Welcome to our Lisbon neighborhoods guide to the best areas to stay in Lisbon and much more!
In this Lisbon neighborhoods guide, we will cover each central neighborhood in Lisbon and suggest our recommended best areas to stay in Lisbon. Furthermore, we will review when to visit Lisbon and recommend how many days are usually sufficient for exploring its wonders. To complete all the must-know information before visiting Lisbon, we reviewed how to get around Lisbon in our Lisbon Transportation Guide. But first, let’s begin with some general information about Lisbon.
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with contemporary charm. Set on 7 hills, Lisbon is famed for its unique hilly, winding, cobbled streets lined with pastel-colored houses. We absolutely loved Lisbon, from its picturesque neighborhoods, and the beautiful scenic viewpoints overlooking the city and Tagus River to its lively culture and divine cuisine.
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake played an important role in shaping the city it is today, as many neighborhoods were completely destroyed. The catastrophic quake led to innovative earthquake-resistant building techniques and a uniform grid street plan that you see today in many neighborhoods.
Before we dig into Lisbon’s neighborhoods and where are the best areas to stay in Lisbon, we will start our Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide with a review of the best time to visit Lisbon.
Note that all photography on this guide (and throughout our website) was shot by me (Alina) and if you wish to purchase any, some are available at my Etsy shop.
For more Itineraries and travel guides, visit our Destinations page.
When to visit Lisbon?
Well, there is no bad month for visiting Lisbon, as the weather is generally comfortable throughout the year. But the summer months of June to September are considered the best time to visit Lisbon, regarding temperature and rainfall.
TEMPERATURE – As you can see in the chart below, these summer months are the warmest months with temperatures ranging from 29°C (84°F) to 17°C (62°F). However, the winter months are quite mild with temperatures ranging from 17C (62°F) to 8°C (46°F).
RAINFALL – In the chart below, you can see the precipitation throughout the year and the summer months, June to September, are the driest months with the lowest rainfall averages.
Now that we established that June until September are the best months to visit Lisbon, we would also suggest considering the shoulder months of May and October, and even April. As the temperatures are mild and the precipitation is in the lower range. Furthermore, during those months you might enjoy fewer crowds and lower hotel prices.
Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide: The best areas to stay in Lisbon
You chose your dates, booked your flights, and now comes the next decision, where to stay in Lisbon? Lisbon has many neighborhoods in its historical center, each with a different charm. In this Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide, we will review each neighborhood and suggest the best area to stay in Lisbon and our chosen hotel.
We will only discuss the central neighborhoods in Lisbon as we strongly recommend you to stay in the city center. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, your time in the city is limited, so it’s best not to waste precious time on long trips to and from the hotel. Secondly, city itineraries are usually busy and involve a lot of walking, which can be tiring. Thus, having a central hotel is very convenient if you want to take a quick break in the comfort of your hotel room.
When looking for the best areas to stay in Lisbon, we considered some important factors. First, we wanted to choose a hotel close to a Metro station with a convenient connection to the Airport. Also, consider the proximity of a train station, especially if you plan on taking day trips from Lisbon. For example, the most popular, Lisbon is to Sintra day trip goes from the Rossio Train Station. It’s all about making your travels easier and efficient.
Map of Lisbon Neighborhoods
1. Baixa - our second best area to stay in Lisbon
· The most central neighborhood in Lisbon and the most linked regarding transportation.
· Big plazas, busy shopping streets, and many restaurants.
· Metro Stations: Baixa-Chiado (Blue & Green lines), Rossio (Green line) and Terreiro do Paco (Blue line)
· Train Station: Rossio
· Points of interest:
o Praca Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square) – big plaza surrounded by shops and restaurants
o Praca do Comercio & Arco da Rua Augusta – the main plaza facing Tejo River
o Santa Justa Lift – great views of the city from the top
o Rua Augusta – the most famous shopping street
· Downsides:
o Might be too busy and noisy.
o Not the best choice for nightlife enthusiasts
Now that we established that June until September are the best months to visit Lisbon, we would also suggest considering the shoulder months of May and October, and even April. As the temperatures are mild and the precipitation is in the lower range. Furthermore, during those months you might enjoy fewer crowds and lower hotel prices. Baixa lies in the heart of Lisbons’ historic center, between the hills of Amalfa and Bairro Alto. It is characterized by grand neoclassical buildings, wide boulevards, and cobblestone grid-like streets that imply the new reconstruction after being destroyed by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
With this central location in the heart of Lisbon, you will have all the public transportation right at your doorstep. However, you might not even need to rely on public transport, as many of Lisbon’s top
attractions are within walking distance. The dining options in Baixa are wide and diverse. Moreover, Baixa is the best neighborhood for shopping lovers with countless shops and boutiques especially on the main shopping street Rua Augusta.
Overall, you might just have everything you need near your hotel.
On the whole, Baixa is a great choice for where to stay in Lisbon and it is our second best area to stay in Lisbon. Especially for first-time visitors due to its central location and proximity to major attractions. Even more so, if you like the vibrant atmosphere that this lively district has to offer.
2. Avenida da Liberdade – the best area to stay in Lisbon
· Lisbon’s main boulevard, adjacent to the historic center
· Luxury hotels, designer boutique shops, and upscale restaurants
· Metro Stations: Rossio (Green line), Restauradores (Blue line), and Avenida (Blue line)
· Train Station: Rossio
· Points of interest:
o Parque Eduardo VII & Marques De Pombal Square – a big park with panoramic views of the city, located at the end of the avenue
o Praca dos Restauradores – plaza at the beginning of the avenue
o Gloria Funicular – a unique tram that takes you up to the Barrio Alto neighborhood
· Downsides:
o More pricey as most of the hotels on the avenue are luxury hotels
o Does not have the main attractions within its limits, although they are easily reached by metro
Avenida da Liberdade was constructed after the area was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, as the Baixa neighborhood. The avenue starts up the hill at the Marques de Pombal Square, right under the Eduardo VII Park, and goes towards downtown until you reach Praca dos Restauradores. The tree-lined sidewalks along the avenue are beautifully decorated with black and white stones with a mosaic pattern.
Staying on Avenida da Liberdade provides easy access to Lisbon’s major attractions while staying in a more upscale, less busy neighborhood. This is our choice for the best area to stay in Lisbon, continue reading to check out our recommended hotel.
3. Amalfa
· The most charming and beautiful neighborhood in Lisbon In the heart of most of the historic attractions
· The classic Trams 28 & 12 are the main public transportation throughout the neighborhood
· Metro Stations: Terreiro do Paco (Blue line)
· Points of interest:
o Castelo de Sao Jorge – beautiful castle uphill that offers stunning views
o Se de Lisboa – Lisbon’s Cathedral
o Miradouro das Portas do Sol & Miradouro de Santa Luzia – are among the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon
· Downsides:
o Hilly neighborhood that could be difficult physically to get around
o No direct metro stop and the trams could be crowded
Amalfa is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, it is famous for its narrow winding cobbled streets, colorful houses, historic landmarks, and stunning views from several picturesque miradouros (viewpoints) on the city thanks to the uphill location. It was not destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and its elevation helped it escape the followed tsunami. Therefore, it reserved its original historic structure.
The iconic traditional No. 28 tram goes through the neighborhood and this is the main but charming way of transportation in Amalfa, as there is no metro station directly in the district. Mind that the trams can be very crowded so it is not the best neighborhood in terms of transportation.
Amalfa is home to Lisbon’s most iconic historic attractions, such as Se de Lisboa and Castelo de Sao Jorge. Furthermore, this neighborhood is synonymous with Fado, Portugal’s soulful melancholic musical genre. Visitors can experience authentic Fado performances in local taverns and restaurants throughout Alfama.
Amalfa neighborhood is a charming and vibrant area to stay in if you want to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s rich history and enjoy traditional Fado music in local taverns. But be ready for a lot of uphill walking as it lacks a good means of transportation.
Amalfa neighborhood is a charming and vibrant area to stay in if you want to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s rich history and enjoy traditional Fado music in local taverns. But be ready for a lot of uphill walking as it lacks a good means of transportation.
4. Chiado
· Chic and elegant central neighborhood with many cafes and restaurants, boutique shops, and bookstores.
· Cultural center with theaters and museums
· The classic Trams 12, 24 & 28 goes throughout the neighborhood
· Metro Stations: Baixa-Chiado (Blue & Green lines)
· Points of interest:
o Santa Justa Lift – connects Chiado to Baixa
o Carmo Convent – a medieval gothic convent and church with a collapsed roof, a reminder of the 1755 quake
o Cafe A Brasileira – a historic art deco cafe
o Praça Luis de Camoes – central plaza lies between Chiado and Bairro Alto
Chiado is dotted with historic landmarks such as the iconic Cafe A Brasileira, a popular historic cafe frequented by intellectuals and artists, and the ruins of the Carmo Convent, a hauntingly beautiful gothic convent and church destroyed partially in the 1755 earthquake.
Chiado is heaven for fashion enthusiasts, as it offers a mix of upscale boutiques, designer stores, and trendy fashion labels. Don’t miss the shopping mall, Armazéns do Chiado, and the main street Rua Do Carmo.
Chiado is an excellent choice for those who enjoy high-class shopping, dining in trendy restaurants, and exploring Lisbon’s cultural scene, while conveniently staying close to the main attractions.
5. Bairro Alto
· The best neighborhood for nightlife, it’s famous for its lively bars and street parties
· The classic Tram 24 & 28 are the main public transportation throughout the neighborhood
· Metro Stations: none
· Points of interest:
o Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara – a terrace with a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the city
o Gloria Funicular – historical tram that goes from Avenida da Liberdade to Bairro Alto
o Bica Funicular – another iconic tram that goes from Cais do Sodre to Bairro Alto
· Downsides:
o No metro lines and the trams could be crowded
o A noisy neighborhood
Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s bohemian quarter, known for its steep and narrow cobbled streets, colorful graffiti, and eclectic atmosphere. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife as it comes alive at night with countless bars and live music venues. The neighborhood exudes a laid-back and alternative vibe, with quirky boutiques, vintage stores, and independent art galleries lining its streets. You will find lots of street art in Bairro Alto, showcasing Lisbon’s thriving urban art scene.
Bairro Alto means uptown, referring to its location based on a hill. Two classic funiculars can take you up to the neighborhood, which is a back-in-time experience in itself. One is Gloria Funicular (Elevador da Gloria) which goes from Avenida da Liberdade to an amazing viewpoint called Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara. The other is the famous Bica Funicular, which goes from Cais do Sodre and is considered Lisbon’s most picturesque funicular in Lisbon, going over a steep slope with the Tagus River in the background.
If you’re looking for a lively and energetic atmosphere, Bairro Alto is the place to be. However, if you are a light sleeper, you might need to consider another neighborhood to stay in. Also, consider the lack of metro stations within the district.
Our recommended Hotel in the best area to stay in Lisbon
Now that we’ve covered each central neighborhood and hopefully helped you narrow down to a specific district in search of the best area to stay in Lisbon, we will suggest the hotel we chose.
We chose BessaHotel Liberdade on Avenida da Liberdade and absolutely loved it! It is a 4-star hotel, modern and luxurious with a big bonus of an indoor pool. We took the Executive Double, a beautifully designed, spacious room with a Juliette balcony and a view of Avenida da Liberdade. The location was perfect, conveniently close to Restauradores and Rossio metro stations and to Rossio train station.
You can see in the video on the right the view of Avenida da Liberdade from our room’s balcony.
How many days in Lisbon do you need?
We will finish this Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide with a recommendation on how many days you need in Lisbon. We believe that you need at least 3 days in Lisbon to see most of the attractions including a Sintra day trip. If you have more than 3 days, you can dive deeper into its neighborhoods, take another day trip, or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this charming city.
Well, this is it. We hope this Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Lisbon gives you all the information you need before your visit and helps you choose where to stay in Lisbon.
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