Two Days in Lisbon: My First Solo Trip in Almost a Decade

By Alexandra Allover | October 28, 2025

It’s been almost ten years since my last solo trip, and returning to solo travel felt both exciting and slightly intimidating. But if there’s one city that makes you feel instantly at ease, it’s Lisbon. I only had two days here — a short stay, but long enough to remember why I fell in love with traveling alone in the first place.

Where I Stayed

I checked into the hostel “Charme da Graça“ in a beautifully restored historic building, complete with a small balcony overlooking a market square and a nearby church. The room was simple but charming — private bathroom, coffee machine, and that quintessential Lisbon view. Even better, it was only a one-minute walk from one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city — which I’ll show you in a second. But before that, I want to touch on something essential when traveling solo: safety.

The hostel used digital locks with shared codes, which didn’t exactly inspire confidence. I came prepared: small padlocks for my bags, a three-meter cable lock to secure everything together, and AirTags to keep track of my luggage. Maybe it sounds a bit overcautious, but after years on the road (mostly across South America), I’ve learned that feeling safe is key to enjoying a trip.

Exploring the City

Lisbon is full of breathtaking viewpoints, or miradouros, scattered across its many hills. My favorite was Jardim da Graça, where you can sip coffee with panoramic views of the city — it’s equally magical at night.

From Castelo de São Jorge, you can spot Praça do Comércio down below, a grand square right by the river and one of the city’s most iconic sights.

Getting around was easy. You can take Uber, hop on a tuk-tuk, or, of course, ride one of Lisbon’s famous yellow trams — a must-do for any visitor. The metro also felt very safe during the day; you’ll just need to buy a rechargeable card for 50 cents and load it as you go.

Hidden Corners & Local Gems

Lisbon’s downtown is perfect for aimless strolling. Around every corner, there’s something unexpected — from street musicians to vintage shops and tiled facades that look straight out of a postcard.

For book lovers, don’t miss Bertrand Bookshop, the oldest operating bookstore in the world, founded in 1732. It’s a piece of living history tucked inside the historic center.

Cafés are another of Lisbon’s great pleasures. I stopped at Café da Garagem for a relaxed brunch with a view, and later discovered Java Rooftop Bar — a stylish spot for sunset drinks overlooking the city.

One of my favorite finds was LX Factory, a creative complex filled with artisan markets, music venues, cafés, and even a hidden bookstore inside an old industrial space. It’s the kind of place you could spend an entire afternoon wandering and meeting people.

Safety as a Solo Traveler

As a woman traveling alone, I felt generally safe in Lisbon. The city is lively, full of families, groups of friends, and other travelers. That said, there were a few moments — especially in quieter streets around dusk — when I chose to take a different route or move away from an uncomfortable situation. It’s the kind of instinct you develop when traveling solo, and listening to it always pays off.

At night, the energy changes but stays positive — lots of nightlife, outdoor dining, and music. Lisbon buzzes without feeling overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

After two days, I can confidently say Lisbon is a fantastic destination for solo travelers — especially if, like me, you’re rediscovering the joy of exploring on your own. The city is walkable, safe, affordable (more so than many other European capitals), and full of friendly locals.

Watch my vlog on my two days in Lisbon here:

My next stop is Curitiba, Brazil, but Lisbon has left me with that familiar spark — the one that makes you want to keep moving, exploring, and saying yes to new places again.

Até logo, Lisboa. You were the perfect city to come back to solo travel.