What to pack for a trip to Lisbon

Some destinations feel almost anonymously chic – in terms of the style you see, be it what people are wearing or the way the coffee shop interiors are curated, they could almost be anywhere in Europe. Lisbon isn’t that. Instead, it’s unmistakably, well, Lisbon, and choosing what to wear and what to pack for a trip to Lisbon is a chance to embrace its unique vibe. The capital of hills, beaches, forests, rivers and UNESCO World Heritage Sites is relaxed but energised, hipster-cool but also easygoing.

There really is no set ‘Lisbon uniform’ as individuality is key and you’ll never find two people in a crowd dressed the same way or groups of people wearing the same brand. The trick is to make each look your own.

But as with any capsule edit, there are certain practical items that it will pay to include, alongside statement pieces. From dancing shoes to comfortable drawstring trousers, this is our guide to what to wear in Lisbon.

What to wear in the day in Lisbon

Itineraries in Lisbon can really vary, and whether you’re brunching against a panoramic backdrop or people-watching on the banks of the Tagus, indulging in the city’s coffee culture or scoffing pastel de nata, a cotton dress will form a solid foundation to your look, especially teamed with a low-heeled boot. Co-ords are similarly effortless when it comes to planning and choosing one that can be styled in more than one way means less is more when it comes to taking up luggage space.

Where to wear it: Once you’ve ticked off the cultural heavyweights (Belém Tower, for starters), you can spend a day like a local, sampling the city’s shops and cafes (Chiado and Baixa are excellent neighbourhoods to start in). Make a lunchtime pit-stop at BAHR & Terrace and tuck into roasted octopus or arroz de carabineros with a view of the sea, then stroll beside the Tagus River in the afternoon.

What to wear at the beach in Lisbon

Caparica’s postcard-worthy sands are worthy of pause – quite literally. Block out a day in to spend doing absolutely nothing. Pack a basket that’s big enough to fit your paperback, sun hat, flip-flops (and obligatory family bag of Lays), then consider your beach persona. Does a simple black swimsuit, complete with a fringed cover-up, sound like your vibe? Or are you more of a velcro-sandal, bucket hat, kind of traveller?

Where to wear it: Lisbon is the best of both worlds – a city on the beach. Take your pick from our eight favourite beaches, but be sure to visit Praia da Ponta dos Corvos. This beautiful river beach offers something slightly alternative.

What to wear in the evening in Lisbon

Lisbon at night is an experience that’s deserving of going all out when it comes to dressing – even if you’re not going out-out. An LBD that’s simple yet effective will make a particularly hardworking addition to your suitcase, especially if you can style it more than one way (with gladiator sandals and shoulder-grazing crystal earrings or with sheer gloves and point-toed slingbacks, for example). If you’re a separates kind of woman, a whisper-thin lace camisole layered over wide-legged trousers is an elegant alternative.

Where to wear it: For an exception evening, start with dinner at Santa Joana (the flagship restaurant for culinary maestro Nuno Mendes), then find your way to Cinco Lounge, a cocktail bar about 25 minutes away by foot that specialises in drinks with whimsical names (Star Wars nerds will appreciate the sharp Toby Wan Kenobi (vodka, pineapple, lime and coriander) or the sweet Jam Jar Binks (cognac, Grand Marnier, pumpkin jam, ginger and cranberry). Cheers.

What to pack for a trip to Lisbon: the practical pieces

Sneakers

Like any city break, you can easily clock up 20,000 steps a day in Lisbon – simply by letting your feet lead the way. That means sneakers, ideally a pair that’s durable enough to withstand pounding the pavements, are essential. While you need a pair that marries fashion and function, the good news is that so many of the more “technical” brands are just as interested in aesthetics as they are supporting your arches (Salomon’s XT-6, for example, has a slip-on “strong lace” design for one-pull tightening plus a moulded insole). A neutral colour that will team easily with everything will save you packing multiple pairs.

Why you need it: There’s no shortage of places to walk to or through in Lisbon, from the historic suburbs of Alfama, on the coastline, or Mouraria, the famous Moorish Quarter, climbing to the peak of the Panteão Nacional, which has roughly 200 steps, or strolling through Monsanto Park, the city’s largest area of lush greenery at 1000 hectares.

Comfortable drawstring trousers

You can easily plan your itinerary around meals in Lisbon, which means a waistband that can be adjusted comes highly recommended. A lightweight pair of drawstring trousers is the way to go, with the comfort-factor of sweatpants but a chicer finish. If you’re travelling at the height of summer, prioritise natural fibres that will be far more cooling than anything synthetic. Cargo-style pockets, deep enough for on-the-go snacks or a miniature bottle of suncream, will also come in handy.

Why you need it: While you’re taste-testing the city’s pasta del nata, a flaky pastry case filled with blackened-top golden custard (divinity itself), to find your favourite shop – or enjoying a languorously stretch-outed brunch (Magnolia, a coffee house slash bistro, has a particularly delectable menu).

Dancing shoes

Fado music was born in Portugal, and its deeply emotive style, accompanied by string instruments, is a must-experience during a visit to the capital. It’s a throwback to another, more traditional, time that still has its place in the city’s modern-day cultural scene. While its rhythms are more sombre than foot-stamping, you still might want to wear shoes that allow as much freedom of movement as possible so that your night doesn’t have to end after the singer’s last refrain.

Why you need it: Fado hotspots include Fado & Wine, Clube de Fado, or Sr. Fado, then, once sufficiently moved, you can dust off the cobwebs (and dance into the night) at LuxFrágil, a waterfront nightclub that’s one of the city’s most pulsing.

Surf-friendly swimwear

With pristine stretches of coastline, as well as the kind of swell that will have surfers planning return trips, Lisbon is ideal for dropping anchor if you want the 2-for-1 experience of a city plus beach. The only caveat is that its waters can be cooler than you’d expect owing to a little thing called the North Atlantic Ocean. If you’re planning to bring your board, you might want to consider long-sleeved swimwear that will offer more protection for temperatures not quite reaching balmy.

Why you need it: Grab your rash guard, beach hat and sun scream (more on that later) then catch a 40-minute train to Cascais, west of the city, or Costa da Caparica, which you can easily access by ferry or bus.

Sunglasses

Black or tortoiseshell sunglasses are the safest bet if you’re streamlining your collection to just one pair, but if you’ve got room for a second, why not choose a frame that’s metal instead of resin? They’re ideal for cocktails at dusk to avoid getting dazzled.

Why you need it: There’s no shortage of sunlight in Lisbon, but if you want to maximise your sunset viewing experience, you can watch its descent at Park, a no-reservations rooftop spot that does a mean brunch on Sunday (closing time is 8pm), or a perfectly-timed sunset cruise on the Tagus.

Beach towel

A towel is a no-brainer when it comes to packing for the beach, but as Lisbon is also well-known for its ceramics, it can also double as wrapping for any souvenirs from Cerâmicas na Linha (a famous pottery shop in Chiado) as you pack for the flight home.

Suncream

Lisbon’s summer temperatures soar into the late twenties which, while cooler than many capitals of Europe, still requires plenty of suncream. Most people have a tried-and-tested favourite, but if you’re shopping around, pharmaceutical brands can always be trusted (Cerave, Cetaphil and La Roche-Posay). For on-the-go top-ups when you’re sightseeing, Beauty of Joseon’s Matte Sun Stick is worth keeping in your back pocket for instant swiping on your cheekbones and shoulders. Remember: apply, reapply, repeat.

Luggage

The length of your trip will determine your luggage allowance, naturally, but so too might your itinerary. If, for example, you’re planning to make the most of the city’s exceptional flea markets – a particular favourite is Feira da Ladra, a twice-weekly event that you’ll want to scour with a fine tooth comb for second-hand souvenirs that will always remind you of Lisbon – you might want to either leave a third of your cabin bag empty (at least) or consider the luxury of a checked suitcase. That empty portion of your mantlepiece will thank you when you get home.