Where To Stay in Lisbon, Portugal – 7 Best Areas and Hotels Options

Europe
15/09/2021
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Lisbon is a great city for all sorts of travellers, from culture fanatics to beach bums. With so many great options available, it can tricky to decide where to stay. To make things easier, I’ve put together this list of the top areas in Lisbon according to different types of travellers. Whether you prefer staying in the city centre, close to the beach, or looking for a more laid-back vibe, I have you covered. Let’s dive into it!
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How to choose the right area=#howtochoosetherightarea, Chiado=#chiado, Baixa / Lisbon Historic Centre=#baixa, Principe Real=#principereal, Bairro Alto=#bairroalto, Avenida da Liberdade=#avenidadaliberdade, Alfama=#alfama, Belém=#belem, Other areas=#otherareas
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Lisbon is a great city for all sorts of travellers, from culture fanatics to beach bums. With so many great options available, it can tricky to decide where to stay. To make things easier, I’ve put together this list of the top areas in Lisbon according to different types of travellers. Whether you prefer staying in the city centre, close to the beach, or looking for a more laid-back vibe, I have you covered. Let’s dive into it!

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Lisbon has it all: both modern and neoclassical buildings, narrow streets, amazing shopping opportunities, a vibrant nightlife and, of course, unforgettable gastronomy.

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon soon, I guarantee you’ll have a good time. And in case you’re wondering where to stay in Lisbon, rest assured that the article below will answer any questions you may have.

Lisbon is a perfect destination all year round and it’s divided into different neighbourhoods catering to different needs. But which one should you choose?

Worry not, just scroll down as I’ve got you covered:

Best areas in Lisbon – Where to stay by type of traveller

I know that choosing the BEST place to stay in Lisbon can seem dreadful at times, especially if you’ve never travelled to this destination before. That’s why I created the following list of recommendations below – it will help you choose the best area to stay in Lisbon depending on your travel style and budget too!

  • Where to stay in Lisbon for the first time: Baixa and Chiado
  • Where to stay in Lisbon for luxury: Chiado or Avenida da Liberdade
  • Where to stay in Lisbon on a budget: Principe Real
  • Where to stay in Lisbon with a family: Belém
  • Where to stay in Lisbon for nightlife: Bairro Alto
  • Where to stay in Lisbon for shopping: Avenida da Liberdade

For a better idea of the city, check out the map below:

7 Best neighborhoods in Lisbon, Portugal

There are countless places to stay around the city, but I selected the 7 best neighbourhoods for tourists below. All of them are rich in tourist attractions and food places, are well-connected to the rest of the city and all of them have different accommodation options for your preferences.

Here they are below:

1 – Chiado

Chiado area leading to the terreiro do paço in Lisbon

Chiado and Baixa are hands-down the two best areas to stay in Lisbon for a first time visit. And for sightseeing. And for being within walking distance to all the main attractions. And for food, bars and public transport. After all, they share one metro station. And they’re both considered to be the city center. Convinced? You should be!

RELATED READ: 8 Places to Visit in Lisbon – A Complete Lisbon Travel Guide

Now I know that some articles on the web present Baixa and Chiado as one single recommendation, but, except for the fact that they’re near one another, I think these two areas are pretty different from each other. Chiado is chic and elegant; Baixa has more 18th century buildings. Both of them are pretty darn amazing.

Some highlights of Chiado include the National Museum of Contemporary Art, São Roque Church, Filigree Museum, plus lots of belle-epoque shops and cafes. And a couple of world-class restaurants as well (some even Michelin-starred!). Oh, and the famous Café A Brasileira café as well, which is definitely a must.

This being said, here are the best hotels in Chiado to choose from:

BIG SPLURGE. Bairro Alto Hotel

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Le Consulat

MID-RANGE HOTEL. Hotel Borges Chiado

HOSTEL. Lisb’on Hostel

APARTMENT. Martinhal Lisbon Chiado

2 – Baixa / Lisbon Historic Centre

Birdseye view of Baixa Chiado area in Lisbon

Baixa district, also known as Lisbon Downtown or Lisbon’s Historic Centre is my second recommendation for a fabulous stay in the city. This is the place where you’ll find lots of new, amazing hotels in Lisbon, as well as shops, museums, bars and restaurants. Staying here means you’ll be within walking distance to all the highlights in the city centre, including Praça do Comércio overlooking the Tagus River, Santa Justa elevator, Rua Augusta elevator and Rossio Square, Lisbon’s main square with a gorgeous train station. By the way, the view of Praça do Comércio from Rua Augusta elevator is unmissable!

Baixa was completely rebuilt in the 18th century after the horrible earthquake in 1755, but the district still preserves a traditional feel with numerous neo-classical buildings. While you’re here, make sure you enjoy a cup of coffee at Martinho da Arcada, also known as the oldest cafe in Lisbon.

As I mentioned before, Baixa-Chiado is the perfect location duo for a first-time stay in Lisbon, so regardless of which one you’ll choose, you’ll be in the centre of it all.

Here are the best hotels for your stay in Baixa, all of them close to Praça do Comércio, Rossio Square, Santa Justa and the rest of the famous attractions in Lisbon:

BIG SPLURGE. My Story Hotel Figueira

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. The Lift Boutique Hotel

MID-RANGE HOTEL. The 7 Hotel

BUDGET. The ART INN Lisbon

HOSTEL. Home Lisbon Hostel

APARTMENT. Prima Collection – Santa Justa 79 Luxury Apartments

3 – Principe Real

Streets of Principle Real in Lisbon

Principe Real is one of the best places to find budget hotels in Lisbon and one of the trendiest areas in the entire capital! Aside from this, one of the best advantages of this area is that it’s only a 10-minute walk to central Lisbon and to other parts of the city as well such as Avenida da Liberdade and Bairro Alto, so you’ll surely be close to all the most important sights, but with a little more luxury! 

Príncipe Real is the perfect spot for a relaxed walk and the place you’ll find lots of designer shops, charming restaurants, Principe Real Gardens, São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, the Botanical Gardens and more. I totally recommend Príncipe Real for all travellers that want to be close to the city centre but not really in the “tourist bubble” – and to those that can spend more than two days in Lisbon. You’ll be close to more than one metro station and you’ll be able to choose from different priced hotels in Lisbon.

Here are the best ones below:

BIG SPLURGE. Memmo Príncipe Real

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel

MID-RANGE HOTEL. Casa do Jasmim by Shiadu

BUDGET. Milanesa

HOSTEL. Royal Prince Hostel

APARTMENT. Glória by Central Hill Apartments

4 – Bairro Alto

Streets of Bairro Alto in Lisbon

Looking for a place where you can dance the night away? Bairro Alto is for you! This is one of the most vibrant areas of Lisbon that comes to life right after the sun sets and the place where you’ll find endless bars, clubs and restaurants as well. So if you hate loud crowds, then you might want to stay away from Barrio Alto (the “high district”). Still, a walk around the narrow streets here is mandatory – maybe a cocktail too!

In terms of accommodation, you’ll find everything you need in Bairro Alto, from boutique hotels to apartments and budget-friendly guesthouses. The public transport is pretty good, but the streets are very narrow and the entire district is uphill, so you might want to think again about walking long distances.

And here are the best hotels for your stay in Bairro Alto:

BIG SPLURGE. The Lumiares Hotel & Spa

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. 9Hotel Mercy

MID-RANGE HOTEL. Raw Culture Art & Lofts Bairro Alto

BUDGET. My Suite Lisbon Guest House

HOSTEL. Lookout Lisbon Hostel

APARTMENT. Apartamentos Rosa do Bairro Alto

5 – Avenida da Liberdade

Park at the Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon

Avenida da Liberdade is the Champs-Elysees of Lisbon, a.k.a. the BEST place for shopping in Lisbon! Avenida da Liberdade connects Baixa to Parque Eduardo VII, the main park in the city and it’s full of designer shops hosted in pretty art deco buildings and luxury hotels. If you’re looking for 5-star hotel options, this area is for you! The surrounding streets also have nice shops and some pretty good restaurants and bars as well.

Another great advantage of Avenida da Liberdade is that it’s literally only a 5-minute walk to the city center of Lisbon, Chiado and Baixa district included. If you’re not fond of shopping, you can always take a stroll in Parque Eduardo VII or simply take a walk to other parts of the city.

If you feel like this is your place to stay, check out my list of hand-picked hotels below:

BIG SPLURGE. Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Valverde Hotel

MID-RANGE HOTEL. Hotel Lisboa

BUDGET. Hotel Dom Sancho I

HOSTEL. Bluesock Hostels Lisboa

APARTMENT. Charming central sunny penthouse

6 – Alfama

Melissa sits in a tunnel filled with street art in the Alfama District of Lisbon
The cobbled streets of Alfama District in Lisbon Portugal

Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in the city and an excellent place to stay in Lisbon if you want to enjoy the more authentic side of the city compared to the tourist centre. With its narrow, steep streets, Alfama sometimes feels more like a traditional village than a district in the capital, which is exactly why I’m recommending it to people looking for a laid-back experience and unforgettable views.

After all, Alfama is not known as the most cinematic district in Lisbon for nothing! The only downside is that this area is not that well connected to the rest of the city by public transport, but there are some public elevators that can be used for free if you want to get around. Plus, there’s always walking and Tram #28 passed right through the middle of Alfama.

Some highlights of the Alfama area include São Vicente da Fora Monastery museum, St. George’s Castle, Castelo de São Jorge complex, Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia viewing points, Sé Cathedral and, last but not least, The Museum of Decorative Arts.

NOTE: This district is EXTREMELY hilly, with lots of steep ups and downs to get around. If you have limited mobility, this area will not be the most comfortable for you and may even be best to be avoided. 

Here are the best hotels for your stay in Alfama, all of them close to São Jorge Castle:

BIG SPLURGE. São Vicente Alfama Hotel by TRIUS Hotels

MID-RANGE HOTEL. Hotel Convento do Salvador

BUDGET. Casas de Fado

APARTMENT. Lisbon Best Choice Prime Apartments Alfama

7 – Belém

Melissa sits outside of Belem Tower in Portugal Lisbon
Melissa balances on a low wall outside Belem Tower in Lisbon Portugal

Belém is one of the best places to stay in Lisbon Portugal for families with kids that don’t want to be in the hustle and bustle of the centre. It’s a gorgeous riverside area at the mouth of the Tagus River, scattered with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and amazing museums. Belem is also the place where you can enjoy a Portuguese meal by the river and where you’ll find multiple hotels for all budgets. The only downside here is that Belém is not as central as Baixa, Chiado or Príncipe Real, so you’ll have to use public transportation (train, tram) to get to the main sights in the city. Belem is 6.5 km from the centre.

RELATED READ: Things To Know Before You Visit Belem Tower, Lisbon

Historically speaking, Belém is the spot from which Vasco da Gama departed his discovery journey to India in 1498, the first step that made Portugal a powerful country thanks to the trade routes that were formed here afterwards. Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is a monument built to celebrate this historical episode. There’s also Belém Tower here, as well as Berardo Collection art gallery and the Maritime Museum. All three should be on your list of must-visit places during your stay in Belém!

Here are the best Belem hotels in Lisbon:

BIG SPLURGE. Palacio do Governador

MID-RANGE HOTEL. Altis Belem Hotel & Spa

BUDGET. Geronimo Guest House Belém

HOSTEL. Impact House Belém

APARTMENT. Belém River Apartment II

BONUS: Other notable Lisbon areas to look into

Melissa jumps for joy in the streets of Lisbon
  • Cais do Sodré – the best area to stay if you want to combine nightlife and amazing restaurants! Cais do Sodré is Lisbon’s former Red Light District, now a perfect place to dance, have a drink and enjoy some very good food as well. It’s similar to Bairro Alto, but Cais do Sodré has a nice riverfront promenade as a bonus;
  • Graça – this part of the city is close to Alfama but is less touristy, it’s more like a working-class district where you can experience an authentic side of Lisbon. Here is where you’ll find charming squares, artisan shops, art galleries, local eateries and more.
  • Estrela – a great area to stay for a laid-back experience, away from the tourist crowds. Estrela is a residential district, well-connected to the rest of Lisbon by bus, tram and metro stations. In short, you’ll only be a metro ride away!
  • Lapa and Madragoa – very similar to Estrela, Lapa and Madragoa are two of the best places to stay if you like a residential vibe. You’ll find different Lisbon accommodations here, from 4-star luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses.
  • Mouraria – located right near Alfama, Mouraria is the district where you’ll find lots of apartments, cute cobbled lanes, old charming buildings and more. 
  • São Vicente – another beautiful district of Lisbon located only a short walk away from Alfama.

This was my complete guide on the best areas in Lisbon! From Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real and Avenida da Liberdade, you’ll find hand-picked hotel recommendations for all these and more! Regardless if you’re looking for gorgeous 5-star hotels or cheap guesthouses, I’m sure you’ll find a perfect hotel for your stay in the city in the article above!

Are you ready to plan your trip? I recommend clicking here to access all my articles about Portugal. Pssst, I seriously recommend a road trip!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Lisbon?

  • Check out all my Lisbon Travel Guides here.
  • Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
  • Time to book your boat to get to the Islands? Head over here.
  • Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
  • Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Lisbon so you don’t miss a thing!

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Hi, I'm Melissa
LONDON GIRL GONE GLOBAL!
I left my life in London and career in the film industry to chase eternal summers, bucket list adventures and see as much of our planet as possible. To say that I am a travel enthusiast is an understatement - what can I say, I am completely obsessed with this wonderful world of ours!
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