If you plan to visit the Portuguese Capital for a few days, months or even for longterm, knowing the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon is essential to start planning your trip.
The country's capital is where everything happens and where there are more opportunities for jobs and investment.
Check out a list of the best neighbourhoods and regions of Lisbon, discover which are the most traditional and the most modern.
Where to stay in Lisbon
If you’re trying to figure out in which neighbourhoods you should search for accommodation, we recommend these:
1. Alvalade
Locals love the Alvalade neighbourhood! It was planned in the 1940s. Its wide, tree-lined streets concentrate traditional stores such as cafes, grocery shops and bakeries. The neighbourhood also offers a good range of public transport, parks and gardens and it is close to the central region of Lisbon.
2. Estrela
Considered one of the noblest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, the Estrela is, without a doubt, an excellent place to live. In addition to having many mansions and historic buildings, it also has Jardim da Estrela, a great leisure option, especially for children. Another point that makes the neighbourhood a very desirable place to live in, is its tranquility. It is located close to the city center, but has all the benefits of a quieter neighbourhood.
3. Campo de Ourique
Campo de Ourique is one of the districts of Lisbon furthest from the tourist area. Also very traditional and residential, it has calm and peaceful streets. The neighbourhood has a good supply of street shops and also has cafes and good restaurants. It also has the famous Campo de Ourique Market. This market is a must for anyone who wants fresh products and good options for local cuisine.
4. Príncipe Real
The most charming neighborhood, Príncipe Real has mansions and centenary buildings. Mixing commercial and residential areas, this is one of Lisbon's neighborhoods known for its charm and the huge amount of restaurants and party venues. Still, it is a very peaceful region. The neighborhood offers a huge and pleasant garden, and also good restaurants and designer stores.
5. Parque das Nações
Among Lisbon's neighborhoods, Parque das Nações is the most modern. On the banks of the Tagus River, it is a lively yet tranquil place. In this neighborhood are the headquarters of companies like Microsoft, as well as the famous Vasco da Gama shopping center. With a great offer of public transport and good leisure areas, Parque das Nações is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Lisbon to live.
Best hotels in Lisbon
If your plan is a short but memorable visit, these are our recommendation on some of the best hotels in Lisbon:
Altis Avenida
Perfectly located on the Praҁa dos Restauradores, this hotel faces the Avenida da Liberdade on one side and the neo-manueline, horseshoe-arched Rossio station on the other. It was built in Lisbon’s 1940s heyday and became a hotel in 2011, offering 118 elegantly designed rooms and a rooftop restaurant.
InterContinental
Lisbon Rising high above the heart of Lisbon, opposite the leafy, Eduardo VII Park, the InterContinental surpasses all expectations. Its elegant lobby is welcoming, the staff are charming, the steak tartare in Akla Restaurant is worth the visit alone and the views, right across the capital, are mesmerising.
Memmo Príncipe Real
The flagship property of the small, but perfectly formed Memmo Hotels collection, with sister properties in the Algarve and Lisbon’s Moorish Alfama district, is in the capital’s fashionable Príncipe Real district. From its 41 sleek rooms and elegant restaurant, it offers panoramic views across the capital.
Solar do Castelo
The hotel sits within the walled complex of St. George’s Castle, high above the city, on the site of the former Alcaҁova Palace. The 20 individually decorated rooms skilfully blend modern comforts with ancient artefacts and the walls, in Lisbon’s traditional yellow, enclose a cobbled courtyard.
Brown’s Central Hotel
In the narrow streets of lower Lisbon which run down to the wide Tagus River, this 18th-century building, with its pistachio green façade, offers 84 rooms and a buzzy bar and brasserie. Frequent art exhibitions, live performances, talks and pop ups make this as popular with locals as with visitors.
Best flats for rent in Lisbon
If you are planning to stay in Lisbon for a longer time you might want to consider renting an apartment there for your midterm stay. Besides the popular Airbnb you now have a great platform offering midterm rentals in Lisbon for people like you.
Flatio offers fully furnished and equipped apartments directly from the landlords and without a deposit, the best part is that all the monthly rentals advertised already include all the bills in the price. You can enjoy virtual tours of the properties and have a team of professionals to help you from the beginning till your rental is finished.
Best places for family to stay in Lisbon
If you are travelling with your kids and are looking for an apartment to rent, then Flatio would be a great source for suitable accommodations for families, however, if you’d rather stay in a hotel we can recommend these:
Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites
The first city hotel for family-friendly Martinhal group, Chiado Family Suites, is located in the heart of Lisbon. Built in a 19th century townhouse, the 37 stylishly designed suites are fully equipped for self catering with small children. The enormous kid’s club stays open late, offering frequent pajama parties.
Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
Polished apartment hotel offering a restaurant & a gym, plus a rooftop infinity pool & a bar. Upon Lisbon offers 129 apartments for up to 6 people. Here you will find a perfect accommodation solution for families.
