Unsure What to Pack For Lisbon? These 11 Items Are a Good Start, According to Experts

It’s finally holiday season and I’m so, so happy about it. For the last few months, I’ve been mindlessly dreaming of crystal-clear waters and the picturesque coastlines of all my favourite spots, thinking about where I could spend a week (or 2) away this year, should I be lucky enough. Then, during a quick Google scroll, I found cheap flights to a destination I’ve always overlooked: Lisbon.

I don’t know about you, but I need this break; I deserve it, along with the endless Aperol spritzes (or Hugo’s, it truly depends on the day) it will undoubtedly bring. But having never been to the city before, I am experiencing a brutal reality check as I stare at the mountain that is my floordrobe, wondering what to pack for my Lisbon break. I’ve had one too many holidays where the wrong footwear or an ill-advised linen dress in a windy climate has totally derailed summery mood, and I’m determined not to make the same mistake again.

Just like at home, I don’t want to spend unnecessarily while I’m away, but what if my packed clothes just don’t cut it? I reached out to the experts for advice, and fashion stylist and editor Corina Gaffey and stylist Emma Lane, who came through with top tips for packing smarter, not harder, when heading somewhere new. Gaffey states you need to “ pack for your pace—are you more beachside or active? Wine bar or hiking? Do a little Google search for the location. Think in outfits, not just your favourite pieces—bonus points if they can be mixed and matched.” Lane echoes this approach. “As a stylist, I like to pack with intention but keep it relaxed and comfortable, especially for a city like Lisbon. I think about the location, the weather, and what I’ll be doing day to day. Then I build outfits around a few key pieces I can mix and match easily, and add a couple of statement items for dinners or nights out.”

I’ve quickly discovered that Lisbon is one of those very tricky destinations to pack for. The nightlife is booming, but the terrain is seriously hilly in places and the slippery cobbled streets have seen better days. Footwear needs to work twice as hard, from day-long exploring to spontaneous nights out, especially if your budget hasn’t stretched to 32kg of luggage. Gaffey doubles down on Lisbon’s tricky terrain and suggests “…{to} make sure you bring a pair of sturdy shoes, like fisherman sandals or Teva hiking sandals, that can handle the hills. Beyond footwear, prioritise heat-friendly fabrics like linen, cotton poplin or seersucker when packing, as the city can get extremely hot.”

And, while Lisbon is known for being a city break, it also boasts some of the most scenic beaches in Europe. The issue? The summer sea temperatures hover around 20°C (thanks, North Atlantic), making it far colder than many other European destinations. This means that your breezy Mediterranean-island wardrobe may need a slight rethink. So, what do we pack? Gaffey advises, “Treat it as a mini capsule wardrobe—decide on a colour palette and choose pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.” A sentiment that Lane echoes, “When packing, think can this top work for brunch or a bar, and can these trousers work with flats and heels?”. For Lisbon Gaffey’s personal favourite is “a short-and-shirt co-ord, as it can be styled in several ways—worn together, over a swimsuit or paired separately with other pieces.” She adds that “dresses are done-in-one wonders, and prints are great for holidays as they hide a bit of creasing, too.”