Where to stay in Lisbon: best areas and neighborhoods

Lisbon is a very special and fascinating capital city with a rich heritage of wonderful attractions and museums. If you want to visit Lisbon, you should choose carefully the best area to stay in. Firstly consider what you need and what you are looking for. The city is quite cheap, so except during the high season (summer, Christmas/New Year, Easter and other holidays) it will be easy to find good deals with excellent value for money.

So here's a practical guide on where to sleep in Lisbon and the best neighbourhoods, as well as some useful tips for your stay: the best areas, neighbourhoods and the most suitable accommodation for different types of travellers.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon

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Not recommended areas: peripheral neighbourhoods, as they have few attractions and require several trips to reach the centre. Also, in the evening be careful to some streets around the Rossio area, such as Martin Moniz street, Avenida Reis and Praca da Alegria, because they are areas of drug dealing and prostitution.

Chiado, Baixa, Bairro Alto, Avenida da Liberdade and Alfama are the best areas if you want to stay in the heart of the city and within walking distance of the main attractions, restaurants, transports and stores. For a quieter stay, it is better to opt for the residential area of Belem. 

If you're looking for vibrant nightlife and a lively scene, then Bairro Alto is the place to be. Known as the heart of Lisbon's nightlife, this upper part of the city is buzzing with bars and clubs, making it a top recommendation for young travellers and those seeking evening entertainment.

For a more authentic and local experience, especially if you're travelling on a budget, Alfama is your best bet. This is Lisbon's oldest district, offering a more traditional feel and generally more affordable accommodation and dining options."

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Lisbon. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

Baixa: the best district for first-timers

• Pros: Central location, well-connected, flat and easy to walk.
• Cons: Can be touristy and crowded.
• Main attractions: Praça do Comércio, Elevador de Santa Justa, Rossio Square.
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

The perfect neighbourhood especially if it is your first time in Lisbon. It is, in fact, a central district, close to the city main attractions and full of beautiful historic buildings some of which, today, are used as hotels, B&B and rental apartments.

Within easy walking distance there are the Elevador de Santa Justa, Praça do Comercio, Rossio Square and Rua da Augusta, Lisbon's most popular shopping street. Most of the tram and bus lines pass through here. It's not the best quarter for nightlife, but moving towards the Tagus river you will find many bars, clubs and restaurants.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Chiado: the Shopping District

Foto di Lucag.

• Pros: Central location, elegant, great for shopping and dining.
• Cons: More expensive than other areas.
• Main attractions: Livraria Bertrand (oldest bookstore in the world), Café A Brasileira, Carmo Convent.
• Average prices: from €85,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

The shopping district par excellence, with high fashion stores as well as theatres and museums. Adjacent to Baixa, it allows easy access to the most interesting attractions.

Elegant and trendy, in the evening it turns into a pretty quiet area, perfect if you are travelling with children. An excellent starting point to explore other areas as it is well served by public transport (blue and green metro lines, buses and the famous Tram 28).

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €85,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Bairro Alto: Best for Fun and Nightlife

Foto di Daniel VILLAFRUELA.

• Pros: Best nightlife in Lisbon, vibrant atmosphere.
• Cons: Noisy at night, hilly streets.
• Main attractions: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Fado clubs, Pink Street.
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

The upper part of Lisbon. The district is characterized by narrow alleys and steep slopes. A bit sleepy during the day, this area with its bohemian charm is at its best when the sun goes down.

It is also pretty well located, as it is only 1.2 km from Praca do Commercio, the central square by the sea! It also borders the neighbourhoods of Baixo and Chiado, which are the most centrals! Here you can also find the famous Ascensor Glória, one of the most famous and most photographed trams in Lisbon.

The Bairro Alto is, in fact, the heart of Lisbon's nightlife. Recommended then especially to young people and fun lovers, with discos and clubs open till late! It is also the area of the tascas, small taverns where you can taste the typical local cuisine.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Alfama: the Historic Quarter

• Pros: Historic charm, authentic atmosphere, great viewpoints.
• Cons: Hilly, not great for accessibility.
• Main attractions: Castelo de São Jorge, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Fado museums.
• Average prices: from €65,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Lisbon's oldest district, unique and charming, characterized by winding alleys, quaint houses and traditional ''miradouro'', the famous panoramic terraces.

Here you can visit some of Lisbon's most famous historical attractions: the Sé (cathedral) and the Castle from which you can enjoy breathtaking views. Other must-sees are the Pantheon and the enchanting cloisters of São Vicente de Fora Monastery, located in la Graça, adjacent to the Alfama. There are numerous small restaurants and places where to attend Fado shows.

In the Alfama district, there are the cheapest accommodation. Due to its conformation and historical heritage, the prevailing accommodations in this neighbourhood are apartments.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €65,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Avenida da Liberdade: the Chic District

Foto di Alexander Svensson.

• Pros: Upscale area, luxury hotels, central location.
• Cons: Expensive, lacks authentic Lisbon charm.
• Main attractions: Eduardo VII Park, Tivoli Theatre, luxury shopping.
• Average prices: from €100,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Lisbon chic district: a long avenue lined with large palm trees, trendy stores and luxurious international chain hotels.

Not too far from Baixa, it is therefore close to many of the city best attractions that can be reached on foot. Alternatively, the area is well connected by public transport. Quiet in the evening, an area which is strongly recommended for families with children or for those who do not like the liveliness and chaos of the central areas.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €100,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Belem: best for Comfort Accommodation

• Pros: Historical landmarks, scenic river views, less crowded.
• Cons: Far from the nightlife, limited accommodation options.
• Main attractions: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, MAAT Museum.
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

The quiet neighbourhood outside the centre, reachable in about 50 min by tramway. It is an ideal neighbourhood for families, thanks to the tranquillity, the many green areas and the services offered. It is also well connected to the centre.

However, the area is very crowded during the day since there are important attractions such as the famous Tower of Belem, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Last but not least, here you will find the oldest and most renowned pastry shop in the city where you can taste the best pastel de nata.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Places to stay near Lisbon

Foto di wheresleep. Sleeping in Lisbon is definitely the best choice if you are thinking of a weekend trip dedicated to the Portuguese capital. Moving in fact does not guarantee savings, indeed the capital offers solutions for all budgets and all needs, from hotels to hostels and apartments.
On the other hand, If you have more time available or maybe you prefer to spend more time in the coastal areas, then you could evaluate one of the countries listed below.

• Cascais (34 km / 36 min): a characteristic fishing village that boasts the most popular beaches for surfers. Ideal for a base as it is connected to Lisbon by direct train (line 19000, 40 min) and allows you to enjoy a vacation more focused on the sea - Accommodation from €58,00 per room - see offers
• Sintra (29 km / 30 min): renowned for the concentration of ancient palaces of the Portuguese nobility, in particular, the Palacio de Pena is a must-see. The ideal place to be based as it is connected to Lisbon by direct bus (company Vimeca Transportes, 27 min) and allows you to discover the entire west coast - Accommodationfrom €48,00 per room - see offers
• Peniche (102 km / 1 h 20 min): renowned seaside resort, a meeting point for surf lovers. It is an excellent base to visit the entire west coast and reach Nazarè, a location with some of the highest waves in the world, and the Reserva Natural das Berlengas - Accommodation from €40,00 per room - see offers
• Ericeira (49 km / 45 min): another seaside resort, renowned among surf lovers, here, in fact, there are several schools. Ideal for a vacation of sea and relaxation. You can reach Lisbon in just 45 minutes by car - Accommodation from €55,00 per room - see offers

If you are in Lisbon for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com

Lisbon accommodation price map

Booking.com

Guide to the areas of Lisbon

Foto di wheresleep. Lisbon is a city of a thousand faces, with both quiet and sparkling areas, lively neighbourhoods during the day and others at night. For this reason, each neighbourhood has its own characteristics. Wherever you decide to stay, you will have no problem getting to the centre and the main attractions, thanks to the excellent public transportation.

Cool Things to Do in Lisbon

• Take part to a free tour: enjoy a walk around the old city and its quarters with an expert guide. More info here.
• Take a tram ride on the famous Tram 28: This iconic tram passes through the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
• Watch a Fado Show: this music is magical and tells stories that are hundreds of years old. More info here.
• Sail along the Tajo: the best way to visit the city from a different perspective. Check availability here.
• Visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery: UNESCO World Heritage Sites full of history.
• Enjoy a sunset at Miradouro de Santa Catarina: One of the best viewpoints in Lisbon.
• Eat the famous Pastéis de Nata: Try the best ones at Pastéis de Belém.
• Explore the LX Factory: A trendy creative hub with shops, cafes, and street art.
• Take a day trip to Sintra: Visit the magical Palácio da Pena and Quinta da Regaleira. More info here.

Travel Tips for Lisbon

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer great weather without the summer crowds.
• Public Transport: The metro and trams are great ways to explore the city.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Lisbon is very hilly!
• Use a Lisboa Card: It gives free transport and discounts on attractions. More info here

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