Lisbon is really just a big city made up of a bunch of little neighborhoods, each with their own heartbeat and personality. This makes it one of the most unique capital cities in Europe! Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and traditional fado houses give Lisbon so much character and charm. I tend to prefer small quiet towns and coastal cities over large capital cities, but I really just fell in love with the beauty and character of Lisbon. It’s a major city without feeling like it! Here’s my favorite neighborhoods of Lisbon, and the best way to enjoy them all!
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ALFAMA
Alfama is easily the most charming neighborhood of Lisbon. It’s the oldest district of the city and maintains much of its historic appeal today. The winding maze of narrow cobblestone streets are easy to get lost in – and you should! Each picturesque street is lined with pastel colored houses, beautiful shops, and cafés.
I highly recommend making a stop at the Portas do Sol viewpoint to get a panoramic view over Lisbon. From here, you can see countless roofs of traditional Fado houses with a bright blue backdrop of the Tagus River. Grab a seat at the Sol Restaurant and Jardim, an adorable cocktail bar/restaurant on the terrace right below the viewpoint. It also offers breathtaking views of the city!
While one of my favorite things to do in a new city is simply get lost in the streets, it’s really easy to get very lost in the labryinth of Alfama’s winding roads. This three hour walking tour of Lisbon will take you through Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado!
Where to stay in Alfama
AIRBNB | Alfama is full of Airbnbs and VRBO apartments. We stayed in an Airbnb here and it was so lovely and quiet, while simultaneously being very close to everything! Our host was so lovely and the apartment was so cute. I can’t recommend this stay enough!
MEMMO ALFAMA | A contemporary design hotel in the center of Alfama. It features a wine bar, outdoor pool, and terrace with views of the Tagus River!
SANTIAGO DE ALFAMA BOUTIQUE HOTEL | A charming five-star boutique hotel with adorable rooms, views over the river, and an unbeatable location. Their junior suite offers an incredible panoramic view over the city and river and is a great choice for luxury hotel lovers! However, don’t write this place off if you’re looking for a more affordable option – their basic rooms start at about 250€ and are also beautiful!
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is the liveliest district of Lisbon. Its streets are filled with boho bars, trendy restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. At night, the parties will spill out into the streets and people will dance the night away under the stars.
While Bairro Alto is the place to be at night, don’t miss it during the day! This district is just as alive during the daytime, with impressive street art, rich history, and tasty restaurants.
Make sure you stop in Manteigaria for a Pastel de Nata, a delicious Portuguese custard tart. These were the best we had during our time in Portugal! It’s literally the only thing they make, so they have perfected it.
where to stay in Bairro Alto
RAW CULTURE ART AND LOFTS | A unique accommodation concept – each loft is decorated by tapping into the owners private art collection. Has a really cool vibe and is pretty affordable!
PATIO DO TIJOLO | Another affordable and adorable option in Barrio Alto! Offers great views of the city.
GRAÇA
Nestled high on Lisbon’s hills, Graça offers incredible views over the city. This neighborhood was so beautiful and welcoming!
Like Alfama, it’s one of the oldest districts of Lisbon. It is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon, such as the National Pantheon and Igreja de São Vicente. Unlike Alfama, Graça remains relatively untouched by tourists and has a much more local vibe.
Head up to the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte viewpoint, the highest point in all of Lisbon. This will give you a birds eye view over the city all the way out to the river.
If you’re looking for an upscale dinner with an incredible view, I can’t recommend Via Graça enough! The massive windows of this restaurant offer a panoramic view over Lisbon. Their wine list is extensive and their food is fantastic and flavorful. Make a reservation here!
where to stay in Graça
UPON ANGELS RESIDENCE | A funky and unique adults-only hotel in Graça. It is brand new as of 2023! Offers a jacuzzi and adorable lawn areas. It’s also quite affordable – rooms are less than 200€ a night!
1908 LISBOA HOTEL | A gorgeous four star Art Deco hotel. Each room offers a French balcony with views of the square or the avenue. Rooms run about 200-300€ a night.
Cais do Sodré
Cais do Sodré is a bustling neighborhood with lots to do and see. This neighborhood is home to Rua do Nova Carvalho, the pink street. This street used to be Lisbon’s red light district, but is now just a great place to grab a drink and hang out. Cais do Sodré is just as lively as Bairro Alto, and its parties last long into the early hours of the morning.
However, nightlife is definitely not the only thing to do in this neighborhood. It’s situated right on the waterfront of the Tagus River, making it a great spot to hang out during the day time too. Walk along the Riberia Das Naus promenade and make stops along the way to sunbathe at the “urban beach” or grab a drink at one of the bars lining the river. It’s also very common to see live music and street performers along this strip.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop in the Mercado da Riberia, Lisbon’s main food market. The market has been open since the 1800s and offers some of the best gourmet foods and chef’s creations.
Where to stay in Cais do Sodré
LX BOUTIQUE HOTEL | Charming themed rooms, a trendy restaurant, and a location right in the liveliest area of Lisbon make this a great choice for accommodation. It’s on the edge of Cais do Sodré, right next to Baixa and Chiado.
AIRBNB | Hotels aren’t very numerous in Cais do Sodré, but there are plenty of unique apartments listed on Airbnb and VRBO!
CHIADO
Chiado is Lisbon’s most elegant neighborhood, filled with luxury hotels, Michelen restaurants, upscale shopping, and classic theaters.
Separating Chiado and Bairro Alto is Praca Luis de Camoes, a lively little square with a statue of some of the most iconic names in Portuguese literature. Find a spot to have a seat and grab refreshments from the square’s kiosk or from a café surrounding it. My favorite pastel de nata shop, Manteigaria, has a location here too!
Pop in one of the adorable cafés (Dear Breakfast is my favorite) and enjoy a coffee or two before taking a stroll along Rua Garrett! Some of the best things to see on Rua Garrett include the oldest bookstore in the world, Bertrand Bookshop (dates back to the 1700s!) and Café a Brasileira, a famous art deco café.
Chiado is by far the best neighborhood for shopping in Lisbon. Upscale designers, affordable brands, and local shops alike – there’s something for everyone here!
Finish up your time in Chiado with a stop at Rocco, a gorgeous dining experience in a vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant has three separate rooms with different menus and different ambience. The experience was complete with live music – a DJ who accompanied the music with a saxophone. This was my favorite dining experience in Lisbon – make your reservation here!
Where to Stay in Chiado
THE IVENS | A beautiful five-star hotel right in the heart of Chiado. Each room is absolutely gorgeous and the breakfast is over the top. Home to my favorite restaurant in Lisbon, Rocco!
ALECRIM AO CHIADO | Another beautiful hotel option in Chiado and much more affordable.
Baixa
Baixa is located right in the heart of Lisbon, and is made up of grand plazas, historical sights, and plenty of hotels. Baixa wasn’t personally my favorite neighborhood of Lisbon – it felt quite touristy. However, it’s the most central location in Lisbon so it definitely deserves a mention! If you want to stay right in the center of everything, this is a great place to base yourself.
The most notable thing to do in Baixa is take the Tram 28 from Martim Moniz. While they look vintage, the trams are still a staple in public transportation around Lisbon. However, the Tram 28 has pretty much been taken over by tourists because it passes quite a few historic landmarks and areas. The ride takes 50 minutes from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique. It has quite a few stops along the way, but its generally too full to actually get a seat at one of these stops. That’s why I highly recommend getting on at the start of the ride at Martim Moniz (and get there EARLY). It’s only three euros a ticket and is a great way to see much of the city in a short time. Just remember – the tram system is used by locals as a form of daily transportation. While tourism has already taken over the Tram 28 route, other routes should still be kept available for the locals who need them. Always travel ethically!
There’s quite a few restaurants in Baixa, but many are tourist traps. If you’re looking to try authentic local food, I highly recommend this food tour! For high-end shopping, head to Avenida da Liberdade, a street lined with exclusive designers and luxury hotels.
where to stay in baixa
BLUE LIBERDADE | A charming hotel right in the center of Lisbon.
BOEMIO FLH | A beautiful hotel with cozy rooms and unique interiors. You can’t beat the location (or the price – the rooms run you 200€ and less).
Belem
Head to the furthest western edge of Lisbon and you’ll arrive in Belém. The district has a completely different feel from central Lisbon – its parks and riverside streets give it a quiet and calm atmosphere.
This district is most famously known for the Torre de Belém, a fort built in the 16th century to protect Lisbon from foreign invaders as well as manage trade into and out of the city. Now, you can enter the fort and live out your Game of Thrones fantasies while learning about the fort’s history. Tickets are 6€ a person, and as I recommend with nearly every tourist site, get here early.
While you’re in Belém, make a stop at Pastéis de Belem, the original creator of the Pastel de Nata!
