Where to Stay in Lisbon - A Local’s Neighborhood Guide
Please note: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you book using one of them, we’ll earn a small commission. All of our info is free to read and free of ads, so we appreciate it!
Lisbon is one of Europe’s great cities and its popularity, which has exploded in recent years, fully reflects that.
The Portuguese capital is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and although much of it was destroyed during an earthquake in 1755, some neighborhoods (like Alfama) survived the destruction and remain beautifully preserved. Other areas were rebuilt and have been continuously modernized over the centuries, which gives Lisbon an eclectic neighborhood make-up.
Millions of international visitors come to Lisbon each year, and in high season, the crowds can be overwhelming. Prices shoot up, availability for everything drops, and the streets become filled with vacationers. Certain neighborhoods are genuinely on the brink of being sacrificed to mass tourism.
Despite all of this, Lisbon has maintained its authentic Portuguese charm, and it continues to captivate both visitors and locals alike with breathtaking sunsets, lovely architecture, pleasant streets, leafy squares, colorfully tiled buildings, and great cuisine.
Keeping in mind the potential crowds as well as the drastically varying neighborhood atmospheres, it’s important to choose a good base in the city that maximizes your sightseeing time and aligns with the character and ambiance that you’re looking for.
To help you figure out the right neighborhood for your trip, I’ve put together an overview of some of my favorite Lisbon neighborhoods along with with hotel recommendations in each of them.
Table of Contents
Lisbon planning cheatsheet
Plan your itinerary with expert advice
- Book a Portugal travel consultation with a local expert
My favorite hotels in Lisbon
- One Palácio da Anunciada - 5-star luxury off Avenida da Liberdade. $350/night
- Palácio das Especiarias - Old World charm & elegance in Chiado. $200/night
- Pousada de Alfama - modern little hotel in the heart of Alfama. $200/night
- Alegria Boutique Hotel - bright and airy rooms in Principe Real. $175/night
- Hotel Lis Baixa - small, but cheerful rooms for a bargain in Baixa. $150/night
- Hotel White Lisboa - excellent value with a pool in Avenidas Novas. $140/night
Guided tours and activities
- Private guided tours of Lisbon with Inês (my favorite local guide)
- Tastes of Lisbon food tour
- Sintra & Cascais day trip (small group)
- Walking tour of the historic center (3 hours, small group)
- Private half-day Lisbon city tour by Tuk Tuk
How to get around
- Car rentals with DiscoverCars
- Metro and bus/tram routes with MetroLisboa and Carris
- Train tickets from Comboios de Portugal
- Long distance buses at Redes Expressos
- Taxis & rideshares with Uber and Bolt
- Airport transfers from Welcome Pickups
Quick overview of my 5 recommended neighborhoods
With a focus on first-time visitors, I’ve mostly selected neighborhoods that I think make sense if you’re planning to do a lot of touristic sightseeing, but have made sure to include a nice mix of more residential, local areas as well.
Keep in mind that Lisbon is very much a city of neighborhoods, and there are very distinct boundaries and different vibes from one area the next. Which neighborhood is right for you will depend on your goals for your visit.
Lisbon has also started to succumb to over-tourism in recent years, so certain central neighborhoods which would have once been great places to stay in, aren’t always ideal any longer if you’re looking for an authentic experience.
Below, I share quick overview of my 5 recommended neighborhoods. Further into the article I provide detailed information on each, including pros and cons and specific hotel recommendations.
1. Príncipe Real
Just north of Bairro Alto and the city center and west of Avenida da Liberdade, this is one of Lisbon’s most elegant neighborhoods. Populated by well-heeled locals, there is great shopping on its main tree-lined boulevards and the area is full of good restaurants, cafes, and bars. There are no major tourist attractions here, but it’s well connected by the metro, so moving about the city is easy.
2. Baixa & Chiado
These two neighborhoods are adjacent to each other and I don’t think differentiating between them is terribly important. This is Lisbon’s historic center and most guides recommend the area as the ideal choice for first-time visitors because it is extremely central and very well-connected by public transport. I find it to be a bit overly touristy, but it is very convenient and the architecture is quite pleasant.
3. Avenidas Novas
Somewhat removed from the center, this area is a mix of commercial and residential. One of Lisbon’s most modern neighborhoods, it has multiple subway stops, many larger hotels, and wide, easy-to-navigate streets. It’s not particularly interesting, but it’s pleasant enough and good value for money, especially if you’ll be spending most of your time sightseeing elsewhere anyways.
4. Bairro Alto
Libon’s main nightlife center, Bairro Alto is also one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods for expats and digital nomads. Essentially part of the city center, there are few specific sights in the neighborhood, but it’s pretty, central, and excellent for eating and shopping. While fun for young people, I don’t usually recommend it for families with kids or older visitors.
5. Alfama
Alfama, Lisbon’s most historic neighborhood, is beautiful and iconic, but extremely touristy. If you can put up with crowds and don’t mind being surrounded by other tourists, the views, sunsets, and charming maze of streets and alleyways are atmospheric and lovely. I wouldn’t personally stay in Alfama, but I understand its appeal.
1. Príncipe Real
Best for: Upscale residential feel, shopping, foodies, LGBTQ+ community
I rate Príncipe Real as probably the best neighborhood of Lisbon to stay in for anyone with 2 or more days in the city and who is looking for somewhere central and convenient, but not overrun by tourism.
You won’t even see it listed on most “where to stay” guides (largely written by other tourists…), which is a good thing for you because that just means that you’ll have fewer people around and lower prices for hotels!
The neighborhood lies to the northwest of Bairro Alto, centered around the city’s Botanical Garden, with Avenida da Liberdade forming its eastern border.
All around Avenida da Liberdade and its side streets you have loads of good boutiques, nice local clothing stores, restaurants, and bars, the majority of which cater to Lisbon locals. Cafes spill out onto the sidewalk in the shade of big trees, and the many neighborhood squares and gardens are a great place to unwind after a workday, a shopping spree, or a long day of sightseeing.
It’s also a haven for the LGBTQ+ community who head here to party at legendary clubs like Trumps or Finalmente.
You’ll find plenty of good mid-range and boutique hotels, but very little budget accommodation and no big, chain hotels. There are plenty of tourists about, but it is still a mostly local area.
There are 3 subway stations in the neighborhood (Rato, Avenida, and Restauradores), so no matter which part of it you choose to stay in, you’ll still always be well connected to the rest of Lisbon.
From around Avenida da Liberdade (where most hotels are concentrated), you’re also only a 15 minute walk into the heart of Baixa and Chiado, so still easy walking distance.
If you opt to stay here, I would recommending choosing a hotel east of the Botanical Garden, somewhere near to Praça da Alegria.
Pros
Local and residential feel. Very green. Good access to transit (metro and bus). Easy access by car. Removed from the center, but still close. Good shopping and dining. LGBTQ nightlife.
Cons
For me, basically none. No tourist sights in the neighborhood. Must take the metro to get into the center (or a 20ish minute walk). Somewhat expensive. Not ideal for those with just 1 or 2 days.
Where to stay
Memmo Príncipe Real - Located near the neighborhood gardens, this 5-star hotel offers modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and a cocktail bar with panoramic city views. $250-450 USD.
The Vintage — Elegant and intimate rooms, with exquisite design, in a 5-star hotel that also offers a bistro and a great rooftop overlooking the city. $200-400 USD.
Alegria Boutique Hotel - Overlooking the wonderful Praça da Alegria square and just a minute or two from great shopping on Avenida da Liberdade (and the Avenida metro stop), this boutique hotel is good value. The vibe mixes rustic-chic, old world, and modern, and the result is quite nice. $200-250 USD.
1869 Principe Real - This B&B just south of the Botanical Gardens stands out with its red tile facade. It offers nine lovely rooms and suites that are big and bright, some with private balconies. $175-250 USD (2 night minimum).
Marino Boutique Guesthouse - A block away from Praça da Alegria square, this little guesthouse has newly renovated and immaculately clean rooms. $100-200 USD.
Independente Príncipe Real - Set in a 19th-century building, this stylish hostel/hotel offers a mix of dorms and private suites. There are two restaurants on-site, including one on the rooftop. $150 USD for private rooms..
2. Baixa & Chiado
Best for: Visitors short on time who want to stay close to the action
It doesn't get any more central than Baixa and Chiado and 95% of guides will tell you this is the best place to stay in Lisbon. Personally, it’s not my favorite neighborhood, but it is wise choice for lots of travelers, especially those coming for the first time and/or with limited time in the city.
Although technically two separate neighborhoods, Baixa and Chiado blend together, so they’re mostly referred to jointly, and they are certainly Lisbon’s most convenient locations for sightseeing. With Alfama to the west, Bairro Alto to the north, the river to the south, and the Estrela/Belem areas to the east, this is prime central Lisbon.
Many of the city’s iconic sights, monuments, and attractions are directly in the neighborhood, so you can do most of your sightseeing on foot.
You also have excellent access to public transit with multiple metro stops, the Rossio train station, trams, and even some buses.
If you want to differentiate between them, think of it this way: Baixa is the part closest to the river (and more commercial) whereas Chiado extends up into town and further west. For what it’s worth, I prefer Chiado.
The reason that Baixa and Chiado are so convenient and accessible is oddly largely due to the catastrophic 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of the city. Most of the neighborhood was rebuilt and it was transformed it into a commercial zone. In part because of that, not many people live here.
Indeed, this remains mostly a shopping area, where you’ll find your ubiquitous Zara’s and H&Ms, as well as luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Sadly, rising rents and increased competition from international brands have forced many of the traditional Portuguese stores to close down in last few years.
While extremely convenient for sightseeing, very few locals live here and the area does feel distinctly touristy. It’s not a place that will give you much local flavor and if you’re looking to stay somewhere where you can step out the door and and feel immersed in Portuguese life, this is not the neighborhood for you.
But… it is convenient and practical, especially if you’re here on a short trip.
Pros
Location is as central and convenient as it gets. Fairly flat and very walkable. Excellent access to public transport (metro, tram, bus, and long-distance train).
Cons
Somewhat commercial and very touristy, staying here does not always feel like being in a real neighborhood. It’s also quite expensive.
Where to stay
The One Palácio da Anunciada — This luxury hotel feels like an oasis in the city, with its French-style gardens, large swimming pool, and a spa. Tough to beat if you have the budget for it. $200-400 USD.
Montebelo Vista Alegre Lisboa Chiado Hotel - Another luxurious option with very design-forward rooms. Each room is unique with a mix of modern and old world touches that are really quite pleasant. Great location too. $200-350 USD.
Hotel do Chiado - Modern, comfortable, and relatively spacious rooms just a few steps from Chiado's main shopping streets. Many rooms offer castle and river views $275 USD.
Casa do Barão - Fantastic boutique hotel with really excellent decor and a small, but lovely pool (usually has a 4-night minimum stay). $200-300 USD
Palacio Das Especiarias - Lovely 4-star hotel with lots of Old World charm just off of Praça Luis de Camões square and steps from the Baixa-Chiado metro stop. Good pricing considering the neighborhood and amenities. $220 USD.
Vincci Baixa - Yet another excellent hotel from the Vincci group. Great location, small but well appointed rooms, decent breakfast, and really good value for the area. $220 USD.
Hotel Lis Baixa - Small hotel offering simple, but nice rooms in a central Baixa location. $150 USD.
3. Avenidas Novas
Best for: Families and couples looking for a quieter atmosphere
Moving away from the center, Avenidas Novas is a pleasant neighborhood renowned for its wide boulevards, well-kept parks, and Neoclassical architecture. It’s one of the newest districts in Lisbon, so don’t expect to find many historical sites here though. This is a “functional” neighborhood, and it’s mostly filled with homes and offices.
During the week, the streets are bustling with people heading to and from work, and during lunchtime, the restaurants fill up with workers on their lunch breaks.
Aside from the Marques de Pombal park and the Gulbenkian museum, there are no attractions in the area. It’s not very atmospheric, and you’ll probably find yourself doing little here other than sleeping.
So, why have I recommended it?
First of all, it’s flat. For anyone with mobility issues, little children, or in not great shape, this will come as a major relief.
Next, it’s well-connected with public transport; you have 4 metro stations in the neighborhood, and you can get to both the city center and the airport in just around 20 minutes, with no connections necessary. Also, if you’re arriving to Lisbon by car, it’s one of few places in the city where you’ll be able to park.
And finally, you have a lot of hotels, most of them large, modern, and reasonably priced. Hotel prices in Lisbon can go through the roof from April to November, so if you don’t have a huge budget and are ok with staying somewhere that is pleasant, but not historic, Avenidas Novas is a very good option.
Also, if you’re interested in seeing daily life, the restaurants and cafes are mostly for locals, you’ll see businesspeople on their way to work, and residents going about their regular routines. Additionally, you have everything you need nearby; transit, grocery stores, shops, etc.
The neighborhood is not an obvious choice for first-time visitors, but it’s an excellent alternative to some of the more popular and central neighborhoods, especially if you don’t love being surrounded by crowds every time you step out the door.
Pros
Good value. Lots of large, modern, and good value hotels. Area is totally flat. Good access to transit (metro and bus) and easy to park a car and/or call taxis.
Cons
Almost no historic architecture. Somewhat far from the city center. Very little to do in the neighborhood itself.
Where to stay
Sublime Lisboa - Just 15 rooms, each unique, elegant, and modernly renovated but with classic style, are set inside a former 1900s mansion. The location near to Parque Eduardo VII and just a couple minutes from the Marques de Pombal metro stop is super convenient. It’s a top option if you want to stay somewhere luxurious, but without an insane price tag. $200-400 USD.
EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel - A five-star hotel near Parque Eduardo VII featuring a rooftop pool, a spa, and a gym. $300 USD.
H10 Duque de Loulé — Occupying an 18th-century building a block from Marque de Pombal square, this hotel stands out with its blue-and-white tile accents. Many of the bright and airy rooms offer lovely city views. It’s very good value. $175-220 USD.
PortoBay Marques - At the far southern end of the neighborhood, this small hotel has all the hallmarks of the PortoBay group. It’s modern, functional, comfortable, and a bit corporate, but with some well-done boutique touches. The location next to Praça Marques de Pombal means you are adjacent to not one, but two metro lines. $150-250 USD.
Hotel White Lisboa — For those who enjoy a more minimalist atmosphere, this hotel offers spacious, well-lit rooms and an outdoor pool, all adjacent to a metro stop. $100-150 USD.
Turim Saldanha Hotel - The vibe here is pretty businesslike, but the rooms are quite pleasant and very modern and the price is tough to beat. The Saldanha metro stop is just outside your front tour. $125 USD.
ibis Lisboa José Malhoa — One of the cheapest alternatives in the area, like every ibis, you get basic and modern rooms that are clean and functional. There’s also a restaurant and a bar. Pets are allowed upon request. $100 USD.
4. Bairro Alto
Best for: Night owls and young-spirited visitors
Bairro Alto is just north of Chiado and slightly south of Principe Real. Its name means “high neighborhood” and true to this, it is a hilly neighborhood with some great viewpoints. It’s also full of pretty architecture and charming cobblestone streets.
Densely populated and very popular with expats, many locals have left due to rising rents and housing prices. Even so, it’s still much less tourist-heavy than places like Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado.
There are no specific tourist sights in the neighborhood, but it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the city center, so you can get into town for sightseeing and exploring quite quickly and easily.
For shopping and browsing, you have lots of independent boutiques and art ateliers that have set up here in recent years. I really like Oficina Marques, with their infamous repurposed woodwork. For dining, there are countless hip cafes and restaurants, serving both Portuguese and international cuisines.
Before considering the neighborhood it’s important to know that this is one of Lisbon’s major nightlife areas, and the streets are packed with little bars that are lively every night of the week. A night out in Bairro Alto is a rite of passage for anyone who has grown up in Lisbon. However, for those trying to sleep, that means that it’s often rather loud.
Many houses in this area have thin walls, so this can be a problem if your accommodation is near a bar, especially during the weekend. With that said, the neighborhood is pretty quiet in the mornings and it can be perfectly fine so long as you find a place a little removed from the action.
It’s not an area that I recommend for everyone, but if you’re looking to stay somewhere pretty, want to partake in at least some nightlife, and are ok with occasionally walking up and down hills (or taking a cab), it can be quite pleasant.
Pros
Central location, great viewpoints, good restaurants and cafes, excellent nightlife. Not overly touristy.
Cons
Very hilly. Loud at night in certain areas. No metro stop and not tons to do in the area during the day.
Where to stay
Bairro Alto Hotel - Facing Praça Luís de Camões, this luxurious hotel sits in a great location between Chiado and Bairro Alto. Rooms are spacious and airy and the property is exceedingly elegant. $350-500.
The Lumiares Hotel & Spa - 5-star hotel with spacious suites and apartments that come with equipped kitchens. It also has a rooftop bar, restaurant and a spa. $300-500.
Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel - Classic meets contemporary in this 18th-century palace that was once the home of João Federico Ludovice, architect to King João V. It has luxurious rooms that blend modern and historic aesthetics, like original ceilings and tiles. There’s also a spa and a restaurant and bar. $250-400 USD.
Almaria Edificio Oficina Real - Lovely little guesthouse with bright, modern, and airy rooms in a central Bairro Alto location. Lower down in the neighborhood, it limits how many hills you’ll have to climb to get home. $200 USD.
LX Hotel - Technically in Cais do Sodre and not Bairro Alto, it’s right on the border. You’re close to all the nightlife in these two neighborhoods, but far enough removed to not have to listen to it. The hotel is the result of the renovation of a previous century-old hotel and it now offers cozy rooms, some with a good view over the river. $125-200 USD.
Bairro House Charming Suites - Right in the heart of Bairro Alto, this guesthouse puts you in prime position to explore the area’s pleasant side streets. Rooms are across multiple floors and there’s no elevator, so be prepared to climb some stairs. $125-150 USD.
Selina Secret Garden & Coworking - An ideal spot for young travelers working remotely, Selina offers a co-working space and events throughout the week like yoga and DJ sets. $100 USD for private rooms with a shared bathroom or $150 with an ensuite.
5. Alfama
Best for: History lovers and those looking for a postcard view of Lisbon
Alfama features either in first or second place on most “where to stay in Lisbon” guides so I understand that it may be a bit surprising that I’ve listed it so late in mine. But I’m a local and I’ve tried to be honest with my recommendations.
Let me preface the rest of my comments by first making clear that Alfama is gorgeous, historic, and iconic. You can’t help from taking out your camera when wandering around the area, and whether you’re snapping shots of the river views or of the pastel-colored buildings, this is Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhood.
Most of Alfama’s charm comes from being the oldest district in the city, having survived the earthquake of 1755. This means that unlike many of Lisbon’s other neighborhoods that have wide streets and clear city blocks, Alfama is a maze of winding alleys and tumbling staircases.
The area is also home to some of Lisbon’s major sights: the Castelo de São Jorge, the Panteão Nacional, and the Sé Cathedral. You have numerous great viewpoints and you’re close to more iconic sights in neighoring Baixa and Chiado.
Know, though, that this is also Lisbon’s most intensely touristy neighborhood. With the current tourism boom, landlords have begun turning their homes into short-term rentals, forcing out almost all of the longtime residents and dramatically changing the neighborhood’s character. What was once a working class neighborhood has now become almost entirely dominated by tourism.
Few locals remain and the restaurants, cafes, and bars cater mostly to tourists. No matter the time of day, you’ll find crowds of visitors here, lining up for things like the packed Tram 28 or selfies at the Miradouro Santa Luzia. While unmistakably a beautiful neighborhood, the feeling of mass tourism is inescapable.
Now, those downsides shouldn’t necessarily dissuade you from staying here. The neighborhood is beautiful, and getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets is a delight. Forget directions; just walk aimlessly and admire your surroundings.
If you stay here rather than just visiting during the day, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the neighborhood early in the mornings before the crowds have arrived or late in the evenings after they’ve left. I’d just recommend you go elsewhere for most of the day.
Alfama is a perfectly nice choice is you want to stay somewhere charming, picturesque, and romantic so long as you’re ok with the fact that it will feel very touristy.
Pros
Historic, beautiful, and iconic. Near to many of the city’s major sights and attractions.
Cons
Extremely touristy, poor public transit (tram only), no car access. Narrow and hilly streets are challenging for those with mobility issues. Expensive.
Where to stay
Santiago de Alfama - Just minutes from São Jorge Castle, this is a 5-star boutique hotel housed inside a pretty 15th-century building. Rooms are elegant, bright, and very well set up, most of them with privileged views over Alfama’s red tile roofs. Easy choice if it’s within your budget. $300 USD.
Memmo Alfama - Tucked away in a small alley, this modern 4-star hotel offers rooms with breathtaking views of the river and the Panteão Nacional. The swimming pool is a treat on hot summer days. $175-350 USD.
Solar do Castelo - Located inside the castle grounds, this four-star hotel oozes character with exposed stone walls, wooden ceilings, and antique furniture. $250-350 USD.
Pousada de Alfama — Located just opposite the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, this 4-star hotel offers rooms with fantastic views and pleasant accents. In the entrance courtyard, a huge work by local artist Bordalo II welcomes guests. $150-250 USD.
Alfama Lisbon Lounge Suites — Around the corner from Castelo de São Jorge, these modern apartments are spacious and offer basic amenities, including a kitchenette. $100-150 USD.
Mouraria Lisboa Hotel - Small and simple but charming enough. The rooms here are airy and there’s a pleasant communal patio. The location, at the beginning of Mouraria and just outside of Aflama, is only a 10 minute walk to the Rossio train station. $100 USD.
Other neighborhoods to consider
I think the above 5 neighborhoods are the right choices for most people. However, if you’re looking for more options, here are 3 other parts of the city that I think could be choices.
These neighborhoods, while still mostly convenient for sightseeing, are a bit more off the beaten path, meaning that you’ll get a more local experience in them. There are drawbacks to each though, so think carefully about whether they’ll be a good fit for your trip.
Alcântara, Estrela & Madragoa
Best for: Remote workers, foodies, and families with kids
Just west of the neighborhoods of Chiado and Bairro Alto, these three neighborhoods form a kind of triangle, with Alcântara and Madragoa lining the riverfront, and Estrela sitting on the tip of the hill. Although each their own neighborhood, I list them together because they have a similar vibe.
Still central, but away from major tourist centers, they are residential and very pleasant. They’re popular with wealthy locals and expats and you’ll find lots of good shops, pleasant cafes, and lovely parks and squares. The vibe is calm, but lively.
This part of Lisbon offers a more local vibe. A middle class area of the city, in recent years it has also become popular with expats and longer term visitors. Because of this, there’s a distinct international and cosmopolitan flair, but not really a touristy one. You have some really good restaurants in the neighborhood too.
Just outside of the center, you are connected to the rest of the city by bus and tram (and one metro stop). All 3 neighborhoods are still close enough to be relatively convenient for sightseeing, but know that if you choose to stay here you’ll probably wind up having to call a Bolt/Uber/Taxi at least a few times.
I think these areas make for an excellent base for visitors with at least a few days here and who want to be central, but somewhere residential and less touristy.
Pros
Local, residential feel. Lots of green space and parks. Excellent dining.
Cons
Poor public transport - no metro or tram. Not good for those with just a couple days.
Where to stay
Olissippo Lapa Palace - A luxury hotel housed in a 19th-century palace featuring a spa, two pools, and stunning river views ($600).
York House - This boutique hotel is conveniently located next to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and several cafés ($150-200).
LX Hostel - Located inside the LX Factory, this is an ideal choice for travelers on a budget. Pets are welcome ($40 dorm, $100 private room).
Graça
Best for: Repeat visitors looking for a more local atmosphere
Set on a hill, Graça offers some of the best views in town. This picturesque neighborhood is only a few minutes up from historic Alfama, but it has a very different atmosphere, with cozy wine bars, dog-friendly gardens, and colorful murals that keep popping up on every corner almost daily.
This is one of my favorite areas in Lisbon, and although the neighborhood has changed significantly in the last 10 years, it retains much of its down-to-earth charm.
The traditional restaurants and shops are still here, but the area has also become much trendier in recent years, which is evident from the many brunch spots and natural wine bars (change comes for us all!).
There’s plenty to do right in the neighborhood, from thrift shopping at Humana, to watching the sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, or catching an open-mic session at Camones.
What makes Graça special, however, are the little villas like Vila Berta and Estrela d'Ouro. Originally built as an area for workers, these are like a neighborhood within a neighborhood, with cute terraced houses and tiled facades.
If you’ve visited Lisbon before and have already covered most of the monuments, or if you just like staying in pleasant local areas, this is a great place to soak in the atmosphere and see local life. Some people like the area so much that they rarely leave the neighborhood.
Now, the downside of staying here is that it’s very poorly connected to the rest of the city. You have no metro stops and will be entirely reliant on trams and/or taxis. For this reason, despite the fact that I personally really like Graça, I rarely recommend it to first time visitors and never to anyone with just 1 or 2 days in the city.
Pros
Local, residential feel. Picturesque and historic architecture. Great dining. Great views. Very good choice for returning visitors.
Cons
No metro stop (tram only). Inconvenient for sightseeing. Not a good choice for first-time visitors with limited time.
Where to stay
Santa Clara 1728 - With only six suites, this upscale hotel is ideal for a romantic getaway. It’s located between Alfama and Graça ($500 USD, 2-night minimum).
Albergaria Senhora do Monte - Just a few steps from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, this three-star hotel offers rooms with incredible city views ($180).
Tings Lisbon - An affordable B&B featuring 16 rooms and a cozy outdoor patio ($120).
Belém
Best for: Urban explorers, history lovers, and families
Hugged by the Tejo river, Belém lies on the waterfront on the western edge of central Lisbon.
Although it’s removed from the city center, this is where you’ll find most of Lisbon’s museums and many old landmarks and monutment that are connected to the country’s maritime roots. Because of this, it’s always full of visitors.
You'll see people queuing up to visit the Gothic-style Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery, or to taste the original custard tart (pastel de nata) from the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. Although the shop has become quite touristy, locals also like to grab a pastel de nata from there whenever passing through the neighborhood.
Although full of tourists in the daytime, almost everyone visiting merely comes by to see the Monastery, tower, and monuments, leaving the neighborhood behind by the evening. That means that in the evenings the area returns to being a mostly local place and if you stay here you’ll be able to grab dinner or drinks in small little restaurants mostly catering to residents.
For a stroll, you can walk along the area’s riverfront promenade or, for something even more active, cycle it all the way into the city center.
The biggest perks of staying in Belém are that you can get to the monuments very early (before the crowds) and it’s a bit closer to the Cascais coastline than the city center (20-minute train ride).
Keep in mind that are only a few hotels in this area, and most are pretty high-end, so unless you plan on splurging during your stay, you won’t find many options. If you do have a big budget, some of the hotels are grand oases of calm with verdant gardens, elegant architecture, and big pools.
As for transportation, it’s ok. There is no metro stop, but you both have tram and bus access. Typically, you can get into the city center in about 20 minutes.
Pros
Very calm area. Some excellent high end hotels. Close to some of Lisbon’s most important monuments.
Cons
Far from the center. No metro stop (tram only). Feels a bit empty. Limited dining options. Packed with thousands of visitors during the day.
Where to stay
Altis Belém - Facing the river, this luxury hotel features a Michelin-star restaurant, swimming pools and a spa ($350).
NAU Palácio do Governador - Set in a 17th-century mansion, this hotel is a short walk from Torre de Belém. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, gym and spa ($275).
Jerónimos 8 - An affordable option right next to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos offering modest rooms ($150).
More Lisbon & Portugal travel info
For more advice on planning your trip to Lisbon and Portugal, have a look at some of our other guides and itineraries!
*For any readers coming from Germany or Austria, you might also check out this very helpful post on things to do in Lisbon all written in Deutsch!
- 1 hour planning session
- Chat with a local expert
- Perfect your itinerary
- Get pro tips & hidden gems
Connect with a Portugal expert