Alfama, the Old Town of Lisbon (Map)
Alfama, or « The Baths » in Arabic, is the oldest district in Lisbon. A real labyrinth, characterized by its narrow streets, colorful houses, hanging garlands, the smell of sardines and the songs of fado. Full of charms, the district is nevertheless the most visited one in Lisbon. The famous grandmothers at the window have disappeared from the scene, and you’ll likely have a fellow countryman as your neighbor. It is losing its authenticity while gaining more tourist attractions.
Ideal for a romantic couple looking for a postcard image.
Limited, as it’s often inaccessible by taxi or public transport despite being in the city center. You will have to face many stairs and cobbled streets.
Our best hotels in district Alfama : Memmo Alfama has a rooftop pool, the Eurostars Museum hotel has a spa !
Arroios, the hippest district of Lisbon (Map)
Time Out magazine voted the Arroios neighbourhood in Lisbon as the coolest…in the World ! Traditionally, this is where the working-class neighbourhoods are located, with their colourful and cleverly hidden vilas operarias. Pleasant parks are located on Sant’ana Hill. This area is also where you can find cheap accommodation and Lisbon life off the beaten track, alternative. Following in the footsteps of Intendente, this young neighbourhood is rapidly evolving.
Ideal for families and small budgets.
Convenient access with good metro connection and proximity to the historic center. There is no « steep » climb if you exclude the Sant’ana hill.
Our best hotels in district Arroios : Torel Palace has an outdoor pool, Hotel 1908 has a great design !
Hotels in Avenida da Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal district
The Avenidas Novas, modern neighbourhoods built from the end of the 19th century featuring beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. Starting from the famous Avenida da Liberdade (where you will find all the luxury brands), these districts were designed for the middle and wealthy classes, and are quite diverse. The neighbourhoods consist mainly of residential areas with many offices in the tertiary sector. If you’re an architecture fan, this neighbourhood is perfect for you !
Ideal for groups, seminars and corporate events.
Limited because public transports are required unless you opt for a 30-minute walk or taxi.
In this neighbourhood of Lisbon, the best accomodations are luxury hotels with rooftop, spa and pool :
Bairro Alto & Bica, the nightlife Districts (Map)
Bairro Alto is the « high district » shaped by the Jesuits in the 16th century and was once a landmark for newspapers and sailors. Today, this authentic district is partially populated by students and Brazilians, much like Bica. So it is naturally here that Lisbon’s nightlife is in full swing.
Ideal for partygoers, hen & stag groups.
Limited for people with physical difficulties.
In Bairro Alto et Bica, there are few hotels but great guesthouses :
Baixa is the best district to stay in Lisbon (Map)
Historic heart of Lisbon, Baixa was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755. Its large blocks of buildings, marked with chalk lines, have traditionally been home merchants and craftsmen, as the area was once considered « cursed » for habitation. Today, you will find a wealth of historic shops, cafés, restaurants… and tourist attractions !
Ideal for families, people with reduced mobility and seniors.
Excellent ! Baixa means « low ». Lisbon revolves around this district and particularly around the Dom Pedro IV (or Rossio) square.
In Lisbon, Baixa district is the best for accomodation and offers a wide range of hotels near Rossio square :
Cais do Sodre district = Baixa + nightlife.
The quays of this district still bear the sailors’ heritage but the traces of the shipyards and the fishing port are slowly fading. The mercado da ribeira (« Time Out ») is no longer a fish market, as the fishermen’s huts have been transformed into gin bars. In Rua Nova do Carvalho (the famous Pink street !), the taverns are invaded by thirsty men, the brothels become trendy night clubs,but it is clean and well-renovated.
Ideal for partygoers hen & stag groups, lovers of concept restaurants.
Excellent ! Everything can be done on foot. You are close to the ferry terminal (to reach Cacilhas/Almada/Cristo Rei) and the train station serving Bélem, Cascais/Estoril.
Our best accommodation in Cais do Sodre :
Chiado, the Lisbon's bourgeois district (map)
This bourgeois district par excellence was the lair of intellectuals including Fernando Pessoa, the famous poet. French-style « chic » shops grew like mushrooms. You’ll be pleased if you want to do some shopping in Lisbon. Chiado is the cultural heart of the city, close to Bairro Alto, Baixa and the Rossio square. Therefore, its location is perfect.
Ideal for romantic and chic couples, lovers of shopping and great restaurants, party groups, hen, stag.
Excellent, because everything can be done on foot. Limited for those with difficulty walking.
Accommodation near Baixa Chiado is varied with a splendid 5 stars hotel. Note that the Casa Balthazar is a luxury B&B with jacuzzi in room !
Graca District, the Highest hill in Lisbon.
This district is spelled Graça, but it’s pronounced : « gra · suh » (/ˈɡɾa.sɐ/). This working-class district is perched on a high hill, just beyond the castle and Alfama neighborhoods. With its rural village atmosphere, Graça is a lovely place to live. Here, you can enjoy a delicious workers’ lunch for just €7.50. It’s not protected from the fresh breeze, but that’s the price to pay to admire some of the most beautiful panoramas in Lisbon.
Ideal for people in good physical health and families.
Complicated. Everything can be done on foot but you have to climb ! Even if f tram 28 goes through the heart of Graça, you should be patient if you want to sit. The best solution remains the taxi. It is therefore not recommended for people with reduced mobility.
There is no hotel in Graça (and near by) except one : Tings Lisbon, the best 1-star hotel in Lisbon !
Príncipe Real, Lisbon’s gay and hip district (map)
The English garden at its heart enhances its nobility. This elegant and inviting neighbourhood offers a serene atmosphere and look likes, is somewhat similar to the Marais district in Paris. Life in the area is particularly enjoyable thanks to its array of innovative and conceptually designed restaurants and charming Portuguese-style shops. Perched on the heights of Bairro Alto, it boasts an excellent location and is especially popular with the gay community, as the Principe Real district is their place to go out and take walks.
Ideal for gay couples, chic couples and quality window-shoppers !
Accessible the district is located very close to Bairro Alto and Chiado. Average if you have difficulty walking.
Principe Real (and near by) has few of the greatest hotels in Lisbon :
If you’re worried about your safety in Lisbon, I can quickly put your mind at ease. All the districts in Lisbon city center are secured, and there is no gratuitous aggression. Of course, you should always be vigilant at night, as you would in any city around the world, especially if you’re drunk.
On the other hand, if you’re concerned about the location of your accommodation, some areas may not be the most convenient places to stay. Among the more tourist-oriented districts are Alcântara (Lx Factory), Belém, and Oriente (Oceanarium). I wouldn’t recommend them if your goal is to explore Lisbon’s historic city center.
However, if Lisbon is only a stopover during your stay and you’re looking for an area easy to get to by car…these places are recommended ! 🙂 Indeed, it is very difficult to park in the historic centre of Lisbon, or even to simply drive around.
Home Lisbon Hostel won 5 awards, including ‘Best Hostel in Lisbon,’ ‘Best Hostel in Portugal,’ and ‘Second in Europe.’ Its location is ideal, right in the heart of the city. Its design could easily be mistaken for a palace, yet it’s still just a hostel. In fact the Home Lisbon Hostel is admired by many and has become a benchmark for hostels worldwide. One standout feature: it is particularly praised for its cleanliness.
There are many other highly rated hostels in Lisbon :
I hope this guide has been useful for you and your research and if you’re up for it, book a private tour with us.
Elliot and Sylvain, your guides in Lisbon
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