There’s a different kind of magic that happens when you travel alone. It’s the quiet joy of following a whim, of getting deliciously lost, and of conversations that never would have happened if you weren’t flying solo.
I recently gave myself the gift of a single, unplanned day in Lisbon. No itinerary, no must-see list. Just me, my comfiest shoes, and a city bathed in golden light. Here’s what I found.
Morning: The Music of the City
I started my morning in a pastelaria, armed with nothing but a warm pastel de nata and a coffee. Sitting alone, you become a master observer. I watched the locals stand at the counter for their swift espresso, the sound of rapid Portuguese a beautiful, unfamiliar song. Without a companion to talk to, you hear the city’s true soundtrack—the clatter of trams, the seagulls crying, the distant music from an open window.
I decided to put my map away. I picked a steep, cobblestone street lined with colorful azulejo tiles and just started walking uphill. The goal wasn’t a monument; it was to see where it led.
Afternoon: The Kindness of Strangers
Getting lost is a promise you make to yourself when you wander. My uphill climb led me to a tiny viewpoint, not mentioned in any guidebook. An old man was feeding pigeons. He caught my eye, smiled, and simply said, “Bonita, não é?” (Beautiful, isn’t it?). We didn’t share a language, but we shared a view. That moment of silent, mutual appreciation was a tiny, sparkling souvenir.
Lunch was a solo affair at a family-run tasca. I pointed to what looked good, and the owner brought me a plate of grilled sardines and a small carafe of vinho verde. It was perfect.
Evening: A Different Kind of Company
As the sun began to set, casting a pink glow over the Tagus River, I felt a profound sense of peace. Solo travel isn’t about being lonely. It’s about being completely present with yourself. I sat on a bench, writing in my journal, not feeling rushed or needing to be anywhere.
It’s in these quiet moments that you realize the journey isn’t just about the places you see. It’s about meeting the person you are when no one is watching. You discover your own resilience, your curiosity, and your capacity for joy without external validation.
So, if you’ve ever thought about taking a solo trip—even if it’s just for a day in a new town—I urge you to do it. Get lost on purpose. Talk to a stranger. Sit in a café and just be. The world is waiting to meet the unedited, wonderful version of you.
