I have been following a few sites on Facebook and saw so many people asking what to wear in Lisbon, what to pack for three days and how to dress. Are you coming to Lisbon this summer?
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.
Albufeira wants tourists to stop walking around in their bathing suits in town. They want you to cover up in restaurants, streets downtown and closed public places.
It’s not a law, yet. So research before you go there. It’s a gorgeous area and you must visit! Just remember to wear a dress over your suit when walking around town.
I believe they want people to stop carrying their alcoholic drinks when they walk downtown too- but no new laws as of yet.
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.
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.
Wear a dress over your swimsuit so that you can go to a restaurant or go shopping.
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.
If you forgot something or want to wear something especially nice one evening and don’t have it: Go shopping!
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 neutral.
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
T-shirt + blazer + belt
T-shirt + scarf
Blue T-shirt for a monochrome look
Shirt tucked in + belt
sandals or sneakers
T-shirt + blazer + belt
T-shirt + scarf
Shirt tucked in + belt
sandals or sneakers
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.
Put your outfits on and photograph yourself. Look at the photos and edit your clothes.
Keep the photos of the different outfits and combinations so that you can refer to them during your trip.
I find that if I’m not careful I end up using the same combinations and I get bored! So play with your clothes- you will be amazed to see how many combinations you can do with few clothes.
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!
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!
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.
You can get anything here in Lisbon if you don’t want to travel with your creams.
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 eyeglasses 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.
Do you need a flat iron, electrical hair straightener but don’t want to bring yours because it won’t work in Portugal?
Corte Ingles is an awesome Spanish department store that has everything you may need!
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Updated April 2025
Light clothes! Linen shirts or cotton wrinkle free shirts, t-shirts, skirts are better than shorts and a light pair of trousers. Sneakers or walking sandals.
It does not rain in the summer in Lisbon. Having said that, bring a light raincoat or one of those plastic ponchos.
Most Portuguese will dress nicely for dinner. Many tourists do not bother dressing up for dinner, and some do.
I suggest that you bring a few nice things for going out to dinner. Why not? It’s fun to look great!
It gets cooler at night.
Bring a light jacket to wear in the evenings and a cashmere or wool shawl (Pashmina).
If you have a light cashmere sweater, bring that too!
Yes! Bring a large-brim hat, and if you don’t want to bring one, get a hat here in Lisbon!
I would not pack a hair dryer! Your hotel or Airbnb will have a hair dryer.
Yes. Many small restaurants do not have AC.
Some Airbnb’s have decided not to install them, so be careful about choosing where to stay! Ask a lot of questions.
How do I get to Lisbon center from the airport?
You can take the metro (RED line) but be advised that many elevators and escalators break down often.
Take an UBER.
Yes. Many tourists wear tank tops in the summer.
No. Lisbon does not have a dress code.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| General Dress Code | No official dress code in Lisbon. Common to see tourists in shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and comfortable shoes. |
| Blending In | No need to worry about blending in. Dress comfortably, considering comfort for sightseeing. Dresses and skirts can make you look more dressed up but remain practical. |
| Packing Essentials |
|
| Footwear | Comfortable walking sandals and sneakers with good grip (big grooves for anti-slip). Avoid slip-prone footwear, especially on Lisbon’s sidewalks. |
| Accessories |
|
| Jewelry | Avoid bringing valuable jewelry. Light, easy-to-pack accessories are ideal. |
| What to Wear by Activity |
|
| Packing Tips | Choose a color theme (e.g., dark blue) to easily mix and match clothes. Photograph yourself wearing outfits for easy decision-making. |
| Heatwave Tips | Sightsee early morning, do indoor activities 11 am-5 pm. Walk on shady side of streets, drink water, take breaks. Consider evening activities to avoid midday heat. |
| Daytime Activities During Heatwave |
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| FAQ: Important Items to Pack |
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| Extras to Pack |
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| Handling Cool Evenings | Carry a light shawl or scarves to layer up during cooler evenings. |
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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