Where to stay in Lisbon: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexLisbon 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.
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon
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.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Alfama.
- Recommended areas for families with children: central district Baixa, Chiado, Avenida da Libertade, residential area of Belem.
- Recommended areas for young people: Bairro Alto, the upper part of the city, the hub of nightlife.
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Lisbon. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Guide to the areas of Lisbon
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.
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.
Baixa
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 range from about €46,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Pensao Prata | Very simple and basic accommodation with a common kitchen. Not all rooms have a bathroom |
| Rossio Studios | Cosy studios with fully equipped kitchenettes. Free WiFi connection |
| 262 Boutique Hotel | Right in the centre, it is a historic building without an elevator. Rooms with private bathroom and free WiFi. Breakfast in a partner restaurant |
| Villa Baixa | Elegant and luxurious studios and apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes |
Chiado
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 range from about €46,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Residencial Geres | Simple rooms with private bathroom with bath or shower and hairdryer |
| Feeling Chiado 15 | The medium-high level facility house in a 19th-century building. Cleaning service every day. Possibility of suites and deluxe rooms |
| Dream Chiado Apartments | Modern and fully equipped accommodation with city views. Car rental service available |
| ART INN Lisbon | Elegant and design structure. Air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom. Wine bar open until late |
Bairro Alto
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 range from about €48,00 for low-cost accommodation to €300,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking.
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Lookout Lisbon Hostel | Simple, air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV. Shared bathroom and kitchen. Reception h24. Luggage deposit |
| My Suite Lisbon Guest House | Fully equipped apartments and studios, all feature living areas with sofas, flat-screen cable TV and iPod docking stations |
| Bairro Alto Design Apartment | Elegant one-bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and heating |
| Bairro Alto Hotel | Boutique hotel in a historic 18th-century building. Exclusive access to an in-house restaurant run by award-winning chef |
Alfama
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 range from about €74,00 for low-cost accommodation to €290,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Beco dos Ramos | Fully equipped, self-catering, air-conditioned accommodations with city views. Free WiFi connection |
| Hostel Petit Lusa | Private double rooms decorated with different Portuguese themes and equipped with TV, private bathroom with shower. Courtesy set and free WiFi |
| Charming Apartment in Alfama | Spacious apartment completely renovated. Full kitchen with refrigerator, oven and dining area |
| New Alfama Chic Sao Miguel | Luxury furnished 1 bedroom apartment |
Avenida da Liberdade
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 range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €300,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Lisboa Central Hostel | Private rooms or dormitories. Lounge area with a flat-screen TV, laundry service, luggage storage, 24-hour front desk. Milkshake Monday |
| Hotel Avenida Palace | Period furniture and marble bathrooms. View of the Castelo de São Jorge. Free parking and valet service |
| Mercador | Apartments with well-equipped kitchenettes and complimentary breakfast baskets. Refined furnishings and soft beds |
| Eurostars Das Letras | Themed, spacious rooms with marble and wood furnishings. Choice of pillows and luxurious bath amenities. Fitness centre and sauna |
Belem
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 range from about €41,00 for low-cost accommodation to €245,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hostel 123 | Dormitories of 8 places with shared bathroom and shower. Express check-in and check-out, hypoallergenic rooms, shared lounge, terrace. Free WiFi in all areas |
| Altis Belem Hotel & Spa | Luxurious 5-star hotel featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a top-floor sun terrace |
| Pedroucos 37 | Entire apartment with multiple rooms, elevator, full kitchen and terrace. Ideal for families |
| Setubalense | Set in a renovated 17th-century building, it offers modern air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, some with balconies with views |
Places to stay near Lisbon
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