Taking a leap of faith to venture out on your own and travel alone can be incredibly daunting. There’s so much to plan for, and all the big decisions have to be made yourself. But there are places in the world that are great for solo travelers, and Lisbon is one of the top spots! The capital city of Portugal is vibrant, lively, and full of charm. Here are some of the ways that Lisbon is the ultimate solo traveler destination!

It’s Safe - One of the biggest fears of taking on the world solo is safety. You have to take extra precautions that you wouldn’t need to in a group. Although no destination is perfectly safe, Lisbon comes pretty close! All the local people are super friendly, helpful, and many speak English. So if you need directions or recommendations, just ask!

There’s a Neighborhood for Everyone - Known as the city of seven hills, Lisbon has different districts, or neighborhoods, that each have a unique personality. There’s Bairro Alto, which is a district with a “bohemian” vibe that comes alive at night! There’s Belém, an area full of historic sites, museums, and tasty treats (more on that later)! There’s also the charming district of Alfama (my favorite part of the city), which is the perfect place to get lost and wind up at a small café to enjoy a glass of the world famous port. There’s a place for everyone in Lisbon!

The Views are Stunning - Throughout the city, there are plenty of spots to capture amazing views of Lisbon. In Alfama, you can visit the Portas do Sol viewpoint, for an amazing landscape of colorful rooftops, with the ocean right behind. There’s also the Santa Justa elevator, which takes visitors all the way to the top for a funky view of the city. Once you find your favorite viewpoint in Lisbon, you might never want to leave.

The Gastronomy Scene is Next-Level - While Portuguese cuisine could easily be the food choice of your entire trip, Lisbon has also taken in culinary styles from around the world. From small hole-in-the-wall spots to big food markets, Lisbon has it all! Take some time during your trip to find a fun spot for yourself. I wandered the streets around my hostel on my first night in Lisbon, and found myself in a small empanaderia, surrounded by locals, with no other travelers in sight! It was one of the best meals of my life. You should also definitely visit the Time Out Market! This place is a diverse culinary scene of its own, delivering authentic Portuguese food, as well as Asian fusion, and homemade burgers; all from some of the best chefs in the city. Finally, you HAVE to try a pastel de nata. These Portuguese egg tarts are sweet, soft, and delicious. You can still visit the original bakery Pasteis de Belém, which makes thousands of pasteis a day! But if you prefer to stay away from the crowds, these little treats are served all over the city.

It’s Easy to Meet People - Although this seems to be the opposite of “solo traveling”, Lisbon is actually a perfect spot to meet people. There are tons of travelers, young and old, who stay in hostels throughout the city. Many hostels will host socials or pub crawls, which allows people to connect. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet a new best friend! During the day, I would go out and explore on my own, but in the evening, I would hang out with people from my hostel. It was so much fun to connect, share stories, and get recommendations for places to go!

There’s Fun Outside of the City Too - Although you could easily spend weeks getting to know Lisbon, it’s well worth it to take a day trip out to Sintra. This UNESCO World Heritage site, settled in the Sintra foothills, is where the Portuguese royal family used to spend their downtime. The Palácio da Pena is a stunningly colorful castle and is perfect for the ultimate “instagrammable” shot.

You Can Ride the No.28 Tram - For a taste of the whole city, there’s no easier way than to take the No.28 tram. The famous yellow trams travel up and down the hills of Lisbon, taking you through all the different districts. It’s easy to find a fun district, hop off the tram and explore on foot for a while, then hop back on and keep going! It’s also helpful to have the Lisboa Card. You can pay ahead of time for 24, 48, or 72 hours. This card will get you free public transportation, including the No.28 tram, as well as discounts or free access to museums and galleries, and free travel by train to Sintra!

Lisbon is a paradise for solo travelers. It’s welcoming, youthful, and charmingly quirky. If I have managed to convince you that this is one of the best places to travel on your own, then it’s time for you to experience it on your own! Acanela Expeditions offers departures to Lisbon, Portugal year-round. Spend 7 days exploring the different city districts, walking along the mosaic buildings, tasting port, and listening to Fado music. You can also extend your trip and explore Porto! Reserve your spot today!

Post written by Demitria Rounis