Lisbon Packing List: Be Prepared for Hills and Sightseeing

Relying on your phone for photos and navigation while exploring the winding streets of Alfama will drain your battery faster than you think. Keep a power bank handy so you’re never caught with a dead phone mid-day.

The tap water in Lisbon is perfectly safe and delicious, and you’ll find plenty of public fountains throughout the city. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it up throughout your trip to save money and reduce waste.

Don’t underestimate the sun while you’re out on the waterfront or exploring the city viewpoints. A bit of sunscreen will save you from a nasty burn even on those frequent breezy days by the Tagus.

I like to keep a tiny kit with bandages and pain relievers in my daypack just in case. It’s much better to have it right there than to be hunting for a pharmacy when you have a minor scrape on those hilly streets.

A dedicated wash pouch keeps your bathroom essentials organized and ensures that a leaky bottle won’t ruin your gear. I love the ones that hang up for easy access in those compact, traditional Lisbon bathrooms.

Whether you’re trying to sleep on the long flight or staying in a room right above a lively Bairro Alto street, a pair of ear plugs is absolute gold for ensuring you get some quiet rest.

Separating your laundry from your clean clothes is a simple way to stay organized, especially when you’re dealing with sandy gear from a day trip down to the beaches of Cascais.

I honestly can’t travel without these anymore because they make organizing varied climate gear so easy. They’re perfect for keeping your light sweaters separate from your evening outfits in your bag.

You’ll want a bag that can handle being dragged through busy airports and along the historical city sidewalks of Chiado. We found that a sturdy suitcase with multi-directional wheels is the most comfortable way to navigate the city.

If you’re planning on bringing home some local port wine or cork products, you’ll want to keep an eye on your bag’s weight. A quick check with a scale can save you from those annoying fees at the airport.

A lightweight daypack is perfect for carrying your water, sunscreen and an extra layer while you’re out exploring the city. You’ll want something comfortable that will keep your gear secure even on the crowded Tram 28.

I find a sling bag to be one of the most versatile things I pack because it works for city walks and keeps my most important things right across my chest where they’re easy to reach.

I always pack a few breathable shirts because the Lisbon sun can be surprisingly warm, especially when you’re climbing up to the various viewpoints. They’re also perfect for layering under sweaters in the evening.

Long-sleeve shirts are ideal for those cooler evenings by the water and provide a bit of extra protection from the breeze when you’re out exploring the waterfront. Look for fabrics that offer a bit of insulation without being too heavy.

Breathable tank tops are great for staying cool while you’re walking through the different neighborhoods of Chiado. They take up almost no space in your bag, so they’re an easy addition to any list.

Shorts are a staple for those beautiful warm summer days in Lisbon when you’re out exploring the public gardens or the historic properties. Just be sure to bring a pair of long pants for those nicer dinner spots!

I find lightweight joggers to be some of the most versatile things I pack because they work for both travel days and active excursions. You’ll want a pair for those long walks along the Tagus river.

A comfortable pair of leggings is great for staying mobile while you’re navigating the steep streets and stairways of the city. They’re an easy layer that works for everything from city tours to travel days.

A warm scarf is a versatile accessory that works for both sun protection and extra warmth during those breezy morning walks at the viewpoints. Plus, it’s a great way to add a bit of local style to your look.

A lightweight sweater or cardigan is an essential for navigating the temperature swings between the sunny outdoors and the cooler, shaded streets of Alfama. You’ll definitely want it for those long evenings enjoying live fado.

A light jacket or windbreaker is essential for those coastal walks by the waterfront. It’s the perfect thing to throw on when the breeze picks up and the temperature drops unexpectedly as the sun goes down.

The weather in Lisbon can be quite fickle, especially during the winter months when sudden showers are common. A good rain jacket or a reliable umbrella will keep you dry during those unexpected downpours.

You’ll probably be showering and changing more than usual after those active days climbing the hills. Bring plenty of extras so you always have a fresh pair throughout your trip.

Choosing a comfortable and supportive bra is key for those long days of exploring the steep streets and stairways. You might want to pack an extra one or two for the trip just in case.

I’ve learned the hard way that good socks are just as important as the shoes themselves in Lisbon. Quality moisture-wicking pairs with a bit of cushion will keep your feet comfortable even on the hard limestone tiles.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking, from the streets of Baixa all the way up to the castle. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing support and non-slip soles over style on those slippery tiles.

A pair of supportive sneakers is an absolute must for navigating the uneven and often steep streets of Alfama. Make sure they’re already broken in before you arrive so you can avoid any painful blisters on your trip!

A pair of sandals or flats is perfect for exploring the flatter streets of Baixa or the waterfront. They’re an easy way to stay comfortable when the weather is cooperating, though you’ll want to watch your footing on the hills.

Since the city is often quite warm, some quality moisture-wicking socks are an absolute must for long days of exploring. They’ll keep your feet dry and comfy even when the humidity is high by the water.

Don’t underestimate the sun while you’re out on the waterfront or exploring the city viewpoints. A bit of sunscreen will save you from a nasty burn while you’re out enjoying the views from the miradouros.

Hand sanitizer is such a handy thing to have in your daypack, especially for trying out all the incredible local snacks. It’s an easy way to stay fresh while you’re out and about in the busy cities.

I like to keep a tiny kit with bandages and pain relievers in my daypack just in case. It’s much better to have it right there than to be hunting for a pharmacy when you have a minor scrape on those hilly streets.

A sling bag or fanny pack is the perfect way to keep your most important things right at your fingertips while you’re out exploring. It keeps your valuables secure and your hands free for taking photos, especially on the busy trams.

While cell service is generally good in cities, having offline maps or a dedicated GPS can be a lifesaver in the narrow backstreets. It’s an easy way to stay on track even when you lose your signal in the winding alleys.

The sun can be surprisingly bright as it reflects off the white limestone and the ocean waves. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes and keep you comfortable while you’re out sightseeing.

A good hat is a versatile accessory that works for both sun protection and keeping your head dry during quick city rains. Just be sure it’s secure so it doesn’t blow away in the coastal wind!

Staying hydrated is key when you’re walking miles between historic sites and viewpoints. Bringing your own bottle is a great way to save money and reduce plastic waste while you’re exploring the city.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking, from the historic sites in Belém all the way out to the remote coastal trails. Your feet will thank you for choosing support and comfort over style.

Proper walking shoes are an absolute must for navigating the uneven ground at some of the viewpoints. You’ll be glad for the extra support while you’re waiting for that perfect sunset photo.

Staying hydrated is key when you’re climbing up to those viewpoints. Bringing your own water bottle is a great way to save money and reduce plastic waste while you’re out enjoying the evening views.

A stylish crossbody bag is perfect for keeping your essentials secure while you’re enjoying an evening out in Bairro Alto. It’s an easy way to keep your valuables close while you’re listening to live music.

I like to pack a nice blazer or button-down for those evenings out at the local restaurants. It’s the perfect way to look put-together while still staying comfortable for a night of food and conversation.

Packing a nice dress or top is a great way to feel a bit more dressed up for an evening of fado. Europeans tend to look quite nice when they go out, so you’ll fit right in with the local crowd.

A warm cardigan is an essential for navigating the cooler city evenings as you move between venues. It’s the perfect thing to throw on when the breeze picks up as you’re walking back to your hotel.

Comfortable shoes are a must for those nights of walking through the cobblestone streets after dinner. You’ll be glad for the extra support when you’re navigating the hilly neighborhoods in the dark.