Use this when you’re looking for Airbnbs & hotels.
Lisbon might be a city easy to get around, but selecting which neighborhood to stay in might be confusing to first-time travelers. Here’s the ultimate neighborhood breakdown for those looking to Airbnb or hotels that are well situated. We didn’t include every neighborhood on this list, these are simply areas that you’ll be centrally located to sightsee and be part of the busy hubs!
Reputation: Tourist hub, Lisbon’s downtown.
411: Where you’ll find lots of shops, restaurants, and famous sites. This is where you’ll see the most travelers and crowds, so if you want a more quaint and quiet experience in Lisbon, stay somewhere else.
Don’t miss: Much of this area was destroyed during the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, but reconstructed during the late 18th century. Famous bookstores and cafes you’ve seen in other guides are located here, including: Brasileira Café, Livraria Bertrand. Famous sites include: Praca do Commercio, and Rossio train station.
Reputation: Trendy and international.
411: Príncipe Real is a favorite among expats looking to invest in Lisbon. Although quite residential, it is now filled with cool bars and posh restaurants. Just stroll through this area without much planning is the best way to take it all in!
Don’t miss: Walk through Jardim Botânico de Lisboa, grab pizza at ZeroZero, and have a drink at Memmo Principe Real with a fantastic view.
Reputation: Boho yet fashionable. For the best nightlife…
411: Bairro Alto and Chiado are right next to each other, both welcome the cool and stylish. Their central location is the reason why you’ll find many hostels, hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops and even tattoo parlors here. If you’re young and free, loves to be part of the in-crowd, these two neighborhoods are made for you!
Don’t miss: Lots of nightlife and barhopping, check out: Pensão Amor, and ByTheWine. Go shopping on these two main streets: Rua Garrett and Rua do Carmo. Grab a coffee at the famous Cafe a Brasileira, check out the city view at Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara, admire Carmo Church and Igreja de Sao Roque.
Reputation: Oldest neighborhood boasting vintage charm on the hills.
411: If you love Montmartre in Paris, Alfama offers the same experience in Lisbon. It exudes so much charm, with tiny alleys up on a hill. If you don’t mind staying just a little bit way from city central, and prefer to wanderlust through rustic streets adorned with churches and great views of the city, then Alfama is IT! Don’t forget, Alfama is also the birthplace of fado – Portugal’s traditional music.
Don’t miss: Museu do Fado, Castelo de São Jorge, climb up National Pantheon (or Church of Santa Engrácia), Se de Lisboa (or the Lisbon Cathedral), Museu San Antonio, Museum of Lisbon – Roman Theater, and Portas do Sol.
Reputation: Luxury & high-end.
411: Avenida da Liberdade translates to “Liberty Avenue.” Designer brands, five-star hotels…every city has one. In Lisbon, you can find all of it on Avenida da Liberdade. Traverse between Rossio train station and Parque Eduardo, you can enjoy the spacious walkways along the avenue, and live that high life!
Don’t miss: Snap a pic of statue of the Marques de Pombal. Then stroll along the avenue like how you would on Champs-Élysées in Paris.
