Looking for the best place to stay in Lisbon?
Follow the guide, we have tested, listed and detailed for you the best areas to sleep in Lisbon as well as the best accommodation in this city that we love visiting so much.
⏰ Don’t have time to read it all?
Here are our 3 favourite accommodations listed by price category:
🚨 These hotels are among the most popular, so don’t hesitate to book. Plus, they offer free cancellation, so you don’t have to worry if you change your mind.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and cheap hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy, modern hotel with spacious designer roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
Table des matières
Where to stay in Lisbon for the first time: The Alfama
The Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most touristy areas to stay and although the Portuguese capital is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, most of the sites you’ll have the chance to discover were built in the 18th century.
After most of Lisbon collapsed in the terrible earthquake of1 November 1755, what remained was consumed by fire or swept away by the ensuing tsunami.
The ancient Moorish city of Alfama, perched on the side of one of Lisbon’s seven hills, miraculously escaped the disaster.
Get your first picturesque impression of the area by taking the Tram 28, which is packed at all times of the day.
Here are our favourite hotels in the best area to stay in Lisbon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Lisbon.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and inexpensive hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy and modern hotel offering design and spacious roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
Where to stay in Lisbon to visit: Graça
If you climb to the top of Alfama hill (it’s a real hike!), you’ll arrive at Graça. Here you can enjoy some of Lisbon’s finest views.
Admire the city stretching out before you from St George’s Castle, or climb up to the Graça belvedere.
From here, you’ll be able to see the silhouette of the castle from a vantage point overlooking the entire city centre. This miradoura is also worth a visit for its open-air café, where you can enjoy delicious food and drink while taking in the scenery.
Before you leave, enter the church of Graça, which boasts a richly decorated Baroque interior dating back to the 13th century.
If your legs still carry you, an extra effort of around ten minutes will take you to the top of the hill at the Senhora do Monte belvedere, where you can enjoy the best views of the city.
Here are our favourite hotels in the best area to stay your first time in Lisbon
Note: Don’t delay booking as these are some of the most booked hotels in Lisbon.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and inexpensive hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy and modern hotel offering design and spacious roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
Where to stay in Lisbon with your family: La Baixa
The Baixa district is Lisbon’s city centre. If staying in the centre is one of your priorities, this is the ideal place, even if you’ll be sacrificing the charm of a typical neighbourhood for an area mainly occupied by company headquarters and hotels.
The Rossio station, which you will probably pass through if you choose to make a trip to Sintra, is located in the heart of the district.
The area is mainly flat, so it’s easy to stroll along its wide boulevards.
Join the crowds browsing the shops established along Augusta Street, and relax in one of the impressive squares lined with sumptuous palaces and official buildings.
Take the lift to the top of the Arc de Triomphe (Arco Triunfal da Rue Augusta). You’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the street, the Place du Commerce and the river beyond.
Although the area is packed with tourists, stop off at the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha church for a few minutes’ peace and quiet. Only the façade of the building survived the earthquake of 1755, the rest having been rebuilt from the ruins.
If you want to discover an authentic Portuguese bakery, head for Nova Pombalina, a charming little café offering freshly squeezed fruit juices, pastries and sandwiches.
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay when visiting Lisbon
Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Lisbon.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and inexpensive hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy and modern hotel offering design and spacious roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
The place to go out in Lisbon: Bairro Alto
Just above the streets of Chiado lies its tumultuous neighbour, Bairro Alto. Originally a working-class neighbourhood, it wakes up at night, welcoming people from all walks of life for a festive pub crawl, and partying until the early hours.
Bear this in mind if you’re not planning to join the army of night owls, as the noise can disturb your sleep if you choose this area for your accommodation in Lisbon.
Most of the façades that weren’t already covered inazulejos, those picturesque earthenware tiles, have been given a colourful makeover by street artists.
Bairro Alto is the ideal place to stroll the streets with a drink in hand and meet people.
You can buy a pint of beer in most bars for less than 1.50 euros, and spend the night drinking outdoors.
If you’re looking for a picturesque place to catch a fado concert, book a seat quickly at the Tasca do Chico, a charming little bar where many singers regularly perform.
If you’re in the mood for a more cultural experience, take a look at the Zé dos Bois (ZDB) gallery, an art centre run by an association.
You can enjoy concerts, film evenings, exhibitions, shows and artistic performances, while sipping a beer on the terrace.
Here are our favourite hotels in Lisbon’s nightlife district
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Lisbon.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and inexpensive hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy and modern hotel offering design and spacious roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
The gourmet district: Chiado
If you could rank the districts of Lisbon by the quality of their pastéis de nata, those delicious little Portuguese egg custards, Chiado would undoubtedly be at the top.
Wherever you choose to stay in Lisbon, you should at least stop off at Manteigaria to buy some.
But the area has more to offer than delicious pastries: try Sea Me for seafood, Taberna da Rua Das Flores for its seasonal menu of small dishes, and O Trevo for simple and tasty bifanas (ham sandwiches) costing just €2.
For a more historical insight into this area, visit the Carmelite Convent. Walking around its interior is always a slightly unreal experience: the absence of a roof is indicative of the damage caused by the great earthquake.
The restaurants in Chiado may seem a little too touristy and expensive, so take the time to seek out more local and authentic establishments.
For a delicious vegetarian dish, try Jardimdas Cerejas. For just €7.50, you can eat all you want.
Here are our favourite hotels in this area to stay in Lisbon
Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Lisbon.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and inexpensive hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy and modern hotel offering design and spacious roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
Lisbon’s trendiest district: Cais do Sodré
Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré seems to have shed its unenviable reputation as a seedy area mainly frequented by sailors in search of land-based adventures, to become one of the city’s trendiest districts.
People flock to Cais de Sodre during the day for the Time Out Market, an old covered market hall transformed into a gastronomic market, with some of the stalls manned by some of Portugal’s most popular chefs and restaurateurs.
Head down the famous Rua Nova do Carvalho (or “Pink Street”) to find the most fashionable bars and nightclubs.
Over the years, Cais do Sodré has become one of the capital’s nerve centres, leaving Bairro Alto to handle the hustle and bustle of the nightlife.
You can’t leave Lisbon without eating Lusitanian sardines, so try them at Sol e Peca, a small bar housed in a former fishing shop.
If you’re looking for something a little quieter, visit Arco Da Velha, a café-restaurant decorated in a way that will probably remind you of your grandmother’s house.
It’s the ideal place to relax after a long day exploring the capital, while enjoying a slice of cake with a cup of tea, or an imperial (half a lager).
Here are our favourite hotels in this district to stay at in Lisbon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Lisbon.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and inexpensive hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy and modern hotel offering design and spacious roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
The up-and-coming district for sleeping in Lisbon: La Mouraria
While the Alfama is the most touristy area to sleep in Lisbon, the Mouraria district, on the other side of the hill (near Marim Moniz metro station), remains relatively unspoilt.
This area also withstood the earthquake, but because of its former reputation as a shanty town, it still doesn’t attract many visitors.
Most of the buildings are currently being renovated and restored, so the area is undergoing a major transformation.
Enter Becodas Farinhas to meet the elders of Mouraria, who will be delighted to tell you all about its history.
You can also enjoy an open-air art exhibition, looking at photographer Camilla Watson’s portraits of local residents.
To admire the work of more local artists, head to the Chão do Loureiro car park (yes, it is a car park!).
Each level has been painted by a different street artist, showcasing the work of some of Portugal’s greatest talents.
Being in Lisbon’s most cosmopolitan district, continue on to Martim Moniz square, with its rows of food stalls, if you fancy a change from Portuguese cuisine.
Keep your eyes peeled for Escadinhas de São Cristovão, the world’s smallest bookshop.
Take the time to visit the Renovar a Mouraria association, which promotes multicultural events and runs a café serving snacks at very affordable prices.
Mouraria and Alfama are home to some of the capital’s most authentic restaurants.
For a taste of typical life, visit one of the famous secret Chinese restaurants set in basements.
These are family-run restaurants, hidden away in backyard flats. They are unregulated, but are still frequented by locals.
Find a half-open door and ring the bell; you’ll be welcomed into a simple, comfortable space, usually a living room, where you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. Don’t be afraid to try the fried ice cream!
Here are our favourite hotels in this area to stay at in Lisbon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Lisbon.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and inexpensive hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy and modern hotel offering design and spacious roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
The chic district: Príncipe Real
If you choose this area to stay in Lisbon, although the Principe Real is located in the centre of the capital, its atmosphere is more like that of a chic suburb, with its mansions, palace and elegant Lisboners, who meet for a drink in one of the area’s luxurious cafés.
This small residential district is full of charm, and its streets are lined with fabulous shops and boutiques.
If you’re looking for exclusive local items, browse the aisles of the likes of Entre Tanto, or the 21 PR Concept Store.
The Embaixada is probably one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon. This neo-Moorish palace, built in the 19th century, currently houses a two-storey fashion department stores’ and a café in the inner courtyard.
Here you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, albeit more expensive than in other parts of the capital, such as the chicken periperi at Frangasqueira Nacional, the simple fish dishes at Churrasqueira da Paz, or the pregosembolo do caco (a kind of club sandwich) at O Prego da Preixara.
The Nannarella ice cream parlour stacks authentic scoops of Italiangelato on high cones, and the Bettina & Niccolò Corallo Chocolate & Café makes a delicious three-chocolate ice cream using produce from its own plantation in São Tomé.
If you’re looking for a place to relax after a meal or long hours of shopping, soak up the sun on the huge cedar tree in the centre of the Jardim do Principe Real.
Here are our favourite hotels in this area to stay at in Lisbon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Lisbon.
(€) Shiado Suites. Stylish and inexpensive hotel in Lisbon located in the trendy Bairro Alto district. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Delicious breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Browns Downtown Hotel. Trendy and modern hotel offering design and spacious roomslocated inthe travellers’ favourite area close to points of interest. Book here.
(€€) Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. Superbly decorated hotel with a panoramic roof terrace with 2 magnificent outdoor pools and a spa. Located 10 minutes by metro from the centre. Book here.
The cultural district for accommodation in Lisbon: Intendente
Intendente is one of the trendiest areas to find accommodation in Lisbon, where you can meet fascinating people, discover quality gastronomy and attend many cultural events.
The Zona Franca and RDA69 associations are the ideal places to go out, meet the locals and sample some unusual vegetarian dishes. To become a member, all you have to do is make a donation to help them carry out their activities.
CrewHassam is an extremely versatile place, where you can dance the night away, explore their impressive vinyl collection, enjoy pizza and pancakes, or simply relax in one of their cosy corners.
There’s always something interesting going on at Casa Independente, a creative space located in a magnificent manor house, just across the square from Largo do Intendente.
Here you can enjoy drinks and snacks in the afternoon, or take advantage of the parties held here at weekends, with concerts and DJ sets.
Campo de Ourique
If you take the Tram 28 to the end of the line, you’ll pass the vast Jardim da Estrela and the magnificent Estrela Basilica, just before entering the Campo de Ourique district.
Many Lisbon families call this area “home”, and its streets are constantly lined with window-shoppers, dog-walkers and onlookers.
A visit to the Campo de Ourique market, a smaller version of the Time Out Market in Cais de Sodré, is ideal for buying fresh fruit and vegetables, or for a meal at one of the many food stalls.
Stock up on Portuguese sweets at Panificação Mecânica, or buy some Pão de Deus, one of the region’s traditional pastries.
At the edge of the district, you’ll find Tapadadas Necessidades, a vast garden that looks abandoned, with empty fountains and its glass-domed greenhouse just as neglected.
However, with peacocks roaming its paths and wide lawns to stretch out on, this park, one of the few green spaces in the capital, is still a real little corner of paradise.
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