Portugal welcomes solo travelers with open arms. This friendly country is one of Europe’s safest destinations, making it ideal for those traveling alone.
This guide shares expert tips on where to stay, what to see and do, how to get around, and more – all tailored to make your solo travels in Portugal unforgettable.
Why Portugal is Perfect for Solo Travelers
- SafetyPortugal ranks as the 7th safest country in the world according to the 2022 Global Peace Index. Cities and towns are secure day and night, and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. This gives peace of mind to those traveling solo in Portugal.
- Friendly LocalsThe Portuguese are some of Europe’s warmest, most welcoming people. They’ll go out of their way to help solo travelers, often offering directions, recommendations, or even a chat over coffee. Making friends is easy here.
- Convenient TransportationPortugal’s train and bus networks are modern, reliable, and affordable. Major cities are well-connected, and discount passes make getting around a breeze. For solo travel, trains and buses are also great places to meet fellow adventurers.
Where to Stay in Portugal
Here are some recommendations for budget-friendly accommodation in Portugal.
Hotel Internacional Design
- Address: Rua do Ouro, 44, 1200-273 Lisboa, Portugal
- Contact: +351 213 405 140
- Description: Located in the heart of Lisbon, this budget-friendly hotel offers modern private rooms starting around Rs. 5,000 per night. Perks include free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, and a lively on-site bar perfect for mingling with other solo travelers in Portugal.
Lisbon Lounge Hostel
- Address: Rua do Salitre, 5, 1200-399 Lisboa, Portugal
- Contact: +351 213 872 393
- Description: This top-rated hostel in central Lisbon has both dorms and private rooms, with rates from Rs. 1,500 per night. Highlights include free walking tours, group dinners, and a sunny rooftop terrace where solo wanderers can swap travel tales.
Vivacity Rooms and Apartments
- Address: Rua da Infanta D. Henrique, 55, 4050-296 Porto, Portugal
- Contact: +351 222 002 112
- Description: This family-run guesthouse in Porto’s artsy Bolhão district has budget-friendly rooms and apartments. Perks like free breakfast and knowledgeable local hosts make it popular with solo travelers. Private rooms start around Rs. 3,000 nightly.
Must-Visit Spots for Solo Travelers
Portugal overflows with attractions that are ideal for solo travelers. From iconic landmarks to immersive cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Iconic Landmarks
Igreja do Carmo
This striking church in Porto is renowned for its exterior covered in blue and white azulejo tiles. Inside, baroque altars dazzle, making it a must-see for art and architecture buffs traveling solo in Portugal.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-296 Porto, Portugal
- Nearest town: Porto
- Best time to visit: Year-round, but spring and fall offer mild weather and thinner crowds
- How to reach: Located in central Porto, the church is an easy walk from most downtown hotels and hostels
Douro Riverfront
Porto’s scenic riverside district is a solo traveler’s dream. Stroll the lively promenade, snap photos of colorful buildings, and sample local specialties like grilled sardines at waterfront cafes.
- Timings: 24/7
- Address: Ribeira, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Nearest town: Porto
- Best time to visit: Aim for a sunset visit to see the riverfront bathed in golden light
- How to reach: The riverfront is a 5-15 minute walk from most of central Porto
JerĂłnimos Monastery
This UNESCO-listed monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Intricate carvings and maritime motifs cover the exterior, while the tranquil cloisters offer an oasis for solo travelers seeking a quiet escape.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Mondays)
- Address: Praça do Império, 1400-026 Lisboa, Portugal
- Nearest town: Lisbon
- Best time to visit: Early morning sees the fewest crowds
- How to reach: Take the train to Belém station or tram 15E from central Lisbon
Cultural Experiences
Port Wine Tasting in the Douro Valley
Discover the origins of Portugal’s famous fortified wine on a scenic day trip to the Douro Valley. Many group tours depart from Porto, making it easy for solo travelers to visit without renting a car.
- Timings: Most tours depart between 8:00-9:00 AM and return around 6:00 PM
- Address: Tours depart from various points in Porto
- Nearest town: Porto
- Best time to visit: September-October during the grape harvest season
- How to reach: Meet your tour in central Porto; hotel pick-up is often included
Fado Music in Lisbon
Experience the soul of Portuguese music at a fado show in Lisbon. Many restaurants in the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts offer dinner-and-show packages, giving solo travelers a chance to savor local cuisine while enjoying the melancholic melodies.
- Timings: Most shows start between 7:00-8:00 PM
- Address: Various locations in Lisbon, particularly in Alfama and Bairro Alto
- Nearest town: Lisbon
- Best time to visit: Shows run year-round; aim for a weeknight for a more intimate experience
- How to reach: Book a table at a fado restaurant in advance, then take a taxi or navigate on foot through the winding streets
Relaxation Zones
Poca da Dona Beija
Nestled in the Furnas Valley, these hot springs offer five geothermal pools amid lush gardens. It’s the perfect place for solo travelers in Portugal to unwind after a day of hiking or sightseeing.
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Address: Rua BarĂŁo da Fonte Bela, Furnas, SĂŁo Miguel Island, Azores
- Nearest town: Furnas
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening for fewer crowds
- How to reach: Drive or take a taxi from Furnas town center (5 minutes)
Ribeira Beach in Lagos
This stunning stretch of sand in the Algarve is flanked by golden cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It’s a favorite spot for solo travelers to sunbathe, swim, and simply soak up the beauty of the Portuguese coast.
- Timings: Accessible 24/7, but lifeguards are only on duty from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Address: Praia da Ribeira, 8600-544 Lagos, Portugal
- Nearest town: Lagos
- Best time to visit: May-September for prime beach weather
- How to reach: The beach is a 10-minute walk from Lagos town center
Dining Solo in Portugal
Portugal’s food scene is a dream for solo travelers. From casual cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s no shortage of delicious dining options that cater to every budget and taste.
Casual Eats
Cantinho do Avillez
Timings:
- Monday to Saturday: 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Recommended dishes:
- Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with potatoes and eggs)
- Arroz de Pato (duck rice)
- Feijoada Ă Transmontana (bean and meat stew)
- Frango Grelhado (grilled chicken)
- Cataplana de Peixe (fish and seafood stew)
- Pastéis de Nata (egg custard tarts)
- Caldo Verde (kale soup)
- Bifanas (pork sandwiches)
Time Out Market Lisbon
Timings:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Recommended dishes:
- Sample small plates from various stalls showcasing Lisbon’s top chefs and restaurants
- Don’t miss the iconic pastéis de nata from Manteigaria
Fancy Options
Eleven
Timings:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Monday and Sunday: Closed
Recommended dishes:
- Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairings
- Seafood Risotto
- Grilled Octopus
- Lamb Chops
- Pan-Seared Scallops
- Chocolate Mousse
- Pastel de Nata Cheesecake
- Foie Gras Terrine
Vila Joya
Timings:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Monday and Sunday: Closed
Recommended dishes:
- Degustation Menu with wine pairings
- Tuna Tartare
- Grilled Carabineros Shrimp
- Roasted Duck Breast
- Lamb Cutlets
- Chocolate Soufflé
- Lemon Meringue Tart
- Selection of Portuguese Cheeses
Budget Eats
Eating well on a budget is easy in Portugal. Here are some great places for affordable, delicious meals:
Conga
Timings:
- Weekdays: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Weekends: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Recommended dishes:
- Bifana (pork sandwich)
- Grilled chicken
- Pork ribs
- Fries
- Salads
- Soups
Bufete Fase
Timings:
- Weekdays: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Weekends: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Recommended dishes:
- Francesinha
- Tripas Ă moda do Porto
- Bolinhos de bacalhau
- Alheira
- Cachorrinhos
- Papas de sarrabulho
Cafes for Work and Relaxation
Portugal’s charming cafes are perfect for catching up on work or simply unwinding. Check out these spots:
Timings:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Weekends: Closed
Recommended items:
- Lemonade Coffee
- Nitro Cold Brew
- Japanese Iced Coffee
- Cold Brew Negroni
- Passion Fruit juice
- Cinnamon rolls
Timings:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Recommended items:
- Espresso
- Pour over coffee
- Cold brew
- Matcha latte
- Kombucha
- Pastries
Final Tips for Solo Dining in Portugal
- Eat where the locals eat. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants often have the best food.
- Try the daily specials. They are usually fresh, delicious, and affordable.
- Take advantage of happy hours and set lunch menus for great deals.
- Embrace communal dining. Sharing tables is common in Portugal and a great way to meet new people.
Activities Perfect for Solo Travelers
Portugal offers a wealth of experiences that are ideal for solo travelers.
Adventure and Thrill
Surfing in Nazaré
- Address: Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal
- Contact: +351 262 561 100
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: September to April
- Price Range: €50 – €100 per lesson
- Recommendations: Nazaré Surf School
Skydiving in Algarve
- Address: AerĂłdromo Municipal de PortimĂŁo, 8500-616 PortimĂŁo, Portugal
- Contact: +351 282 496 581
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: April to October
- Price Range: €200 – €300 per jump
- Recommendations: Skydive Algarve
Indoor Adventures
Explore the Livraria Lello Bookstore
- Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
- Contact: +351 22 200 2037
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
- Price Range: €5 entrance fee
- Recommendations: Livraria Lello
Discover the National Tile Museum
- Address: Rua da Madre de Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, Portugal
- Contact: +351 21 810 0340
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Year-round
- Price Range: €5 (adults), free (children under 12)
- Recommendations: National Tile Museum
Social Experiences
Take a Food Tour in Lisbon
- Address: Various locations
- Contact: +351 968 412 612
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Year-round
- Price Range: €65 – €85 per person
- Recommendations: Taste of Lisboa Food Tours
Join a Pub Crawl in Porto
- Address: Meeting point at Praça da Liberdade
- Contact: +351 910 281 689
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Thursday to Saturday nights
- Price Range: €15 – €20 per person
- Recommendations: Porto Walkers
Luxury Escapes
Stay at a Luxury Wine Resort in Douro Valley
- Address: Quinta Nova, 5085-222 Covas do Douro, Portugal
- Contact: +351 254 730 430
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Spring and Fall
- Price Range: €200 – €500 per night
- Recommendations: Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House
Indulge in a Spa Day at Vidago Palace
- Address: Parque de Vidago, Apartado 16, 5425-307 Vidago, Portugal
- Contact: +351 276 990 920
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Year-round
- Price Range: €100 – €200 for spa treatments
- Recommendations: Vidago Palace
Solo Travel Safety: Emergency Numbers
- Emergency Number: 112
- Indian Embassy in Lisbon: +351 21 392 8000
Other Tips:
- Always keep a copy of your passport and important documents.
- Share your itinerary with someone back home.
- Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
- Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas.
- Keep emergency numbers handy at all times.
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FAQs
Why is Portugal Mall famous?
Portugal Mall is not a famous mall. However, Portugal has several popular shopping centers like Colombo in Lisbon and NorteShopping in Porto. These malls offer a wide range of international and local brands, dining options, and entertainment.
Is Portugal a good place to travel alone?
Yes, Portugal is an excellent destination for solo travel. It’s a safe country with friendly locals, good infrastructure, and plenty of activities suitable for solo travelers. From exploring historic cities to enjoying outdoor adventures, Portugal offers diverse experiences that cater to different interests.
Can a single girl travel to Portugal?
Absolutely! Portugal is a safe and welcoming country for female solo travelers. With common-sense precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and not walking alone late at night, solo female travelers can have a wonderful time exploring Portugal’s cities, beaches, and countryside.
Is Portugal cheap or expensive?
Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation costs are generally lower than in neighboring countries like Spain or France. However, prices can vary depending on the season and location. Lisbon and the Algarve tend to be more expensive than smaller cities and rural areas.
How can I enjoy nightlife in Portugal?
Portugal has a vibrant nightlife scene, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto. You can enjoy live music at Fado houses, dance the night away at clubs, or relax at cozy bars and pubs. Many hostels also organize social events and pub crawls, making it easy for solo travelers to meet new people and experience the local nightlife together.
