What is the best neighborhood to stay in Lisbon? I could give you six different answers. First, let me tell you, if you stay in any of these neighborhoods, you can’t go wrong. They all have pros and cons, but they are all central. You can find something that fits your budget and needs in each neighborhood.
Baixa – one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon
If it is your first time in Lisbon, you might want to consider staying in the Baixa neighborhood. Baixa is very central and right on the river. The neighborhood is a transportation hub, with a green line metro station at Rossio Square (also known as Praça Dom Pedro IV) and Rossio Train Station. Rua Augusta is the popular pedestrian mall that connects Praça da Figueira to Praça do Comércio.
This neighborhood has lots to see, lots of shops and restaurants. It will also be quite crowded.
You might also choose Baixa if you are with kids or a large family. Logistics for seeing the city and moving the group about will be easier due to all of the public transportation options, how central the neighborhood is, and its flat sea-level surface.
The entire neighborhood is flat. Baixa means “lowlands” or “downtown.” You can take the famous Santa Justa Lift to get up to Chiado, the Carmo Convent Ruins, Bairro Alto, and Príncipe Real – all of the great hillside neighborhoods to the west.
The Baixa neighborhood was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. It is filled with five and six story buildings from the late 1700s, and many of the buildings do not have elevators.
When looking for lodging in this area, be sure to find out whether or not your hotel has an elevator.
For more information on the Baixa, see my article, Lisbon’s downtown – Baixa: Everything you need to know
Lodging in the Baixa neighborhood
Yes! Lisbon Hostel
Rua São Julião, 148
Voted the best hostel in the world in 2010 and 2019. Dorm beds start at $36 per night. Female-only dorms are available. The hostel has a bar. They can do your laundry. Breakfast is included. To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/yes-lisbon-hostel-lisboa.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
The hostel has air-conditioning, as well as an elevator.
Lisbon Destination Hostel
The hostel is located on the top floor of the Rossio train station. Beds in the dorms go for $30 – $40 per night. Private rooms start at $96. All-female dorms are available.
The hostel is wheelchair accessible and has air-conditioning. In spite of being in the train station (catch trains to Sintra here), you cannot hear the trains.
The hostel has a bar and a pool table. Breakfast is included. The cook can prepare other meals for you, or you can use the kitchen.
Home Lisbon Hostel
Rua de São Nicalau , 13 One of the most loved hostels in Lisbon, Mama will cook dinner for you.
At Home Lisbon Hostel you will find four bed and six bed mixed dorms. There is also an entire floor for females only – six bed and eight bed rooms.
Each bed has an electrical outlet, a light, a locker, and curtains for privacy.
Beds start at 40€, and private rooms with two twins start at 180€ per night.
Avenida da Liberdade is one of Lisbon’s top neighborhoods
Avenida da Liberdade is the most expensive and most elegant neighborhood in Lisbon. Very central, it lies just north of the Rossio train station. This mile long street is served by three metro stations and terminates at Parque Eduardo VII.
Avenida da Liberdade would also be a great neighborhood to choose if you have kids, a large group, or limited mobility.
The street has a barely perceptible incline as it approaches the park, but essentially the neighborhood is flat.
The wide avenue has well-manicured green spaces, it is one of the most enjoyable walks in the city.
Avenida da Liberdade is lined with theaters, 18th-century mansions, embassies, luxury hotels, and high-end shopping.
Lodging in the Avenida da Liberdade neighborhood
Bluesock Hostel
Rua Manuel Jesus Coelho 1, 100 meters from the Avenida metro station
The Bluesock Hostel was formerly a seven-story hotel but today offers attractive and bright 4, 6, and 8-bed dorms as well as private rooms. Breakfast is also available. Beds in dorms each have a privacy curtain.
The private rooms are quite large and comfortable.
The hostel has a rooftop bar, and the hotel is located one block east of the Avenida metro station. Fair warning, it is not one of the coolest rooftops in the city, but it is a hostel with a rooftop bar.
Avani Avenida Liberdade
Rua Julio Caesar Machado, 7
Located just north of the Avenida metro station. A full bed or two twins can be had for around $157 during the high season.
Rooms are air-conditioned and soundproof. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet and has a Japanese Restaurant on site – Geisha by Olivier.
The hotel has a pool, and guests have access to sister-hotel Tivoli Avenida’s SkyBar and spa.
Avenida Palace Hotel
The Hotel Avenida Palace is right next door to the Rossio Train Station.
Always popular with diplomats and politicians, the Hotel Avenida Palace’s English-style pub and lobby were rumored to be a hotbed of espionage during World War II. That alone earns the Avenida Palace Hotel a mention in my article (Updated) Lisbon’s most interesting hotels (truly unique lodging in Lisbon)
Today the five-star hotel offers large, quiet rooms in the center of the city. Guests say that staying in this hotel is one of the best things about visiting Lisbon.
A double room could run $240 per night.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/avenida-palace.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Chiado is one of Lisbon’s most popular areas
If you are asking yourself where to stay in Lisbon, Chiado is an extremely popular choice. Chiado is a vibrant district filled with shops, restaurants, cafés, and boutique hotels. It is centrally locat and served by the Baixa-Chiado metro station.
Chiado is a flat neighborhood as well, but it sits above the Baixa, or lower neighborhood.
The neighborhood is anchored by the six-story Armazens do Chiado shopping mall.
The Carmo Convent ruins are nearby, as well as one of the Lisbon’s most photographed sites, the Ascensor da Bica.
Chiado Square and the Café à Brasileira are at the center of the neighborhood. The entire neighborhood was named after the poet, Chiado.
Livraria Bertrand is in The Guinness Book of World Records as the longest continually operating bookstore in the world.
Near Chiado you also find a great scenic lookout, the Miradouro de Santa Catarina. See my article, Ultimate guide to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina viewpoint.
There are also several great rooftop bars nearby. For more information, read my Best rooftop bars in Lisbon.
Chiado also has a lot of great dining options, including two of Lisbon’s Michelin Star restaurants – Alma and Belcanto.
Lodging in Chiado
Hotel Borges Chiado
Rua Garrett, 108 – Located on Chiado’s main thoroughfare on Chiado Square. The metro station is only 40 meters away.
All rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom. Some rooms have balconies. Breakfast is available for an extra charge. There is a 24-hour fitness center, and laundry services are available. The hotel has a restaurant, and outdoor dining with fantastic people-watching.
High season rates start at 99€ per night for a twin standard room. This may be one of the best deals in the neighborhood.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/borges.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Lisboa Pessoa Hotel
Rua do Oliveiro ao Carmo, 8 – very close to the Carmo Convent the Santa Justa Lift, and one of Lisbon’s prettiest tiled houses. See my article, Lisbon’s tiled houses – A tradition you will love for more information.
Lisboa Pessoa hotel is owned by a Portuguese family. Inside it’s decorated to commemorate the life and works of Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa.
There is a state of Pessoa in front of Café à Brasileira. Many tourists sit with him to pose for pictures.
The boutique hotel has a rooftop bar where you can sip your drink as you admire the city’s beauty. To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/lisboa-pessoa.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real: Great areas for nightlife
These neighborhoods are known for great nightlife. There are many restaurants as well. If you want to be near the action, these are great neighborhoods to stay in.
Most of Bairro Alto is on a slope that runs down hill toward the river.
Príncipe Real has some fantastic restaurants for foodies, including Tapisco, A Cevicheria, and the Argentine steakhouse La Paparrucha.
The restaurant Lost In has fantastic views of the city, and Pavilhão Chinês is one of the most charming and unique watering holes you will ever find.
The Jardim do Príncipe Real gardens are a fantastic place to relax. Across the street you will find the Embaixada boutique shops in a repurposed mansion.
The scenic viewpoint, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is nearby, as is the Ascensor da Glória, a funicular that moves people up and down between the upper and lower neighborhoods.
Lodging in Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real
Lisbon Lookout Hostel
Rua São Pedro de Alcântara, 63. This hostel is located across from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara scenic viewpoint – a spot that becomes a block party during the month of June.
Each bed has its own curtain, reading lamp, power socket, and locker. What more do you need? They also provide WiFi, breakfast, and nightly entertainment options.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/lookout-lisbon-hostel.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Hotel Anjo Azul
Rua Luz Soriano, 75. This hotel is only a block away from the nightlife of Bairro Alto – but you don’t get any noise from the street in your room.
Like many of the hotel employees in Lisbon, João at the front desk works hard and gives great advice to guests.
A single room, up several flights of stairs starts at around 90€. While the hotel does not serve breakfast, there are several cafes and restaurants nearby. There is a laundry mat on the same street, and there is a mini supermarket and a bus stop right around the corner.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/anjo-azul.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Hotel Memmo Príncipe Real
Rua Dom Pedro V 56J – Located near the Jardím do Príncipe Real and the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantâra.
The hotel has a rooftop pool, and Café Príncipe Real serves Portuguese, Mediterranean, and international cuisine.
Breakfast is for guests only, but the cozy restaurant opens to the public from noon until 3 pm and serves dinner and cocktails from 7:30 pm until 11 pm.
A raw bar serves carpaccio, ceviche, tuna tartar, and oysters. Main courses run around 25€.
Memmo Principe Real offers soundproof rooms, AC, WiFi, laundry service, concierge, luggage service, Bang and Olufson TV, bathrobes and slippers, premium Hermès amenities, and live music on the terrace on Friday evenings.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/memmo-principe-real.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
For history and culture, base yourself in Alfama
Alfama is on the hillside just east of the central Baixa neighborhood. It runs from the castle down to the river. For more information on Lisbon’s castle, see my article In and around Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon’s castle
This historic neighborhood was spared by the earthquake of 1755. It is rich in history and culture, and is the birthplace of fado music.
The views in this neighborhood are fantastic, with the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and the Miradouro da Santa Luzía a few hundred meters from the Lisbon Cathedral.
Your hotel will most likely be on some narrow lane and on a slope. For more information on the Alfama neighborhood, see my article The Alfama District – A complete guide to Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood
Lodging in the Alfama Neighborhood
This is Lisbon Hostel
Rua da Costa do Castelo, 63
This is Lisbon Hostel has a terrace with a view of the city. Among hostel properties, you can’t find better views.
Breakfast is available, lockers are provided, and there is a washer and dryer for your use.
Beds in the mixed dorm start at 29€.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/this-is-lisbon-hostel.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Rua do Salvador, 2B
This reasonably priced hotel is in a former convent directly below the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. From the viewpoint, you can actually take a short staircase down to the lane where the hotel is located.
A room with a queen bed can be had for as low as $100 per night. Although the building was once a convent, the rooms are both modern and comfortable.
The hotel is committed to sustainable practices, and a portion of each stay is donated to a local children’s community center.
Memmo Alfama
Travessa das Merceeiras, 27 – Memmo Alfama is located between the Lisbon Cathedral and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia viewpoints. To learn more about Lisbon’s scenic viewpoints, read my article, Lisbon’s Best Miradouros and Scenic Viewpoints – A visitor’s guide
Memmo Alfama has a rooftop pool and open-air lounge overlooking Alfama and the Tejo River.
A double room in this four-star hotel in the high season can be had for $218.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/memmo-alfama.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Almirante Reis and Mouraria
These areas are gritty (but they are safe). They are old, and they have been resettled by immigrants from all over the world. They are working class neighborhoods. Still fairly central, they are located to the northeast of Rossio Square.
Tram 28E has its starting point in Martim Moniz square, just south of Avenida Almirante Reis. See my article Where does Tram 28 stop? All you need to know about Tram 28 for more information on Tram28.
Avenida Almirante Reis is a popular thoroughfare running through central Lisbon. You are never far from one of the four metro stations on the street (green line).
You can find some outstanding food in this area. Some of my favorite seafood places are in this neighborhood. You will also find a lot of great ethnic food here.
There are also good deals to be found in these central neighborhoods.
Lodging in this area
Saint Jordi Hostel
Rua Forno do Tijolo, 3 – located uphill from the Anjos metro station and Intendente metro station, Saint Jordi is also near the little known Miradouro do Monte Agudo viewpoint. The popular Nossa Senhora do Monte viewpoint is also nearby.
Formerly a convent, this large hostel has a great atmosphere for socializing, with a bar on site as well as a private garden.
The hostel organizes happy hours, themed dinners, bike tours, pub crawls, and yoga classes.
Breakfast is available. Each bed has a curtain. Laundry service is available for an extra charge.
Beds in the 10-bed mixed dormitory start at $31 per night.
For females they offer a 10-bed female dormitory starting at €33. They also have an eight-bed all female room and a four-bed female room.
There are also five and six bed mixed dorms as well as private rooms.
Asian Everest Guest House
Rua Nova do Desterro, 3
This small unique family-owned hostel is in an apartment that has been turned into a hostel.
It may be one of the cheapest lodging options in the city.
There is a double room with a queen bed for €40 per night.
The budget twin room sleeps three people in a twin and queen bed for €69 per night.
The family room has one twin-bed and one king bed goes for €69 per night.
Everything here is small, but there are not many guests sharing the facilities. You will find a small living room, one small bathroom, a half bathroom, a small kitchen, and a washing machine.
There is no bar, and this is not a party hostel. Breakfast is not provided, but there are multiple coffee shops nearby.
The hostel is located a few steps from the Intendente metro station. Largo do Intendente square across the street is a nice spot for a drink or a meal.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/asian-everest-house.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Hotel 1908 Lisboa
Located at the corner of Almirante Reis and Largo do Intendente, by the Intendente metro station. you will not have to worry about climbing hills to get to this hotel.
An exceptional piece of architecture, the hotel opened in 1908. Designed by architect Aldães Bermudes, the four-star hotel resembles New York’s Flat Iron building.
A breakfast buffet is served in the hotel’s Infame Restaurant. The hotel has its own bar. Each of the air conditioned rooms has its own safe. Some of the rooms have wrought iron balconies that overlook Praça do Intendente square.
Expect to be well taken care of at this beautifully designed hotel and expect to pay €300 per night.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/1908-lisboa.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
WC by the Beautique Hotels
I wrote about this hotel in my article, (Updated) Lisbon’s most interesting hotels (truly unique lodging in Lisbon).
WC Beautique Hotel is located at Avenida Almirante Reis, 35, near the Intendente metro station. It is located in a flat area.
The theme of this hotel expresses the comfort and cleanliness of a sleek modern bathroom. Think running water or water closet.
Of course, guests are provided with a bathrobe and slippers. Each sound-proofed, air-conditioned room has marble or tiled floors, and a safe.
The hotel is praised for its cleanliness and service.
Rooms start at 130€ in the high season.
Hotel Mundial
Located at Martim Moniz Square, 2. The hotel sits in front of the Martim Moniz metro station and the starting point of Tram 28. Hotel Mundial is right around the corner from Praça da Figueira and Rossio Square. The hotel sits on flat ground.
The views from the hotel’s rooftop terrace and Varanda Restaurant have long been favorites of Lisbon’s residents.
The four-star Hotel Mundial has its own parking garage and is equipped with elevators. The hotel operates the Adega Premium Winehouse Bar and Shop. The Solarium Spa is available as well. There is even a convenience store in the building.
Smaller, soundproofed, air-conditioned rooms start at 261€ in the high season.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/hotelmundial.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Belém, Parque das Nações, and the airport
Belém is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Lisbon, with its 16th century UNESCO world heritage sites. There are some great museums in this neighborhood, great sunset spots, and plenty of riverfront dining.
But I would not recommend staying in Belém. It is not central. You will absolutely visit this area, but it’s not really a good base for seeing the rest of the city.
The one exception to this would be if you choose to stay at the five-star Altis Belém Hotel. This riverside hotel is a destination in itself – with its rooftop pool, Karin Herzog Spa, and Michelin Star Restaurant, Feitoria.
Parque das Nações is not very central either, although it has a lot to offer, particularly for business travelers and families with children. The Parque das Nações neighborhood was built for the World’s Fair Expo 98 and has great examples of modern architecture.
Parque das Nações is located on the northeast side of the city, near the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
The neighborhood has a casino and also the Vasco da Gama Shopping Mall, right across the street from the visually appealing Oriente Metro Station, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Parque das Nações is also home to the Lisbon Oceanarium. For more information, read my article, Lisbon Oceanarium | Plan Your Visit to the Oceanário de Lisboa
Airport
There certainly are hotels near the airport. I don’t think I would stay in this area unless I I was very nervous about straying too far from my flight.
Your glass of wine with a view of the Tejo River is only 20 minutes away from the airport by Bolt, Uber, or taxi. Expect to pay 15€ – 20€ for the ride.
You can take the metro from the airport station down to the river for $1.50 and be there within a half hour.
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