What to Pack for Lisbon in October: The Only Fall Packing List You’ll Need

Patricia Themakeup Magazine
By Patricia Rios
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Lisbon in October is a beautiful blend of autumn charm and coastal sunshine, with cooler evenings and the occasional drizzle. This Lisbon October packing list ensures you’re dressed comfortably and stylishly — ready for tiled alleys, tram rides, and rooftop sunsets.

What to Pack PortugalPin

Weather Overview 🌡️

October in Lisbon is mild and changeable, with daytime highs around 68–75°F (20–24°C) and evening lows dipping to 55°F (13°C). Expect sunny mornings, breezy afternoons, and light rain a few days a week — so light layers, water-resistant gear, and closed-toe shoes are essential.


What to Pack for Lisbon in October 🎒

Lisboetas favor classic, smart-casual fashion. Think clean lines, neutral tones, and quality fabrics. While the city is laid-back, modesty is still appreciated at churches or historical sites. Comfort matters — Lisbon is famously hilly and paved with slick cobblestones, so practical shoes are non-negotiable.

Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.

Travel Must HavesPin

Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging  / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan 


🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.

Luggage & Packing Tools Must HavesPin

1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes

  • 🧳 Carry-on suitcase (1) – Compact and easy to roll over Lisbon’s uneven streets
  • 🎒 Lightweight backpack or daypack (1) – Perfect for day trips to Sintra or Belém
  • 🧼 Waterproof toiletry bag (1) – Humid mornings = leaky bottles
  • 🧺 Laundry kit or bag (1) – Great for extended stays
  • 💼 Packing cubes (3–4) – Organize layers, scarves, and shoes
  • 👠 Shoe bags (1–2) – Keep city dirt off your clean clothes
  • 📁 Document organizer (1) – Keep IDs, tickets, and confirmations neat
  • 🛍️ Collapsible tote (1) – Ideal for markets or impromptu bakery visits
  • 💤 Neck pillow + sleep mask – For long flights or rail rides to Porto
  • ⚖️ Luggage scale (1) – For your wine and ceramic purchases
  • 🔒 Travel lock (1) – Especially for Airbnb storage or lockers
  • 💧 Quick-dry towel (1) – For beach days or hostels

👗 Clothes

  • 👕 T-shirts / tanks (3–4) – Perfect base layers
  • 👚 Blouses / button-ups (2–3) – For dressier lunches or museums
  • 🧥 Sweaters / cardigans (2) – One light, one cozy
  • 🧥 Trench coat or light rain jacket (1) – A Lisbon essential in October
  • 👖 Jeans (1–2 pairs) – Dark wash or black for city chic
  • 👖 Casual trousers / slacks (1 pair) – Light fabrics or flowy styles
  • 👗 Midi dress / skirt (1–2) – Pair with tights or a leather jacket
  • 👘 Modest outfit (1) – For churches or monasteries
  • 🧘‍♀️ Activewear (1 set) – Morning runs along the waterfront
  • 💤 Sleepwear / loungewear (1–2) – Fall nights can get cool
  • 🧦 Socks (5+ pairs) – Wool or cotton for comfort
  • 👙 Underwear (1 per day) – Always pack extras
  • 👙 Bras (2–3) – Include one seamless
  • 🧣 Scarf (1–2) – Adds warmth and style
  • 👢 Tights / leggings (1 pair) – For layering or temple visits
  • 👙 Swimsuit (1) – Optional but great for spas or day trips to Cascais

💆 Skincare

  • 🧼 Cleanser – Gentle and hydrating
  • 💧 Moisturizer – Great for cool, salty air
  • 🌞 Sunscreen (face + body) – Lisbon sun still hits strong
  • 🧴 Makeup remover – Cleansing balm or wipes
  • ❄️ Facial mist – Refreshes during long walks
  • 💋 Lip balm (with SPF) – Prevent dryness
  • 💥 Spot treatment – For travel stress breakouts
  • 🌿 Under-eye cream – Late-night wine catch-up

💄 Makeup

  • 💧 BB cream or tinted SPF – Light and breathable
  • 🖌️ Concealer – For brightening under tired eyes
  • 🌸 Blush + highlighter – Soft glow in golden-hour selfies
  • 👁️ Neutral eyeshadow palette – Earth tones + shimmer
  • 🖊️ Eyeliner – Optional for bold looks
  • 💄 Lipstick (1 bold, 1 nude) – Think wine red and dusty rose
  • 🧴 Setting spray – For humidity-proof glam
  • 🧽 Makeup brushes or sponge – Keep it compact

💇 Hair

  • 💇‍♀️ Hairbrush / comb – Lisbon wind = tangle central
  • 🧴 Shampoo & conditioner (travel-size) – Bring your own to avoid harsh hotel options
  • 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Keep things fresh between sightseeing
  • 🔌 Mini flat iron / curler – Optional, Lisbon air is forgiving
  • 💧 Leave-in conditioner or oil – Keep frizz under control
  • 🎀 Hair ties / pins / scrunchies – Functional + fashionable
  • 👒 Stylish hat or beret (optional) – Protect from sun or add flair

👠 Shoes & Accessories

  • 👟 Supportive sneakers (1 pair) – #1 most important item in Lisbon
  • 👢 Ankle boots (1 pair) – Great for rain or dressier days
  • 👠 Ballet flats or loafers (1 pair) – If you want options
  • 🎒 Anti-theft crossbody bag – Protect valuables while exploring
  • 🧣 Scarf or shawl (as mentioned) – Lightweight but versatile
  • 🧢 Sunhat or wool hat – Depending on the week’s forecast
  • 🕶️ Sunglasses (1 pair) – Still needed in October
  • Compact umbrella (1) – Rain tends to surprise
  • Watch (optional) – For relaxed time-checking

🧾 Documents & Essentials

  • 🛂 Passport + photocopies – Required
  • 🧾 Visa (if applicable) – Most tourists can enter visa-free
  • 🪪 Driver’s license or ID – Needed for car rentals
  • 🛡️ Travel insurance documents – Always smart
  • 💳 Credit + debit cards – Accepted almost everywhere
  • 💶 Euros (small bills + coins) – Some places still prefer cash
  • 🏨 Printed hotel + Airbnb reservations
  • 📲 Offline Google Maps + Translate
  • ✍️ Mini notebook + pen
  • 🔑 House keys + wallet
  • 📱 Phone with local SIM or eSIM

🩹 First Aid

  • 🩹 Bandaids + blister pads – Cobblestone streets are brutal
  • 💊 Pain relievers + allergy meds
  • 🧴 Antibacterial wipes / gel – Use often
  • ✂️ Mini scissors + tweezers – TSA-friendly size

💊 Health & Hygiene

  • 💊 Prescription meds (clearly labeled)
  • 🧴 Bug spray (optional) – More likely needed outside the city
  • 🧼 Toothbrush + toothpaste
  • 🧽 Body wash + deodorant
  • 🪒 Shaving tools
  • 🧻 Tissues + cotton rounds
  • 🩸 Feminine hygiene products
  • 🧴 Perfume or cologne – A little goes a long way
  • 💅 Nail kit – Keep your look polished

📱 Tech & Electronics

  • 📱 Phone + charger
  • 🔌 Universal adapter (Type C/F plugs) – Portugal standard
  • 💻 Laptop / tablet (optional) – Great for digital nomads
  • 🔋 Power bank (1) – For long wandering days
  • 🎧 Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
  • 🌐 SIM card or eSIM for Portugal – Easy to buy at Lisbon airport
  • 📷 Camera (optional) – Lisbon light is magic
  • 📲 Offline playlists / Kindle / podcasts – For tram rides and travel days

🎧 Entertainment

  • 📚 Book or Kindle – Perfect for sunset reading
  • 🎧 Podcasts or playlists – Fado music = yes
  • 🎥 Downloaded shows or movies – For downtime
  • 🃏 Cards or travel games – Social hostel nights
  • 🗞️ Travel mags or city guide – Keep it analog

🎒 Extras

  • 🍫 Snacks or protein bars – For early day trips or hiking
  • 💧 Reusable water bottle – Lisbon has refill stations
  • 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For groceries or ceramic shops
  • 🧼 Travel laundry detergent – Spot-wash between stops
  • 🧵 Sewing kit – Buttons and hems do fail
  • 👃 Shoe deodorizer – Trust us
  • 💤 Sleep aid or melatonin – Jet lag is real

✈️ Travel Tips

  • 📏 Double-check carry-on size (especially on Ryanair / EasyJet)
  • 🧭 Wear walking shoes daily — Lisbon is steep
  • Always pack a scarf + umbrella in your day bag
  • 📸 Take photos of luggage and documents
  • 💳 Notify your bank before using cards abroad
  • 🚃 Buy a Viva Viagem card for trams and metros

🛂 Visa Tips

  • 🇪🇺 Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone
  • 🗓️ U.S./UK/Canada/Australia: visa-free for up to 90 days
  • 📁 Print confirmation of accommodations + return flight
  • 📸 Bring passport-sized photos (just in case)

✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip

  • 👟 Comfy sneakers for hills
  • 🧥 Light trench or rain jacket
  • 📱 Phone + SIM + charger + adapter
  • 🧳 Zippered crossbody bag
  • 🧴 Sunscreen + moisturizer + umbrella
  • 💶 Euros (especially coins for trams)
  • 📄 Offline directions + printed tickets

👍 Good-to-Have Items

  • 🧺 Travel steamer or wrinkle spray
  • 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones for flights/trains
  • 🧥 Packable down vest (if visiting in late October)
  • 📸 Waterproof phone case for rainy days
  • 🧳 Extra tote for wine or market finds
Pat

Patricia Rios

I have been writing makeup and beauty content for more than ten years. My passion is to uplift you, my reader, to feel better about yourself.

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