PORTUGAL
Solo traveling in Lisbon
isbon was a curious experience. It was quick, with so many things to see and explore, and it was also the first time I travelled alone. No company, no schedule set in stone, just me in a city I had always wanted to visit.
It's a city full of colors and life, you can't not fall in love with it
My main trip was an all day expedition that went through Cascais, Cabo de Roca, Sinta and Quinta da Regaleira, so my time in Lisbon was not actually in Lisbon but more of a trip around it. For starters, I was travelling solo for the very first time, and Lisbon was always in my bucket list so I was like a kid in a toy store. I also stayed in a hostel (private room with bathroom, but still…). Home Lisbon Hostel is such a great option for a stay, very close to everything with extremely friendly vibes from the staff.
Also, the room was great and the whole interior was like a big house, which made everything much easier for me. They welcome you with a shot of Ginja, a delicious Portuguese liqueur and they’re basically the reason I fell in love with it and brought a bottle home in Cyprus. While we’re talking local treats, in Lisbon I discovered (and fell in love with) pastel de nata, small egg custard tarts dusted with cinnamon. These delicious tarts are pastries inspired by the original recipe for Pastéis de Belém, which were created by the Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery before the 18th century. The original recipe is still a secret.
The hostel’s room was nice and cozy, right above a very lively and vibrant street and across a wall covered in azulejos. The blue tiles, named azulejos from the Arabic word azzelij, which means “little polished stone”, were introduced by the Moors in the 13th century and in the later years they expanded all over the country.
I arrived in the city early afternoon and went straight to Rua Augusta Arch square. Cross that off my list. It was built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake, and has six columns, adorned with statues of various historical figures. There was construction work happening so taking pictures was a bit tricky but all in all, I was like a child in a playground. Walk a bit towards the sea and you will meet people enjoying the view, seated on the stairs. There, you will see Cais das Colunas, or ‘Columns Pier’, with two pillars in the water, representing wisdom and devotion.
I moved more in the city to end up in Rossio Square, a popular setting for celebrations in front of D. Maria II National Theatre, surrounded by restaurants and cafés. In this square stands the Column of Pedro IV of Portugal, known as “the Soldier King”, with four female figures on the base, representing the King’s various qualities: Justice, Wisdom, Strength, and Moderation. The fountains are also a wonder to see, with figures such as Poseidon and Aphrodite in their center.
Bonus Tip: Go see (or ride) the famous Glória, the funicular that goes up to Bairro Alto.
In less than 30 minutes from the city, you can visit Cascais. Located on the Portuguese Riviera, in the Lisbon district, Cascais is a popular destination for tourists mostly during summer months. Our time there was limited but I managed to get a glimpse of the place. Worth a visit if part of a larger tour (like mine) if only for the beach views – the cleanest and smoothest sand I’ve seen.
Following my trip to Sintra, I left Portugal feeling happy. Lisbon is not a small city, so a couple of days there will leave you with many not seen. However, you can explore the city even if you have limited time. It’s a city full of colors and life, you can’t not fall in love with it and if you are there for only a few days, you will surely be planning your next visit as soon as you leave. I never felt unsafe walking around alone, which made my first solo experience even better.