Not sure which neighborhoods to choose for a short or long stay in Lisbon, Portugal? How about finding out from a member of the Flatio team in Lisbon who has lived in different parts of the city over the last five years and visited almost all of them?
Of course, there is no right or wrong answer to the question of which are the best neighborhoods in Lisbon. This is because everyone’s personality, needs, preferences, lifestyle, and budget are different. There are many factors that can influence our decision.
However, this guide is for you if you want to hear the opinion of an expat living in Lisbon, whose experiences and observations can help you get to know the areas of Lisbon you may be considering.
- Lisbon neighborhoods worth considering
- Lumiar
- Parque das Nações (Park of the Nations)
- Alvalade
- Olivais
- Central areas
- Areas outside Lisbon worth considering
- Alverca do Ribatejo
- Bobadela
- Povoa
- Oeiras
- Caxias
Source: Photo by Vlad D on Unsplash
Lisbon neighborhoods worth considering
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of some neighborhoods in Lisbon that are worth evaluating, as well as some good areas to consider if you want to live outside of Lisbon, either because of the lower rent prices or because of the tranquillity of these areas. This way you can decide for yourself where it is ideal for you to rent accommodation in Lisbon.
Lumiar
This neighborhood is perhaps one of the best areas in Lisbon to enjoy relatively low rents and a decent quality of life. Lumiar is generally not an upmarket neighborhood, but it is safe, although it is advisable to avoid less busy streets at night.
You can easily reach the neighborhood by public transport, especially via the Lumiar metro station on the yellow line. It is suitable for students, expats, and families alike.
There is a good mix of residential and commercial buildings, which means you have access to various facilities such as supermarkets and gyms, while also feeling the warmth of a residential community.
You can also visit Quinta das Conchas, a large park that is a great place to relax, especially for families with small children.
Lumiar is not as busy as some other neighborhoods in Lisbon, but it’s better to rent a living space that is not on a main street.
Alta de Lisboa, a community on the northern edge of Lisbon just a 10-minute walk from the Lumiar metro station, is one of the Portuguese capital's newest upscale neighborhoods.
In this beautiful area, you’ll find both modern apartments suitable for families and buildings with independent studios, which are mainly rented out to students and professionals, such as digital nomads. At the time of writing, more buildings are under construction.
Residents may occasionally hear the sound of planes from the Lisbon airport, but it’s not too disturbing.
Pros:
- A good mix of residential and commercial areas
- Relatively low rents
- Good public transport links to other parts of the city
- Not touristy
Cons:
- Ongoing construction work in some areas
- Lower perception of safety at night compared to some busier neighborhoods
Parque das Nações (Park of the Nations)
As one of Lisbon's most expensive neighborhoods, Parque das Nações is popular with locals and expats who can afford higher rents and enjoy a modern atmosphere and high-end facilities.
It has a commercial and touristy flair, mainly due to the numerous bars and restaurants, the promenade along the Tagus, Vasco da Gama Shopping Center, the many hotels, Oceanário de Lisboa, and Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Center (FIL), which hosts Web Summit, concerts, and various types of exhibitions.
Although some call it a “cold” neighborhood because of these characteristics, it is popular with affluent locals and expats who appreciate a luxurious lifestyle, an international atmosphere, and access to amenities such as an international school.
Thanks to the Oriente metro, bus, and train stations, this neighborhood is very well connected to areas inside and outside Lisbon. And you will feel safe going out even late at night.
Pros:
- Lively, in the center of the action
- Good public transport links to other parts of the city
- Very safe
- A high standard of living
Cons:
- Touristy
- High rents
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Alvalade
Many agree that Alvalade is one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Lisbon. The residents are mostly locals, which gives it a great local feel.
It's also more of a residential neighborhood than a commercial one, although there are plenty of cafés, restaurants, and office buildings.
If you like sports, you’ll particularly like this part of Lisbon, as it's home to the INATEL sports complex (Parque de Jogos 1º de Maio), where you can play many sports, including football, tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball, padel, and badminton.
The rents are relatively high because Alvalade is close to all the main centers of Lisbon and easily accessible by public transport, and because it offers many amenities. But it’s worth the money if you’re looking for a very safe neighborhood.
The only issue in this neighborhood, which is quite green, is the noise of the planes from the nearby Lisbon airport.
Pros:
- Family-friendly
- Local, residential feel
- INATEL sports complex
- Not touristy
- Safety
- Good public transport links to other parts of the city
Cons:
- Relatively high rents
- Noise from planes
Olivais
If you live in Olivais, you’ll find that it's a 50-50 residential and commercial neighborhood. It’s not a touristy area, which makes it ideal for long-term living.
Rents are reasonable given the safety and quality of life it offers, especially thanks to Olivais Spacio Shopping Center.
Although the Olivais metro station on the red line is easy to reach, there are fewer public transport options in this neighborhood than many other areas of Lisbon.
While some parts of the city, especially the central areas, struggle with parking issues, the availability of parking spaces in Olivais is still good.
Pros:
- A perfect balance between residential and commercial areas
- Not touristy
- Safe
- Reasonable rents
- Good car parking situation
- Ideal for long-term living
Cons:
- Fewer public transport options
- Limited nightlife options
Central areas
Typically, people either love or hate the central neighborhoods such as the Old Town (Alfama), Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Avenida da Liberdade.
The main attraction for many is the historic and inclusive atmosphere, the nightlife, the proximity to the Tagus, the unique bars and restaurants, the shops, the access to public transport, and the availability of coworking spaces and work-friendly cafés. These neighborhoods also host many local events, ideal for those who like to socialize and network.
Those who prefer to avoid this area consider it too crowded and touristy and do not find it ideal for living, especially if you plan to stay in Lisbon for an extended period of time.
The parking situation is not convenient, with limited spaces and high demand, making it challenging for residents with cars.
Pros:
- Central location
- Good public transport connections
- Historic, inclusive neighborhood
- Plenty of spots for remote work
Cons:
- Overcrowded and touristy
- Not ideal for long-term stays
- Limited availability of parking spaces
Source: Photo by Reiseuhu on Unsplash
Belém
This is the favored area for those who want to reach the city center of Lisbon quickly and easily, but want a quieter environment than the central areas of the city.
Belém is easily accessible by train, bus, and tram, has both a local and international flavor, and is home to many tourist attractions.
It offers a balance between the tranquillity of the suburbs and the vibrancy of the city center areas. However, rents are not low.
As Belém is part of Lisbon, you can use the public transport card that’s valid for traveling within Lisbon. This area is considered ideal for both short and long-term living.
Pros:
- Local and international flair
- Easy access to the center of Lisbon
- Good public transport connections
- Ideal for short and long-term stays
- Quiet yet lively
Cons:
- Distance from Lisbon's central areas
- Limited nightlife
- Higher prices near attractions
- Tourist crowds in high season
Areas outside Lisbon worth considering
Lisbon is undoubtedly an ideal location when it comes to accessibility and convenience. But if you want to live outside the city for lower rents or more peace and quiet, these lesser-known areas are worth considering as they are all accessible by public transport, especially by train.
- Alverca do Ribatejo
- Bobadela
- Povoa
- Oeiras
- Caxias
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COVER IMAGE: Source: Photo by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash
