The Must-See Cities on Your Solo Portugal Trip

Photo: Zocha Group – The Must-See Cities On Your Solo Portugal Trip

Resting on the coast of the Iberian peninsula is Portugal, one of Europe’s most fascinating and underrated countries. Portugal is full to the brim with incredible architecture, fun beach towns, ancient history, and fresh seafood. Deemed one of the safest and most affordable countries in western Europe, Portugal is a perfect spot for solo travelers to plan a trip. 

Photo: Zocha Group – The Must-See Cities On Your Solo Portugal Trip

Portuguese is the national language of Portugal, but you’ll find many English speakers there too. This makes it easy to meet new people and feel confident finding your way around. Portugal also has a great hostel culture, but don’t worry—gone are the days of bunk beds and shared showers; in Portugal, you’ll find an array of hostel options that satisfy any standard. Of course there are plenty of comfortable Airbnbs and hotels throughout the country, but staying in hostels is one of the best ways for solo travelers to get connected to the city and fellow travelers.  

Photo: Zocha Group – The Must-See Cities On Your Solo Portugal Trip

Lisbon is the country’s bustling capital, and it’s first on our list of best place to visit in Portugal. For starters, there’s solid public transportation and it’s easy to get around on foot. Female travelers often report feeling particularly safe in Lisbon, even when walking alone at night. You’ll want to carve out at least three days to enjoy all Lisbon has to offer. Afterall, the city is brimming with culture and art—check out the Gulbenkian Museum for one of the most widely noted private art collections in Europe! By day, relax on the Algarve beaches and wander through the flea markets in Alfama. There’s also amazing food and drink in Lisbon. We recommend the Time Out Market food hall, the rooftops at Topo or Java, cocktails at Machimbombo, and dinner reservations at Rocco Gastrobar!

Photo: Zocha Group – The Must-See Cities On Your Solo Portugal Trip

Sintra is located not far from Lisbon, making this a logical next destination! Something cool about Sintra is that the whole region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you know you’re in for a cultural and historical treat. Parque de Pena is a perfect example of natural beauty mixing with Portuguese history, so you don’t want to miss a stroll through this park in Sintra. There are a great number of royal landmarks, too, like Monserrate Palace. This architectural wonder is incredible inside and out, from it’s Indian-influenced exterior to the palace gardens. You’ll also want to check out the Moorish Castle, the Quinta da Regaleira and neighboring Initiation Well, the Castelo Dos Mouros, Palacio Biester and Palacio Nacional de Queluz. Start your Sintra day with a cup of coffee at Garagem Cafe, and end it by enjoying the view on the cliffside patio at Moinho Dom Quixote.

Photo: Zocha Group – The Must-See Cities On Your Solo Portugal Trip

Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal, but is the chiller, more traditional cousin to Lisbon’s cosmopolitan epicenter. You’ll find slower days in Porto if you want them, but there’s also plenty of exploring to do. Taking a wine tour through the Douro Valley is a great way to see the landscape, sip from local wineries, and make like minded acquaintances. Porto also has fun food tours so you can eat your way through the city. Architecture lovers won’t want to miss Porto’s churches— especially Igreja do Carmo, Clerigos, and Cathedral of Porto—, the Dom Louis bridge, or the Sao Bento train station. If you’re in the mood for browsing, check out Livraria Lello bookstore and Rua do Rosario for local shopping. Stop for coffee at C’Alma or Epoca, grab brunch at Monarca, take a walk through the Mercado Bom Successo, or stop for a glass of wine at Alibi! It’s also worth noting that Porto is a great hub for day trips to other cities. Check out Coimbra to see the oldest university in Portugal (on the grounds of a former palace) and get to know the country’s former capital.

Photo: Zocha Group – The Must-See Cities On Your Solo Portugal Trip

When you’re ready to hang out on the beach, it’s time to head to Lagos. Surf hostels are an efficient way to get close to the beach, have a drink with new-found friends, and have a low-maintenance spot to rest at the end of a sunny day. Praia dos Estudantes is a favorite beach among the younger crowd for its proximity to bars and restaurants, while Ponta de Piedade is known for being the most beautiful beach in Lagos. Praia D’El Rey Beach Club is a great spot for relaxing, while Salgados Beach Club and Barra Beach Club are your go-tos for a wild night out. When you’re not resting in the sand, consider touring one of the many caves in the Algarve region, taking a kayak out on the water, or watching the sunset on a chartered boat or guided horseback ride. For food, check out Casinha do Petisco for authentic Portuguese seafood, Padaria Central for traditional Portuguese pastries, and Gelícia for gelato!

Photo: Zocha Group – The Must-See Cities On Your Solo Portugal Trip