Where to Stay in Lisbon: Advice from a local British expat and travel blogger about the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon, Portugal! Includes recommendations for 21 of the best apartments and hotels to stay in Lisbon.
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We created this guide in collaboration with Julie Dawn Fox, a British expat, travel blogger and photographer who has been living in Portugal since 2007. Julie has served as the local expert for this post by choosing and describing the best areas to stay in Lisbon. I (Geoff) have added in the hotel recommendations, as well as my own thoughts!
Where to Stay in Lisbon: A Quick Guide to Finding The Best Area to Stay in Lisbon
Wondering which area stay in Lisbon? If you’re looking for a quick answer and summary of Lisbon’s best areas to stay, start here →
Lisbon’s Popular City Center Neighborhoods
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- Baixa and Chiado: The flattest and most central districts in Lisbon, Baixa and Chiado are really “downtown” Lisbon. With lots of shopping, restaurants, and easy access to the rest of the city, Baixa and Chiado are ultra convenient and central, and are two of the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon for a short visit to the city and maximum convenience. (Skip directly to either Baixa or Chiado)
- Avenida da Liberdade: Not a neighborhood per se, Avenida da Liberdade still deserves an honorable mention. Stretching up from Baixa, Avenida da Liberdade is a wide leafy boulevard lined with 5-star hotels and shops, and filled with outdoor kiosks — our favorite option for a quick snack and drink in Lisbon. If you’re not on a 5-star budget, you can find cheaper options in the side streets. Depending on where you stay along the Avenida, you can walk to Praça do Comércio within about 20 minutes, or take the metro and be there in 7 or 8 minutes.
- Bairro Alto: A hilltop neighborhood to the west of Chiado, Bairro Alto fills up each evening with socializing locals and tourists. What seems like a sleepy area springs to life each evening with the young and the young-at-heart, and it really is the place for nightlife in Lisbon. If you’re in Lisbon to party, staying in Bairro Alto is a good option. If you prefer the quiet life, keep looking!
- Alfama and Mouraria: To the east of Baixa, Alfama and Mouraria are the oldest parts of the Lisbon, lying directly under the castle. This area is also the birthplace of Fado music, and is full of historic charm and colourful azulejos Portuguese tiles! On the downside, it is built on the side of a steep hill, and will require strong legs and a fit heart. If you don’t mind the cardio, Alfama/Mouraria oozes charm, and is a great location to stay in Lisbon for a short visit!
Some of Lisbon’s Cool, Alternative & Residential Neighborhoods
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- Principe Real: Long known for being Lisbon’s most LGBTQI-friendly area, Principe Real still is, but it’s also open to people of all orientations. A residential neighborhood with plenty of amenities, a lovely park, some hip boutiques, and good access to public transit, Principe Real is a nice place to stay in Lisbon if you’d like more of a residential vibe, while still being close to the centre.
- Cais do Sodré: Also known for its nightlife, this area is close to the ferry services and is a public transportation hub, making it a great option for late night and early morning arrivals and departures. Cais do Sodré’s Pink Street is another hub for Lisbon nightlife, having shaken off its less-than-savoury reputation of the past to be seen as cool and hip today.
- Alcântara: Entrepreneurs and the creative class have moved into Alcântara in recent years, which is now a mix of modern, working class, and up-and-coming trendy. Located in between the center and Belém, you can get to either in less than 10 minutes on the bus. If you’re looking for a young and hip entrepreneurial and creative vibe, this is a great part of Lisbon to stay.
- Campo de Ourique: Located further out, you’ll find a family-friendly residential vibe here that’s perfect for longer stays. While there’s less public transportation, it’s much quieter and could also be a nice option for visiting Lisbon with a family.
Lisbon Travel Tips and FAQs (To Be Updated Over Time!)
- Holiday Apartments: Staying longer? Or, just prefer to stay in a holiday apartment? Lisbon is full of great options.
- Popular Lisbon Tours & Excursions
- What You Need to Know About Getting Around Lisbon
- Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
Summary and Notes
- So…Where Should You Stay in Lisbon? A Summary of Lisbon’ Best Neighborhoods
- A Note About the Hotel Suggestions in This Guide
- Thanks to Julie, Our Lisbon Expert
The Best Rated Hotels in Lisbon
Valverde Hotel – Top 5-Star
Valverde Hotel — People gush about the level of service from the bar staff down to the check-in desk agents. The hotel is extremely well located on Avenida da Liberdade, high quality furnishings, soothing color schemes, lush rooms, upscale bathroom facilities and a wonderful intimate patio with live music. There is a heated outdoor pool, a restaurant on site, and the hotel staff can arrange all your tours during your visit, located very close to the metro.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Britania Hotel – Top 4-Star
Hotel Britania — A stylish art-deco building with stylish decor, quality Molton Brown toiletries, complimentary tea and cake in the afternoons, and a breakfast buffet served until noon for late sleepers. The rooms feature cork floors, and double glazed windows and some rooms have a lovely terrace. Well located on a quiet street off Avenida da Liberdade, features a colonial style bar, is close to many restaurants and shops, and has easy access to the metro.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
My Story Rossio – Top 3-Star
My Story Rossio — The location alone could sell this hotel, but it far beyond that. Stylish, clean, modern rooms and bathrooms, walk-in rain showers, Rituals toiletries, a plentiful daily breakfast, and a highly rated staff make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Wonderfully comfortable beds and a cool hidden TV in the mirror! The hotel is centrally located near the beautiful Rossio train station making trips around the city, or day trips, super easy.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Heading to Spain Next? Check Out Our Where to Stay in Barcelona Guide, Where to Stay in Seville Guide and our Where to Stay in Granada Guide for the Best Spots to Stay, or Book a 9-day Tour of Andalusia from Lisbon to experience the history and flavors of the entire region!
Where to Stay in Lisbon? Baixa and Chiado are 2 of the Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Lisbon
The neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado are Lisbon’s “downtown,” and are two of the best areas to stay in Lisbon if you want to be in the heart of the action.
Baixa
Baixa is the most central neighborhood in Lisbon, and looks vaguely like a backwards capital “L” in the centre of the city, running from the Tagus River and Praça do Comércio in the south, up to the bottom of Avenida Liberdade at the northern end.
Baixa is also the flattest area of Lisbon, a and consists of the neat grid of shopping streets around Praça do Comércio, the former royal square overlooking the Tagus River. Being relatively flat, Baixa is highly walkable, and it’s possible to walk from top (in and around Restauradores Metro) to bottom (near Praça do Comércio) in about 15 minutes on foot.
A few years ago, the Baixa and its traditional shops had started to get a bit neglected and run down. But in the last few years, there has been an injection of new shops and restaurants, many of which are geared towards tourists.
Some highlights of Baixa include: Rua Augusta, the pedestrianized street that runs north from Praça do Comércio and the triumphal arch (which you can go to the top of for great views!); the Santa Justa Lift; the beautiful Rossio train station and adjacent square; and many, many churches. If you want to pick up some Fado souvenirs, be sure to check out Discoteca Amália (R. Áurea 272).
If you stay in Baixa, you’ll have quick access to all of central Lisbon on foot or by public transport, you’ll be close to the vibrant seaside scene, and you’ll generally be “in the thick of it.” The downsides are there’s a fair amount of traffic (and it can therefore be noisy if your room faces the street), and it’s more touristy than other parts of the city, with prices that are a bit higher.
If you’re visiting Lisbon for the first time, or only have a short visit, consider staying in Baixa — it’s a great area to stay in Lisbon because it’s so central, and it offers easy access to all parts of the city.
Metro Stops in Baixa: Restauradores, Rossio, Baixa-Chiado, Terreiro do Paço. You can also catch the tram to Belém from Baixa (right at Praça do Comércio) and the train to Sintra from Rossio.
Chiado
Although Baixa is the true “downtown” of Lisbon, Chiado is pretty darn close, and is also very central!
Uphill and to the west of Baixa, Chiado has a fresh crop of boutique hotels and posh restaurants and bars. Interspersed between high street chain stores, you’ll find the world’s oldest book shop, a couple of iconic historical cafés (check out Café A Brasileira at R. Garrett 120) and other gems you’ll have to discover on your own (because that’s half the fun!).
When compared to Baixa, Chiado is hillier, but also trendier and a bit more “upmarket.” It serves as an in between neighborhood, sandwiched to the west of Baixa and to the east of Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s hub of nightlife.
If you don’t mind climbing a few hills, Chiado is one of the bestparts of Lisbon to stay because you can walk to most of the places you’ll want to visit, easily take public transport further afield, and have easy access to Baixia, Bairro Alto and more. It’s also very pretty!
A Note About The Hotels Listed — Baixa and Chiado are very close to each other, so rather than separate them out, we’ve done the same as Booking.com, and treated them as a single unit for hotel research. Suffice it to say, they’re all very central and convenient!
Skip ahead to Avenida da Liberdade ↓
My Story Hotel
My Story Hotel — This is one of the highest rated and best priced hotels in Lisbon, so book early! People rave about the modern bright rooms, the location and even the staff being top notch. Close to Rossio Station and in a nicely flat area that’s walkable to pretty much everything. There are many shops and restaurants in the area – the hotel is a 3-star with great value for the money.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Internacional Design Hotel
Internacional Design Hotel — Located right at Rossio Square, a 10 minute walk at a leisurely pace to Praça do Comércio and about the same to the castle district. A trendy ‘chic’ hotel with the Bastardo restaurant in the same building. Lots of bars and restaurants right outside your door and very easy access to public transportation.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Portugal Boutique Hotel
Portugal Boutique Hotel — Technically in Santa Maria Maior, this hotel is one of the top choices for location. Tram 28 passes right by the hotel! It’s the famous tram that runs in a loop and conveniently stops at almost all the city’s landmarks. This hotel is very modern but right in the oldest part of the city, very close to everything.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Browns Central Hotel
Browns Central Hotel — This hotel is an 18th century building renovated to be very modern while still keeping the charm of the old building. Located very close to the Baixa/Chiado metro station, this very highly rated hotel is also walkable to most of the old city sites including Praça do Comércio and the Alfama castle district.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Hotel Santa Justa
Hotel Santa Justa — A luxury 4-star option close to, well, pretty much everything! This hotel offers excellent views, very modern, clean and tasteful rooms. The reviews of this hotel are fabulous and the location is perfect. A short 2-minute walk to the Santa Justa lift, a 5-minute walk to Arco da Rua Augusta, Praça do Comércio and the waterfront, and a 15-minute walk to the castle.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
The 7 Hotel
The 7 Hotel — Cozy modern rooms (studio apartments available as well) in a great location for a great price. In less than a 15-minute walk, you’ll find Avenida da Liberdade, the castle, loads of bars, restaurants and shops. It offers a great breakfast and is conveniently right around the corner form the Baixa/Chaido metro station.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Where to Stay in Lisbon? Avenida da Liberdade is Ultra Convenient
Not really a neighborhood, per se, it’s worth also mentioning Avenida da Liberdade, the wide leafy avenue that leads away from the Baixa towards Parque Eduardo VII.
This is where you’ll find expensive designer shops like Gucci and 5-star hotels, especially around the Marquês do Pombal roundabout. If you’re willing to walk a few blocks off the avenue, you can find more budget-friendly accommodation!
Note from Katie — We’ve stayed in and around this area on several trips to Lisbon, and have found it to be a good compromise between quiet and central. That said, we walk A LOT, and didn’t mind the 25-minute walk from Marquês do Pombal roundabout into Baixa and Chiado.
Regardless of whether you stay in one of the hotels on or just off of Avenida da Liberdade, we’d recommend you checking out the Quiosques (kiosks) that line the pedestrianized walkways running up and down each side. On nice evenings, they’re filled with locals enjoying cheap snacks and drinks, and sometimes catching a football match.
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
Heritage Avenida Liberdade — A boutique hotel located on Avenida da Liberdade. It’s a gorgeous hotel that occupies a restored18th century building, with a contemporary interior designed by Miguel Cancio Martins. Stylish rooms and modern bathrooms with Molton Brown toiletries, a bar and fitness center on site, complete with a jet pool. A 15 minute walk to Praça do Comércio, or just two minutes to the metro.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Valverde Hotel
Valverde Hotel — A very comfortable option with well-appointed, stylish guest rooms that include coffee makers, and have a sort of refined retro design. Themed dinners serving classic Portuguese cuisine, and pleasant live music in the on site restaurant with a patio. The hotel also features a heated outdoor pool. Located just steps from a metro, or a 20 minute walk down the avenida to the waterfront.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
BessaHotel Liberdade
BessaHotel Liberdade — Contemporary and sleek, the BessaHotel Liberdade has very modern yet inviting rooms with rain showers that past guests have loved. If that’s not relaxing enough, the hotel features a sauna and Turkish bath as well as a pool and fitness center. The location doesn’t get much better, 3 minute walk to Restauradores Square, with great shops, restaurants and cafes, and the metro.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Where to Stay in Lisbon? Bairro Alto Is The Best Area In Lisbon For Nightlife
Bairro Alto is a hilltop neighbourhood that borders Chiado (lying to the east) and Principe Real (lying to the northwest).
Quiet during the day, bars emerge from behind almost every doorway at night and, unless the weather is atrocious, people fill the streets to hang out, drink and chat.
If you’re looking for a fun and bohemian neighborhood that comes alive at night (and is, therefore, loud at night), Bairro Alto is a perfect choice. If you’re more into an “early to bed” travel routine, however, I’d be wary of staying in this area because of the noise (although there are some streets that escape the mayhem).
Even if you don’t stay in Bairro Alto, be sure to at least visit the neighborhood at some point during your trip to Lisbon – it’s filled with some gems that will appeal to all sorts of travellers, like the Santa Catarina viewing point (sweeping views), the Carmo Convent ruins (pretty ruins), and the iconic Elevador da Bica (trams running up and down a hill).
For nightlife, BA Wine Bar do Bairro Alto and The Old Pharmacy Wine Inn frequently make the “best of” lists. For quirky cool, Cinco Lounge makes great cocktails, but note, many bars allow smoking (including Cinco Lounge), and are allowed to do so by law if they have “adequate ventilation.” If this is a concern, have your hotel call ahead!
Skip ahead to Alfama and Mouraria ↓
Casa do Barão
Casa do Barão — This BnB features elegant but modern air-conditioned rooms. The location is superb with both the Baixa/Chiado metro station and the famous Tram 28 very close by. The property features a lounge, library and private garden, and serves daily breakfast.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Bairro Alto Hotel
Bairro Alto Hotel — Everything you need in one spot! Whether it’s unspoilt views from the terrace, a sweat in the gym or some therapeutic spa treatments after a day of sightseeing, you’ll find it here. Everything Lisbon has to offer is within easy reach of the hotel. It also has a restaurant and cafe on site!
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Inn Bairro Alto Bed & Breakfast
Inn Bairro Alto Bed & Breakfast — The Inn features a range of room styles to fit all budgets including private studio apartments to suit longer stays. Due to the location, it’s close to lots of bars and restaurants but it does have shared kitchen and dining facilities if you prefer to cook your own meals.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Need Some Inspiration and Ideas While in Lisbon? Check Out This List of Tours in Lisbon to Get Started!
Where to Stay in Lisbon: Alfama and Mouraria Are Charming and Historic
The oldest parts of Lisbon spread across the hill below St. George’s Castle (São Jorge), to the east of Baixa.
Here, you’ll find a maze of narrow cobbled lanes, colorful doorways, and steep steps that are definitely not suited for driving! You’ll also find a fado bar on almost every street, and a crop of touristy shops near the main attractions.
Certainly the main attraction in Alfama/Mouraria is St. George’s Castle, an imposing fortress at the top of the hill that offers spectacular views of the city below. On your way up to (or down from) the Castle, be sure to also stop at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, another great spot for views (which happens to be the place we — Geoff and Katie — took the photo on the cover of our first travel-themed adult coloring book!). Also be sure to check out Fado Vadio, a street art installation on the Escadinhas (stairs) de São Cristóvão.
If you find yourself falling in love with azulejos, the colorful Portuguese tiles, Alfama is also a great place to spot them and buy some souvenirs tiles!
A few final notes about Alfama: It truly is hilly and steep, and you’ll need strong legs to cope with inevitable hills, despite public elevators, or rely on the crowded tram #28.
Also be aware there’s a long-standing community here which is currently under threat from an influx of AirBnB tourists, which means locals are being priced out of the market and the neighbourhoods are in danger of losing their authenticity. It’s a fine balance, “living like a local” and disrupting local communities, and we’d suggest you think twice before renting a holiday apartment in this area.
Still full of character and intrigue, Alfama/Mouraria are a nice part of Lisbon to stay if historical charm is high on your wishlist, and you don’t mind the hills!
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Hotel Convento do Salvador — Located in a renovated former convent right under the castle! Experience all the sights and sounds of some of the oldest streets in the city. Enjoy the soulful sounds of Fado music wafting through the narrow streets, or enjoy a drink in the hotel bar or on the terrace. Catch Tram 28 right outside the door!
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Santiago de Alfama
Santiago de Alfama — Complete luxury just steps from São Jorge Castle. A historic building with amazing views of the city with a restaurant and bar on site, and loads to choose from right outside the door. Past guests have enjoyed the comfortable beds, and quality bedding, perfect after a day of sightseeing.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Memmo Alfama
Memmo Alfama – Design Hotel — Sleek, clean and modern hotel with a wine bar and a pool. The hotel offers complimentary walking tours of the Alfama district to its guests. The castle is a short walk through the oldest and most charming part of Lisbon.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Other Lisbon Neighborhoods to Explore
Where To Stay In Lisbon? Principe Real Oozes Trendy Cool
West of Bairro Alto’s north end lies Principe Real, a trendy and gay-friendly residential neighbourhood full of concept stores, boutiques, fashionable restaurants and a couple of cute squares and gardens plus several grocery stores and small supermarkets. Draw a line on a map heading straight west from Restauradores, and you’ll hit Principe Real after Bairro Alto.
Principe Real is a 7-minute walk from 3 metro lines, and is well-served by buses, making it a great area if you want to get away from the very center of Lisbon without sacrificing much in terms of convenience.
Compared to Bairro Alto, Principe Real is still lively, but it’s quieter and more upscale, with hip shopping (antiques, design shops, and clothing) and cafés. If you stay here, be sure to visit the eponymous garden (which also has kiosks).
Principe Real is great for both short and longer-term stays, and suits all kinds of travellers. If you want to avoid traffic noise, stay on one of the side streets.
Memmo Príncipe Real
Memmo Príncipe Real — A modern and luxurious hotel with fantastic city views and a pool. The hotel features top quality brand name amenities and attention to every detail. A 10 minute walk will have you in the heart of the action, as well as a metro station to take you wherever you need to go.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Hotel Alegria
Hotel Alegria — Just steps from Avenida da Liberdade with it’s kiosks which we enjoy so much when we visit Lisbon. Charming and spacious rooms, daily breakfast and quite walkable to the old center, but Principe is a lovely area on its own. Close to the Avenida metro station if you don’t feel like walking.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Casa do Príncipe
Casa do Príncipe — This is a highly rated and very relaxing BnB with large, tastefully decorated rooms. Each room has all the modern conveniences including flat screen TVs, private bath/shower. Bairro Alto is nearby with all the bars, shops and restaurants you can handle.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Cais do Sodré
This is one of Lisbon’s main central transport hubs where ferries, buses, trains and trams meet so great for access. Its proximity to the river means it used to be popular with sailors looking for a good time. Certain brothels-turned-bars give you a peek into the former seedy side of the area but it’s no longer seen as a red light district. ‘Pink Street’ is the new hub for Lisbon nightlife. If you’re here to party, this is one of the best places to stay in Lisbon for nightlife. If you want a quiet life, look elsewhere.
Casa do Mercado Lisboa
Casa do Mercado Lisboa — A relatively new but classy small BnB, this seems like a great option for families as it offers babysitting services! It also rents bicycles to enjoy a waterfront ride. There is a restaurant and bar on-site featuring organic food, and is very sensitive to dietary needs and restrictions. It is quite close to the Bairro Alto district which is full of cafes, nightlife, traditional Portuguese and mainstream restaurants.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Casa do Patio by Shiadu
Casa do Patio by Shiadu — Standard rooms as well as kitchenette apartments situated around a shady patio. On the edge of Bairro Alto, it is close to the old center but in a quieter area. Great access to the waterfront for a nice stroll or patio cafes, and easy access to Cais do Sodré metro hub to head to areas like Belem.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Hall Chiado
Hall Chiado — A small 9-room boutique hotel with a ‘guesthouse’ feel featuring both standard rooms as well as suites with small kitchens for longer stays. Tram 28 is a two-minute walk, the waterfront and Praça do Comércio are also a very short walk away. Lots of bar and restaurant choices in the area to suit everyone.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Where to Stay in Lisbon: Alcântara is Home to the Creative Class
Alcântara is another up-and-coming neighborhood, and is currently a mixed bag of lower middle class and working class residential properties with an added influx of creatives.
The neighborhood’s creative and digital class is centered around LX Factory, a 23,000 square-meter industrial space that’s been transformed into a “creative island” (their words). Think artists, co-working, restaurants, and concept stores.
Wander around the neighborhood, and you’ll find modern apartment blocks and renovated factories have attracted a more moneyed crowd, along with the things that keep them happy, like the relatively new craft beer bar, Chimera. Alcântara is also home to Geoff’s favorite museum in Lisbon, the Museu da Carris (basically a transportation museum).
Alcântara is basically between “downtown” Lisbon and Belém, making it well served by buses and trains, and you can get to Praça do Comércio in about 12 minutes on the bus (50 minutes walking).
For this neighborhood, we’d suggest checking out HomeAway, VRBO, and – of course – Airbnb to find a holiday apartment.
Skip ahead to Campo de Ourique ↓
Campo de Ourique
Northwest of the centre, Campo de Ourique is a middle class residential area with wide streets, a friendly-family feel, boutique shops, several cafés and restaurants, and a revamped market with a gourmet food hall. It’s not directly on a metro line (the closest station is Rato) but is reasonably well-served by buses and the less touristy end of the tram #28 route. If you’re looking for a longer stay in Lisbon, and want a residential feel, Campo de Ourique is worth considering.
Hotel Da Estrela
Hotel Da Estrela — Modern rooms with a designer feel. A large property with a well-kept garden giving more of a ‘mini resort’ feel. Close to Rato metro station to get you into the center easily. On site Portuguese restaurant with a comprehensive wine list to help you relax after a day of sight seeing.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
O Bigode Do Rato
O Bigode Do Rato — A vintage design makes for a cozy BnB mere steps from Rato metro station that will take you into town in just a few stops. The property has shared bathroom facilities, a guest kitchen and common area and a daily buffet breakfast.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
The Postcard Lisbon
The Postcard Lisbon — A small designer BnB offers contemporary rooms all with private bathrooms and modern amenities like flat screen TVs, hairdryers and toiletries. Rato metro station is 1 minute away, and a 15 minute walk to Avenida da Liberdade and all the great Kiosks to have a drink at.
Check Pricing & Availability on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Need some help planning your trip? Don’t forget to pick up a travel guide to help you plan, but also help you learn as you go during your trip, choosing a restaurant or Fado music show, or a self guided walking tour. Lisbon is such a great city with loads of history and different cultures reflected in the different neighborhoods.
Prefer to Stay in a Holiday Apartment? Check These Out!
Bairro Alto 2 Bed with Great Views
4.9 / 5 from 61 reviews on VRBO.com
Bairro Alto 2 Bedroom Apartment — This colorful apartment is the perfect home base to explore Lisbon. It has 2 bedrooms, one with a double and the other with two twin beds. There is a sofa bed for more guests if needed. The bathroom has a tub and shower, and linens and towels are provided. Laundry with both a washing machine and tumble dryer in the apartment. The kitchen comes with all appliances, including refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and lots of utensils and cookware. The 4th floor location offers magnificent panoramic views over the city and the river, and the the sunny balcony with table and chairs, makes a great place to unwind. Lots of shops and cafes nearby, the famous tram 28 is just two minutes from the door. 2-3 night minimum stay, $86US average nightly rate, expect higher rates in high season.
Check Availability & Prices on
VRBO.com
Bairro Alto 2 Bedroom with Balcony
4.9 / 5 from 89 reviews on VRBO.com
Bairro Alto 2 Bed Apartment — Located in a lively part of Lisbon, this air conditioned 5th floor apartment has stunning views over the city. It does not have an elevator, but past guests say the views are worth it. The balcony has a table and chairs and a BBQ, which provides the perfect place to sit and take it all in. The apartment has 2 bedrooms, one with a queen and one with a double bed, there is also a futon for more guests if needed. There is no mention of laundry in the suite, so make sure to ask. There is a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of entertainment options which make it a great place to relax. Lots of shops and cafes in the area, a 10 minute walk to Cais do Sodré transport hub for metro and trains, a five minute walk to the tram, or 15 minutes walk will get you into the heart of Praca do Comercio. One night minimum stay, $59 – $118US/night (low-high season) based on 2-4ppl (low-high season), additional charges for more guests.
Check Availability & Prices on
VRBO.com
Baixa-Chiado 1 Bed with City View
4.7 / 5 from 26 reviews on VRBO.com
Baixa-Chiado 1 Bedroom Apartment — This quaint, comfortable apartment offers picturesque views of the castle and the river. Located on the top floor with an elevator, it is a one-bedroom apartment with a sofa bed in the living room for additional guests if required. The bathroom is bright and modern, towels are provided, laundry machine in the unit, crib and high chair are available if required as well. The kitchen has everything you’ll need with all necessary dishes, utensils, pots and pans, stove and oven, microwave, coffee maker, and a decent sized fridge. Well served by transit, 2 minute walk to the tram, four minute walk to the metro. A great neighborhood for lots of shops, restaurants and cafes. A minimum 3-night stay is required. 2-3 night minimum stay, $75 – $86US (low-high season).
Check Availability & Prices on
VRBO.com
Alfama One Bedroom with 2 Balconies
5 / 5 from 44 reviews on VRBO.com
Alfama 1 Bedroom Apartment — This large and bright apartment is beautifully decorated for an atmosphere that feels more like a home than a holiday rental. The bedroom has a queen bed and some nice personal touches. There are 2 private balconies in the apartment, which provides wonderful views of old Lisbon. The kitchen and bathroom have been recently updated and feature all modern fixtures and appliances including a stove with oven, coffee maker, kettle, and lots of cooking utensils. The location is unbeatable right in the castle district, with cafes, shops, supermarkets, bars, and attractions all within short walking distance. Both tram and bus stops very close to the building, many areas are walkable in about 15 minutes or less. The area is quite hilly, but there are public elevators in the area, one takes you right to the grocery store! The owner will tell you where to find them. There are laundry facilities in the unit. 3-5 night minimum stay depending on the season, $84-$105US nightly rate.
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Where to Stay in Lisbon: What You Need to Know About Getting Around Lisbon
The city is made up of seven hills so unless you want to be trudging up and down one of them every day, you’ll need to bear that in mind when you choose a place to stay. While the metro system is great and most lines run from 6 am to 1 pm, if you aren’t staying near a metro station, you’ll need somewhere you can easily get to on foot or by bus. The old wooden trams, especially #28, have become overcrowded with tourists and are not always convenient for actually getting from A to B if you’re in a hurry, but are fun if you’re up for some sightseeing.
The city bus system is pretty good and if you’ve got Google Maps on your phone, it’s integrated with the transport system so you can easily plan your route.
Public Transit: The underground metro is made up of four lines, red, green, yellow and blue.The red line goes all the way to the airport. Unfortunately, they don’t all converge at one convenient metro hub, so trams and buses may come in handy. We found that almost everywhere we wanted to go, we had to change lines, but sometime you just need to give the feet a rest! €1.45 for a single journey valid for 60 minutes, but you have to buy the card it comes on for €0.50 but hang on to the card as you can reload it at the vending machines. If you are interested in day passes, you can buy combined tickets, €6.15 for metro/tram/bus combination, €9.15 for same but with ferries across the bay included, and €10.15 for metro/tram/bus and suburban train to Sintra included.
Uber: As of April 2017, Uber is operational in Lisbon, however the situation is unstable with taxi drivers not taking kindly to its existence, so it’s possible the service may disappear without much notice.
Where to Stay in Lisbon: Getting from the Airport to the City Center
Metro: The metro from the airport is cheap and easy, although it’s not the most convenient ‘line’ to get into the center. The red line takes you from the airport and count on having to connect to a different line which may be difficult if you have a decent amount of luggage, but not hard to navigate. Plan on about 30-35 minutes and the metro operates from 6:30am to 1:00am.
Private Transfer: Make yourself comfortable and enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel or holiday apartment. Click here for more information.
So Where Should You Stay in Lisbon?
If you still need help choosing the best neighborhood in Lisbon, check out our summary below:
- Baixa is one of the nicest areas to stay in Lisbon if you don’t mind a bit more hustle and bustle and tourist-oriented shops and restaurants. It also offers a range of options from apartments to luxury hotels and easy transport connections.
- Avenida da Liberdade or Chiado are the best areas to stay in Lisbon for a short stay that revolves around posh shops, luxury accommodation and easy access to the main sights.
- Chiado and Principe Real is the best part of Lisbon to stay for interesting little squares, quirky eateries and cute shops. I usually recommend Chiado and Principe Real to friends and family visiting Lisbon!
- If you’re wondering what’s the best area of Lisbon for nightlife, I’d suggest Cais do Sodre and Bairro Alto. Cais do Sodre is also convenient for transport and the revamped riverside area, while Bairro Alto is closer to the city centre shops.
- Where is the best place to stay in Lisbon for a long-term stay? If you like a quiet friendly neighbourhood, I’d go for Campo de Ourique. It’s not the cheapest place for rentals, but it’s very nice. Y
- If you want to get into Lisbon’s creative and entrepreneurial scene, you could also consider Alcântara – it’s a bit further out but full of long-term residents and a fresh crop of urban creative types.
A Note About Our Hotel Recommendations In This Lisbon Neighbourhood Guide
Just a quick note about the hotel options included in this guide before we finish! We frequently get messages and questions from readers planning Europe trips, and asking us to recommend hotels. While we’re happy to help, we can only stay in so many hotels ourselves. So no…we haven’t stayed in every hotel we’ve listed in this Where to Stay in Lisbon guide. it’s just not possible. And because of this, we can’t really call them recommendations – they are options!
Our goal with this Where to Stay in Lisbon Guide (and our Where to Stay in Prague, Where to Stay in Budapest, Where to Stay in Berlin Guides…you get the idea) is to make sure you find the best area for your travel preferences and style. That’s why we only write guides when we can find a local – or someone who knows the city well – to provide expertise. In this case, Julie was able to serve that role, but outlining the pros and cons and general vibe in each area.
We know all too well from personal experience that the area in which you stay can make or break a trip…and we definitely want to help you ‘make’ it. So the hotels in this Where to Stay in Lisbon Guide are really based on what we’d suggest to friends and family with different budgets and trip styles, if they were coming to Lisbon. We haven’t personally been to these hotels, but we’ve researched them carefully: is it in a good area that seems safe? Is it in a good location for enjoying Lisbon? Have past guests left fantastic reviews of the property? Would I tell my mother or sister-in-law that this is a good place to stay?
If it meets these criteria, I’ve added it to the list. Ultimately, our goal is to help you have a great visit to Portugal’s capital, and to do so without having to spend hours choosing the best place to stay in Lisbon! Hopefully we’ve succeeded…but please don’t blame us if we haven’t – at the end of the day, we expect you’ll check the most recent reviews as well, using our listings as a starting point and choosing the best area to stay in Lisbon for your own very unique trip!
Happy Travels!
Where to Stay in Lisbon: A Note from our Lisbon Expert, Julie
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stayed in Lisbon over the 9 years I’ve been living in Portugal. It’s such a fascinating, ever-changing city that there’s always an excuse to visit. Almost every time I’ve been, I’ve stayed in a different area in order to get a more rounded feel for the different Lisbon neighborhoods, and find the best places to stay in Lisbon.
As I prefer getting around on foot, I tend to pick central locations. That said, I’ve also stayed in some that are a little further away from the centre but easily accessible by public transport, like Alcântara.
Each Lisbon neighbourhood has a different personality so depending on what you want to do while you’re visiting, there’s an area to suit you.
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