Where to stay in Lisbon

Wondering where to stay in Lisbon? You’ve come to the right place as I used to live in Portugal and know all about the capital city. Lisbon and fun and vibrant, full of colour and character and finding where to stay in Lisbon can feel a little overwhelming at first. After all, there are so many attractions you want to see and want to be close to them all.

I’m here to help you find the right neighbourhood to stay in Lisbon plus the best accommodation to suit your budget. You will want to be close to the Alfama’s beautiful quarters as well as the vibrant sights of Chiado and be able to reach the historical streets of Belém.

As you can already tell, Lisbon is one of the most interesting and fun cities in Europe. Immerse yourself in a laid-back atmosphere, learn about Portugal’s maritime history and eat your way around its picturesque capital city. Are you ready for your trip?

Here is your comprehensive guide on where to stay in Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Perched upon seven hills, Lisbon’s pastel coloured buildings, steep cobbled lanes and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect place for a short city break. And when it comes to deciding where to stay in Lisbon, there are plenty of neighbourhoods to suit whatever it is that draws you to this riverside city.

So where you should stay in Lisbon if you are a first time visitor? Most people stay in Lisbon city centre and for good reason. You will be within easy reach to all main attractions, plus central Lisbon is packed with fantastic restaurants. The city center is also home to boutique hotels with modern rooms. One moment you’ll photograph colourful streets, the other you will make your way to your hotel via quaint narrow cobbled lanes.

We recommend at least 3 days in Lisbon to be able to see the main highlights. If you arrive in the summer, don’t forget to check what to wear in Portugal, so your trip is more comfortable.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that Lisbon’s city centre consists of several areas, making it a little easier to pick the right hotel rooms that suit your budget. If the Lisbon city centre is out of your budget, make sure you position yourself close to a metro station. But we’ll cover that in detail below.

Lisbon Rooftops Vista Sao Jorge Castle

Alfama

Nestled on the hillside between the São Jorge Castle (St. George’s Castle) and the riverbank, Alfama is not just Lisbon’s oldest district, but it’s most beautiful too. Made up of a maze of delicate streets, hidden archways and spindly steps, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time here. Yet the neighbourhood’s freckling of bustling bars, restaurants and cafes make it anything but old-fashioned.

If you stay in Alfama you will have many advantages of enjoying a traditional and superb Lisbon. Ride the historic no 28 tram all the way to the 11th-century São Jorge Castle. Photograph the gorgeous views of the river Tagus from the Miradouro da Graça and in the evening, make sure to book your tickets to a Fado concert.

Beautiful Vista Lisbon Rooftops

Why stay in Alfama

If you’re looking for a truly authentic area to stay in Lisbon then look no further than Alfama. Couples will love the air of romance that graces the streets, whilst creative types will love its charming alleys, street art scene and the photo opportunities that come with them.

Travellers can also enjoy staying in a side of town that’s slightly quieter, yet easily reachable from the main tourist areas and just a stone throw from the castle.

If you are after a luxurious hotel, you will find it here in the Alfama district. But if it’s quiet you are after, this may not be your district after all. Alfama is a busy area for tourists day and night.

Places to stay in Lisbon

Hand picked hotels that are right in the heart of Alfama, Lisbon. Here are the most exciting hotels to suit your budget and travel style.

São Vicente Alfama Hotel
Luxury Hotel8.8

Situated in Lisbon and with St. George’s Castle reachable within 500 metres, São Vicente Alfama Hotel provides evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. All rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers.

Click here for prices and book São Vicente Alfama Hotel

Apartments Alfama
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

The apartments feature a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, each unit also comes with a satellite flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, wardrobe and a seating area with a sofa. There is a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer in each unit, along with free toiletries.

Click here for prices and book Apartments Alfama

Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites
Budget Hotel8.8

A great option for travellers looking to enjoy Lisbon on a lower budget. These suites are less than 10 minutes walking distance from São Jorge Castle, some have Tagus River views. All apartments and rooms at Lisbon Lounge are modern and spacious. The apartments include a fully equipped kitchen and a living room with sofa bed.

Click here for prices and book Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites

Clothes Drying Lisbon

Bairro Alto

Not that much goes on in Bairro Alto during the day. Yet come back at dusk, and it’s a different story. Home to the best bars, restaurants and clubs in the city, there’s no neighbourhood better than this one to enjoy Lisbon’s nightlife. In the evenings, patrons of all ages come to meet, tables and chairs spill out onto the streets and a kind of festival spirit pulses through the air.

There’s plenty going on after hours and this is your place if you want to have a drink at a wine bar and eat a late night dinner. It will feel vibrant and fun with that crowd buzz everywhere. Bairro alto is also home to several hotels ranging from contemporary rooms to spacious apartments.

It’s an amazing location to stay in Lisbon for lively nightlife in the city.

Mojitos River Bank Lisbon

Why stay in Bairro Alto

If you want to be in the thick of it all after hours, then Bairro Alto is the place to stay in Lisbon. With the hottest bars and clubs right on your doorstep, you won’t have to go far to find a decent night out.

Though if you do fancy sleeping too, it’s best to stay a little further away from the main hub as it can get quite loud. And as it’s such a central area, Bairro Alto is also just a hop and a skip away from the sights and attractions of the rest of the city.

Places to stay in Bairro Alto

Superb accommodation picks for your stay in Bairro Alto. A range of hotels and modern rooms to suit your budget. Pick your place to stay below.

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa
Luxury Hotel8.8

This luxury hotel is located in Bairro Alto, the bohemian and cultural heart of Lisbon with rooftop views across to the River Tagus on one side, and the Castelo de São Jorge on the other. All units feature a flat-screen TV.

Click here for prices and book The Lumiares Hotel & Spa

Casa das Janelas com Vista
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Located in Lisbon’s peaceful Bairro Alto district, A Casa das Janelas com Vista guest house offers individually-decorated rooms with a private balcony. It has a private courtyard and free Wi-Fi in public areas. All rooms have air conditioning, wooden floors and luxury beds. Each is fitted with stylish furnishings and a modern bathroom.

Click here for prices and book Casa das Janelas com Vista

Inn Bairro Alto B&B / B.A Sweet
Budget Hotel8.8

Inn Bairro Alto Bed & Breakfast offers private and shared accommodations in Bairro Alto, 1,000 feet from Baixa/Chiado Metro Station. It offers free WiFi access. Inn Bairro Alto Bed & Breakfast features studios, double rooms, twin rooms, superior rooms and premium rooms.

Click here for prices and book Inn Bairro Alto B&B / B.A Sweet

Cory Lisbon Praca de Comercio

Baixa & Chiado

Baixa & Chiado are the most touristy areas of the city, and for good reason. They may not be as pretty as Alfama, but they are home to Lisbon’s main sights and attractions.

Here, you’ll also find most of the city’s shopping galleries and streets, theatres and lively squares full of street performers. The most notable of which is the iconic Praça do Comércio by the river Tagus that acts as the gateway between the two areas.

See the Arco da Rua Augusta, relax by the river banks with a view of the Cais das Colunas, and do some shopping for Portuguese souvenirs.

Take a quaint promenade down R. Augusta dotted with stores and cafes at every corner. The avenue stretches all the way to Rossio train station, ideal for day trips to places like Sintra.

Some of the main Lisbon hotels are found here. You can easily find stylish rooms in a boutique hotel or tastefully decorated rooms in guest houses for a smaller budget.

Baixa & Chiado are a great place to stay in Lisbon because you will be very well connected with the rest of the city as you will be close to the metro station.

Yellow Tram Lisbon

Why stay in Baixa & Chiado

If it’s your first time in Lisbon, then the Baixa District and Chiado are great places to stay. You’ll be in walking distance of the city’s main sights and shopping streets, and also well-connected by public transport to other areas of Lisbon. Ultimately you will be just next to Lisbon’s main square, perfect for a city break to visit Lisbon.

You are just a few blocks from Alfama district and chances are, you are going to rent a holiday apartment in a lovely historic building. It’s a fantastic location with very easy access to everything you need to see while exploring Lisbon.

Places to stay in Baixa & Chiado

You’ve decided to stay in the centre of Lisbon. Great choice, especially if you wish to take a day trip from the capital. Here are our curated accommodation options and hotels to make your stay in Lisbon most exciting.

Bairro Alto Hotel
Luxury Hotel8.8

This Boutique Hotel is set in an historical building from the 18th century. Guestrooms offer views over the Tagus River or 2 of the most iconic districts in Lisbon: Chiado and Bairro Alto. Guests are also offered an exclusive access to rooftop.

Click here for prices and book Bairro Alto Hotel

Alecrim ao Chiado
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

The property is close to St. George’s Castle, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Santa Justa Elevator. Alecrim ao Chiado offers some rooms with river views, and rooms include a coffee machine. At the accommodation rooms come with bed linen and towels.

Click here for prices and book Alecrim ao Chiado

Solar dos Poetas
Budget Hotel8.8

The guest house has family rooms and a very good breakfast is included in the price. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a hairdryer, all rooms at the guest house have a TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms also boast a balcony.

Click here for prices and book Solar dos Poetas

Botanical Garden Lisbon

Príncipe Real

Príncipe Real is fast becoming Lisbon’s most fashionable district. It’s an upscale area known for its 19th century mansions. It looks great and it’s the place to be for small galleries and wine bars. You are just a minute walk from the botanical gardens or from the Avenida da Liberdade.

Although it’s still primarily a residential area, there’s now a younger crowd moving in that’s bringing a wave of boutique shops, quirky bars and hipster cafes to the district. It’s slightly north of the tourist areas of Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto, yet still close enough to reach them on foot. And as it’s set higher up in the hills, the area boasts fantastic views of the city from all around.

You are within walking distance from a metro station. You’ll find luxury hotels with spacious rooms.

Jardim da Estrela Lisbon

Why stay in Príncipe Real

Príncipe Real is perfect for travellers looking to stay outside the tourist bubble, yet still within easy reach of it. It also offers a great way to see a slightly more alternative and local side to Lisbon as well as stunning views of the city. Upscale hotels can have a few more amenities here like a fitness center and an indoor pool and rooftop terraces.

Places to stay in Príncipe Real

A great residential location with large gardens and beautiful mansions all around. Check out these gorgeous hotels in the area that tick all the boxes for travellers who love a mixture of luxury with stunning vista points.

Memmo Príncipe Real – Design Hotels
Luxury Hotel8.8

This hotel is set in Príncipe Real, one of the most exclusive and elegant districts in Lisbon. Bairro Alto and Avenida da Liberdade are both within a 10-minute walk, which places the hotel in an ideal spot to visit historic Lisbon. Memmo Príncipe Real features an outdoor pool and lounge, with panoramic city views.

Click here for prices and book Memmo Príncipe Real – Design Hotels

Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

This hotel features uniquely decorated rooms on Alegria Square. Renovated in 2016, the Hotel boasts a Romantic-style décor, with authentic Portuguese antiques. Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel’s rooms feature large windows and soundproofing.

Click here for prices and book Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel

Marino Lisboa
Budget Hotel8.8

Marino Lisboa – Boutique Hotel boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a shower. Superior rooms include a spa bath or a hot tub.

Click here for prices and book Marino Lisboa

Belem Tower Lisbon

Belém

Set in the west of the city, this leafy suburb has long been associated with Portugal’s golden age of exploration and discovery. It’s home to one of the city’s main historical attractions, Belém Tower, yet there’s much more to this neighbourhood than that.

There’s also plenty of quaint parks and gardens for relaxing, ancient monasteries to discover and an esplanade that winds alongside the river flanked with restaurants and bars, on which you can stroll into the centre.

Belém is in a great location if you want to save money. You can find stylish rooms here for a lowert cost than the main districts in the city centre. Belém is just a short metro ride away from all the main attractions.

It’s important to note that there is not that much nightlife going on here but you still have several restaurants in the area offering traditional Portuguese cuisine. If you stay in Belem, you must visit the Pastéis de Belém, the famed bakery known for its Portuguese tarts pastel de nata.

Jerónimos Monastery Lisbon

Why stay in Belém

If you’re looking to fully absorb Lisbon’s history and culture, then Belém is a great place for you to stay. It’s also a good option for those looking to stay in a quieter area of town, although just be mindful you will have to use public transport to travel into the centre.

You will find a modern hotel with better rates and you are still close to a metro station Belém that takes you to central Lisbon.

Places to stay in Belém

I’m my first trip to Lisbon I actually stayed in Belém and I love this area. Here are the recommended hotels that are ideal for mid-range and budget travellers.

Palacio do Governador
Luxury Hotel8.8

Palacio do Governador offers accommodation in Lisbon’s Belem district, 1,300 feet from the Belem Cultural Centre and the Belem Tower. Featuring a Spa & Wellness centre, the hotel also has an outdoor year-round pool, an indoor pool, free WiFi and private parking available.

Click here for prices and book Palacio do Governador

Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Situated in Lisbon, 1,950 feet from Jeronimos Monastery, Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. A sauna and a car rental service are available for guests.

Click here for prices and book Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel

Geronimo Guest House Belém
Budget Hotel8.8

Featuring a garden, terrace and views of river, Geronimo Guest House Belém is set in Lisbon, 1,300 feet from Jeronimos Monastery. The accommodation offers a hot tub, free WiFi throughout the property and family rooms.

Click here for prices and book Geronimo Guest House Belém

That’s it! You now know the best places to stay in Lisbon and the right accommodation to suit your style and budget. Which district did you pick? Let us know in the comments below.

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Beth Swaine

Beth Swaine – Beth is a digital marketer with a love for travelling, writing and tortoises. Her home is in the northern English city of Leeds, but she’s currently spending a year travelling in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. You can find all her latest travel tips and adventures on her blog Collecting Other Places.

Comments

One response to “Where to stay in Lisbon”

  1. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    As a family of six, finding accommodations in the central area of Lisbon was cost-prohibitive so we got a 2-bedroom in Belem thanks to this post. It seems like a quiet area for our kids to relax after a long day of sightseeing. We’re excited for our trip this coming summer!

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