Are you searching for the best areas to stay in Lisbon for your holidays?
Take a look at this 5 top list of the best areas to stay in Lisbon. These places are all in walking distance from all the hotspots in the city.
The best and fastest way to explore the big city’s inside Europe is definitely by train. Check HERE for deals and discounts on your tickets.
Baixa-Chiado
This is where it all happens, one of Lisbon’s best areas to stay while in town ‘Baixa-Chiado‘. This is the busiest neighbourhood in Lisbon, where you can find pretty much everything! There are a lot of restaurants, bars and hotels around, as well as vintage and handmade shops. Being in such an hotspot is definitely a privilege but that comes with a price – its’ one of the most expensive parts of town.
This area is mostly known for its monumental buildings and large squares, such as Terreiro do Paço, Rossio and Restauradores. The neighbourhood was fully rebuilt after the Earthquake that almost completely destroyed the city in 1755. The neo-classic architecture extends all the way from the most exquisite avenue (Avenida da Liberdade) until Lisbon’s largest square, Terreiro do Paço.
Baixa-Chiado is the perfect place to walk, shop and enjoy typical Portuguese food. On the way, don’t forget to pass by the Elevador de Santa Justa – an emblematic iron structure built to connect the downtown area to the Carmo Convent in the upper part of town.
Planning to stay longer than 30 nights in Lisbon? Check out Spotahome, they have some great places for you to rent.
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a more lively atmosphere. The neighbourhood is built on a hill and has lots of typical buildings beautifully tiled up.
During the day it can look quite peaceful, but at the night it’s totally transformed into the cities’ most exciting area. You will find a lot of cozy restaurants and bars for all kinds of music tastes.
And if the nightlife is not really your thing, you can take this opportunity to explore the beautiful view points around the neighbourhood like Miradouro de Santa Catarina or Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Alfama
Alfama is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, the only one in the downtown area that was not destroyed by the 1755 Earthquake. Once you are there, you will be amazed with its historical beauty and authentic Portuguese flair. In a maze of really narrow streets, friendly neighbours and ups and downs, it has the most beautiful viewing points you can find.
In Alfama there’s an interesting mix of locals and tourist exploring around. Here, you’ll find many small restaurants with traditional Portuguese food, followed by live Fado music.
Before you book your stay in Alfama, know that it’s not possible to drive in most of the streets. You’ll probably have to walk a bit to get to your accommodation. But since this is an older part of town, it’s normally easy to find budget Airbnbs, specially in the Low Season.
Take a look HERE if you are looking for a place to stay in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods Alfama.
Príncipe Real
Príncipe Real is full of excitement, character and fun!
It’s a residential area surrounded with beautiful gardens, like Jardim do Príncipe Real, and cute little squares, like Praça das Flores. There are great restaurants and bars everywhere, as well as antique shops and art galleries. Here you will find the majestic Botanical Garden, the Natural History Museum and the breathtaking Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
The neighbourhood is also famous for being LGBT friendly. You will find several gay bars, clubs and also accommodations directed only to the LGBT community.
Graça
Graça is one of the Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods and it’s famous for being the starting point of the famous 28 Yellow Tram. It’s the place where you just can’t avoid going uphill because it’s the city’s highest point. From Baixa-Chiado it’s about 30 minutes walking, but it’s definitely worth it.
Graça has two of the most amazing viewing points in town, Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Here you’ll also find the Jardim da Cerca, a very cool and popular park among the locals with a kiosk that sell cheap drinks.
From my top 5 list of the best areas to stay, this is where you can probably find the best deal. There are not a lot of hotels around, but you can find really great Airbnbs for a bargain. The public transportation is not so easy as in other parts of town, but it’s definitely a great place to stay.
Check out Spotahome if you are planning to stay longer than 30 days, they have some great houses for you to rent.
