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Lisbon, Portugal: The Perfect Spring Break Destination

Updated January 2025

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  1. Lisbon, Portugal: The Perfect Spring Break Destination

It’s January, and winter is in full swing across most parts of the United States and many other parts of the world. As the snow gently falls outside, I can’t help but stretch my imagination to a sun-filled spring break getaway – where bikinis and flip-flops are the uniform, and a refreshing Porto Tonico is just an order away. If you’re dreaming of the same escape, I have the perfect spring break destination for you: Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon is the ideal spring break spot if you’re looking for affordability and warmth that isn’t smoldering. When I visited in March, I enjoyed the city’s highlights without the overwhelming crowds that the summer usually brings. Let’s get into my itinerary as a solo traveler in Lisbon!

Travel + Accommodation

Affordable travel and accommodations are key to planning a budget-friendly trip. If you find you’re departing from another European city, flights to Lisbon are cheaper compared to leaving from the United States. However, don’t let that discourage you. Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner make it easy to track prices secure the best deals. Below is a screenshot of prices for flights to Lisbon departing from JFK on the East Coast (in the United States). As a frequent flight tracker, I’ve found Google’s Flight Price tracking tool to be accurate – so this tool is trustworthy.

google flights tend graph for flights to Lisbon, Portugal

For accommodations, Lisbon offers a balance of aesthetics, centrality, and affordability. Apps like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb make it easy to find a place that meets these needs. I used Booking.com to reserve my stay at Lisbon Serviced Apartments- Santos, where I paid 85$ USD per night.

Pros of this accommodation:

  • Close to restaurants
  • Clean and well-maintained
  • Includes a kitchenette
  • Self Check-In
  • Daily cleaning service
  • Proximity to tram and Santos train station

Cons:

  • The drains can emit a mild smell, especially during periods of heavy rainfall (I tend to experience this when I travel outside of the US).
  • There’s no elevator, so you will need to climb 1-3 flights of stairs to access the room.
  • No 24 hr concierge available onsite, they can be contacted via phone.

If Booking.com or Expedia don’t work for you, Airbnb is another great option for affordable stays. Lisbon’s Airbnb listings include uniquely designed properties across the city, giving you plenty of choices to find the perfect spot!

Exploring Lisbon + Porto

As a solo female traveler, I am a big fan of organized tours and activities. Public tours are a great way to explore a region with the help of a local while meeting other travelers. I often end up chatting with others in my group, so I am never truly lonely.

Activities to do while visiting Lisbon:

  • Walking tour with Guruwalk (FREE)
    • Walking tours are a great way to learn about the surrounding neighborhoods from a local and meet other travelers. While this walking tour is free, tips are strongly encouraged.
  • Portuguese food and wine tour
    • Get a taste for Portuguese wine as the wine season begins to bloom.
  • Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour
    • I highly recommend this tour to see beautiful sights within Sintra. I felt like I was on set for a period drama with the beautiful Sintra castle as a backdrop.
  • Explore the ruins of Panorâmico de Monsanto
    • A once popular restaurant that was left abandoned. This site is decorated with graffiti art and amazing views of the city.
  • Walk along Pink Street
    • The well known Pink Street in Lisbon! This is a great spot if you’re looking for lunch and want the convenience of options.
  • Explore Castelo de São Jorge (Youth Discount 25 & Under)
    • Tip: buy your tickets online and avoid the long queues at the entrance
  • People Watch at Parque Eduardo VII (FREE)
    • Enjoy beautiful view of the lawn while people watching. This is also a great location for photos!
  • Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Tour from Lisbon
    • A full-day tour to learn about the Stone Age, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance eras in Portugal.

Where to Eat in Lisbon:

Experiences a black female traveler

As a Black woman, I feel personal responsibility to share my travel experiences. In Lisbon, I felt incredibly welcomed. Portugal has a large population of Afro-Portuguese communities that have existed in Portugal as early as the 15th century. Over time, the Afro-portuguese have created their own communities and culture in Portugal. The presence of the Afro-Portuguese was made clear to me as soon as I landed in Lisbon, and I evidenced even more so when I got my hair braided in a  predominantly Black neighborhood called Afrobraids. 

A memorable moment occurred  when I went out to dine at SEEN restaurant. One of the workers initially spoke to me in Portuguese. Once he realized I was American he apologized and mentioned that he thought I was Portuguese. While experiencing new destinations can feel different, I appreciated being able to blend in , appearance wise, with what some people might consider an average Portuguese citizen. 

I couldn’t recommend Lisbon enough for Black women and solo female travelers. I felt safe throughout my trip and never experienced instances of overt bias based on my race or gender.