Solo Female Travel in Lisbon

Lisbon, the coastal capital city of Portugal, is beautifully situated along the Atlantic coast, bathed in Mediterranean sunlight and blessed with a rich tapestry of cultural and historical attractions. Known for its stunning pastel-colored buildings, ornate architecture, and magnificent hilltop vistas, Lisbon provides a feast for the eyes of every wanderlust traveler. This vibrant city showcases a unique blend of tradition and innovation, with its winding, cobbled alleyways leading to modern hubs of nightlife, shopping and dining. Key highlights include the historic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the lively neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, and the iconic 28 tram. Furthermore, Lisbon's gastronomic scene, featuring the infamous custard tarts 'Pasteis de Nata' and fresh seafood, adds another layer to its irresistible charm.

Travel rating

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Travel index

Safety:Very safe

Lisbon is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city maintains a low crime rate, and the locals are usually friendly and helpful. Daytime travel is especially safe, but it's advised to stick to well-lit areas and be cautious at night. Beware of pickpockets in crowded places and maintain basic cautious behavior.

Transport:Easy

Navigating Lisbon is relatively straightforward. The city is compact and walkable, with many of its top attractions located within close proximity of each other. Additionally, Lisbon boasts a comprehensive network of trams, buses, and metros that are affordable and relatively easy to use. However, the city's hilly terrain may pose a challenge for some visitors, and some areas can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season.

Things to do:Fascinating

Lisbon is marvelously captivating. Its vibrant culture and rich history is reflected in the architecture, spanning from Gothic to Baroque to Modern. The picturesque city streets, dotted with cafes, boutiques, and bookshops, encourage exploration. The city is filled with museums, monuments, and cathedrals waiting to be explored. Art enthusiasts will be enchanted by the internationally-renowned MAAT and Gulbenkian museums, while history buffs will enjoy Belem Tower and the Alfama district. Gastronomes will greatly appreciate the city’s culinary scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food vendors serving traditional Pastel de Nata. The city also provides a gateway to stunning day-trips such as Sintra and Cascais. Despite its sprawling nature, it is well-connected with an efficient public transportation system, and locals are generally warm and welcoming.

Food:Excellent

Lisbon is an absolute playground for food lovers. The food scene is incredibly diverse, ranging from traditional Portuguese cuisine to trends influenced by global cultures. The seafood, especially Bacalhau (codfish), is superb. Pastries such as the Pastel de Nata are a must-try. Vegetarians and Vegans can also find a good selection of places to eat. Next to that, the city has a great market culture, where you can explore a variety of fresh produce. The variety and quality of food, paired with excellent local wines and the country's renowned port wine, ensure a top-notch culinary experience.

Budget:Affordable

Lisbon is quite budget-friendly. With plenty of affordable accommodations, cheap and delicious local food options and many attractions and activities that are free, you can have a fulfilling experience in Lisbon without spending a lot. Public transportation is also economical and efficient.

Is Lisbon worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 59 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Solo travel experience

Lisbon was my first-ever solo trip and it was one of the best places I have ever visited. Loved each and every second of it. It was so safe, with lovely people, and beautiful views. I fell in love with the city, the food, and the scenery.

Posted: April 6, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Andrea

Andrea (34)

Switzerland

Family travel experience

Lisbon is amazing. I felt safe walking at night in Alfama, which is a nice place to listen Fado. I highly recommend Lisbon to travel solo, in group or with your family. It’s going to be a nice experience. Try pasteis de nata!

Posted: March 30, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I had booked the S&S hostel last minute and it was completely makeshift and did not feel safe. There were guys already there for one night that immediately recommended I look for a different hostel. Thankfully I was able to find something better in the Barro Aalto neighborhood after a day or two which turned my trip around for the better. Would definitely go back to Lisbon and have a great time knowing now which areas I like best.

Posted: March 18, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 3/5
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Solo travel experience

Safety 100% Highly recommended to explore during the summer time I plan to return soon to see other towns Con: cobble streets; easy slip and fall if wet Pro: very friendly people with lots of history to see and experience

Posted: March 16, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I had my very first solo traveling experience in Lisbon during summer 2023 and I absolutely loved it! I stayed there for 5 weeks volunteering in a hostel in exchange for accommodation. I got to meet heaps of locals and other travelers, see new places etc. 110% recommend.

Posted: February 27, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5
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Sophie

Sophie

United States

Group travel experience

Lisbon was one of my favorite cities I’ve traveled in. Everyone is so nice, so my friends and I got all our recommendations from everyone we talked to, at different restaurants and shops, and had an incredible time. One of the best little areas is Lx factory! Cute shops and restaurants.

Posted: February 13, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Family travel experience

I traveled with my adult son and we stayed in Portugal for 5 days and flew into Lisbon airport. We drove up to Nazaré for one day and night and drove down to Lisbon and stayed there the rest of the time. Tip: it's not worth having a car in Lisbon. I fell in love with this city! It's super safe, very walkable, great public transportation, amazing food, tons to see and do. I spent most of my time walking the neighborhoods and just reaching and being a local. It wasn't very rainy and it was in the 60's - in the beginning of December! I can't wait to go back again and we'll go solo since I travel solo 99% of the time. Next time I'll stay longer.

Posted: January 30, 2024Experienced: December, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Marinela

Marinela

Greece

Solo travel experience

A 6 months Erasmus experience. One of the best I ever had! I went with my friend and we had an opportunity to explore all Over Portugal. I would come over again and again. Ideal for people who love to travel and explore the world🌍

Posted: January 24, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Lisbon is a beautiful city and very easy to explore. I went on an amazing trip from the city to the beautiful Sintra and Cascais, which was really worth it. I cannot recommend this city enough.

Posted: January 17, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Anastasia

Anastasia

Italy

Couple travel experience

Lisbon is a calm and safe city. Wonderful are Sintra and also the Belem Tower. The neighborhood with the most nightlife in the evening is Barrio Alto, where Erasmus students often gather. A calm and safe city to visit even alone.

Posted: January 15, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Local tips

Rita

Rita

Portugal

Hey, welcome to Lisbon I have been living here my whole life and I know it might sound suspicious, but I think Lisbon it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world! despite the Sun And the warm weather, you can have a city experience, a beach experience, an also a mountain experience, all in a range of 30 minutes. It’s for sure one of the most safety Capitals In Europe and Portuguese people are very welcoming since we live mostly from the tourism. one thing for sure you have to try once you came here: eat the food. You have to eat Typical Portuguese food, please go to a “Tasca” there you will find traditional dishes, and for desert ask for a “pastel de nata” it’s a trip to heaven :) If you like to go out, Bairro alto is an amazing place. I also recommend you to sightsee Sintra as well as Cascais (you can catch the train) 

Posted: April 13, 2024
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Tania

Tania

Portugal

Tips about Lisbon : - use UBER or BOLT , nowadays the prices are so ridiculous cheap that sometimes it’s even cheaper than public transports (and if you’re travel w/more 1or 2 px, don’t even lost time in doing it in other way) ; - please try ‘bacalhau à Brás’ , ‘Bitoque’, ‘cozido à portuguesa’ , ‘carne de porco à alentejana’ , ‘peixe grelhado’ … these are Portuguese dishes and the ones I recommend it ! - bifana is our ‘hot dog’ , a street food sandwich that you can pick and go. It should cost 2/3€ and it’s a good grab & to lunch that you can have in almost any cafe. - seafood is good and cheaper outside Lisbon center . Check a place called ‘Eduardo das conquilhas’ in parede ! You can take the train to go there (20min from cais do Sodré) and enjoy the ride with the sea view. - fitting room is a shop in Chiado with different Portuguese brand and very well curated . If you wanna buy something with quality with reasonable prices that’s the place . Enjoy Lisbon :)

Posted: February 13, 2024
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Meet locals in Lisbon

Meet local women in Lisbon who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Ines

Ines

About Me

Wanderlust, travelled to 62 countries, visited the 7 World Wonders Passionate about music, cinema and pilates Single mom of a 1 year old girl

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Joana

Joana

About Me

I’m a 44 year old doctor, currently living and working in Lisbon. I lived abroad up until I started college and experience I wouldn’t trade for anything and which pushed me towards traveling and exploring the world. I travel whenever I can. I started solo traveling a couple of years ago and discovered I really enjoy it!

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Stay with locals in Lisbon

Stay with local women in Lisbon who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Norika

Norika

Lisbon

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3 days

About me

I’m software engineer/digital nomad!

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Valentina

Valentina

Lisbon

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey :) I’m Valentina Busnelli, an adventure photographer based in Lisbon, Portugal. I love to travel and meet new people.

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Upcoming visitors to Lisbon

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Zehra

Zehra

About Me

Hi, I'm Zehra from Turkey. I'm studying psychology at Portugal(Erasmus). I love make new friends from all around world and travel as much as I can. I'm also intersting with knowing different cultures. My thing is being spontaneus, I would like to go to somewhere randomly and meet with some people, have good time and deep connection with them. I wanna travel whole Europe this summer. I'm looking forward to get know all of you:)

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Hannah

Hannah

About Me

I’m a travel blogger and graphic designer living in Sacramento, CA with my husband and 2 cute dogs. I love iced coffee, art, and Pilates. Looking forward to connecting with fellow travelers!

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