I fell in love.

It was an instant connection. Love at first sight always seemed silly to me—until I met you. You brought me joy, a new sense of self, and happiness. I'll never get over you or your charm.

Lisbon, Portugal—you’ll forever have my heart.

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Solo traveling is already scary enough, but internationally? That’s a whole new, heightened level of scary. Picking the right country to solo travel to is kind of like speed dating. Does the destination match your vibe and interests? Will it leave you in debt? And most importantly, is it safe?

When I was deciding which country I wanted to visit, I did hours of research—blogs, magazines, YouTube, TikTok. It was especially important for me to find the best countries to travel alone to as a woman of color. I knew I’d end up somewhere in Europe, but it’s funny how you end up falling in love with a place you never expected. Lisbon was actually never on my travel bucket list, but after reading so many positive solo travel reviews, I figured—what the heck? I’m going.

Random cafe balcony in Lisbon

Being in Lisbon was refreshing. Welcoming locals, rich culture and history, amazing food, and of course—the iconic hills (get ready to burn some calories, I came back to the US snatched!) But what really surprised me? Lisbon is extremely affordable. From accommodations to activities, it was one of my most inexpensive trips.

You can find hostels or boutique hotels for as low as €60 a night, affordable activities through Airbnb Experiences, and cheap eats at local mom-and-pop shops. I stayed at Hotel Convento do Salvador for less than $200 a night, right in the heart of Alfama—Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. It was beautiful. I was surrounded by colorful old buildings, bustling cafés, charming shops, and tourist attractions, all within walking distance. During my stay, I probably only took three Ubers—because the city is super walkable. (But mama needed a break from those hills, lol.) Bonus: the Ubers were really cheap too.

I’d recommend joining a free walking tour to get acquainted with the city, doing a food tour to sample the local flavors, and taking a day trip to Sintra to visit Quinta da Regaleira—a Bridgerton-like palace full of history. End your day watching the sunset from a scenic viewpoint (totally free) or cruising along the Tagus River while sipping Portuguese wine. [Link to my personal Airbnb experience list]

I’ll admit it—Portugal might be my favorite country I’ve visited. I still daydream about the trams, pastéis de nata, and that one hot tour guide. Next time I go, I’m booking a one-way flight. I hope the essence of Lisbon alters your brain chemistry just like it did to mine.

Mwah, Happy Travels!