My 2-Week Lisbon Packing Guide
When I was preparing for my trip to Lisbon, I watched so many different videos that I went cross-eyed. After spending two weeks in Lisbon, I’m going to share my packing list and tips for packing the right way.
If you’re wondering what to wear in June or July, expect warm to hot days ranging from mid 70s to high 80s ℉, while evenings are usually cooler. During my trip, a heat wave pushed temperatures above 90°F, but locals assured me that wasn't typical for the season.
Pack Breathable Fabrics
Prioritize breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Women tend to wear maxi dresses and skirts, anything flowy and breezy. Locals wear pants even in the heat, but skip the denim, it will feel too heavy. Shorts won’t be out of place here, but you won’t see many short shorts.
Embrace Color
Lisbon is a colorful city and the same goes for its fashion. You can expect clothing with bright colors, patterns, and lots of sea motifs. Don’t be afraid to break out from your neutral base and play with color. Lisbon fashion tends to be relaxed but stylish.
Leave Room for Shopping
Save a little space in your luggage for unique finds and shopping. Picking up unique pieces is one of my favorite things to do on vacation, so if you’re anything like me, plan ahead and leave a little room for souvenirs. Lisbon is known for its tilework and handmade leather goods, so you’ll find plenty of option to take home. There were some cool Portuguese shops I visited: Ementa, Musi, and a shopping center in Chiado where you can also find your typical Zara, Stradivarious and the like.
Outerwear
Do you really need a jacket in Lisbon? During my trip, I packed one leather jacket strictly and even wore it a few times. Evenings in the city were generally mild and warm, but occasionally the temperature dropped into the 60s with a breezy wind. If you’re visiting the Algarve, where it’s frequently windy, I would say a jacket or shawl is a must, but I wouldn’t pack more than one.
Shoes
What shoes to wear in Lisbon was probably the question I researched the most before my trip. Because Lisbon is famous for its seven hills and slippery cobblestone streets, comfortable shoes make a huge difference. I wore 3 pairs of shoes on my trip: a sneaker, a platform sandal, and a block heel.
Sneakers
I’d recommend a comfortable but cute walking sneaker that still works for day and night. I saw people wearing Hokas, Onitsuka Tigers, and Adidas. My preference are the New Balance 237s.
These shoes go with everything in my wardrobe and have seen me through 30k step days. You’ll also see plenty of women wearing sneakers in the evening.
Sandals
Other than travel days, I stuck to wearing sandals. It was the most comfortable choice in the heat. My pick was the Reef Aura Serenity.
These are my ultimate travel shoes. They’ve made it through Mexico City, Montreal, Medellin, and plenty of other cities that don’t begin with M. They’re my favorite sandal for their durability, grip, and they look good with pants, skirts, and dresses. Reef also has many other waterproof styles if you’re visiting the coast on your trip.
My recommendation: any flatform sandal. They’re the most comfortable for walking around all day and keep your feet clean in the city. My friend wore a pair of Steve Madden sandals (pictured below), but I also saw plenty of slides and Birkenstocks.
Steve Madden Mona Sandal
Flats
Flats are popular in Lisbon too. You’ll see plenty of women dressing up their outfits with ballerina flats, Mary Janes, Tabby’s, etc. These aren’t my first choice because they usually lack the tread and arch support needed for long walking days. But if you love flats and yours have a decent grip, they’ll get you through your trip.
Heels
Now on to a contentious point. You can wear a heel to go out in Lisbon, it just requires more mindfulness. Skip the kitten heels, stiletto heels, etc. I promise, one night navigating cobblestones and hills in the city will have you reconsidering your life. If your outfit requires a heel, I recommend a sturdy block heel with good tread. I packed one pair from Target and wore it a few times on nights when I Ubered. If you love heels, pack one pair, but if you can make do with flats and sandals, skip them altogether.
Ultimately, the most important factor for your shoes are: good tread, comfort, and versatility.
Other Tips
Lisbon is accessible to several beaches, so be sure to pack a swimsuit. I always bring a sarong that I can use as a beach towel. It packs light and dries fast.
Bring a hat. I always bring a packable visor on my trips, and I never regret it.
A hand fan in your purse will go far.
Skip the flip flops unless you will be at the beach.
Build your travel wardrobe around complementary colors. Once your clothes and shoes all match, you’ll only need one purse.
My 2-Week Lisbon Packing List
2 Shorts
1-2 Pants
2-3 Skirts (Mini and Maxi)
7 Shirts
2 Dresses
1 Bathing Suit
3 Shoes
1 Jacket or Shawl
1 Purse