Exclusive Travel Guide

Everything You Need to Plan Solo Trips to Portugal!

If solo travel is on your mind, Portugal is an amazing place to explore. Friendly, sunny (most of the time!), and incredibly safe, it’s perfect for solo travelers. I first visited in 2013 and was immediately hooked. While popular spots like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are all fantastic, I strongly encourage you to venture out to smaller, charming towns like Braga, Tavira, and Guimarães—they’re ideal for solo female travelers. Let this guide inspire you to plan your adventure!

Table of Contents

What you’ll find here

To best navigate this page, use the table of contents below!

Destination guides Things to Do Best Time to Visit Travel Tips
Google Maps Common Questions Best Travel Apps

Hi, I’m Melissa

Your go-to girl for all things solo travel

I’ve been solo traveling through Europe since 2009, but Portugal completely stole my heart—so much so that I officially relocated here in 2023! I fell in love with the friendly people, sunny weather, and laid-back lifestyle.

I even host small group trips here to share this amazing place with others.

If you’re curious about traveling Europe solo, check out my guide.

Melissa, a solo woman traveling in Lagos.
Ola!

What You Need to Do in Portugal

Foods to Try

Pastel de nata, bacalhau à brás

Drinks to try

Port wine, ginjinha,

Best Spots to Relax

Praia da Marinha

Most Scenic Hikes

Paiva Walkways

Hidden Gems

Ilha das Berlengas

Best Ways to Get Around

rental car for the Algarve

Must-Have Experiences

Exploring Sintra

Best Day Trips

Braga from Porto

When to Visit Portugal

  • Spring: This season brings mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures usually between 12°C to 20°C in the south and 10°C to 18°C in the north. It’s a beautiful time for flowers and
  • Summer: Get ready for warm to hot weather, with southern temperatures soaring from 22°C to 35°C, and slightly cooler in the north, from 18°C to 25°C. Coastal areas enjoy a refreshing breeze.
  • Autumn: Expect mild to warm temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 25°C in the south and 13°C to 20°C in the north. It’s a great time to enjoy the changing colors of nature, with less crowd.
  • Winter: Expect rain and temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C in the south, and a cooler 5°C to 10°C in the north. It’s the wettest season, especially in the north.

Travel Tips For Portugal

Scams

Scams in Portugal are rare, but be cautious in Lisbon and Porto, especially around popular tourist spots like Baixa and Ribeira. Always confirm taxi fares or use official ride apps. Watch out for distraction techniques used by pickpockets in crowded areas and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs.

Safety

I never felt unsafe in Portugal, but I was always mindful of my belongings. Pickpocketing can happen in busy areas like trams in Lisbon, train stations, and crowded markets. Stay aware in nightlife areas like Bairro Alto and avoid walking alone in poorly lit streets late at night.

Cash & Card

Credit cards are widely accepted in Portugal, but small cafés, bakeries, and local markets often prefer cash. It’s best to carry some euros, especially for tipping or in rural areas. ATMs are easy to find, but withdrawal fees vary, so check before taking out cash.

Grab the Google Map

Bright and clear view over Lisbon's rooftops with a palm tree in the foreground and the sea in the distance under a sunny blue sky, emphasizing the city's charming landscape.

Lisbon

Faro

A historic building in Porto with blue and white azulejo tiles, featuring ornate windows and a grand wooden door.

Porto

A whimsical outdoor scene in Ericeira, Portugal, featuring a signpost with multiple colorful, hand-painted directional signs pointing to various destinations. The signpost is surrounded by lush greenery, including succulents and agave plants, set on a cobblestone patio. In the background, a view of the ocean is partially visible under an overcast sky.

Ericeira

A nighttime scene of a large Christmas tree beautifully lit up in the Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal, with the historic Arco da Rua Augusta and a crowd of people enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Lisbon Xmas Markets

Exclusive Travel Guides for Portugal

Here, you’ll find my best Portugal guides, tips, and itineraries to help you plan your trip with ease and confidence.

Exclusive Guides

Lisbon Region

Exclusive Guides

Porto Region

Exclusive Guides

General Portugal Guides

Best Travel Apps for PORTUGAL

  • Google Maps – For navigation and finding your way around cities and rural areas. Don’t forget to download offline maps.
  • CP – Comboios de Portugal – The official app for Portugal’s regional train services, useful for checking schedules and buying train tickets
  • Portuguese by Nemo – A language learning app to pick up basic Portuguese phrases, enhancing your travel experience.
  • XE Currency – For easy currency conversion, helping you keep track of your expenses.
  • The Fork – To discover the best local restaurants and make reservations.

Questions Everyone Always Asks…

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Portugal. It is safe and of good quality across the country, so you can refill your water bottle straight from the tap, both saving money and reducing plastic use. However, some people might find the taste different from what they’re used to, due to the varying mineral content in different regions. If you prefer, bottled water is widely available.

Yes, tipping is customary in Portugal, with a 10% gratuity recommended in restaurants for good service. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro or adding a small extra amount is appreciated. While not obligatory, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service in various settings, including bars and cafes, where leaving the change or a small tip is also a kind gesture.

Yes, you can flush toilet paper in Portugal. The plumbing system is designed to handle it, so there’s no need to dispose of toilet paper in bins except where indicated otherwise by signs, typically in older buildings or rural areas with sensitive plumbing.

Yes, Portugal offers a growing number of vegan options, especially in larger cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, as well as in tourist areas. Many restaurants now provide vegan or vegetarian dishes, reflecting both traditional Portuguese flavors and international cuisine. Additionally, there are specialty vegan restaurants and health food stores where you can find a variety of plant-based products. While traditional Portuguese cuisine is heavily meat and fish-based, the country’s culinary scene is becoming increasingly inclusive of vegan lifestyles.

Portugal is honestly one of the safest countries I’ve ever traveled to solo—and now that I live here, I can confidently say I feel really safe exploring alone. People here are friendly and helpful, and violent crime is super rare. Of course, like anywhere else, it’s always good to stay alert in crowded spots or when you’re out late at night. But overall, if you’re considering solo travel in Portugal, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it!


If you’re from the U.S., you do not need a visa to visit Portugal for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, as Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or move to Portugal, then you’ll need to look into visa options.

A lively group of travelers poses joyfully in front of ancient Greek ruins under a vibrant blue sky. Their energy and smiles reflect the excitement of exploring historical landmarks together.

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