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Where to stay in Lisbon
Everything you need to know about the best places to stay in Lisbon when visiting
Do you want to spend a relaxing day at the beach or tenjoy he lively nightlife of the city centre? Would a spot of history be your scene or would you prefer all mod cons? Whatever your ideal, Lisbon has got something to suit you, and we can help you find it with our insider's guide to the city's best neighbourhoods.
Recommended: The best hotels in Lisbon
Where to stay in Lisbon
1. Chiado
Located between the neighbourhoods Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina, Chiado offers bundles of culture. It’s here that you’ll find various museums, theatres and snippets of history. The literary guild was founded here in 1856, the National Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors in 1911, and you can ride Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard’s (a student of Gustav Eiffel) Elevador de Santa Justa.
2. Baixa and Sé
With many restaurants to try from - don't fall for the tourist traps that will try to seduce you each step of the way - and many typical stores and streets to lose yourself in, both Baixa and Sé are worth a whole day (or more) of exploring. Bring comfortable shoes and hit the streets.
When the day is done, grab a seat at a bar, watch the game (whichever one is on) and you'll get why Baixa is one of the best places in Lisbon for a late afternoon drink.
3. Príncipe Real
If we translate the name of this neighbourhood it literally means Royal Prince. With restaurants, bars, stores, and art galleries everywhere, this neighbourhood is clearly attempting a rise to the throne. Hang in the coolest bars, shop at the dopest stores or just go for a bite.
It’s also the neighbourhood with the most alternative shops, colourful fun nights and the hottest restaurants. There’s a lot to see and do and the offer is varied and does not disappoint. If you’re here for the food than be ready to taste a bit of every corner of the world.
4. Alfama
Situated on the slope between São Jorge Castle and Tejo River, Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon and one of the most photogenic. Not only do the hills provide impeccable views of the city and waterside, but the cobbled Medieval alleys are beautifully quaint. Prepare for an Instagram-worthy avalanche.
5. Graça and Castelo
Play detective and search for little villas, eat fresh fish and have a toast with sparkling sangria, you'll fit right in. Afterwards, walk around the neibourghood and visit one of the most famous Lisbon Castle and take it all in - this is as typically Portuguese as it gets. There is plenty to see beyond the Great Castle.
6. Cascais
A half-hour drive away from Lisbon, this seaside town has lots to offer if you have a day to spare. Or two.
If you think that Cascais is good for nothing more than to surf and look at pretty beaches, get ready to be proven wrong. It’s the true jewel of Portugal’s capital and is constantly coming up with new things to see and do in town – as well as a packed calendar all year-round. New and old stores, restaurants and bars will keep you busy for the length of your stay.
Either for a weekend getaway or a vacation near the beach, Cascais has some of the most swoon worthy hotels.
More ideas for your stay in Lisbon
The coolest hotels in Lisbon
What makes a hotel cool? In coming up with this list of the coolest hotels in Lisbon, we considered a heady mix of factors – from definables like design, location, service, amenities, architecture, and value for money, to less tangible elements like ambience or history. Then we factored in what we think Time Out readers would want from a trendy hotel and ended up with this list of the coolest hotels in Lisbon with something for every relaxed aesthetic sense.
The best boutique hotels in Lisbon
That Lisbon doesn’t lack hotels, everyone knows. And that the number of hotels has risen considerably over the last few years – a result of the worldwide hype around our city – is also a well-known fact. That being said, we swooped the whole of the city’s hotel industry to bring you the best boutique hotels in Lisbon. Considered the rich cousin of the not-so-fancy Bed&Breakfast, boutique hotels are known for their personality and cosy environment. The laidback mood is designed to make guests feel at home, and these certainly knew how to do it.
Best cheap hotels in Lisbon
Sure, there are plenty of hotels in Lisbon, but a good bargain is hard to come by. We went on the hunt for the best cheap hotels in Lisbon and came back with eight great ones, with prices between 50 and 70 euros a night.