Finding Friends in Lisbon: A Solo Girl's Guide to Creating a Vibrant Social Life in Portugal's Capital
If you're a solo girl who has recently made Lisbon your home, or you're considering a move to Portugal's stunning capital, this guide is tailor-made for you. Finding friends in a new city can seem daunting, but Lisbon's friendly atmosphere and rich cultural tapestry make it an ideal place to create a fulfilling social life. Let’s go.
I’m My, originally from Vietnam, and I've been embracing the expat life for over 14 years. Lisbon, Portugal's captivating capital, has been my cherished home for the past three years. This guide is a window into my personal journey in Lisbon, blending my experiences with practical advice for newcomers. I hope to provide you with a roadmap to a meaningful and enjoyable life in Lisbon, a city that now holds a special place in my heart.
Okay, let’s go!
How did I find my best friends in Lisbon?
Each time I get on a new adventure in a different city, one of my go-to strategies is to connect with local communities. In Lisbon, I followed this trusted path by joining the “Lisbon - Girl Gone International” Facebook group, right after my arrival in January 2021, amidst the challenging times of Covid's second wave.
Taking the initiative, I crafted a heartfelt post in the group, introducing myself—and sharing my interests, personality, and the kind of connections I hoped to make. The response was overwhelming: almost 100 comments! However, it's interesting how life works; out of all these interactions, it was Eveline who crossed my path. Eveline, who became my first friend in Lisbon, and indeed, one of the best things that happened to me in this city.
There's a twist in the tale too. Another member of the “Lisbon - Girl Gone International” group, who had seen my post, turned out to have a lot in common with me. We met through Eveline, at her birthday party in February 2021, and that’s how my Lisbon story entwined with Tina's. This serendipitous chain of events led me to two of my closest friends in the city.
Our first trip in Portugal during COVID time!
So here’s my first nugget of advice for making meaningful connections in Lisbon: put yourself out there with sincerity and an open heart. It’s about setting the right intentions and letting the universe do its magic. It worked for me in finding my besties, Eveline and Tina, and it could work for you too in this beautiful Portuguese capital.
On another note, Lisbon is a city bustling with vibrant events and a myriad of activities. This abundance is fantastic, but it also brings a question to the forefront: how do you choose what's right for you? This is particularly important considering we all have unique personalities, interests, and social comfort levels. Especially if you’re not naturally extroverted, the idea of joining a social event can be daunting, potentially leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
Even as an extrovert myself, I’ve learned that it’s essential to be selective. Participating in events or social gatherings that aren’t aligned with my interests or energies can be draining. That’s why it’s crucial to pause and reflect: What truly resonates with you? This introspection isn't just about avoiding social fatigue; it's about ensuring that when you do step out to meet new people in Lisbon, it's a fulfilling and energizing experience.
Ask yourself a few introspective questions before diving into Lisbon’s social scene.
What are your hobbies?
What kind of personalities do you gel with?
What type of events energize you?
Answering these questions isn’t just about making friends or meeting people—it’s about connecting with the right people in the right way.
Now that you have a clearer idea of what you're seeking in new connections and friendships, let's dive into the exciting part. Below, you'll find a curated list of diverse events and vibrant communities in Lisbon, specifically tailored for you, my fellow solo girls. These are fantastic opportunities to join, explore, and enrich your social circle in this beautiful city.
My Sporty Girlies:
This selection of spots in Lisbon has been a true joy to visit, not just for the fantastic classes they offer, but also for the various events they host, which have been perfect for meeting and making great friends.
Amplify : Transform your life at Amplify, Portugal’s first soulful boutique fitness, situated in the center of Lisbon
All our three signature sessions – Indoor cycling, Bootcamp and Yoga - bring you a physical, mental, and emotional experience you have never lived in your usual fitness studio before.
The Kynd Space: Discover your sanctuary of belonging and movement, to find your perfect rhythm in our wellbeing space. Located in the heart of Principe Real, Lisbon. Yoga, Pilates, Barre, HIT, and Fusion
Studio Rise: Intense cardio training on a bike in rhythm with music. An energetic and efficient, low-impact activity that tones your body
The Confidance: Experience a unique concept of dance classes in Lisbon, designed to help you connect with your body and escape the daily mental grind. These classes are not only fun and beginner-friendly, but they also offer an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people in the city. They're a fantastic way to boost your confidence, and no previous dance skills are required – just step out of your comfort zone and join in. Additionally, they host some cool, women-only events around the city, perfect for building new friendships.
Rookie Run Club: Social Running Club in Lisbon - Gather every Saturday at 10 AM for a friendly 5 km run, followed by a relaxed hangout at a local café to socialize with fellow participants. You don't need to be an experienced runner; if running isn't your thing, feel free to join in for a walk!
My Creative Girlies:
Whether you enjoy time writing, cooking, painting, doing pottery, or making cookies, Lisbon has it all.
Creative Baking Studio: Carolina hosts the best baking workshop in town. Picture this: gathering with fellow dessert enthusiasts, creating and decorating a beautiful cake together, and engaging in delightful conversation. For the introverts out there, I believe this could be one of your go-to events.
Drink and Draw: Meet-up with a twist - A biweekly excuse for cool people in Lisbon to get together, socialize, have some drinks, and doodle. With a casual party atmosphere where you'll leave your cares behind and go home with a one-of-a-kind sketch created by you and maybe form a friendship with some other participants.
Ceramic and Pottery session: by Hall. Atelier - Discover the art of ceramics and pottery in a hands-on session, where you can shape, glaze, and fire your own unique creations in an aesthetic studio in the city.
My Spiritual Girlies:
If you're searching for experiences in Lisbon that feed the soul and uplift the spirit, this section is just for you, filled with serene and enriching activities.
Open Heart Lisbon: a healing center, a place to care for your body, mind, and soul. Open Heart Lisbon offers different workshops and experiences for you to deeply connect with your inner-self, release stagnant energy or simply disconnect to quiet the mind.
Armazem Soul: This creative hub nestled in the most popular neighborhood of Lisbon - Jardim de Estrela - is the perfect escape for spiritual events and workshops. Its spacious and tranquil ambiance allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, inviting you to deeply connect with your inner world.
My Entrepreneurial Girlies:
If you're like me, running your own business and sometimes feeling a bit isolated, and you're eager to find a supportive tribe of fellow boss babes or entrepreneurs in town, here are a few communities I highly recommend.
She Sapiens: Female Founder Community - A great place to start is their female founders' breakfast, a casual meetup for both members and non-members. It's where I've met many incredible women and participated in numerous workshops that have been instrumental in both my professional and personal growth.
FutureFounder: The carefully-curated community of founders and entrepreneurs, helping one another. I joined a few events from Future Founder and met some great people there as well.
Indie Beer: The Lisboa community of indie hackers, founders & creators helping each other start and grow profitable online businesses. Just show up, grab a drink, grab a sticker, and meet other founders. I’ve been there since they just started their first meet-up in Lisbon, and since then never left, cool group of people! No agenda, no nonsense, no bullsh**!
My Social Girlies:
Besides Lisbon - Girl Gone International, there is HappyIn Sisterhood | Global & Local Sisters in Lisbon Facebook group that hosts different female events such as brunch, dinner, picnic, etc…
Tribe - a social membership For as little as €19.99/month, the Tribe app offers daily perks like 1 free coffee and 2 free drinks at various city spots. But that's just the beginning! They host an array of unique weekly experiences for members, perfect for adventure and meeting like-minded folks. I've not only discovered numerous city hotspots with their membership, but I've also enjoyed a diverse mix of activities – think dance, surf, padel, hiking, pub quizzes, and yes, even exclusive private parties for members. Cool, right? And here’s a sweet deal: use my code CONFIDANCE10 to snag a 10% discount on your first month! Check out their Instagram in case you’re not convinced :)
My Remotework girlies
Lisbon is known for its community for digital nomads and remote workers. I am pretty sure this is one of the reasons you chose to move here.
Lisbon Digital Nomads Meet-up: I'm convinced this is the most popular meetup group in Lisbon, known for its weekly social events, co-working days, and an active Slack channel. It's a goldmine for anyone new to Lisbon, offering all the essential information you might need and a great chance to meet other friendly remote workers.
Nomad & Girls: Social Club for nomad/expat/new girls. It’s an affordable (€20/month), pay-as-you-go community in Lisbon that connects you with other nomad/expat girls in the city. They organize events 3 times a week, including social gatherings, coworking sessions, and social sports. Check it out.
Bonus, here are a few social media accounts that I follow for great tips in Lisbon.
For foodie - here is my go-to influencer: https://www.instagram.com/immigrantfoodie
For an update on what to do in Lisbon: https://www.instagram.com/where_to_lisbon/
For the best coffee guide in Lisbon: https://www.instagram.com/inesdayala/
For party scenes in the city: https://instagram.com/this.is.lisbon/
And there you have it – my inside scoop on making the most of Lisbon's vibrant scene. Whether you're a newcomer or just looking to expand your social circle, I hope these tips bring you as much joy and connection as they have for me. Remember, every corner of this beautiful city holds the potential for a new friend or an unforgettable experience, so go out there and explore! Lisbon has its magic!
