May and June of 2023 was an interesting time for me. I had just exited out of a relationship I wasn’t happy in and needed to make some sort of change quickly. When Tiktok’s mythical reel pull showed me a few travelling videos, I fell into a Lisbon city break for a weekend.
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The special thing about this trip for me was that it was my first time travelling somewhere by myself. Before the flight, it was a fiery combo of nervous excitement. But I think that without that trip happening, this blog today may not even exist!
I fell in love with Lisbon that weekend and I haven’t found another city quite like it.
This post isn’t going to be an itinerary so to speak but I’ll go through some of the places I visited and stayed in whilst I was there to hopefully help you in your trip to this beautiful coast-side city!
Why I Chose Lisbon for My First Solo Trip
As I just mentioned, TikTok influenced my decision to visit Lisbon, funnily enough. For some reason, I was getting targeted with travel videos, which piqued my interest. Then, one specific video listed the top 5 ‘beginner’ solo trip locations.
I don’t remember the other cities, but I do remember Lisbon being one of them. If you’re interested, I’ve made my own list of places you could visit for your first solo trip here.
A Lisbon city break seemed like the ideal option for several reasons. The locals are welcoming to foreigners, the city is easy to navigate, and there’s no shortage of things to do—whether you’re into history, culture, the arts, or just nightlife.
Lisbon is also very popular among tourists and backpackers alike. The city offers a perfect blend of affordability and social accommodation like hostels, which makes it ideal for meeting other travellers. Plus, the vibrant backpacker culture creates a sense of community, where you can join walking tours, group dinners, or pub crawls with ease. Whether you’re looking to dive into Lisbon’s rich history, explore its street art, or dance the night away, there’s something for everyone.
If solo travel has piqued your interest, Lisbon is undoubtedly a great place to start.
Navigating Lisbon
The city lived up to its reputation for being easy to navigate. The metro was straightforward, and Google Maps worked well for directions and train times. Even when I asked a stranger for help, they were friendly and more than willing to assist.
Visiting sights like Castelo de São Jorge and Santuário Nacional de Cristo Rei was incredible, especially as someone with a keen interest in history. These landmarks added depth to my trip, making me appreciate Lisbon’s rich past.
Exploring Lisbon alone during the day was a unique and reflective experience. I discovered a real love for solo travel. Not having to cater to anyone else’s interests might seem selfish, but it gave me the freedom to immerse myself in my surroundings fully. Solo travel allowed me to see things from a new perspective, giving me clarity on how I experience travel and life.
I spent my evenings in Lisbon with the people I met at my hostel, and we enjoyed the fantastic nightlife, partying every night. Pink Street was buzzing, offering great food by day and lively bars by night.
But Pink Street wasn’t the only option. The city was full of cool bars and clubs, especially across the train station, where another line of venues kept the energy alive.
By the end of my Lisbon city break, I had plenty to keep me busy, and my initial nervousness about solo travel quickly faded away.
My Hostel Experience
My hostel experience in Lisbon was fantastic. This was probably what I was most nervous about before visiting. When you travel for the first time, you don’t yet realise how easy it is to meet people where you’re staying.
I stayed at Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel and looking back, it truly set the tone for my trip. The hostel offers an ‘all-inclusive’ option through Hostelworld, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although I didn’t get to try lunch since I was always out exploring, I can vouch for the amazing breakfast and dinner.
At first, I felt a bit hesitant to mingle, but I just thought “fuck it” and went down to the main room to start talking to people. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made! I ended up meeting Americans, Australians, Canadians, Belgians, and even a Polish traveller. The hostel had a very social atmosphere, almost like it pushed everyone to connect. The main room was set up to encourage conversation, with games like cards to break the ice, and each night naturally led to a bar crawl.
The hostel’s location was central, which made it easy to access everything I wanted to see in the city. But beyond that, the social energy made it stand out. It felt like the perfect introduction to solo travel, and this experience is what I think back to most when I remember my Lisbon city break.
Honestly, it was probably the best hostel-specific experience I’ve had. And I almost forgot to mention—part of the all-inclusive deal was free beer or sangria, available whenever you wanted!
Highlights of My Lisbon City Break
In this section, I want to go through some specific recommendations I have for places to visit in Lisbon.
Santuário Nacional de Cristo Rei
As I mentioned earlier, the Santuário Nacional de Cristo Rei was a brilliant discovery and something I hadn’t even realised was there before my trip! The monument sits on the southern side of the Tagus River in Lisbon, and you can easily grab a boat over to reach it.
Once I got there, I had a great time walking up to the monument and then realised I could take an elevator to the top. The views were absolutely stunning—360 degrees of the surrounding area, which was especially incredible on a clear, sunny, and hot day. From the top, you get a perfect view of Lisbon, the river, and the nearby landscapes.
The statue itself was inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer and was built in 1959 to express gratitude for Portugal being spared from the horrors of World War II. The scale and significance of the monument make it even more impressive.
If you find yourself in Lisbon, do yourself a favour: Visit. This. Statue.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is a stunning monastery in Lisbon, and I’m glad I decided to visit because I almost didn’t go! Its historical and cultural significance fascinated me, especially knowing how influential places like this have been in shaping European history.
The intricate design of the archways stood out to me, and the entire structure, including the mini plaza, displayed beautiful craftsmanship. The detailed architecture and serene atmosphere drew me in, offering a peaceful break from the busy city.
I visited on a Sunday and attended a Mass, with many people gathering for the service, which added another layer of cultural experience to my visit.
It’s definitely worth the money to explore, but I’d recommend checking when it might be quieter during your trip, as it can get crowded depending on the time of year.
Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge was another favourite for me during my time in Lisbon. Europe’s intricate and detailed history is always reflected in old fortifications like this, and St. George’s Castle is no exception.
This specific castle had plenty of information boards and a mini-museum within the walls, which gave insight into its history and role in protecting the city. But what really stood out were the 360-degree views from the top. From the castle, I could see the previously mentioned statue across the river, which was a cool reminder of my earlier visit. The beautiful housing and architecture to the north struck me, sprawling out below and showcasing the city’s distinct character.
One of the unexpected highlights was spotting peacocks roaming the castle grounds. Before visiting, I had seen them in souvenirs like snow globes but didn’t realise they were such a symbol of the city until I arrived. It added an extra layer of charm to the visit.
For anyone with an interest in history, architecture, or simply stunning views, Castelo de São Jorge is well worth a visit.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a travelling rookie or an expansive vagabond yet to step foot in Lisbon, this is your sign to go. I absolutely loved my time there, and it will forever have a special place in my heart for being the trip that set me on my travel journey.
Lisbon was the true starting point for my deep interest in seeing new places, and it has influenced so much of my life since. This trip even played a role in my decision to embark on a 9-month backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia, which I’ll be starting in March 2025. It also led me to start this blog, making it a pivotal moment in my life.
If you’d like any further details on this trip or the city of Lisbon, I more than welcome any questions or conversations. Feel free to reach out via my Contact Us page.
Safe Travels!
Check out my Lisbon vlog below if you’re interested!
