Looking for the best places to stay in Lisbon for solo travelers? You’ve found them!
Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions when planning a solo trip to Lisbon and neighboring cities like the Algarve. The right hotel or hostel can make or break your trip!
After spending a few weeks traveling through Lisbon on my own on a big Portugal solo travel trip, I’ve put together my top recommendations on where to stay for solo travelers.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable hostel with great tours, a hotel with social space, or a coworking site for your remote work needs, I’ll help you find the best place for your solo trip to Lisbon!
MY TOP PICKS
Best Hostels in Lisbon for Solo Travelers
When it comes to the best hostels in Lisbon for solo travelers, there are a ton of great options! Choose a unique hostel that offers lots of socialization. Or go with an upscale boutique with incredible spaces to mix and mingle.
1. Good Morning Lisbon
Best Choice: For anyone who wants to make friends.
Good Morning Lisbon might be the best place to stay in Lisbon for solo travelers! It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to connect with others. It was actually designed with this exact purpose in mind! With a range of activities such as free happy hours (every night!), themed group dinners, and complimentary walking tours, there are ample opportunities to meet fellow travelers here.
This centrally located hostel offers dorms with between 4 and 8 bunks. And they organize a popular Sintra day trip excursion for its guests. They even have a full meal service package where all your food is taken care of.
2. Selina Secret Garden (Bica)
Best Choice: For affordable privacy
If there’s a Selina, I’ll almost always stay there. The design is always on point, the prices are reasonable, and I always have easy access to good wifi and a nice coworking space. Selina’s Lisbon Secret Garden takes cute to the next level. It’s one of the most photogenic places in Lisbon!
I love that Selina hostels are always in a near-perfect location. I know I’ll be close to all the best things to see and do. I also love their Micro rooms. These are an awesome small room option for those looking for a little privacy at a low price point.
However, while I generally swear by Selina’s for their design and welcome drink happy hour which is great when you’re a solo traveler trying to meet others. I have to say, I was disappointed at the Lisbon location. There was no introduction, no one to greet you, and the rooftop bar wasn’t conducive to making friends. It could have just been an off day, but if meeting other travelers is your main goal, there are probably better options.
3. The Dorm (LX Factory)
Best Choice: To get off the beaten path
If you want to stay in the trendiest part of town when you visit Lisbon solo, this is the hostel for you. Hit up The Dorm for expert design, private cubicle-esque dorm beds, and a rooftop terrace you’ll never want to leave. The Dorm is a stylish hostel located in an old industrial building that’s been converted into a creative hub in Lisbon’s Alcântara neighborhood.
The hostel features unique design elements that blend the building’s industrial past with modern comforts. They also offer a variety of dorm rooms and private rooms to suit different travelers’ needs. The hostel is situated in a vibrant area with plenty of shops, cafes, and cultural attractions. It’s a great base for anyone looking to explore Lisbon’s hipster side.
4. Lisbon Destination Hostel (Rossio)
Best Choice: For a wide range of cool tours
This is the best hostel in Lisbon for solo travelers who want a unique location with the very best tours available. It’s located inside Rossio Train Station, one of Lisbon’s most beautiful, beloved buildings. A clean, modern design with touches of plant life, the hostel’s wide, open common area features tall ceilings and a large skylight that brightens up the space. The indoor common area is bathed in natural light from the skylights. It creates a vibrant and serene atmosphere that encourages guests to connect with each other.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind stay on your solo trip to Lisbon, look no further than the Lisbon Destination Hostel. This spot offers a range of exciting tours including an evening wine cellar visit to a Fado & Dinner show. There’s also an excursion to a secluded beach, and a food tour focused on the most unique dishes you’ll find in Lisbon. You’re bound to make some lifelong friends on one of these fascinating experiences.
Psst: Need help planning your trip? Check out this 4-day Lisbon itinerary for help mapping out all the details.
Best Hotels in Lisbon for Solo Travelers
Hostels not for you? That’s okay, there are plenty of great hotels in Lisbon for solo travelers with bars, social spaces, and organized tours.
Lisbon is a thriving destination for digital nomads who want to spend a bit of time exploring Portugal. Hotels with dedicated co-working spaces can be the perfect solution for remote workers looking for a balance of work, social time, and leisure.
5. The Independente (Principe Real)
Best Choice: For a mix of style, luxury, and privacy
This Lisbon hotel will make you drool. Located in a renovated building with vaulted ceilings, decorative tile, and floor-to-ceiling windows, The Independente has that old-world European charm you just can’t get enough of. I seriously just love staying at hostels that offer affordable private rooms. The beds may not be the most comfy, but I’m looking to spend as little time in them as possible. I love having a private place to decompress, but all the same access to organized events and areas for socializing.
With a mix of dorms and suites for solo travelers to choose from, you’ll fit in at The Independente no matter your travel budget or style. The Independente is right across the street from one of Lisbon’s best miradouros. It also boasts a stunning rooftop and restaurant to boot. It has all the amenities of a glamorous big city hotel but with the perks of a hostel.
6. Dear Lisbon Gallery House (Bica)
Best Choice: For anyone on business
Dear Lisbon Gallery House is easily one of the best hotels in Lisbon for solo travelers. It’s a gorgeous, art-forward space that has it all! There’s co-working, a delicious restaurant, comfy rooms, and even a living room with a fireplace.
Located in the São Bento Creative District, this vibrant space will easily inspire those in a creative field. Mingle with local entrepreneurs at the co-working space, Galerias de São Bento, before grabbing some delicious Portuguese cuisine.
BEST LISBON FOOD TOUR
One of the best things you can do as a solo traveler is to book a Lisbon food tour! Not only do you get to taste the best products curated by knowledgeable locals, it’s also a fun way to learn about Lisbon’s history and meet fellow travelers.
After all, could there be a better way to bond than over wine or mouthwatering petiscos?!
This is my favorite food tour, because you get to try everything from traditional Portuguese cuisine to inventive modern dishes. I highly recommend the drinks upgrade if you want to try the country’s famous port wine!
7. Outsite Co-Living (Cais do Sodre)
Best Choice: For long-term stays
Outsite is a chain of living spaces built for solo travelers and remote workers with location-flexible jobs who want to travel and connect. You can book a studio, room or apartment for a night, a week or longer. Connect with others at in-person events or arrange to meet via the online member hub.
Their location in Cais do Sodre is perfect for any remote workers on a solo trip to Lisbon. There are about 25 rooms, with a shared kitchen between each 5. Situated in a gorgeous historic building, you can choose between a sea-facing balcony or a view of the lively neighborhood.
8. Mama Shelter
Best Choice: For anyone who thrives on a rooftop bar
Okay, y’all, I may be heavily influenced by my years in Los Angeles swooning over Mama Shelter’s rooftop view of the city, but I swear, I love this hotel chain. They’re artful, they’re cool, they always have dreamy rooftops. (And this one has a view of the ocean!) Honestly, they’re the definition of immaculate vibes.
Mama Shelter Lisbon is a great choice for anyone who prefers not to stay at a hostel. This hotel has a lively, social atmosphere conducive to meeting others. There’s always plenty of live music. Plus, you’re guaranteed to find a fun crowd of both locals and tourists intermingling at the rooftop bar.
9. Moxy Lisbon City
Best Choice: For well-balanced accommodations
Moxy is another fun hotel chain I recommend for solo travelers in Lisbon. Most Moxy’s have a great bar, restaurant, and rooftop areas that make meeting other travelers all the easier.
With a rooftop pool, Moxy Lisbon City is no exception! Plus, you can book plenty of tours through the hotel. Don’t forget to take advantage of their design-forward “plug and meet” areas for getting a little work done.
10. Lisbon Art Stay
Best Choice: For aesthetics and nightlife
Lisbon Art Stay is a totally drool-worthy Lisbon hotel in Baixa-Chiado near Commerce Square. I stumbled upon this spot while roaming the area. The next time I head to Lisbon, this is where I’ll be staying!
Lisbon Art Stay is an incredibly vibrant space with stunning decor. Its look is so unique. I stopped to hang out in the restaurant, Navega, where I had their yummy signature cocktail and enjoyed the vibes. There’s also a bar and lounge plus a rooftop speakeasy. Seriously, this place has it all!
PS: Heading to Porto too? Make sure to check out the Porto solo travel guide with all the best hostels for solo travellers!
Arriving in Lisbon
Lisbon’s public transportation is affordable, easy, and safe to use. It should be easy to get around the city. Just make sure you bring some comfy shoes for all the walking you’re about to do!
Before you head to Lisbon, plot out the best route to your accommodation. If you arrive in the evening, you may want to consider booking private transportation.
Other options include a $15-$20 taxi or Uber ride from the airport to the city center. There’s also a 20-minute metro ride on the Aeroporto-Saldanha line.
Get more information on navigating Lisbon’s public transportation here.
PS: Looking for the best time to visit Portugal? Take a look at the weather during each season with this handy guide.
Things To Do in Lisbon
There are plenty of amazing things to do alone in Lisbon, offering a mix of exploration, relaxation, and adventure. From stunning architecture to vibrant street art, delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches, this city has something for everyone.
You’ll find a variety of Lisbon tours that are perfect for solo travelers. Walking tours are a great way to discover the city’s historic neighborhoods. Meanwhile, a food tour offers the chance to sample delicious Portuguese cuisine alongside newly made besties.
Lisbon also offers some stunning sights, including the São Jorge Castle with its stunning panoramic views of the city. The famous Torre de Belém, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another must-see attraction: an icon of the city’s maritime history. The picturesque Alfama district is also a great area for sightseeing, with winding alleys, historic buildings, and traditional fado music.
Best Lisbon Neighborhoods for Solo Travelers
Figuring out where to stay in Lisbon for solo travelers won’t be difficult. From bustling city centers to quieter residential areas, Lisbon offers a range of options for solo travelers and remote workers.
Lisbon has several neighborhoods to consider. Baixa and Chiado are great choices for anyone who wants to be close to the city’s main attractions. Bairro Alto and Alfama offer a more authentic and local experience.
For a more artsy, bohemian atmosphere, stay in the trendy neighborhood of Cais do Sodré, known for its vibrant nightlife. Selina’s location in the Bica neighborhood is close to tons of awesome breakfast restaurants and coffee shops.
If you want to stay somewhere on the coast, check out the hotels near the beaches in Cascais. This charming seaside town is just 30 minutes from Lisbon and has everything from surf hostels to upscale resorts.
For even more beach time, plan solo travel to Madeira, where you can visit black sand beaches and hike to jaw-dropping viewpoints where waterfalls flow down towering rocky cliffs. The traditional Santana Madeira houses are a definite must-see when you visit this island!
RELATED POSTS:
- 35+ Things to Do Alone in Lisbon as a Solo Traveler
- The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Lisbon, Portugal
- Instagrammable Lisbon: 37 Best Photo Spots with Map (+Sintra!)
- Lisbon Itinerary: 4 Dreamy Days in the City of 7 Hills
LISBON DAY TRIPS:
- 23+ Outstanding Things to Do in Obidos
- 17 Best Beaches in Cascais Portugal
- 25+ Epic Things to Do in Ericeira
PORTUGAL SOLO TRAVEL:
- Portugal Solo Travel: 21 Best Places for a Solo Trip
- The Perfect Solo Travel Guide to Porto
- The Ultimate Algarve Solo Travel Guide
- Madeira Solo Travel: A Magical Solo Trip Guide
- Azores Solo Travel: An Epic Adventure Guide
MORE PORTUGAL TRAVEL GUIDES
- The Best Time to Visit Portugal: Season Guide
- Portugal in Winter: Things to Do in December, January, & February
- Is Aveiro Worth Visiting?
- 16 Phenomenal Port Wineries in Porto
- Porto Viewpoints: 11 Mesmerizing Miradouro Views
- 7 Absolutely Darling Douro Valley Wineries
- 15 Fabulous Day Trips from Faro, Portugal
- Santana Madeira Houses: Traditional Island Homes
- Fanal Forest, Madeira: Tour the Mysterious Woods
Moxy Lisbon City sounds perfect with a pool, bar and pool. What else do you need!
I’ve always wanted to visit Lisbon, it’s a destination that’s perfect to explore. Great post that shares helpful information.
I should return to Lisbon! It’s such a pretty city!
I will be in Lisbon in June – wish I had read your post before. Unfortunately, I already have my hotels booked but I will remember this for next time.
Lisbon is on my bucket list! Love your photos!
Oh, I have not been to Lisbon for years, but now I really want to go back! Pinned your article 🙂 And I really love your photos, such great vibe!