Lisbon is a city of hills, light and viewpoints, where evenings stretch late and people gather outdoors whenever they can. Portuguese people are generally warm, polite and a little reserved at first, and family and long-standing friendships play a big part in social life. In recent years the city has also attracted large numbers of remote workers, entrepreneurs and international residents, which has made it more cosmopolitan but has also pushed up rents, a sensitive topic for many locals.
Each neighborhood has a strong identity. Alfama and Mouraria are the oldest, with steep lanes and fado music drifting out of small venues. Bairro Alto fills with people drinking in the streets at night, while neighboring Príncipe Real is stylish and known as an LGBTQ+ friendly area with a leafy garden square. Cais do Sodré sits by the river, Arroios is one of the most multicultural parishes in the city, and Belém to the west has monuments and riverside walks. Beaches and surf breaks are close, from Carcavelos and Cascais by train to Costa da Caparica across the river.
The surfers tribe and digital nomads tribe are active fits for Lisbon, and the LGBTQ+ tribe reflects a city that is generally open and welcoming. Souldaters is free, and nobody can message you until you have both liked each other. If you have just arrived, Friends mode helps you find people for sunsets, surf trips and weekend markets.
Tribes to join in Lisbon
Tribes work everywhere. Join a few and filter Discover to people nearby who share them.
First date ideas in Lisbon
- Watch the sunset from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the highest viewpoints in the city.
- Walk through the lanes of Alfama from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia down toward the river.
- Take the train along the coast to Cascais and walk the seaside promenade from Estoril.
- Explore the Belém riverside, with the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém.
- Relax in the gardens of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a peaceful green space in the city.
- Browse the Feira da Ladra, the historic flea market held near the National Pantheon.
How to make friends in Lisbon
- Join a surf school or surf group heading to Costa da Caparica or Carcavelos at weekends.
- Go to language exchanges to practice Portuguese and meet both locals and newcomers.
- Join a coworking community or meetup for remote workers.
- Take part in a running group along the riverside path between Cais do Sodré and Belém.
More ideas: how to make friends in a new city.
The vegan & plant-based scene in Lisbon
Lisbon has a growing plant-based scene, with vegan cafes and restaurants in areas like Arroios, Príncipe Real and the center, while traditional Portuguese food remains fish- and meat-heavy.
Meet plant-based people in Lisbon through the Vegan and Vegetarian tribes, and switch on the free "Only show vegans" filter.
Dating in Lisbon: FAQ
Is there a free dating site in Lisbon?
Yes. Souldaters is free for everyone in Lisbon, with no premium tier or paywall. Likes are private, and chat opens only when both people like each other, so there are no unsolicited messages. Tribes like surfers, digital nomads or vegan help you meet people with a similar lifestyle.
Where can I meet vegan singles in Lisbon?
Arroios, Príncipe Real and the city center have the most vegan cafes and restaurants, and there are regular plant-based markets and events. On Souldaters you can join the vegan tribe and use the free dealbreaker filter to see only vegans, or vegans and vegetarians, living in and around Lisbon.
How do I make friends in Lisbon as an expat?
Lisbon has a big international community, but try to connect with locals too: learn some Portuguese, join a language exchange, a surf group or a running club. Coworking communities are also social. Souldaters Friends mode and the expats tribe help you find people nearby, and chat opens once you have both waved.