Portugal

If you only have one day in Lisbon, this guide will help you maximize your time so that you can see the best that Lisbon has to offer.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

I highly recommend the Alfama district. This district in Lisbon has narrow, cobblestone streets, lots of great viewpoints, and is walking distance to the rest of Lisbon’s main attractions. At night, the neighbourhood comes alive with Fado music.

Another plus side to staying in the Alfama district is that it is close to the Santa Apolonia station, which has the metro line, buses, and trains that can easily connect you to Porto in the north of Portugal by taking a 3 hour train ride.

Another area recommended to stay during your one day in Lisbon is the Baixa-Chiado district. It is very central, well connected to public transport, and lively at night. It is located close to all of the places in this list.

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How to get around Lisbon

If you are only in Lisbon for one day, then it is recommended to walk. However, the underground metro system is safe and easy to use. The trams are also a fun way to get around the city AND to see views at the same time.

The app “Citymapper” is an easy and reliable way to navigate around the city, and what I used during my entire stay there.

To buy tickets for the metro, this is a useful post here. I had spent about 10 days in Lisbon, and purchased the frequent Viva Viagem “zapping” card, and chose to download about 15 Euros onto it (follow the instructions on the ticket machine). There is also an option to buy a single use ticket as well.

To use the metro card, you tap your card at the gates to enter the metro, and the remaining fare will display. When you leave the station, you will need to use your card to open the gates to leave. If you are running low on money, or don’t have enough money on your card to enter, then the gates won’t open. But there is ALWAYS a ticket machine a few steps away so that you can enter your card into the machine and top up.

The good news, is that the “zapping” card can be used on the trams, buses, metro, and even the train to get to Sintra!

What to do during one day in Lisbon

Below is a map of where to find each location in the list below. The red pins are what to do if you have one day in Lisbon, and the purple pins are what to do if you have extra time (or an entire extra day!).

1. Walk around the Alfama District

Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon, and is the only district that wasn’t completely destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. So much of what you see is the original layout. It is a gorgeous area, with narrow, cobblestone alleys, hills that lead up to panoramic viewpoints (Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills, so get ready for lots of hills!), beautiful cathedrals, and historic buildings. It is must-see area in Lisbon, and worth a few hours to explore.

2. Ride a tram

Lisbon is known for their iconic trams, and riding one is such a fun experience. The famous #28 tram and #12 tram travel through the Alfama district and pass by almost all of the famous landmarks in Lisbon.

If you only have one day in Lisbon, and if you’re not near the front of the line to get on tram (or if it’s too full), then take another tram line instead. If you don’t get a window seat, you have to stand up and then it’s harder to see. Be mindful of your belongings on this tram since it is prone to pickpockets.

3. Visit the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint in Alfama

While you are in the Alfama district, there are several viewpoints to see the sweeping views of Lisbon from above. The #28 and #12 tram line stop at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint, so it is a convenient location to visit.

This viewpoint overlooks the orange-covered roofs of the Alfama district, the waterfront, and views of the Se Cathedral and Castelo de Sao Jorge. There is also a small kiosk that sells pastries and drinks, with room to sit and enjoy the view.

4. Lisbon Cathedral

This historic cathedral doesn’t take long to visit during your one day in Lisbon, and has free admission. This Cathedral is along the #28 and #12 tram route, so it is a perfect place to visit before or after the Portas do Sol viewpoint (only about 7 minutes away either by tram OR walking).

5. Praça do Comércio

Another location close to the Lisbon Cathedral is the Praca do Comercio square. If I think of Lisbon, I envision this square. It is along the waterfront, and trams pass by the large and impressive Arco da Rua Augusta.

6. Walk up Rua Augusta

Pass under the gorgeous Arco da Rua Augusta and walk up this bustling, pedestrian road until you reach Rossio Square. Along the roads there are lots of shops and beautiful architecture.

7. Time Out Market

A very popular market that is worth going to since there are lots of options for any dietary preference. Even if you don’t eat here, browse around and see what they have to offer and to appreciate the lively atmosphere.

8. Pink Street

A very instagrammable location that I need to mention because it’s so cute with it’s pink road and umbrella canopy above. It’s only a 5 minute walk from the Time-Out Market so it’s a quick and easy place to stop-by.

9. Listen to Fado Music

Listening to Fado music is the perfect way to end the day, and to encompass the Portuguese music culture. While you are eating dinner, choose a restaurant that also offers Fado music.

There are LOTS of choices for where to listen to Fado, and the best place to do this is in the Alfama district. This is another reason why the Alfama neighbourhood is the best place to stay during one day in Lisbon! Just literally follow your ears and you will hear Fado music being performed in almost every restaurant. The performances are small and intimate, and usually start to begin at around 8pm.

If you have extra time during your one day in Lisbon

If you were able to visit all of the places mentioned above, or have more time in your day, then below are a few more options to consider during your one day in Lisbon. Of course, if you have 2 days in Lisbon then exploring every location in this entire list will be easy to do, and more ideal. But just in case, here are a few more options:

10. National Tile Museum. A hidden gem! The location of the museum is about a 10 minute bus ride away from the Alfama Train Station, so it is a bit out of the way from all of the other locations in this itinerary. But if you have the time, or if it’s a rainy day, then it may be a worthwhile stop during your one day in Lisbon.

Almost all of the buildings in Lisbon are covered in gorgeous tiles, so visiting the museum to see their history and how they are made is very interesting. It is located in a gorgeous old convent and the interior is reminiscent of an art gallery.

11. St. George’s Castle

I didn’t get the chance to visit St. George’s Castle since it was closed on Christmas Day, but I did walk around the outside perimeter and would definitely love to go back. There are beautiful views, and who doesn’t love exploring a castle?

12. Visit the Belem district

A 15 minute Uber ride away (or a 40 minute tram ride) is the UNESCO world heritage site with lots to do. Visiting this area could take up half the day or more, so if this area interests you, and you only have 24 hours, then plan your day accordingly. Below are a few notable places:

• Eat pastries at the original Pasteis de Belem shop. These pastries are EVERYWHERE, but this place is the best.

• Jeronimos Monastery. This is a gorgeous place to visit, and it will feel like you are walking around Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Book your ticket online in advance (you can buy your ticket online the day-of, literally as you are standing in line if you have access to the internet with a wifi connection or data plan) so it doesn’t have to be that far in advance!). Once you buy your ticket online, you will be able to bypass everyone waiting in line to buy a ticket.

• Belem Tower. This is an iconic landmark in Lisbon, and definitely worth checking out. It is near-by to Jerimos Monastery, so it is easy to visit.

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Do you have any recommendations for what to do during one day in Lisbon Portugal? If it is your first time going to Lisbon, what are you looking forward to doing the most? Let me know in the comments below!

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Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. It is rumored to be one of places that inspired JK Rowling for Harry Potter. The architecture is so stunning that even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan, this bookstore is worth going to.

Can I buy my tickets in person?

In all of the reviews, videos, and blogs that I read online, they all said that there was a store around the corner from Livraria Lello where you could buy your tickets in person. If this is true, I could NOT find it for the life of me. So don’t rely on this!

Otherwise, you pay for them at the door. But don’t do this! You will be waiting for a long time.

Which leads me to my first tip…

Buy your tickets online!

Just do it. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what time of day you are going, but buy your tickets online. And buy your tickets the day before you go.

While I was waiting in line, there was an attendant walking up and down the line encouraging everyone to buy their ticket online. So everyone got on their mobile phones, purchased their tickets, and then they were allowed to move over to the fast-track line which is infinitely faster.

I bought my tickets online that morning, but for whatever reason they weren’t delivered to my inbox. This had happened to a few people and caused a lot of confusion. If this happens to you, wait in the fast-track line anyway. The staff were able to confirm that I purchased my ticket using my email address.

When is the best time to visit Livraria Lello?

The best time is in the early morning (arrive 30 minutes before opening to get infront of the line), or about 1 hour before closing time. I arrived 30 minutes before opening and there was only a small group of people infront of me.

If you have no plans to visit the bookstore and are walking around Porto and see that the line isn’t very long, then it is easy to buy your ticket online and get into the fast track line.

How much does it cost to visit Livraria Lello?

There are a few different ticket options to choose from. The starting cost to enter Libraria Lello is 5 EUROs. If you buy a book, this cost is deducted from your purchase. For updated pricing (and to buy your tickets!) visit their website.

How long will I wait in line for?

The line for Livraria Lello is VERY long. The crowd control in the bookstore is managed very well, but you can wait hours and hours to get in if you arrive after 9:00am.

When I left the bookstore at around 10am, the line was already down the street.

Is it worth it to visit Libraria Lello?

Everyone’s opinion will vary, but I would say yes it is. Especially if you buy your ticket online, and arrive early.

If you haven’t purchased your ticket in advance, and the line is going all the way down the street and you have to wait hours and hours to get in, then I would say try again the next day and get there early. Or, try coming back later in the later to see if the line has gone down. It isn’t worth missing an entire day in Porto for.

I visited the bookstore (and Portugal as a solo female traveler) and had no issues having people take my photo.

It was wonderful to wander around the small bookstore and admire the architecture and look at all of the small details in the woodwork. I spent about an hour in the bookstore just soaking up the atmosphere, but this can vary per person. Read more reviews here.

Their book selection is very small, and mostly in Portuguese, so I would say that this bookshop should be visited to appreciate it’s beauty rather than to shop for a book. There is a Harry Potter selection in the store with books in different languages, so it is interesting to look at those.

The bookstore is quite small, but crowd control is managed very well. If you wait the staircase will eventually become empty (but only for a brief moment, so get your photo chance while you can).

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Have you visited Livraria Lello, or are planning to go? Let me know about your experience in the comments below!

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The short answer to whether Portugal is safe for a solo female traveler is yes. Portugal is definitely safe for a solo female traveler! Portugal is rated the 3rd safest country in the world, so go and enjoy. But here are a few tips and advice for how to stay safe.

To start, what does it mean to be safe? For me, feeling safe is being able to walk alone without being approached, followed, or catcalled.

Now, common sense is ALWAYS to be taken into consideration. If you wander the streets alone and drunk at 3am, then the odds of encountering an unwanted situation increase in ANY country.

I generally try to be home by dark OR by a reasonable hour in any country I visit.

And always listen to your gut!

Suggested Reading: Travel mistakes and how to avoid them

Is the public system safe to use for a solo female traveller?

I like to use the app Citymappers while traveling. It is very easy to use, and helps me navigate a new city like a pro!

When I traveled to Portugal, I took the subway, buses, trains, Ubers, taxis, and walked around all by myself and felt safe. However, there was one instance on the subway in Lisbon when a man stared at me. He didn’t talk to me or approach me. The carriage had a few people in it too, but his staring made me feel uncomfortable so I got off on the next stop and quickly moved into another carriage. But that was the ONLY instance that occurred.

If someone does approach you (in any country!), just say a brief and firm “no” and keep walking confidently.

Where is the safest place for a solo female traveller to stay in Lisbon, Portugal?

In Lisbon, there are many districts. The Alfama district has narrow alleyways and is filled with Fado music at night. It is so charming and it is a joy to stay in, or visit, during the day so make sure it is in your itinerary. The alleyways can feel like a maze though, which may feel a bit unsettling if you become lost at night, but it is not unsafe. During the night Fado music can be heard from everywhere, just follow your ears if you become lost. During the day? No problem! Get lost and enjoy. This is my favourite area to stay in.

The Baixo and Rossio districts are the main centre and very busy. There are no narrow streets, so it is quite open and will feel safe.

The train stop to get to the LX Factory is a spot where homeless people sleep at night. As a solo female traveler, I would avoid this train stop at night. I am sure it is fine, but it can feel intimidating to walk alone at night. During the day it is ok because it’s busy.

Where is the safest place to stay in Porto, Portugal for a solo female traveller?

The Ribeiria district is close to the river and is a lively spot.

Baixa is another central district which is close to a lot of the main attractions (like the Lello Bookstore, a Harry Potter inspiration location!)

Is the Algarve in Portugal safe for a solo female traveller?

The Algarve is another gorgeous area in the south of Portugal, and also safe for solo female travellers. It is easy to take a train from Lisbon (or drive if you feel comfortable doing this). There are many towns throughout the Algarve to stay in (like Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira), and they are all connected by train.

Can I speak English in Portugal?

The people in Portugal are so friendly. It is easy to get by speaking English most of the time, but it is always helpful to learn a few words like “Bom Dia! (hello)” and “Obrigado (thank you)”

Summary

One misconception I heard before traveling to Portugal was that it felt “gritty.” I thought Portugal was breathtakingly beautiful with the tiled buildings and architecture. There is graffiti marked on a few buildings which could be why that person thought it felt “gritty” but they aren’t related to anything dangerous.

Even when I acted like an obvious tourist (taking pictures of attractions by myself), no one approached me.

In summary, Portugal is so incredibly safe for solo female travellers. I would recommend visiting Portugal if it is your first or hundredth time traveling solo. I hope this encourages you to visit if you have any doubts or if it is your first time.

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Have you traveled to Portugal as a solo female traveller? Let me know where you stayed and about your experiences in the comments below!

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