What to pack for a week in Lisbon in September

We went to Lisbon in the middle of September and the weather was on our side... Except for the first day we arrived in the city, when it rained torrentially for a couple of hours. Luckily, the weather remains fairly predictable throughout the year here, though. Which makes choosing what to pack for Lisbon easy.

Something to be aware of in Lisbon is that the old tiled and cobbled streets are slippery when dry, and lethal when wet. So plan your shoe choices carefully! And of course, check the weather forecast for the time of your holiday before you pack for Lisbon.

On top

One t-shirt, one jumpsuit, two day-to-night dresses, one evening dress, and a dress to wear to a wedding (optional!). I brought a kimono as my outer layer which was fine for the temperature during my trip.

I ended up wearing dresses every day, sometimes keeping the same one on into the evening if our day plans turned straight into evening plans. But if you know you can’t wear the same dress or top more than once, pack enough so you have two for every day of your trip to cover days and nights out.

On the bottom

I packed a pair of shorts and a pair of loose cotton trousers just in case the weather turned. Luckily, I didn’t need them. But I’ve been caught out with poor packing before, so now I come prepared!

On my feet

A pair of Birkenstocks, a pair of strappy sandals with a buckle, and a pair of Converse. 

I make a point to say one pair of my sandals had a buckle fastening, because slip-on Birkenstocks on slippery tiled streets are a bad idea – especially up Lisbon’s famously steep streets. So learn from my mistakes and pack secure fitting shoes, preferably with good grip.

My full Lisbon packing list

• One loose linen jumpsuit

• Two casual day-to-night dresses

• An evening dress (and a dress for the wedding)

• A t-shirt

• A pair of shorts

• A pair of loose cotton trousers

• A kimono as an outer layer

• Two pairs of sandals

• A pair of Converse

• One day-to-night bag

• Sunglasses

• 3 bikinis (for our days by the sea, you only need these if your Lisbon accommodation has a pool)

• Enough underwear and socks for each day of the trip

• A sun hat

• Regular daily toiletries + SPF

• Books

• Chargers and EU adapters

• My passport

Now you know what to pack for Lisbon, it's time to start planning your trip! These were our favourite things to do in the city.