rua Augusta Arch. Walk through the triumphal arch onto the central plaza, Praça do Comércio, along the Tagus River. Admire the square’s 18th-century buildings, stop at an outdoor cafe for a drink, and visit the Lisbon Story Centre to learn about the city’s history.
View the Sunset From Lisbon’s Miradouros
For amazing views, Lisbon is known for its stunning hilltop lookout points called miradouros.
Some of the best sunset views are from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and Miradouro da Graça.
Grab a snack or bottle of wine and watch the sun sink behind the city’s skyline of terracotta roofs and pastel buildings.
So, make sure to make this part of the things to do in Lisbon for solo travelers on your list.
Tour With Tram 28
No trip to Lisbon is complete without riding the iconic yellow Tram 28 through the city’s most famous neighborhoods. Hop on the tram to enjoy a self-guided tour of central Lisbon. Marvel at the mix of architectural styles as you rattle up and down the hills. Make sure to have your camera ready!
Stunning Views at the Castle of Castelo de Sao Jorge
Get a dose of history at Lisbon’s imposing 11th-century hilltop castle. Admire stunning views across the city and Tagus River from the ramparts. Wander through the fortress and its small museum dedicated to Portugal’s military history. The lush castle grounds are lovely for a picnic as well.
Visit the National Monument Jeronimos Monastery
This 16th-century monastery is a beautiful example of Portuguese late Gothic Manueline architecture. Spend time admiring the intricately carved stonework on the church’s facade. Wander through graceful cloisters with ornate arches. Don’t miss seeing Vasco da Gama’s tomb inside the church.
Things to do in Lisbon For Solo Travelers: Visit Belém
Belém Tower is an iconic 16th-century tower that sits along the shore of the Tagus River in Lisbon’s Belem district. It was once a fortress to guard the entry to Lisbon.
Climb narrow stairs to the tower’s rooftop terrace for incredible panoramas across Belem and the river.
Afterward, stroll through lush gardens towards the Monument to the Discoveries for river views. Then, head to town to enjoy some Portuguese dishes.
Visit The Pink Street With Centuries of History
Are you looking for lively nightlife in Lisbon? Head to Pink Street in the hip Cais do Sodre neighborhood. The vibrant neon-lit Bairro Alto street has colorful bars, restaurants, and outdoor seating, perfect for solo diners to enjoy Portuguese food. Soak in the electric atmosphere while enjoying delicious local food and drinks into the night.
Experience Authentic Food at Casa do Alentejo
To experience authentic Portuguese food in a stunning setting, dine at Casa do Alentejo.
Inside a 17th-century palace, the marble-filled interior opens into a grand ballroom with gilt detail, chandeliers, and giant paintings depicting Portuguese history.
Savor flavorful regional specialties at affordable prices either indoors or on the patio. Lunch service has fewer crowds.
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
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Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.
Visit The Oceanarium
Europe’s second-largest aquarium is a must-see during any visit to Lisbon.
Marvel at the floor-to-ceiling tanks in the vast central hall filled with thousands of sea creatures like sharks, rays, and schools of silvery fish.
Don’t miss the recreated tropical rainforest with free-flying exotic birds and the penguins on their rocky beach.
Visit a World Class Museum
Gulbenkian is a world-class museum in a leafy park with an astounding art collection.
See European masterpieces spanning several centuries and treasures from ancient Egypt, Greco-Roman cultures, and the Orient.
The gorgeous grounds also have a peaceful rose garden and a modern art center. While visiting Lisbon Solo, you can find some great art galleries you can visit.
Ancient Art National Museum
In a 17th-century palace, Lisbon’s National Museum of Ancient Art displays the world’s best collection of Portuguese paintings and decorative arts.
Wander stately rooms filled with altarpieces and religious art from the 15th to 19th centuries. See Nuno Gonçalves’ remarkable St. Vincent Panels with 60 portraits.
Hot Tip: You can also explore Lisbon street art for free.
The Fado Museum
To learn more about Portugal’s most famous music, spend an hour at the Fado Museum.
Use audio guides to hear samples of soulful Fado songs as you explore exhibits of Portuguese guitars, artist memorabilia, and artwork related to the genre. Short films provide insight into Lisbon’s fado history and performers.
Sintra Day Trip
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to the magical town of Sintra, just a short train ride away.
Have a full day to explore Sintra’s fairy tale Pena Palace and the enchanting Moorish Castle.
Wander downhill through lush forests on wooded trails to reach the eccentric Quinta da Regaleira palace and gardens.
Ride Sintra’s hop-on, hop-off bus looping to all the top attractions. Here is more information available to Sintra:
Pena Palace
Sintra’s crown jewel is the romantic Pena Palace perched high on a hilltop above the village.
The 19th-century palace’s vibrant red and yellow façade is surrounded by thick forest.
Tour the lavish staterooms and walk the palace grounds’ lush gardens, with tree-lined paths and spectacular lookout points.
Moorish Castle
Take a step back at this fascinating castle, which dates to the 8th century when the Moors ruled the Iberian Peninsula.
Walk along the towering stone ramparts for sublime views across Sintra to the Atlantic Ocean.
Wander through the ruins of a Moorish royal palace on the hilltop with traces of arches and columns still intact from over a millennium ago.
Visit LX Factory
One of Lisbon’s trendiest creative hubs is LX Factory, housed in a former industrial complex.
Browse the unique shops selling Portuguese products, fabulous homewares, books, records, and art.
Check out creative co-working spaces filled with young entrepreneurs.
Grab a coffee at the Factory Café or try diverse cuisines at the food court. Partake in craft workshops or catch a movie screening, too.
Eat at The Timeout Market
One of the best things to do alone in Lisbon is eat!
At Timeout Market, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with over 30 of the city’s best restaurants and gourmet food stalls under one roof.
Grab whatever you fancy, from juicy burgers to Bacalhau cod cakes, and nab a stool at the bustling dining hall. There’s also a fantastic wine shop onsite to pick up a bottle.
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It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon. A lot of hidden gems.
Feira da Ladra Shopping
For a fun morning activity, browse Lisbon’s weekly flea market stretching along Campo de Santa Clara.
You’ll find everything from vintage vinyl, antiques, bric-a-brac, handmade crafts and oddities.
Wander the stalls and chat with vendors to hunt for unique Portuguese souvenirs. Don’t forget to haggle! The Markt Haus restaurant is perfect for a break.
Visit a Rooftop Bar
What better way to end a day exploring Lisbon than watching the sunset with a cocktail or glass of port atop a hotel bar?
Some top rooftop terraces include Hotel Mundial overlooking the river and castle, mesmerizing views from the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, or the trendy Topo Chiado.
Solo Beach Day
Take a quick train ride from the city center to bask on sandy beaches along the Lisbon Riviera.
The lively towns of Estoril or Cascais offer easy beach access via train. Spread your towel, go for a refreshing swim, or relax at a beachside cafe.
You can also rent a bike or walk the scenic coastal trails.
Take a Bike Ride Along The Targus River
For flat terrain pedaling alongside river views, bike along a riverside path from downtown Lisbon to Belem.
The 6-mile trail passes leafy parks and modern docks before reaching the Belem Tower.
Make stops to visit cultural sights like the Monastery of Jerónimos or take a break in grassy gardens. You can also rent kayaks along the route.
Best Solo Traveler Tours in Lisbon
While in Lisbon, you can also join in on some of the best Lisbon tours.
Lisbon Food Tour
What better way for solo diners to meet people and dive into Lisbon’s food scene than a small group food tour?
Knowledgeable local guides will lead you to landmarks and hidden gems while sharing cultural insights.
Taste authentic specialties like pasteis de nata custard tarts paired with wine or port. Popular tours run in Alfama, Baixa, or Mouraria neighborhoods.
Cascais Day Trip
Escape the city crowds with a lovely day trip to the postcard-pretty seaside town of Cascais, just 48 minutes by train. If you are unsure how to get here, check out my article on how to get to Cascais from Lisbon.
Wander pedestrian lanes lined with alfresco cafes, boutiques, and ice cream shops. Explore the historic citadel and museums, or relax at a sandy beach. Don’t miss Boca do Inferno, where ocean waves thrash dramatic rock formations.
Obidos Day Trip
Journey back in time with a day trip to the fortified medieval village of Obidos, located about an hour north of Lisbon.
Meander cobblestone lanes past white-washed houses livened up with bursts of bright flowers.
Climb the stone ramparts encircling the village for sublime views over the countryside dotted with windmills.
Must-try local specialties include cherry liqueur and sugar-dusted almond cookies shaped like seashells.
Setubal Day Trip
Adventurous souls will love a trip to Setubal, an untouristy port town renowned for seafood.
Hop a quick train for compelling sights like the immense bottomless blue Igreja de Jesus towering above the city or the isolated Troia Peninsula’s wild beaches and coves reachable only by ferry.
End the day feasting on ultra-fresh grilled fish overlooking the harbor as the sun sets.
Ericeira Day Trip
This colorful oceanside village 35 miles north of Lisbon is a mecca for surfers and beach lovers.
Ride on cliffs overlooking spectacular seascapes before hitting prime surfing beaches around Ericeira’s old town.
Grab lunch at a seaside restaurant before driving further north to tour medieval Obidos. You’ll quickly fill a whole day trip without crowds of tourists.
The Advanced Lisbon Quiz
You’re now at the advanced Lisbon quiz with more difficult questions. No one gets every question right, so don’t beat yourself up on it. Good luck.
Wrap-Up: Things for Solo Travelers to Do in Lisbon
From centuries-old castles and UNESCO monuments to lively open-air markets, there are endless things for solo travelers to experience in enchanting Lisbon.
Wander picturesque neighborhoods adorned with colorful tilework, get lost in winding medieval alleys, and watch the sunset over terracotta rooftops from panoramic hilltop terraces while listening to soul-stirring fado songs.
Splendid Sintra and the scenic coast are quick day trips away. And Lisbon’s world-class food scene means no shortage of epicurean delights for solo diners.
You’ll never be bored or dine alone when exploring all that Portugal’s dynamic capital city offers. The best part is that many of these things to do are included in my one-day in Lisbon itinerary as well.
