Lisbon, the captivating capital of Portugal, is a city that caters to every type of traveler, from solo explorers to history buffs.
You’d be surprised how much your vacation dwellings can impact your trip. Whether you’re seeking vibrant nightlife, authentic cuisine, or a taste of Lisbon’s rich and unique history, these top Lisbon neighborhoods offer something unique, no matter your travel style.
Venture beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the hidden gems of Lisbon, where you’ll discover gorgeous squares, clandestine alleyways, and local treasures. With its diverse neighborhoods, Lisbon offers something for everyone, making it a city that will leave you wanting more and feeling every bit at home—at least for a little while.
The Lap of Luxury Traveler
WHERE: Avenida da Liberdade
Embrace the epitome of Lisbon’s luxury and romance with a stay along the breathtaking Avenida da Liberdade, where every moment is an invitation to indulge in the finer things in life. Here, you’ll find swanky 5-star hotels with rooftop bars overlooking the city. Shop to your heart’s content at opulent boutiques like Vera Wang, Prada, and Cartier. Observe stylish passersby as you savor coffee, wine, or traditional pastries at one of the perfectly positioned kiosks like JNCQUOI or Banana Café.
Where to stay: Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, PortoBay Liberdade, Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade
Budget: €€€
The Flying Solo Traveler
WHERE: Rossio
Lisbon’s central square, Rossio, is the perfect place for a solo traveler to start their Lisbon adventure. The square is surrounded by landmarks, including the Praça Dom Pedro IV with its towering and historical statues and fountains. The square also serves as a marketplace where vendors display goods from around the country, including clothing, candy, books, and wine. Rossio is within walking distance of some of Lisbon’s most visited attractions, including Praça do Commercio (where most walking tours begin) and Cais do Sodré, famous for unadulterated views of the Tejo River and nightlife.
Where to stay: Rossio has something for every budget, from hostels like The Central House Lisbon Baixa and We Love F* Tourists to the charming and whimsical My Story Hotel Rossio and the airy Nicola Hotel Rossio, which overlooks the square.
Where to eat and drink: Sample Chinese-style ramen at Panda Cantina for lunch and dine on culture-rich seafood dishes at Bastardo.
Budget: €€
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The Business Class Traveler
WHERE: Saldanha
The Saldanha district is home to many of Lisbon’s major corporate headquarters. It’s a modern and well-connected neighborhood with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a trek from downtown Lisbon, but there are plenty of things to experience, from the quaint cafes and restaurants to the 31 de Janeiro indoor market, which sells everything from spices to fresh vegetables and seafood. Seafood lovers should try to grab lunch at the clandestine yet local favorite restaurant in the back. If you’re interested in refreshing your wardrobe, you’ll be spoiled for choices at the Mall, where you’ll find El Corté Ingles and all sorts of shops.
Where to stay: Turim Saldanha, Evolution Lisboa, and the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel and Spa (eco-friendly)
Where to eat and drink: Savor succulent Brazilian dishes at Boteco Dona Luzia, wine down at the ground floor bar of Evolution Lisboa, and dine on truffle infused cacio e pepe at Italy Caffé Ristorante. Craving a piece of home? Nosh on American-style burgers, milkshakes, and craft beer at Ground Burger.
Budget: €€€
The Nature Lover
WHERE: Estrela
The Estrela district is home to the Jardim da Estrela, one of Lisbon’s most beautiful parks. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Where to stay: York House Hotel Lisboa
Budget: €€
The Trend Setter
WHERE: Príncipe Real and Baixa-Chiado
Príncipe Real is a stylish neighborhood with a mix of boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Baixa-Chiado is Lisbon’s oldest shopping district. It’s a great place to find traditional Portuguese goods, as well as international brands.
Where to stay: The Lumiares Lisbon
Where to eat and drink: Lumi Rooftop
Budget: €€
The Party Animal
WHERE: Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto
Cais do Sodré is a vibrant waterfront district with a lively nightlife scene. Here, clubs stay open until the wee morning hours, and the nights are filled with boisterous crowds. Bairro Alto is another popular nightlife spot, known for its narrow streets and Lisbon’s highest concentration of bars.
Where to dance: Barrio Latino (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and more), Groove Bar, and Park Rooftop
Where to stay: Boutique Chiado Apartments and Suites and Selina Secret Garden, and CoWork. Gentle reminder: these neighborhoods are not ideal for light sleepers and early risers.
Budget: €€
The Melting Pot
WHERE: Arroios, Anjos, Intendente
These three neighborhoods are known for their multicultural and vibrant atmosphere. They are home to a blend of Portuguese, Brazilian, African, and Asian communities—creating a harmonious experience for travelers who like to be in the mix. If you consider yourself a charitable person, you may be able to donate money, resources, or time to the Lisbon Project, a non-profit community center for migrants and refugees.
Where to eat and drink: Sample wine and nibble on small bites at A Viagem das Horas, a Black-owned wine bar. Have brunch at Zaytouna (Palestinian fare) or tour the small marketplace. Eat your fill of seafood at Marisqueira do Lis, a locally approved alternative to the pricey and overbooked Ramiro’s. Sip cocktails at Infame @1908 Lisboa Hotel before dancing the night away at the multi-level Casa Independente Nightclub.
Where to stay: 1908 Lisboa Hotel and WC by the Beautique
Budget: €€
The Foodies
WHERE: Chiado + Graça
Chiado and Graça are two of Lisbon’s best neighborhoods for foodies. They are home to a wide variety of restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to traditional Portuguese tavernas. You’ll be tempted to try delicious cuisine, including Italian, traditional Portuguese tascas, and other international establishments at almost every turn. Treks up the hills yield magical views you’ll want to experience for days — and help you burn off some of those holiday calories.
Where to stay: Dear Lisbon
Where to eat and drink: Pizzeria Luzzo, Vino Vero, Camones Artes Bar, Belcanto, Cervejaria Trinidad
Budget: €€€
For Families and Travelers with Accessibility Needs
WHERE: Parque das Nações
The Parque das Nações district was built for the 1998 World Expo. It’s a modern and family-friendly neighborhood with a variety of attractions, including the Vasco da Gama Tower and the Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva, an interactive science center.
Things to see and do: Oceanário de Lisboa, Telecabine Lisboa, and Centro Vasco da Gama
Budget: €€€
The Cultural Connoisseur
WHERE: Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. It’s a labyrinth of narrow streets and pastel-colored houses with a rich history and culture. Take a stroll as curious grandmas and grandpas gaze down from their windows or hang laundry. Be tantalized by the aromatic traditional Portuguese cuisine with olive oil, garlic, and wine starring in many meals.
Things to see and do: Fado, Castelo São Jorge, Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Where to eat and drink: Fama d’Alfama
Budget: €€
The History Buff
WHERE: Belém
Belem is home to some of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, including the Jerónimos Monastery and the Torre de Belém. You can easily spend a day or two walking along the sprawling, modern waterfront, watching in awe as boats sail by. There are also lovely parks like the well-manicured Jardim de Torre de Belém. Other attractions are the Palácio Nacional de Belém, painted a soft pink, and the Museu Nacional dos Coches for automobile lovers. It gets very quiet at night, making it a wonderful time to go for a peaceful evening stroll.
Things to see and do: Fado, Castelo São Jorge, Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Where to eat and drink: Pastéis de Belém, O Prado (traditional) and Santinis (gelado)
Budget: €€