This post will help you pick the best neighbourhood to stay in while you’re visiting Lisbon.
We’ll cover a wide range of areas that are well known for their sightseeing, entertainment, nightlife, food, shopping and/or family-friendly activities.
- Best for Sightseeing
- Best for Entertainment
- Most Family-Friendly
- Best for Nightlife
- Budget-Friendly
- Food/Shopping
OVERVIEW
When it comes to things like culture, entertainment, art, and historical significance, there is a lot of diversity in Lisbon’s neighbourhoods.
While some areas are much better for activities like shopping or going to clubs or spa, others are more family-friendly or great for sightseeing.
This post details some notable neighborhoods in Lisbon. We describe what you can expect to find in those areas and the types of accommodations that are available there.
We hope this post will help you narrow down which area to stay in to match the activities you are interested in.
Are there any neighborhoods in Lisbon that I should avoid?
While Lisbon’s neighborhoods are generally safe, tourists should exercise usual caution, especially in lesser-known areas.
Is Lisbon a walkable city?
Yes, Lisbon is easily walkable and you can also use the iconic Tram 28 and funiculars to navigate steep areas.
Where do most Americans stay in Lisbon?
Most Americans choose to stay in boutique or 3-star hotels, often found in popular areas such as the Altis Belem Hotel district.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Lisbon?
The safest neighborhoods in Lisbon include areas around the Castelo de São Jorge and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
HISTORIC CORE OF LISBON
There are several neighbourhoods in the historic core of this city housing the best places of Portugal like a monastery, and each one features a variety of landmarks, attractions, activities, and other things to see and experience while you’re in the area.
Most of these locations are great for multiple purposes, including sightseeing, entertainment, shopping, dining, nightlife, and other factors.
- São Jorge Castle
- Sintra, a historic town near Lisbon
- Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch in the heart of the city
- Boutique Hotel Convento, a historic hotel showcasing Lisbon's past
- The district of Salvador, rich in history and culture
- Casa dos Bicos, a historical house in the city
With that in mind, this section will list each of the major neighbourhoods in Lisbon and make note of which activities or services are readily available in each part of the city.
Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s most beautiful and oldest district, one of quaint but steep cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses.
Some of the best views of the city can be had here, from Castelo de S. Jorge to multiple miradouros (viewpoints).
It is full of bars, restaurants, cafes, churches, and museums.
For more information, read our post on things to do in Alfama or consider taking a walking tour of the neighborhood.
Best for:
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Local Music (Fado)
- Cultural Sites/Museums
- Historic Architecture
Bairro Alto
This bohemian and colorful central neighborhood is quiet by day. That is the perfect time to take in its history, street art, and 18th-century architecture and views.
At night it comes alive with music and crowds visiting the neighborhood bars, five-star hotel, and 4-star hotel something that for some rules out a deep night’s sleep.
Visit our post on the neighborhood to find things to do in Barrio Alto.
Best for:
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
- Nightlife
- Local Music (Fado)
- Budget-Friendly
Baixa
Baixa, in central Lisbon, is one of the most touristy areas of the city.
Here you’ll find a series of squares and classical avenues, with tourist-friendly shops, cafes, lisbon hotel, and restaurants.
You can also visit art galleries, museums, Roman ruins, monuments and pedestrianized streets. Read our post on things to do in Baixa.
Best for:
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Cultural Sites/Museums
- Historic Architecture
- Budget-Friendly
Belém
A leafy suburb to the west, along the Tagus River, in Belém one finds parks, gardens, and buildings that survived the great earthquake.
It’s also home to many museums and one of the city’s most notable monuments, Belém Tower.
Fine dining, fashionable hotels, and the best pastries in Lisbon can also be found here.
Visit our post on things to do in Belém or consider a walking tour of the neighborhood.
Best for:
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Family-Friendly
- Historic Architecture
Castelo
One of Lisbon’s oldest parts, and close to Graca and Alfama, is the authentic neighborhood of Castelo.
It sits at the top of a hill within the walls of Castelo São Jorge, giving it marvelous views of the city and water.
Its streets are narrow and dark (though safe), residential, and filled with souvenir shops and a few hip bars and restaurants.
Best for:
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Historic Architecture
Chiado
This bohemian neighborhood next to Barrio Alto can be described as vibrant and trendy.
Here you’ll find charming architecture, bars, restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
The neighborhood is walkable and filled with tourists. At night the streets are alive with music and dance.
If you want to see some Portuguese Fado music, Chiado has a number of spots to check out.
Read our post for things to do in Chiado or consider taking a walking tour.
Best for:
- Sightseeing
- Nightlife
- Restaurants
- Local Music (Fado)
Martim Moniz
This neighborhood below Castelo de S. Jorge is at walking distance to all of the central action in Lisbon though few folks venture in.
While a little rough around the edges, it is safe and cheap, and the heart of a multicultural neighborhood.
Within a 5 minute walk are myriad food options, with everything from local seafood, to Chinese and Indian foods, to kebabs and sushi.
Best for:
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Budget-Friendly
- Cultural Sites
BEST SIGHTSEEING NEIGHBOURHOODS IN LISBON
In addition to the areas in the historic core of Lisbon we list above, here are other neighbourhoods to consider if you want to be near even more landmarks and sites.
Bica
This neighborhood is close to Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Caid do Sodré, Bica sees one of the city's funiculars climb its streets many times a day.
Here you’ll find one of Lisbon’s more traditional neighborhoods, often voted one of the most beautiful streets in Europe due to its 17th and 18th-century architecture and cobblestone streets.
Like Bairro Alto, it can be a nightlife hotspot, with many bars and restaurants.
Estrela
West of Barrio Alto is the historic and charming and quiet Estrela. You’ll find grand architecture, museums, and green spaces such as the romantic Estrela Gardens.
This wealthy residential area is home to a number of educational institutions, embassies, and government buildings.
Graca
Not far from the city center yet a world away is Graca. Here, at the highest point in Lisbon, are some of the best views in the city.
While there are many sites that attract mainly tourists, you can find others that are off the tourist track and frequented by locals.
Check out the Igreja a Convento da Graca and Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte with its amazing street art.
BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN LISBON FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Visitors who are looking for great theatres, venues where they can enjoy traditional Fado music, museums, or even artistic sites might want to consider staying in one of the neighbourhoods listed below.
It’s also worth noting that you’ll find a lot of great entertainment in some of these other neighbourhoods as well:
- Graca
- Alfama
- Baixa
- Belem
- Estrela
- Bairro Alto
Alcantara
This neighborhood on the west of the city, along the waterfront, is a recently revived one.
Here you’ll find industrial buildings turned into artist spaces and upscale restaurants, a diverse and active nightlife.
You'll also enjoy the view of Lisbon’s own version of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril.
Campo de Ourique
Easily reached by Tram 28, this peaceful residential neighborhood is considered one of Lisbon’s most attractive.
Here you’ll find museums, cafes, restaurants, the beautiful Jardim de Parada, and a central large market with gourmet food and drink stalls.
Mouraria
The hip neighborhood of Mouraria shares a hill with Alfama. Once neglected it has of late seen gentrification in parts.
It is often referred to as authentic Lisbon and is home to a bohemian mix of Chinese, African, and Indian communities.
Artists and younger folks have been moving in, and it has an eclectic and colorful mix of street art.
Lapa
This charming, quiet, and hilly residential neighborhood, between Estrela and the river, is considered one of the best areas to live in the city.
Known as the embassy quarter, you’ll find various architectural styles, museums, public gardens, churches, and breathtaking views.
Santos
A neighbor to Madragoa, and down the hill from Lapa, is another of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, Santos.
Here you’ll find grand mansions, palaces, churches and museums along the water. Head to Rui dos Pregos to walk or dine along the waterfront.
More sedate than the nearby Barrio Alto, Santos offers wine bars, restaurants, and art galleries.
Thanks to the many design and architecture students attending the neighborhood arts and design institute, it’s got a creative vibe and a lively nightlife as well.
MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOODS IN LISBON
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood with plenty of family-friendly activities, there are plenty of locations to choose from in the list below.
You may also want to consider the following areas for more family fun:
- Belem
- Estrela
- Principe Real
- Campo de Ourique
Alvalade
Fifteen minutes from downtown is the quiet but bustling neighborhood of Alvalade.
Developed in the 1940s, this planned neighborhood is made for those who desire a quality family life.
With green spaces, local shops and markets, bakeries, and in particular a very popular ice cream shop, it’s perfect for those who want to stay some distance from touristy areas.
Anjos
Only 5 minutes to the city center, Anjos is a culturally diverse part of the city that attracts artists and young families.
The neighborhood has recently undergone a “rebirth” though it retains its gritty edges.
You’ll find cheap accommodations, traditional old-style Portuguese cafes, and the Anjos 70 market selling one of a kind items, organic foods, and second-hand objects.
Avenidas Novas
You’ll find wide tree-lined avenues, office blocks, residential apartments, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Because it’s not as hilly as other parts of the city, it’s a great place to explore by bicycle, in particular its parks and gardens.
Campo Grande
This neighborhood to the north is home to the University of Lisbon and a number of other educational centers.
It is attractive to families because of the spacious living and its proximity to shops and restaurants.
It’s also home to many parks and green spaces, including the largest park in Lisbon, Mário Soares Jardin.
Restelo
This affluent neighborhood, close to Adjuda and part of Belem, is known for its quiet streets and calm neighborhoods.
Here you’ll find embassies, mansions, and tranquil parks in which to relax.
What you won’t find are showy residents. The folks who live here like to keep a low profile while living in one of the best neighborhoods in the city.
BEST NIGHTLIFE IN LISBON
If you’re mostly interested in enjoying activities after dark while visiting Lisbon, there are several neighbourhoods with popular clubs, pubs, and other venues you might want to visit at night.
In addition to the options listed below, you may also want to consider locations like these:
- Santos
- Alcantara
- Bairro Alto
- Chiado
- Bica
Cais Do Sodre
Once Lisbon’s red-light district, today this waterfront neighborhood next to Baixa is one of the city's most trendy.
It retains a chic seediness, with burlesque shows and a happening nightlife. Here you’ll find some of the city's hottest bars and clubs.
Madragoa
With small houses and narrow streets, trendy Madragoa, near both Lapa and Santos, proves to have kept many of its authentic features.
Although residential you’ll still find tourists here. It is known for its traditional taverns and fantastic nightlife.
Intendente
Bordering Mouraria is the small neighborhood of Intendente, one of the oldest parts of Lisbon.
Like Mouraria it’s been long neglected and is now slowly seeing a renaissance.
Because of its edge, it’s considered by some to be one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city.
Here you’ll find street artists and designers, along with vintage shops, and some unpretentious bars and cafes.
BEST FOOD AND SHOPPING IN LISBON
Whether you plan on doing a lot of shopping or want to enjoy some of the best restaurants in the city, the neighbourhoods listed in this section are excellent places to stay while you’re visiting Lisbon.
If you’re also interested in sightseeing, entertainment, nightlife or family-friendly activities, you’ll also find great shopping and restaurants in the following neighbourhoods:
- Alfama
- Baixa
- Castelo
- Campo de Ourique
- Alvalade
- Anjos
- Avenidas Novas
- Chiado
- Intendente
Avenida da Liberdade
One one of Lisbon’s main boulevards, Avenida da Liberdade is often described as Lisbon’s Champs Élysées.
Lining its leafy street are high-end designer shops, posh hotels, expensive restaurants, attractive homes, and a number of tourist destinations.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY LISBON NEIGHBOURHOODS
If you’re trying to save some money on food, activities, or even hotel accommodations, some Lisbon neighbourhoods are going to be more affordable than others.
In addition to the district listed below, we also recommend the following locations for low priced services:
- Bairro Alto
- Baixa
Principe Real
Although it’s mainly residential and traditional, Principe Real, to the north of Barrio Alto, has become quite fashionable.
It’s known for its shops, art galleries, restaurants, mansions, and gardens. It’s also Lisbon’s gay and lesbian district.
Principe Real is often called the trendiest and most desirable neighbourhood in the city.
