First Time in Lisbon? Here’s the Lowdown

Visiting Lisbon for the first time can be intimidating, but I’m here to help. I’ve been visiting this vibrant Portuguese capital since 2012, and have all the deets you can possibly need for an epic trip.

Lisbon is a lively mix of old-world charm and contemporary cool. It’s a hard balance to strike, but Lisbon manages to pull it off perfectly.

Picture strolling along cobbled streets (mind you, slippery! – bring good shoes) lined with pastel-coloured buildings, the sound of Fado music wafting through the air, and the tantalizing aroma of fresh pastries tempting you at every corner (the famous pastel de nada is truly drool-worthy).

I still remember my first time in Lisbon with my sister, getting lost in the maze-like historic Alfama district, sipping vinho verde at a cozy rooftop bar with a view of the Tagus River, and marvelling at the intricate tilework of the Jerónimos Monastery. Capping off our nights amongst the bustling nightlife of Bairro Alto made it one of my fondest memories.

Lisbon is particularly great for fellow female travellers, as it’s safer than the majority of European cities, too. My favourite part of the capital is hopping from trendy cafe to trendy cafe and then enjoying a traditional Portuguese meal in the evening and people watching, it’s such a yummy mix of foodie heaven.

In this detailed Lisbon travel guide, I endeavour to give you all the tools you need to have a carefree, safe, exciting and fulfilling experience in one of my favourite European destinations.

Let’s dive in. Viewpoints, pastries, trams, and beautiful streets, oh my!

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? My Opinion

In a nutshell, yes, Lisbon is worth visiting. 

As a hub of creativity, with a vibrant cafe scene, access to beautiful beaches, walkability and a mix of history and modernity, Lisbon offers a microcosm of the greater country of Portugal and is a perfect spot to start your adventure. 

With so much to see and do all within a walkable epicentre, Lisbon offers women a chance to experience European culture within a safe and bustling environment.

Full disclaimer though, Lisbon is not my favourite place in Portugal, but it’s up there! I will say, it is essential for first time visitors to the country. 

Reasons to Love Lisbon:

• Trendy cafes and rooftop restaurants
• A blend of old and new
• Vibrant nightlife
• A lot to see and do
• Easy to get around the city
• Access to beautiful beaches
• Great connectivity for day trips like Sintra and Cascais

While there is a lot to love about Lisbon, it also has its downsides. 

Lisbon has exploded in recent years on the digital nomad scene, causing accommodation prices to skyrocket. As an otherwise affordable travel destination, the country, especially Lisbon, can get absolutely swamped with tourists during the high season, where a lot of its charm is lost.

What is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?

Planning a shoulder season visit to Lisbon is the move, especially in May and October. May is my top, best, ultimate, ideal (did I say top?) recommendation for the best month to visit Lisbon. To get even more minute, book your travel in the second half of the month.

Sunny blue skies, spring blossoms, moderate temperatures and fewer crowds, all make May in Lisbon the perfect time to plan your trip. 

Nevertheless, Lisbon offers up to 300 days a year of sunshine, so visiting the city at any time is possible and enjoyable. So, no, you didn’t miss the boat if you can’t book in May.

September and October are a very close second when it comes to the best to go to Lisbon.

My Least Favourite Time to Visit Lisbon (spoiler alert, it’s summer!)

Y’all, Lisbon gets VERY busy during the high season summer months of June-August. As someone who is crowd-averse, I have never been able to have enough patience for Lisbon in the summer. As far as Lisbon travel tips go, this would be my best-seller.

But, if this is the only time you can manage to book your trip, don’t let the crowds deter you, just plan ahead! 

Book tours and attractions beforehand (like the Jerónimos Monastery and Sao Jorge Castle) and wander the city early in the mornings to get a perspective of this vibrant European capital that most tourists don’t get. 

I’d also recommend booking your accommodation outside of Baixa (the tourist hub) in neighbourhoods like Chiado and Alfama, as it can get very crowded and noisy.

Is Lisbon Safe for Women?

Having visited many European cities, I will say that Lisbon always feels very safe to me. Crime rates are relatively low in comparison to elsewhere on the continent and staying within the city centre lends to a safer experience. 

Pick pockets are one of the most common issues, so keep an eye on your purse at all times (no need to panic, it’s just a note of caution). 

Of course, if you want to experience nightlife, your safety intuition needs to heighten a tad. 

If you are a solo female traveller, try making friends at your hostel and have each other’s back when going out to the bars. Always take note of your drink and don’t walk back to your hotel alone under the influence.

My Recommended Lisbon SIM Card

For years, I would make a point to pick up a physical SIM card at the airport or city centre whenever I landed in a new country. It’s something I stressed about, since in this day and age, being without data can be detrimental to travel plans. Trying to connect to the Uber app on spotty airport WiFi? No thanks, WAY too frustrating.

In 2023 I discovered an eSIM solution on my trip to Mexico and haven’t looked back since. It’s just so dang convenient!

The nice thing about Airalo is you can download it before you even reach Portugal and all you need to do is turn it on when you land – easy peasy. It has saved me a lot of time and headaches. Even my mom uses it for all her trips, so please, no excuses about being tech-illiterate.

Anywho, you can download the app, throw in ‘Portugal’ into the search bar and choose your data amount and time validity. If you plan on travelling elsewhere in Europe, they even offer a ‘Europe’ eSIM option that covered 39 countries.

Do you Need Cash in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a very cashless city. Most restaurants and attractions will take credit card payments. 

Like anywhere in Europe though, it’s good to have a bit of cash put away just in case. Bring 100 EUR with you before you arrive, or simply get it out of an ATM (Multibanco or Caixa Automatico are the best ones) at the airport or city centre. If you plan to hop in a taxi from the airport to downtown it would be smart to have a bit of cash with you.

Stay clear of EuroNet ATMs as they are known to be hotbeds for scamming.

Do note, that AMEX is not widely accepted across Portugal. It’s better to bring a Visa or Mastercard.

Portugal Currency: Euros
Does Portugal accepts USD? No
Best ATMs to get out Cash: Multibanco or Caixa Automatico

How to Get from Lisbon Airport to City Centre

Since I am over 35, convenience is a top priority when I travel around Lisbon, or Portugal or anywhere in the world really. So I usually like to hop in an Uber or Bolt.

The issue with Uber in Lisbon is that they can’t pick you up directly from the arrivals terminal at the airport – it’s super lame and causes a lot of confusion – it happened to me! Drop-off is no problem, though. 

Here are some great alternatives:

Metro (transfer required)

If you happen to be travelling light, you can opt to take the metro from the Lisbon Airport to the city centre. Hop on the red line and transfer to the green line at the Alameda Station. 

The journey is about 35 minutes and will end at the Baixa/Chiado Station in the heart of the city. You know how before I recommended staying in central to eastern Chiado? This is partly why. The neighbourhood is very well connected via public transportation. 

Private Van Transfer

Group of gals arriving in Lisbon for a weekend of fun? A private van transfer might be your best option. An English-speaking driver will pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your hotel in Lisbon. They might even give you a few useful tips for the city.

Even if it’s just you solo or with a buddy, you can book a posh black sedan to arrive in style if you so choose. 

Taxi

Yes, taxis are widely used, relatively safe and reliable in Lisbon. 

You can find plenty of them parked outside of the arrivals terminal at the airport to sweep you away to downtown Lisbon. The journey will last about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions, and cost around 15 Euros.

Make sure to ask the driver if they accept card payment before getting in the vehicle as not all taxis are equipped with payment terminals. 

Common taxi scams include overcharging and taking you on a longer route than necessary to rack up the bill. It is always good to keep a keen eye.

Duration: 20-30 minutes
Cost: Roughly 15 Euros
Do they accept card payments?: Most, but not all
Radio Taxi Phone Numbers: 218119000, 969531660 or 919781000 or Use the Free-Now App

Car Rental

Just visiting Lisbon? I wouldn’t suggest getting to and around the city via rental car. Actually, I think that was a very soft way of saying – don’t do it! Navigating hills, narrow roads and lack of parking will just add stress to your trip. 

My husband and I drove our rental car in Lisbon and boy do I ever not recommend this!

Now if you plan to go on an epic road trip starting in Portugal’s capital of Lisbon, pick up your rental car from the airport after you spend a few days in Lisbon. This way you can avoid city traffic and be on the highway and out of the main tourist centre in no time.

Best Neighbourhoods in Lisbon for First Timers

Lisbon is a sprawling Portuguese capital, but everything worth seeing for the first time visitor is located in the tourist epicentre by the river Tagus. With Baixa district at the heart, staying anywhere in the Lisbon neighbourhoods of Baixa, Chiado, or Alfama will allow you to walk to almost every Lisbon attraction (except the famous monastery and tower in Belem).

Chiado

Chiado is my top recommendation for where to stay in Lisbon. It’s really that simple.

More specifically, I like the area from central to east Chiado, bordering Baixa (the tourist centre). This way you get the best of both worlds. The trendy cafes and scenic streets of Chiado border the centrally located Baixa. You also have the nightlife quarter to the north – Bairro Alto. 

Alfama

If you want the romance of fado music playing out of hole-in-the-wall Port bars and scenic viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia, capped off with the Sao Jorge Castle at its peak, Alfama is a great option. It lies on the other side of Baixa to its east. 

Mind you, there are a lot of hills! So you will definitely be getting your cardio in on the daily. This is also where the famous Tram 28 runs.

Baixa

For those with mobility issues or anyone who really doesn’t want to be climbing hills every day, you can opt for a hotel in the Baixa neighbourhood with its flat, centrally located promenades and great proximity to the main attractions like the Santa Justa Lift and Praca do Comercio. 

Do note, that this is the most touristy Lisbon neighbourhood, so hawkers and food catered to tourists are common.

Coolest Hostels, Hotels & Apartments in Lisbon

I’ve scoured the earth to bring you this shortlist of boutique hostels, hotels and apartments to book for your next trip to Lisbon. All are located in the central areas of Chiado, Baixa and Alfama.

Boutique Hostels with Female-only Dorms & Private Rooms

Upscale hostels with private rooms offer a nice middle ground when it comes to privacy, sociability, safety and budget, especially for solo female travellers. Expect female-only dorm rooms or private rooms with private bathrooms.

Other great options for hostels in Lisbon that are female-friendly:

• Home Lisbon Hostel – 4 and 6 Female-Only Dorm Rooms, Private Double with Private Bathroom
• Lisboa Central Hostel – 4 Bed Female-Only Dorm Room, Private Double Room with Private Bathroom
• Goodnight Hostel – 10 Bed Female-Only Dorm Room on its Own Dedicated Floor

My Favourite Lisbon Apartments

I’ll choose to stay in an apartment-style accommodation if I will be in Lisbon for longer than 5 days or plan to make my own meals. 

Coolest Lisbon Hotels

A great option for a group of ladies that want their own private rooms amongst all the fun. 

How to Get Around Lisbon

As I’ve mentioned, you can walk to almost everything noteworthy in Lisbon besides the attractions located in Belem, in which you can hop on tram #15 from Cais do Sodre Station in the Praca do Comercio in the city centre. 

That being said, if walking is not your thing, here are some alternatives:

Public Transportation (Trams, Busses, Metro)

Lisbon offers many options when it comes to public transportation. Busses and trams are the most common in the city centre for getting you from A to B if you choose not to walk. The metro can be used to get to and from the airport (transfer required). 

Purchasing a Lisbon Card is a great option because it provides you unlimited rides on the buses, trams, funiculars, trains, and metro in durations of 24, 48 or 72 hours from the first time you use it. It even covers trains to nearby Cascais and Sintra.

Get it at the airport or at the tourist office in Praca do Comerico.

Taxis/Uber

If I had to choose between taking an Uber or a traditional taxi, I would choose Uber, hands down. It’s a bit cheaper and less susceptible to scamming, especially in the Lisbon city centre. 

Taxis in the city centre tend to overcharge unknowing tourists and occasionally take you on a longer route just to get the price up. Uber is by far the better option.

How Many Days in Lisbon

With endless possibilities for day trips, Lisbon can really be experienced for anywhere up to a full week. 

I’d recommend 2 full days spent roaming around the city centre and visiting attractions like the Jerónimos Monastery, LX Factory, Time Out Market, cruising around Alfama with its scenic viewpoints, Lisbon Cathedral, Praca do Comercio, and Sao Jorge Castle. 

Then, the world’s your oyster. I highly suggest a day trip to Sintra as a non-negotiable. Beyond that, Lisbon day trips to top Portugal destinations like Cascais, Evora and Obidos are popular.

Overall, I’d suggest spending a minimum of 3 full days, 4 nights in Lisbon including a day trip to Sintra. If you happen to only have a weekend in Lisbon, I’d recommend skipping the Sao Jorge Castle and just doing a pass-by of the Lisbon Cathedral.

Simple 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary with Things to Do

I always like to book a food tour on day one when I arrive in a new country. I think it’s a great way to introduce yourself to the food and culture. Plus, you can meet some like-minded people right away. 

This simple 3 days in Lisbon itinerary I’ve put together blends the history and modernity of Lisbon, with chances to eat and relax throughout while still hitting most of Lisbon’s highlights.

Please note that this itinerary for Lisbon is designed to be executed mostly on foot, with public transportation used only on day 1 to see the monastery and tower in the Belem neighbourhood.

If walking all day is not an option for you, opt for the Lisboa Card for unlimited access to busses, trams and metro throughout your stay.

Day 1 – Lisbon Itinerary:

• Jeronimos Monastery (*must see)
• Belem Tower & Monument to the Discoveries
• LX Factory
• Light Lunch at Time Out Market
• Wander the Streets of Chiado & Bica Funicular
• Lisbon Food Tour (starting at 4:30PM, runs for 3 hours)
• Nightlife in Bairro Alto (if you so choose)

Day 2 – Lisbon Itinerary:

• Praca do Comercio
• Lisbon Cathedral
• Alfama Viewpoints (*must see)
• San Jorge Castle
• Rooftop Restaurant for Sunset Dinner
• Live Fado Music Show with Port Wine

Day 3 – Lisbon Itinerary:

• Day Trip to Sintra (*must see)
• Either spend the evening and night in Lisbon or use this time to transfer to your next Portugal destination

Best Sips & Eats in Lisbon

As a digital nomad, I am always on the lookout for trendy cafes and eateries in every city I go, and luckily Lisbon is chockful of them. Here are my favourite aesthetically pleasing places, plus banger coffee and eats.

Best Day Trips from Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the most well-connected cities in Europe for day-tripping. 

With so many options from the fairytale hilltop town of Sintra, the French Riviera-esque Cascais, and the expansive coastline of Cabo de Roca and Nazare to the incredible architecture of Obidos and Batalha Monastery, you can be sure to get a really great taste of the country by simply booking a stay in the vibrant capital.

Most of these Lisbon day trips will take up a full day, from early morning to mid-late afternoon.

• Sintra – Fairytale hilltop town with castles
• Cascais – A taste of the French Riviera in Portugal
• Cabo de Roca – scenic coastline and the most western point on the European Continent
• Obidos – Historical Walled Town
• Batalha Monastery – Medieval Gothic Monastery
• Nazare – Epic coastline with famous big-wave surfing
• Evora – Historic town with Ancient Roman Temple

Lisbon Travel Tips

I have a full guide on travel tips for Lisbon, but essentially make sure to get off the beaten path a bit and also hit the highlights. Lisbon has SO much to do and see and if you are only there for a couple of days, you will need to plan your trip carefully. 

Look at opening days and times for your favourite attractions, and plan each day by different neighbourhoods so that you aren’t wasting time walking back and forth.

Ready to Book Your First Time in Lisbon?

Now that you have a better lay of the land for your upcoming trip to Lisbon, here are my go-to resources for accommodation and tour bookings:

• For hotels, hostels and apartments, I use Booking.
• For tours and day trips, I use Get Your Guide or Viator.

Have questions about your first time in Lisbon? Or have you been and want to help other female travellers make the most of their Lisbon trip? Pop it in the comments below.