Where to Stay in Lisbon Your Guide to the Best

Last updated on September 15, 2025 at 21:10:36

Right, let’s have a proper chat about where to stay in Lisbon. After bouncing between Brighton and my flat in Alfama for the past year, dragging my wife and two kids (Lena, 8, and Theo, 5) through every neighbourhood this city has to offer, I reckon I’ve earned the right to tell you where you should – and shouldn’t – lay your head in this magnificent city.

Here’s the thing: most travel guides will tell you Baixa is perfect because it’s central. They’re not wrong, but they’re not entirely right either. Where you stay in Lisbon can make or break your experience, and after watching countless tourists trudge up these hills with their wheelie cases bouncing on cobblestones, I’ve got some thoughts to share.

Quick Neighbourhood Comparison

Alfama: Where My Heart (and Flat) Lives

Let me start with my adopted home. Alfama is Lisbon’s soul – all narrow alleys, washing lines strung between buildings, and the haunting sound of fado drifting from hidden taverns. But bloody hell, those hills! My calves have never been stronger, mind you. If you’re after Instagram perfection and don’t mind earning your views, this is your spot. Just pack light – watching tourists wrestle suitcases up these medieval streets is painful.

Stay here if: You want authentic Lisbon, love getting lost, and consider stairs a form of meditation rather than torture.

Baixa: The Sensible Choice (If a Bit Boring)

Baixa is Lisbon’s living room – flat, organised, and everything’s within arm’s reach. The grand squares and wide pedestrian streets make it dead easy to navigate, especially with kids in tow. Yes, it lacks the character of other neighbourhoods, but when you’re knackered after a flight from Gatwick, sometimes boring is brilliant. The metro connections are spot-on, and you can actually wheel a suitcase without wanting to cry.

Practical tip: Book accommodation near Rossio or Restauradores stations. You’ll thank me when you realise how much easier life is with direct airport metro access.

Príncipe Real: For Those Who Like the Finer Things

This is where Lisbon puts on its Sunday best. Príncipe Real is all antique shops, concept stores, and restaurants that actually have vegetarian options (revolutionary for Portugal, trust me). The gardens are gorgeous – I often bring Theo here for a proper run-about whilst I grab a bica at the kiosk. It’s pricier, but you’re paying for sophistication and significantly fewer hen parties than Bairro Alto next door.

Belém: The Family-Friendly Dark Horse

Here’s my controversial opinion: families should consider Belém. Yes, it’s a bit removed from the centre (20 minutes by tram), but hear me out. It’s flat (blessed relief!), spacious, and packed with kid-friendly attractions. The gardens are massive, there’s always a breeze from the river, and those pastéis de nata from the famous bakery? Worth the queue every single time. Plus, accommodation prices drop considerably out here.

Family bonus: The playground at Jardim de Belém has saved many a meltdown. There’s also a brilliant little beach nearby at Caxias if the kids need a swim.

Where to Stay in Lisbon (And Where Not to)

Bairro Alto after dark is like Camden on steroids. Brilliant for a night out, absolute nightmare for sleeping. I’ve made this mistake – the streets literally vibrate with music until 3 AM. Unless you’re planning to join the party every night, give it a miss.

My Personal Recommendations by Travel Style

For Families: Rent a flat in Belém or lower Príncipe Real. You’ll want a kitchen (Portuguese restaurant portions aren’t exactly child-sized), and space for the kids to decompress.

For Couples: Splash out on a boutique hotel in Alfama or Príncipe Real. The romance of waking up to church bells and birds is worth every penny.

For Solo Travellers: Hostels in Cais do Sodré or a guesthouse in Alfama. You’ll meet people easily, and everything’s walkable.

For “I Just Want It Easy” Types: Baixa. No shame in choosing convenience, especially on a short break.

Where to Stay in Lisbon – A Secret Few Tell You

Here’s what the guidebooks won’t tell you: consider staying in Campo de Ourique. It’s residential, yes, but it’s flat, full of proper Portuguese families (not tourists), and has the best food market in the city. My Portuguese teacher lives there, and honestly, it’s where I’d move if we ever leave Alfama. The number 28 tram starts here too – beat the crowds by boarding at the source.

Final Thoughts from Someone Who’s Made All the Mistakes

Choosing where to stay in Lisbon isn’t just about proximity to sights – it’s about what kind of Lisbon you want to experience. Want the postcard version? Alfama. Need convenience? Baixa. Seeking style? Príncipe Real. Travelling with little ones? Belém might be your unexpected hero.

Whatever you choose, remember: Lisbon’s magic isn’t in ticking off attractions. It’s in finding your local café, learning which bakery does the best bolo de arroz, and discovering that perfect miradouro for sunset. The right neighbourhood just makes finding these moments a bit easier.

Now, over to you: Where did you stay in Lisbon? Did you fall in love with your neighbourhood, or did those hills defeat you? Share your Lisbon accommodation triumphs and disasters in the comments below – I’m always curious to hear where fellow travellers lay their heads in my adopted city. And if you’ve discovered a hidden gem I’ve missed, I’m all ears!

FAQs Where to stay in lisbon

Where to avoid staying in Lisbon?
Far outskirts – limited transport and fewer attractions.

What is the best area in Lisbon to stay?
Alfama, Baixa, or Chiado – central, charming, and close to sights.

Where to stay for the first time in Portugal?
Central Lisbon districts like Baixa, Alfama, or Bairro Alto.