Packing for a fantastic 3-day Lisbon trip

Does Portugal have a dress code?

Portugal has no dress code—Lisbon and Porto do not have dress codes!

In the summer, many tourists wear shorts and bermudas, oversized T-shirts, and sneakers. I also see many women wearing lovely summer dresses and people wearing as little as possible. 

How do you dress in Lisbon to avoid looking like a tourist?

The truth is that it’s tough to look like part of a culture you do not belong to.

People wear different types of clothes with other labels and combine things uniquely.

So, what do I do to blend in during my Lisbon trip?

Don’t worry about blending in.

Dress as if you are always going somewhere lovely, but remember to dress in a comfy manner. So, instead of shorts, wear a skirt or a dress but put on your walking sneakers (or sandals) because you will walk more than you do at home.

A Skirt or a longer bermuda will look great, you will still look like an outsider, but you will look nice! And you can easily go from sightseeing to dining.

Dress according to what you will do!

If you go hiking, wear the appropriate clothes to protect your body and wear your fantastic swimsuit (bikini, whatever) when you are off to the beach.  

Are you going to walk around a village after a swim in the ocean?

Wear a dress over your swimsuit so that you can go to a restaurant or go shopping.

Do I have to cover my shoulders when I visit religious sites?  

I have never seen anyone ask a woman to cover up before entering a church. Having said that, I always carry a long light scarf should anyone ask me to.

What to pack for a three-day summer Lisbon trip

• For a three-day summer trip to Lisbon, pack a versatile solid color skirt. A medium to long skirt is recommended as it can transition from day to evening, ensuring you always look great. The longer length also allows for comfortable seating on grassy areas, perfect for a picnic or relaxation.
• One dress. Bring a solid color or a discrete pattern dress.
• One solid color trousers.
• Three solid color t-shirts.
• Two solid-color shirts.
• Long bermudas that can be worn day or night!
• Swimsuit and a swimming cap should you stay in a hotel that requires a cap.
• Sun hat
• One summer blazer or light jacket.
• Pack two or three colorful scarves to uplift and change your look.
• Good walking sandals.
• Sneakers with a good grip: Big grooves!
• Underwear and socks, pj’s, or whatever you need.
• Sunglasses.
• One belt to change the look of the dress and the trousers.
• Bring one dark crossbody bag to be worn in the daytime or at night.
• A small backpack. I like to walk around with a backpack but am more careful because of the pickpocketing situation. A backpack is suitable for your beach day or a short hike. Be very attentive in crowded areas and carry it on one shoulder.
• If you are hiking on one of your days here, bring light and long hiking trousers to protect your legs, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and good shoes or sneakers.
• About jewelry: I suggest that you don’t bring anything valuable! If you want to wear necklaces and bracelets, make sure they are light, easy to pack, and look great with all your clothes.

If you forgot something or want to wear something especially nice one evening and don’t have it: Go shopping!

Before you pack

Choose a color theme. A color theme will help you combine all your clothes. You can choose dark blue as the color theme.

Tips for combining according to a color theme

Pack dark blue summer trousers, a dark blue skirt, and at least one blue T-shirt.

Your dress can be any solid color or have tiny patterns. The idea behind the tiny patterns is that they will make the dress look more neutral, and you can change the look with a belt and a scarf. Large patterns are fun but more challenging to wear a few times.

In this case, dark blue is the main color and it will be easy to dress it up or down because it’s a neutral color.

Let’s combine your clothes.

• Trousers

Blue T-shirt for a monochrome look

Wear one of the shirts over your trousers or knot it in the front

Shirt and scarf

T-shirt + blazer+ scarf+ belt

sandals or sneakers

• Skirt

T-shirt + blazer + belt

T-shirt + scarf

Blue T-shirt for a monochrome look

Shirt tucked in + belt

sandals or sneakers

• Bermuda

T-shirt + blazer + belt

T-shirt + scarf

Shirt tucked in + belt

sandals or sneakers

• Dress

Blazer

Blazer+ belt+ scarf

Scarf

sandals or sneakers

Accessories will help you look more elegant. A lovely light scarf always looks beautiful in anything you wear. If you want a special necklace, buy it here in Lisbon.

I buy many things at Soul Mood in the Chiado, where an artist makes the accessories locally, and the prices are great.

You may find some lovely pieces when you are out and about, and accessories are a great souvenir.

Do you have doubts about any of your clothes?

Put your outfits on and photograph yourself. Look at the photos and edit your clothes.

Summer temperatures in Lisbon

Lisbon can get scorching during the summer.

You might arrive in the middle of a heatwave or be lucky to have a typical summer day and a cooler evening.

Be prepared for the hot days!

How to handle a heatwave

• Go sightseeing early in the morning and choose indoor activities from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Always walk on the shady side of the street.
• Drink lots of water and take breaks. Sit down under a tree and relax. Do not push yourself.
• Look for evening walking tours.
• Eat well, but eat light meals.

Heatwave activities for the middle of the day

• Visit museums.
• Visit a palace.
• Go to a movie.
• Eat lunch at a fabulous place and go back to your room for a great siesta! Yes, the Spanish are experts, and they do know how to live, and we can all learn from them 🙂

Remember, a heatwave can be exhausting. While you may have a list of things you want to do during your short trip, it’s crucial to listen to your body.

The heat can make you feel unwell and tired, so it’s okay to take it easy. Rest when you need to and go with the flow.

Wishing you a fantastic Lisbon trip!

FAQ

Things to know about packing for a summer Lisbon trip

What kind of shoes should I bring to my summer Lisbon trip?

That is probably the MOST important question!

Shoes or sandals with rubber soles and big grooves to avoid slipping, and they need to be very comfy!

I can’t stress enough how important it is for your footwear to be anti-slippery.

Why are shoes so important?  

Because when it rains, the sidewalks get really slippery!

But some of the sidewalks are slippery all year long.

What kind of bag should I travel with?

A cross bag. Keep your things in front of you and place your hand in front of the bag when you are near crowds.

Yes, sadly, there are more and more pickpockets here in Lisbon.

Should I travel with a money belt?

Some people hate them, and others can’t live without them. It’s your choice, but whatever you do, don’t access them in public! Go to a restroom or only put documents and things you do not need for the day.

What type of toiletry should I pack?

Your most important thing will be a good waterproof sunscreen.
My favorite sunscreen is: ISDIN https://www.isdin.com/. sunscreen and you can find them everywhere including at WELLS.

Get a day+night cream that has a tint.

Lip balm.

If you don’t want to travel with your creams you can get anything here in Lisbon.

Should I bring a shawl in the summer? Isn’t it too hot? 

Bring a nice shawl in case it gets cooler during the evening and why not bring a few scarves to use as accessories.

Should I bring extra eye glasses or sunglasses?

Yes! I have had the bad luck of losing one during a trip and couldn’t find a pair I liked- so bring that extra pair of glasses, just in case.

Should I pack extra shopping bags, plastic bags- or better what should I pack?

Ziploc bags.

I always travel with extra Ziplog bags for wet swimsuits, creams, or other liquids.  

Supermarket plastic bags are extra thin and are great for protecting your shoes in the suitcase.  

Nylon tote bags.

Bring a few travel nylon tote bags for emergency shopping and a day at the beach. These totes fold up into tiny balls or have their pouches and are perfect for your daily use.

For example, if you are walking around with your small backpack and decide to go into a museum, they may ask you to put your backpack in a locker, but if you have one of these totes, place your small backpack there and walk in! You will be glad you traveled with these little bags!

What kind of electrical gadgets should I pack for my summer trip to Portugal?

Electrical adaptors and a portable phone charger.
Portugal uses the round two-pin plugs. The electrical voltage in Portugal is 220-240v.
Earphones.