Solo Traveling Through Lisbon

Getting Around Lisbon:

Want to conquer the steep hills of Lisbon? Tram and Tuk-Tuk Tours are wonderful options to explore the city and lessen your step count. Tram 28 is renowned for its scenic route through some of Lisbon's most historic and picturesque neighborhoods. One of the highlights of taking Tram 28 is the opportunity to explore Lisbon's historic neighborhoods. Alfama, in particular, is known for its narrow alleys, Fado music, and traditional architecture.

Tram 28: Tram 28 winds its way through the narrow streets of Lisbon, passing by many of the city's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. The route typically starts in Martim Moniz and takes you through Graca, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela, among other neighborhoods. Some people use Tram 28 not just as a mode of transportation but as a kind of moving sightseeing tour. You can hop on and off at various points along the route to explore different neighborhoods, significant landmarks and attractions, including São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral and the Basilica da Estrela. Due to its popularity, I recommend you board early in the morning or during off-peak hours to secure a seat. You can stick your head out of the window and soak it all in.

Tuk- Tuk: These tours can take you to key attractions and have become a popular and fun mode of transportation for tourists in Lisbon, offering a unique and intimate way to explore the city's narrow streets and hills. Driver’s often provide commentary and are typically locals who are knowledgeable about the city's history, culture and hidden gems. They often share interesting stories and insights with passengers about the history and culture as they navigate through historic landmarks such as the Tower of Belem and Jeronimos Monastery.

Day Trips

Lisbon serves as a gateway to other captivating destinations in Portugal. Solo travelers can easily embark on day trips to nearby places like Sintra, Cascais or Évora, expanding their exploration beyond the city limits.

Sintra: I loved Sintra. Sintra is located in Portugal and is a picturesque town known for its romantic 19th-century architecture, historic estates and lush landscapes. Sintra is filled with fairytale palaces and castles. The most famous among them is Pena Palace, a colorful and eclectic masterpiece that sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Moorish Castle is a historic gem, providing a glimpse into the town's medieval past. If you like to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sintra has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural and historical significance.

Places to eat, drink and enjoy nightlife

Lisbon is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Solo travelers can indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine, from traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish) to pastries like pastel de nata. The city's vibrant food scene provides opportunities for solo diners to savor local flavors.

Cafe Tasca do Chico (Bairro Alto): This is an authentic place to enjoy the sounds of traditional Fado music. Fado music is a form of mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea and the life of the poor. It is infused with a sentiment of resignation, fate and melancholy. The restaurant is beautifully situated in an old tavern, framed by dozens of paintings. The vibe is an authentic, intimate bar setting where you're likely to be rubbing elbows and backs, with your neighbors. Just go with it, after all closeness is part of the fun and getting to know new people is a part of the adventure. Doors open at 7pm and most shows start around 9pm. There are no reservations, so you'll need to arrive early to get a seat.

A Ginjinha (Rossio): Ginja or Ginjinha as most locals call it, is a Portuguese dark red liqueur made from sour fermented cherries. The berries are made into a brandy that’s slightly bitter, slightly sweet and very sticky. Here you can find Ginjinha served in edible chocolate cups, a combination of flavors that is a wonderful experience for both liqueurs and chocolate lovers! Whether sipped as a digestif after a meal, or enjoyed as a social drink with friends, Ginja is a delightful representation of Portuguese culinary traditions and hospitality. This spot is special to me because a couple from India, who I met at a restaurant in Lisbon, introduced me to the place and together we enjoyed several sips of Ginja.

TimeOut Market: Located in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood, TimeOut Market is a famous attraction for visitors, day and night and is a great way to meet new people. The market has over 25 restaurants, 8 bars, and a dozen or so shops. The market is home to some of the very best Lisbon has to offer in gastronomic delights, with some of the best vendors of meat, fish, fruit and fresh flowers.

SeaMe - An original cross between a modern snack bar and a traditional seafood restaurant. Being one of the few places in Portugal that pays homage to the country’s gastronomic links with Japan, I enjoyed a glass of Beyra Reserva paired with their sardine nigiri sushi and robalo.