Lisbon – it’s a city of cobbled streets, clattering trams, tiled façades, and surreal light that I currently call home. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, choosing where to stay in Lisbon can feel a little overwhelming – not because of a lack of good options, but because each neighbourhood has its own personality.

The good news? Lisbon is fairly compact and walkable, so wherever you stay, you’ll be well-connected with your next adventure just around the bend (or more likely, over the hill). The bad news? Lisbon is a historic city with lots of hills, so your hotel might be up a cobblestone staircase, or your apartment might lack heating, cooling and an elevator. Plus, the colourful Portuguese capital is firmly on the tourist radar, so expect big crowds at the most popular sights and locations.

I’ve lived in Lisbon since 2018, so I know the city like the back of my hand. At the top of this guide, I’ll give you some quick recommendations for top neighbourhoods and my pick of 5- and 4-star hotels. Then, if you have more time, I’ll describe the best areas to stay in Lisbon – from relaxed leafy neighbourhoods to buzzing downtown hotels. I’ll tell you where to stay if you’re here for the food, history, or nightlife – and where to avoid if you like a good night’s sleep.

Let’s find your Lisbon home.

Heading to the Algarve too? Where to stay in the Algarve

Quick guide to Lisbon’s neighbourhoods

I’ll describe each of these neighbourhoods in depth and give hotel suggestions below. 

• 📍 Baixa & Chiado – Central, historic, and walkable. Great for first-timers who want to be in the middle of it all
• 🌿 Príncipe Real – Leafy, stylish, and a little bougie. A real neighbourhood feel with great restaurants, city views, and chic boutiques
• 🎶 Alfama – Old-world charm, tight winding alleys, evenings of Fado music. Plenty of charm and history
• 🎉 Bairro Alto – This historic neighbourhood is super charming, but go for hotels on the fringes to avoid the party streets. Check reviews for noise complaints before booking.
• 🛍️ Avenida da Liberdade – Wide boulevard with luxe hotels. Popular with business travellers and luxury shoppers
• 🍷 Santos & São Bento – two chic neighbourhoods with bookshops, charming streets, and cool bars for after dark
• 🎨 Anjos & Intendente – Cool, creative neighbourhoods with natural wine bars, hip restaurants, a younger crowd, and a mix of locals and internationals
• 🏛️ Belém – Quiet riverside packed with history. A quieter base – ideal for families, museum lovers, or those with a car
• 🏙️ Avenidas Novas – The “new avenues” where you’ll find new-build hotels and more of a 20th-century business district

Map of where to stay in Lisbon

A note on choosing your accommodation: Lisbon is experiencing overtourism and a housing crisis, with locals being driven out of the city due to high rental prices. If you can, choose to stay in hotels or larger guesthouses over apartments.

My 5-star hotel picks in Lisbon

• Bairro Alto Hotel – Central 5-star Lisbon stay where historic digs meet contemporary design. Great rooftop terrace, top breakfast with the best pastel de nata, and an excellent restaurant, BAHR. Received one ‘Michelin Key’ in 2025
• Memmo Príncipe Real – Sleek, minimalist design in a local neighbourhood with panoramic views over the city. Quiet and stylish
• Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon – Lisbon classic with grand views and a rooftop running track. A splurge-worthy 5-star stay for timeless glamour. Received two ‘Michelin Keys’ in 2025
• Torel Palace (pictured below) – Dreamy 5-star historic hotel with sweeping Lisbon views, Michelin dining, and a leafy outlook
• The Lumiares Hotel & Spa – Think spacious suites with kitchenettes, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, and a relaxing spa in lively Bairro Alto

Read next… 48 hours in Lisbon

My 4-star hotel picks in Lisbon

• Hotel da Baixa – Boutique 4-star gem in Baixa neighbourhood, close to Rossio train station, high street shopping, Praça do Comércio, and Lisbon’s main sights 
• Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show – Modern hotel in the easy-to-access Avenidas Novas area, with an immersive light show in the central courtyard each night, and a rooftop pool for sunny days
• Memmo Alfama Hotel  – Surprise 4-star gem with a stunning pool terrace in a quiet location in historic Alfama
• H10 Duque de Loulé – Restored historic building near Marquês de Pombal with a chic, Mediterranean-inspired rooftop bar with amazing views
• 1908 Lisboa Hotel – A restored Art Nouveau building close to top historic sights, hip nightlife, and natural wine bars

➼ Want to ask a local? ➼ Talk to me – I offer 1:1 video calls to help people cut through the noise and plan their perfect Portugal itinerary. Find out more her

Read next… Portuguese street food and snacks in Lisbon

Where to stay: best neighbourhoods in Lisbon

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Baixa & Chiado – Great for first-timers

Ideal for: First-timers and anyone who wants to wake up with Lisbon literally on their doorstep.

✨ Vibe: You’re in Lisbon’s pastel-coloured heart. Think grand plazas, symmetrical streets, and all the downtown shopping you could wish for. These two neighbourhoods are often paired together – Baixa (meaning ‘low’) is a flat neighbourhood with well-priced hotels in the heart, while Chiado is up the hill and a little more high-end.

Chiado is home to some of the best shopping in Lisbon, with a mix of high-street brands and Portuguese labels. It’s a spot to pick up locally made rugs at Burel and Portuguese souvenirs with heart at A Vida Portuguesa. You’ll also find four of the best pastel de nata shops, which I’ve detailed here. 

Baixa, jammed between the hills and big plazas, was once filled with traditional commerce – think jewellers and haberdashery. And, while you’ll still find some of these, nowadays it’s more hotels, restaurants, ramen bars and trendy brunch spots. Overall, expect a bustling mix of charm and seriously good people-watching.

📷 Sightseeing highlights: In Baixa, you can explore the expansive, yellow-hued Praça do Comércio, admire the Rua Augusta Arch, and snap a picture of the historic Santa Justa Lift. See the May jacarandas around Rossio Square, or find a market in Praça da Figueira. In Chiado, take a selfie with a bronze Fernando Pessoa outside the historic A Brasileira café, explore the Carmo Convent ruins, and buy a book at Livraria Bertrand, the world’s oldest operating bookshop. 

Pros:

• Right in the middle of everything (and I mean everything)
• Easy to get around with public transport links (metro, tram, bus)
• Historic architecture and famous sights close by
• Endless choice of cafés, bookshops, boutiques, and restaurants

Cons:

• Not much of a “local” neighbourhood feel, more inner-city vibe
• Busy and can be noisy with street performers, suitcase wheels, and constant traffic and people
• Lots of one-way streets to navigate in a taxi or Uber/Bolt
  

Where to stay in Baixa

• Tesoura da Baixa by Shiadu – Charming boutique hotel set across two 19th-century Pombaline buildings
• My Story Hotel Figueira – Clean, compact, 4-star, and right on one of the prettiest squares with a bit of personality. Some rooms have castle views!
• Hotel da Baixa – Stylish 4-star stay in the heart of the city
• Hotel Santa Justa – 4-star hotel with modern interiors and an unbeatable location next to the famous elevator and close to Rossio train station
• Be Poet Baixa Hotel – Friendly 3-star modern hotel in the city centre
• Hotel Mundial – A classic 4-star Lisbon stay with one of Lisbon’s best rooftop bars (hello, sunset drinks) and trams right outside the door

Where to stay in Chiado

• The Ivens, Autograph Collection – Bold, luxurious 5-star stay with airy rooms and maximalist common areas. Bonus: one of Lisbon’s most popular hotel restaurants, Rocco
• Bairro Alto Hotel – Five-star views, a dreamy rooftop restaurant, and interiors that straddle Lisbon tradition and contemporary cool
• Lisboa Pessoa Hotel – 4-star literary Lisbon in hotel form. Quiet, cosy, and home to one of the city’s best little rooftops. Family friends stayed here as it has private parking
• Lisbon Carmo Hotel – Boutique stay close to the Carmo Convent ruins
• Nicola Rossio Hotel – Chic stay with friendly staff between the best of Chiado and Baixa
• The Visionaire Apartments – Spacious, design-forward apartments perfect for longer stays with style
• Pousada de Lisboa – Grand, historic luxury 5-star hotel with serious charm and a killer location on the main waterfront square. Received one ‘Michelin Key’ in 2025
• Dear Lisbon – Charming House – Tucked away but central, with 19 individually styled rooms and serious B&B charm

Príncipe Real – for the leafy neighbourhood vibe

Ideal for: A colourful neighbourhood vibe with cool concept stores, great dining, and leafy parks.

✨ Vibe: Príncipe Real is a beautiful, central neighbourhood with soul. It’s filled with elegant 19th-century mansions, rainbow-colored apartments, lush green spaces, antique shops, and design-forward boutiques. 

You’ll find a local crowd of Lisboetas sipping natural wine on sun-drenched terraces and shopping for treasures. It’s walkable to Bairro Alto, Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade, but it feels like its own quiet little bubble of calm.

📷 Sightseeing highlights: It’s more about the vibe than the monuments. Here you can sit in a kiosk on the edge of the Jardim do Príncipe Real, stop by the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for gorgeous views, and shop along the main street where you can’t miss the Embaixada, a neo-Moorish palace turned mini mall of independent brands. 

Pros:

• Gorgeous, leafy streets and romantic, pastel-coloured buildings 
• Excellent boutique shopping and local concept stores
• A more local vibe while still being close to downtown
• LGBTQIA+ friendly and progressive energy
• Great restaurants and wine bars

Cons:

• Uphill from everything – the main street is set on a ridge
• More upscale, so hotels fetch a higher price

Where to stay in Príncipe Real

• Memmo Príncipe Real – A sleek 5-star hideaway with a secret entrance, outdoor infinity pool, and serious style points
• 1869 Príncipe Real – Boutique, homely hotel in heritage digs with parquet floors, antique azulejos, and warm service
• Hotel das Amoreiras – A 4-star newcomer with Parisian elegance and views of a leafy garden square
• Casa do Príncipe – Romantic and regal 19th-century boutique guesthouse with big bay windows overlooking the park
• Hotel Alegria – 3-star affordable boutique hotel with charming heritage features, just off Avenida da Liberdade
• Casa de Sao Mamede Hotel – 3-star stay on the main street of Príncipe Real with heritage features and quirks
• Casa do Jasmim by Shiadu – A leafy, affordable guesthouse with boho interiors and warm local service

Alfama – for charming cobblestone lanes

Ideal for: Romantics and history lovers seeking Lisbon’s older side.

✨ Vibe: Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood – a tangled maze of cobbled alleys where hanging laundry and the soulful echo of fado music fill the narrow streets. While these days, you’ll find more guesthouses than local families, it still charms with winding streets, cats napping in the sun, and postcard-worthy photos around every corner.

But the real magic of Alfama is in the aimless wandering. Get gloriously lost in its backstreets, find hidden miradouros, and uncover a perfect little tasca with grilled sardines and cold vinho verde. It’s a place to just follow your heart, letting yourself get lost in the wild maze of historic streets. Keep an eye out for old ladies selling ginjinha liqueur, hidden elevators, and fado clubs.

📷 Sightseeing highlights: There’s the Castelo de São Jorge atop the hill, for sweeping views over the city and the Tagus River, and the Sé Cathedral, the city’s oldest Gothic church. My favourite lookout in Lisbon is Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which has beautiful tiles, blooming bougainvilleas, and acoustic buskers most afternoons. Pop into Museu do Fado to learn more about the music genre. From then on, it’s all about getting lost – just stumble around to see what you can find. 

Read next… Local’s Guide to Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s Famous Flea Market

Pros:

• Very atmospheric and full of character, despite the suburb being a tourist magnet
• Walkable to many of Lisbon’s top sights
• The best place to experience fado music in Lisbon

Cons:

• Lots of stairs and steep cobbled streets – not ideal for heavy luggage with wheels or mobility issues
• Limited public transport
• Can feel crowded and touristy during the day

Where to stay in Alfama

• Santiago de Alfama – Elegant, romantic, and perched just below the castle with 5-star services. Received one ‘Michelin Key’ in 2025
• Memmo Alfama Hotel – Rooftop pool, red-and-white decor, and views for days at this 4-star stay
• Solar do Castelo – Set inside the castle walls with peacocks and garden courtyards. Lots of charm, but it is tricky to get cars into the castle zone
• Hotel Convento do Salvador – Affordable and renovated 3-star stay, and just a few minutes from the best viewpoints
• Tandem Palacio Alfama Suites – 27 suites with a kitchen, laundry room and living area, plus an outdoor pool with views of the Pantheon

Bairro Alto – gritty, fun and a little wild

Ideal for: Night owls and party people.

✨ Vibe: This residential neighbourhood above Chiado is a place of contradictions. By day, it’s a quiet and charming grid of skinny, colourful streets to explore – I love taking my camera here as every corner is a postcard, and the light bounces beautifully off the glazed tile buildings. 

But after dark? Every door opens to reveal tiny bars. It’s a cheap, cheerful place to drink, where students, bachelor parties and younger locals gather to knock back Super Bock beers and jumbo caipirinha cocktails in plastic cups. 

The party shuts down by 2am, when revellers filter down to Cais de Sodré clubs – but you’ll want to choose your hotel wisely. The bars are limited to just a couple of streets, so if you’re on the fringe, you’ll be able to sleep at night. Basically: read the reviews!

📷 Sightseeing highlights: Bairro Alto itself isn’t packed with sights, but just nearby, you’ll find a handful. Walk to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for one of the best views in the city. Next to that, ride the historic Elevador da Glória funicular or explore the nearby Church of São Roque, a gilded gem that’s home to the most expensive chapel in Europe. Or in the other direction you’ll find Rua da Bica and its funicular. Within Bairro Alto, you’ll find some quirky boutiques on Rua Dom Pedro V and Rua da Rosa.

Pros:

• Charming neighbourhood with plenty of gritty, real character
• Lots of bars, clubs, and live music for fun evenings
• Great location between Chiado and Príncipe Real
• Walking distance to… well, everything

Cons:

• Noisy at night – bring earplugs or book a hotel on a quieter side street (read the reviews!)
• Steep with cobblestone streets
• I wouldn’t recommend this area for families

Where to stay in Bairro Alto

• Palácio das Especiarias – Old-world glamour in a converted palace with a hidden garden and spa
• The Lumiares Hotel & Spa – Boutique, modern 5-star luxury – the rooftop bar has one of the best views of Lisbon
• Le Consulat – Art-filled suites with great food and a central Lisbon location
• Raw Culture Arts & Lofts – Industrial-chic lofts in the heart of it all
• Inn Bairro Alto B&B – Quiet, central stay, ideal for couples on a mid-range budget

Avenida da Liberdade – leafy, luxury avenue

Ideal for: Those seeking the 5-star life, with luxury boutiques, high-end shopping, and fancy restaurants and bars all set along a beautiful avenue.

✨ Vibe: Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s most elegant address. This established leafy boulevard is lined with designer boutiques and grand hotels. It feels oh so European, so it’s not surprising to learn it was designed in the 19th century to mimic Parisian avenues. 

It’s here you’ll find luxury stores like Prada, Gucci and Dior jammed between 4- and 5-star hotels and upmarket restaurants. Wander down the black-and-white mosaic calçada and you’ll soon reach Baixa and downtown. If you like your city breaks with a touch of luxe, this is the spot. That said, I love that if you step back a block or two in any direction from the main avenue, you’ll return to rustic, charming Lisbon with its tascas and cheap, cheerful dining.

📷 Sightseeing highlights: Avenida is itself an attraction with high-end restaurants, rooftop bars, and luxury shopping. A short stroll north, you’ll reach Parque Eduardo VII, or head south on the avenue towards Restauradores and Rossio squares.

Pros:

• Super central and easy-to-reach while still surprisingly calm and charming
• Good public transport links and walkable to both downtown and uptown Lisbon
• Luxe hotels and upscale shopping, yet hidden gems just a block or two away
• Beautiful architecture and leafy, historic and clean street

Cons:

• Hotels and restaurants here lean luxury, though at the northern end, you’ll find some mid-range stays around the Marquês de Pombal roundabout 
• Can feel a little too polished for some tastes

Where to stay in Avenida Liberdade

• Valverde Hotel – Classic 5-star Lisbon elegance with a leafy courtyard and impeccable service
• Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa – A 5-star Lisbon institution with a rooftop bar that locals actually go to
• The Vintage Lisbon – Stylish, modern, and 5-star – full of chic mid-century design details
• Hotel Hotel – Leafy modern 4-star hotel just off the avenue
• The One Palácio de Anunciada – Historic and central 5-star oasis with a spectacular rooftop pool. Received one ‘Michelin Key’ in 2025 
• Altis Avenida – 5-star hotel in the most central location with an amazing rooftop bar, Rossio Gastrobar
• POSTCODE Liberdade – 4-star apart-hotel with everything you could want for longer stays
• Lisbon Wine Hotel – 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and comfy beds 
• Hotel Alegria – 3-star boutique hotel with a chic, homely, heritage feeling

Santos & São Bento – polished, cool area of Lisbon

Ideal for: Creative types, foodies, and digital nomads who want to stay somewhere a little different.

✨ Vibe: Santos and São Bento are cool, creative neighbouring areas filled with wine bars, design studios, all-day cafés, and cool boutiques. Both have an eclectic inner-city neighbourhood buzz.

São Bento is home to Palácio de São Bento (Portugal’s parliament house), but the streets surrounding the impressive building, where the country’s biggest decision-makers work, are relaxed and fun, filled with gorgeous tiled buildings, antique stores, thrift shops, and cool bars. 

Santos, closer to the river, has a few concentrated streets jam-packed with design studios, natural wine bars, and all-day cafés where locals spill out onto the cobbled footpaths. You could start your morning with rooftop yoga and a flat white, then end the day with a late dinner in a moody bistro before kicking on with a cocktail. 

📷 Sightseeing highlights: In Santos, visit the National Museum of Ancient Art, then walk along the riverside towards the Docas de Santo Amaro, where old warehouses are now restaurants and bars. São Bento has the parliament building to admire; otherwise, just have fun exploring a handful of cool vintage stores and admiring the charming residential streets.

Pros:

• Young, creative, and design-forward feeling
• Fantastic restaurants, wine bars, and cafés
• Less touristy, more local and residential
• Walkable to the river and central neighbourhoods

Cons:

• Not ideal if you want to be steps from major sights
• Some steep hills around São Bento (bring comfy shoes)

Where to stay in Santos & São Bento

• The Verse – Newly opened apart-hotel with 15 chic suites
• Casa do Bairro by Shiadu – Warm, welcoming, and a solid value in a quiet corner
• York House Lisboa – A former convent turned serene, design-forward hotel with a lush terrace
• Palácio Ramalhete – A dreamy 18th-century townhouse with tiled walls and a courtyard pool
• Dear Lisbon – Gallery House – Boutique comfort tucked into the quiet hills of São Bento

Anjos & Intendente – the gritty, cool area of Lisbon

Ideal for: Travellers who want that unpolished neighbourhood full of creative, cool things to experience.

✨ Vibe: Anjos and Intendente are two great neighbourhoods with serious character – a little rough around the edges, super multicultural, and filled with curious places to explore. Both are transforming fairly rapidly, but each offers an off-beat mix of bold street art, multicultural eats, vinyl bars, and secondhand shopping.

The two neighbourhoods lie along Almirante Reis Avenue, a main arterial road that has amazing tram, bus and metro connections. It means you’re never far from the action, plus this is a great place to wine bar hop or enjoy a more laid-back nightlife. 

📷 Sightseeing highlights: You won’t find big-name monuments here. Grab a table in Intendente Square for top-tier people-watching, then go dance at Casa Independente, a cultural hub set in a crumbling palacete. The Monte Agudo viewpoint is a bit of a local gem (pictured above).

Pros:

• Young, cool, and full of creative energy
• Great restaurants, wine bars, cocktail bars, etc
• More affordable than central Lisbon
• A real mix of locals and internationals
• Feels lived-in and full of personality

Cons:

• Not postcard-perfect – some streets feel a bit run-down
• Less central (but still well-connected)
• No major sights to explore
• Can be noisy at night in certain areas

Where to stay in Anjos & Intendente

• 1908 Lisboa Hotel – A striking, design-focused 4-star hotel in a restored Art Nouveau building
  The Indy House – Stylish, budget-friendly, and ideal for sociable travellers
• Upon Angels – 4-stay adults-only hotel with funky, bright interiors
• Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon – Budget double rooms and hostel dorms in an amazing building with a lush garden terrace (complete with antique tiles)
• Numa Lisbon Anjos – 4-star apart-hotel with kitchenettes and pops of colour

Belém – quiet, historic neighbourhood

Ideal for: History buffs, museum lovers, families and travellers who want space, sunshine, and a bit of breathing room.

✨ Vibe: Belém is a laid-back, grand-feeling neighbourhood just west of the city centre. Follow the riverfront past the red bridge to this monument and museum-rich suburb with wide boulevards and manicured gardens. 

By day, Belém is rammed with tourists visiting some of Portugal’s most iconic monuments, while by night, it’s a quiet stay with just enough good dining to be interesting. 

You could start each morning with pastry runs to Pastéis de Belém, enjoy riverside strolls or morning jogs by the water, and experience a more local vibe. Belém is flat, so this could be a good base for young families.

📷 Sightseeing highlights: Belém is packed with Lisbon’s most iconic sights – the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and Monument to the Discoveries. Don’t skip the MAAT museum, and if you have time, the Coach Museum is a favourite filled with regal historic carriages. Finally, you can’t skip Pastéis de Belém – and don’t worry, the queues move very fast.

Read next… Local’s guide to Belém – best things to do

Pros:

• Home to some of Lisbon’s most famous sights – an essential stop on any Lisbon itinerary (read my Belém guide here)
• Spacious, leafy, and relaxed, with lots of gardens for picnics or to let kids run around
• Gorgeous river views and golden hour walks along the waterfront
• Excellent for families and slower-paced travellers
• Feels very safe and well-kept

Cons:

• Not super central – about 20–30 mins into the city by train (fastest), tram (slowest), or taxi.
• Very quiet at night, so lacks a vibe
• Neighbourhood has some local streets behind the monuments, but it feels like a museum district.
• Gets packed with tourists during the day

Where to stay in Belém

• Altis Belém Hotel & Spa – Sleek, modern 5-star waterfront hotel with a rooftop pool and Michelin-star dining
• Palácio do Governador – A 16th-century palace turned boutique hotel with a beautiful spa
• Famous Crows Guest House – Friendly, budget guesthouse next to Pastéis de Belém
• Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel – Modern, boutique 5-star stay in neighbouring Ajuda area

Avenidas Novas (Marquês de Pombal & Saldanha) – Lisbon’s business heart

Ideal for: Business travellers, longer stays, convenience, quiet nights, and car parking. 

✨ Vibe: This newer part of Lisbon is a convenient place to stay with sleek hotels, wide avenues, and easy airport access. As its both residential and business, here you’ll discover a mix of great restaurants, shopping centres, cinemas, and cafés. 

While there are still historic pastel-hued buildings in this modern business heart, what it lacks in old-world vibes is made up for in space, calm, and modern comfort. You’ll find good value stays and enjoy easy city connections with great metro links.

📷 Sightseeing highlights: Two gorgeous gardens – the expansive grass of Parque Eduardo VII, and the creative Jardim Gulbenkian (home to the art-filled Gulbenkian Museum). If you like to shop, check out the only department store, El Corte Inglés, and visit Saldanha, a bit of an uptown business district with high street shopping. Although it’s not a sightseeing hotspot, you’re just a few metro stops (or a downhill walk) from Baixa, Chiado, and beyond.

Pros:

• Super well connected by metro and buses
• Great for longer stays – lots of apartment-style options
• Calm, clean, and safe
• Close to the airport and main roads (good for arrivals/departures)
• Excellent mid-range and business hotel options

Cons:

• Lacks traditional “Lisbon charm”
• Not walkable to most major sights
• Feels more corporate and residential

Where to stay in Avenida Novas

• H10 Duque de Loulé – Elegant, blue-and-white tiled perfection with a rooftop bar and standout service
• Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon – Lisbon classic with grand views and a rooftop running track. A splurge-worthy 5-star stay for timeless glamour
• Locke de Santa Joana – Newly renovated convent hotel that’s a neighbourhood within itself – great dining and bars
• Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show – Modern hotel with an immersive light show in the central courtyard each night, and a rooftop pool for sunny days
• Evolution Lisboa Hotel – Trendy 4-star stay with soundproof rooms and a tropical rooftop terrace
• Lux Lisboa Park – 4-star stay with a rooftop swimming pool, fitness centre, and sun terrace
• EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel – Modern 5-star hotel with luxurious rooms, rooftop pool, and airport shuttle 

Other neighbourhoods to consider in Lisbon

Above, I’ve listed the main Lisbon areas I’d recommend for first-time visitors. But for those who have visited the city before, perhaps a different kind of experience is what you’re looking for. You might like to try one of these more local Lisbon neighbourhoods.

Graça – cool king of the hill

This residential neighbourhood has plenty going on, with cool wine bars, vintage shopping and viewpoints. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers the best view over the city, while Miradouro da Graça is a classic.

Where to stay: Dona Graca Lisbon Apartments, Tings Lisbon

Estrela – quiet yet central

Estrela and Lapa are two picturesque, upmarket neighbourhoods that hug Príncipe Real and Santos, placing you just a touch further out. The Jardim da Estrela, with its elegant European feel, is my favourite garden in Lisbon, and you can climb onto the roof of the massive basilica. Ideal for couples or families who want quiet but central.

Where to stay: Olissippo Lapa Palace, Jardim da Lapa by Shiadu, toctoctoc, The Emerald House 

Campo de Ourique – a miniature city within the city

This residential neighbourhood has it all, and it’s not trying to please tourists. Find great dining, a charming park, and a more local take on the Time Out food hall at the Mercado de Campo de Ourique. It’s where the Tram 28 starts, too.

Where to stay: no hotels, only private apartments

Marvila – gritty and raw

This is Lisbon’s emerging creative district, where you’ll find plenty of old warehouses turned art spaces, a handful of craft breweries, and events on every weekend. With its cool industrial edge, it’s where locals go for nightlife that’s more buzzy than a bar but less than a nightclub.

Where to stay: Duques Villa Luxury Guesthouse

Cacilhas – a short ferry away

Across the river in Almada lies Cacilhas, a historic waterfront area with great seafood restaurants and stunning views back to Lisbon. It’s just an 8-minute ferry ride into the city – a good base for an alternative side to your Lisbon experience.

Where to stay: Cacilhas Guest Apartments, Almada Villa, Casa do Criativo

Read next… 13 best day trips from Lisbon

Where to avoid staying in Lisbon

Lisbon is a really safe city. Sure, you need to be street smart, but there’s no need to fear where you stay. Portugal is ranked the seventh most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index 2024.

The main concerns in Lisbon are:

• Noise on a handful of well-known party streets
• Staying on a pedestrian-only street that is actually a cobblestone staircase (aka hell with a suitcase)
• Considering your central accommodation in June (due to the Santos Populares festivities)

The main area I would choose to avoid staying in as a visitor to Lisbon is Cais do Sodré, especially around Pink Street. It’s noisy, gritty and honestly a bit gross unless you’re there to party – look at Pink Street and avoid anywhere within two blocks of it.

Another area to choose carefully is Bairro Alto. It’s not the whole suburb, so I have included it above as there are some gorgeous and worthy hotels. But Rua do Norte, Rua da Atalaia, and Rua do Diário de Notícias get busy after dark, with bars closing around 2am. I’d try to stay two blocks back from those streets, and note that the fun concentrates in the centre, so being closer to Praça Luís de Camões or north near Príncipe Real should be okay.

For visitors in June – Lisbon’s Santos Populares festivities take over the city’s more historic neighbourhoods. It’s fun to join in, but if you want to sleep peacefully consider your accommodation carefully in Alfama, Graça, Mouraria, Madragoa, Bairro Alto and Bica.

For solo female travellers – if I were visiting for the first time, I’d avoid Martim Moniz Square and a couple of streets north-east of there. The large groups of men who tend to hang around that area might make you feel uncomfortable.

General tips for visiting Lisbon

Read next… 14 common mistakes people make when visiting Portugal

Getting around Lisbon

Lisbon is quite easy to get around (despite the hills). The city is compact and well-connected, with lots of pretty streets to explore on foot and soak in the atmosphere. If you need a faster mode of transport than your own two legs, try…

Public Transport

Lisbon’s metro, trams, and buses are all run by Carris and are super affordable. You can tap any bank card on the card/ticket reader on buses, trams, and at the metro. Simple!

At the time of writing, trains still require a rechargable paper Navagante card, which you can buy from train stations or ticket machines for 50c. You can use this on all modes of public transport too, including the ferries and funiculars. I like to load it up with €10-20 of “zapping” credit, or you can add daily passes, etc.

• Metro: Clean and reliable, the metro makes it easy to zip around town – plus the red line connects to the airport. It doesn’t service every neighbourhood though, as it has just four lines.
• Trams: The historic trams are a favourite for exploring, but the No. 28 is always jammed like a sardine tin.
• Buses: One of the best ways to get around the city, with great services and fairly reliable frequency on most lines. Use Google Maps to find the best ways to get around by bus.

Uber, Bolt & Taxis

Uber and Bolt are brilliant rideshare apps. I find Bolt is a bit cheaper than Uber, and both are usually cheaper than taxis unless there is a rush-hour surge. Sometimes you’ll struggle to get drivers to accept rides via the apps, so hailing taxis off the street is a great option. However, I don’t recommend getting a cab when you land at the airport (for all the usual reasons).

Either way, if you are travelling short distances with a group, rideshare and taxis are very affordable.

After reading this guide you should feel confident about where to stay in Lisbon. Any questions? Just leave me a comment…

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