In short — Pack light layers and, above all, comfortable shoes — Lisbon is built on seven hills with steep, cobbled calçada streets. Add sunscreen and sunglasses year-round, a light raincoat from November to March, and swimwear in summer for the nearby beaches. A reusable water bottle and a small daypack will handle the rest.
What is the ideal suitcase for Lisbon? What should you prioritise?
Most travellers now leave with a small suitcase and a handbag, whose sizes are defined by low-cost airlines (smaller and smaller, by the way) to push people into booking checked luggage and consuming ever more. We only recommend a big suitcase for a long trip. For a weekend or a week, a small suitcase is enough — and here is what you absolutely need to put in it: – Light, comfortable clothes: it is warm in Lisbon most of the time, and the city is very hilly. So tight clothes, or clothes that don’t let your skin breathe, are to be avoided! And don’t forget your swimsuit — paradise beaches are within easy reach 🙂 If you want to know the most secret ones, see the end of the article! – Protection: against the sun (cream, hat, sunglasses), but also against the rain if you travel independently and/or in winter. It rarely rains in Lisbon and the weather is generally mild, but it does happen — fortunately for Mother Nature — that the city gets cloudy, even misty, with occasional heavy showers. Check the forecast before leaving and, if it looks uncertain, pack a windbreaker or a hooded raincoat. No need to burden yourself with an umbrella: it takes up too much space for too little use. – Shoes: forget the heels, the branded shoes that can’t take a beating, and thin soles. Trainers are the must-have to tackle the climbs and the cobblestones! Of course you can bring an extra pair you love for going out at night — just remember that the streets where the bars are located are mostly cobbled, and it is very easy to slip… – Camera: if you love photography, it is an essential part of your trip. In Lisbon the light changes constantly — it is absolutely marvellous. It can offer you the most flamboyant sunsets, dazzling building colours, incomparable blues of the Tagus and the sky… A work of art you will want to admire constantly, and what better than a camera to immortalise those moments! If you prefer to travel light but still want beautiful memories of yourself in the city streets, Travel to Lisbon offers a private photo session with a local photographer, for unique souvenirs… To book this activity, see the end of the article. – A small backpack: always practical when you spend your days wandering the city — no sore shoulder from carrying a bag or a water bottle in your hand. To stay free and independent, invest in a small backpack that can hold a small bottle, your glasses case, your wallet, your phone and your camera! Travel to Lisbon hopes these tips have been useful. If you would like to book the photo session mentioned above, or have paradise beaches included in your personalised travel programme, contact us here (section: contact) 🙂
