With almost 300 days of sunshine, beautiful architecture, and delicious food, it’s easy to see why Lisbon is a popular destination. The capital city of Portugal is one of the oldest in Europe and home to many colorful neighborhoods full of character built on the hills around the Tagus River. Each neighborhood offers a unique vibe, and it can be difficult to decide where to stay in Lisbon. From the nightlife of Bairro Alto to the centrally located Chiado, here are the best spots to stay in Lisbon!
Planning a trip to Lisbon? Make sure to read the Best Things to Do in Lisbon, coming soon.
Alfama – Whimsical Romantic Neighborhood
On a steep hill above the Tagus River, the Alfama Neighborhood is perfect for those looking for a romantic stay surrounded by charming cafes and beautiful buildings. Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and boasts many historic sites, the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle to name a few. In the evenings, Fado music fills the streets of this picture-perfect neighborhood.
Stay at the boutique Santiago de Alfama property and enjoy the stunning views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Chiado – Charming Central Location
Set between Baixa and Bairro Alto, Chiado is ideally located in the city center with plenty of culture and charm. The Chiado neighborhood is perfect for first time visitors looking for easy access to many of Lisbon’s top attractions. Chiado is often combined with Baixa due to its smaller size. The easily accessible Baixa-Chiado metro station makes it easy to access other parts of the city if you don’t feel like walking. Plus, Chiado is blessed with several delicious bakeries in Lisbon to try the famous pastel de nata (Portugeuse custard tarts).
Stay at the Lisbon Pessoa Hotel with a lovely spa, roofop, and a delicious restaurant, Oficina do Duque, just up the street.
Baixa – City Center
Baixa is the heart of Lissbon’s historic and commercial center, making it an excellent choice of neighborhood. Home to iconic landmarks like Praça do Comércio and Rossio Square, Baixa’s central location is ideal for exploring Lisbon’s major highlights. The Baixa-Chiado metro station nearby also makes reaching other parts of Lisbon a breeze. The neighborhood is full of wonderful shopping with a mix of local products and international brands.
Stay at Hotel da Baixa and grab drinks at the Red Frog Speakeasy or Toca da Raposa.
Bairro Alto – Vibrant Nightlife & Trendy Bars
The bustling neighborhood of Bairro Alto is known for its vibrant nightlife. The lively neighborhood is full of live music, delicious food, and hip bars. Located just below the Principe Real district, Bairro Alto is close to Chiado and Baixa. If you don’t mind a longer walk, you can still reach many of Lisbon’s attractions on foot. Stay in Bairro Alto for its wild nightlife!
Stay at the new & trendy Lumiares Hotel & Spa.
Príncipe Real – Polished & Relaxed Atmosphere
Full of gardens, luxury shops, and chic restaurants, Príncipe Real is ideal for an upscale and quiet stay in Lisbon. This area is not for everyone as it is not as centrally located and also happens to be on top of one of Lisbon’s many hills. This can make for a tiring trek home at the end of the day. Perks of the nieghborhood’s elevated location include panoramic views from Miradouro São Pedro de Alcânta. Other highlights of Príncipe Real include the Príncipe Real Garden, Botanical Garden of Lisbon, and the palace-turned-shopping-galleria Embaixada.
Stay at the upscale Memmo Princípe Real with incredible views of Lisbon and enjoy a cocktail made with Portuguese gin at Gin Lovers in the beautiful Embaixada Mall.
