The Slow Travel Checklist: 10 Destinations Perfect for a Month-Long Immersion

3. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon works well for a month because the city balances big-city services with neighborhood charm. Choose a base in Alfama, Chiado, or Bairro Alto depending on whether you want cobbled streets, cafes, or quieter residential life. Monthly apartment rentals and coliving spaces are widely available, and many neighborhoods have strong local markets for groceries. Buy a monthly public-transport pass to make day-to-day travel easy; trains and trams connect to nearby day-trip destinations such as Sintra and Cascais. To slow down, enroll in a Portuguese class, volunteer locally, or take a ceramics or tile workshop. Portugal’s shoulder seasons offer mild weather and fewer tourists, which helps with settling in and building repeat routines. Dining tends to be café-centered, so learning a few neighborhood restaurants and markets will quickly make you feel at home. For work travelers, check apartment Wi-Fi and local coworking options. Keep an eye on short-term-rental rules in Lisbon; some neighborhoods have regulations affecting availability. With a month, you can blend city exploration, market routines, and regular trips to coastal towns without feeling hurried.