Solo Travel in Lisbon: My First European Adventure
Lisbon will always hold a special place in my heart—it was the very first city in Europe I solo traveled to. Between the charming cobblestone streets, colorful tiled buildings, rich history, and incredible food (seriously, don’t even get me started on the food!!!), Lisbon is the kind of place that makes you want to linger just a little bit longer.
Staying in Lisbon: From Airbnb to My First Hostel
When I first visited Lisbon, I actually came with my best friend before we headed south to the Algarve and Madeira. We stayed in a cozy Airbnb near the LX Factory, a trendy area filled with street art, cafés, and creative shops.
But my true Lisbon adventure started when I checked into my very first hostel: Yes! Lisbon Hostel. For a first-time solo traveler, it was the perfect introduction. The hostel had nightly family dinners, bar crawls, and daily walking tours—everything designed to bring travelers together. It instantly made the city feel more welcoming.
A Day Trip to Sintra
On my first full day, I met a group of fellow travelers through a Hostelworld group chat, and we spontaneously decided to head to Sintra. Pro tip: start early if you want to actually tour the famous castles like Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira. We got there too late to go inside, but we still enjoyed a scenic walking tour around the area, explored the magical town, and even hopped on a truck ride down the mountain before grabbing a cold beer. Even from the outside, the castles were stunning, and I definitely regret not making time to go in.
Exploring Lisbon by Foot
The next day, I joined a free walking tour of Lisbon (don’t forget to tip your guide!). It was one of the best ways to learn about the city’s history and see hidden corners I might have missed otherwise - locals will always show you the places to go (without the tourist traps)
Later that evening, I signed up for the hostel’s bar crawl, where I met Ashana and Jessica from my hostel; two incredible women who quickly became my Lisbon adventure buddies. We spent the next two days together exploring, laughing, and having some pretty wild nights out. (We’re still in a group chat today, which just goes to show how hostels can create friendships that last long after the trip.)
Why I Loved Lisbon as a Solo Traveler
Looking back, Lisbon was the perfect place to begin my solo travel journey. It’s safe, easy to get around, full of warm and friendly locals, and has a thriving backpacker and solo traveler community. If you’re shy or nervous about traveling alone, staying at a social hostel like Yes! Lisbon Hostel can completely change your experience—you’ll never actually feel alone.
Tips for Solo Travelers in Lisbon:
Join a free walking tour for history and orientation.
Stay at a social hostel for family dinners, bar crawls, and instant friends.
Take a day trip to Sintra, but go and buy your ticket early to explore the castles inside.
Don’t miss trying local dishes like bacalhau, grilled sardines, and of course, pastel de nata.
Lisbon will always be one of my favorite cities… not just because of its beauty, but because it gave me confidence as a solo traveler and gifted me lifelong friends.
