The Best Area To Stay In Lisbon by A Travel Expert (2024)

Where is the best area to stay in Lisbon?

We’re a travel family of four who recently spent a month exploring Portugal on our epic road trip adventure.  We wanted to stay in Lisbon as we’d heard it is one of the best destinations for a digital nomad family to visit. So, before we left the UK we spoke to a lot of our friends who had lived in Lisbon to ask about where we should visit and, importantly, where we should stay.  We wanted to make sure that we chose the best area to stay in Lisbon to suit our families’ needs as well as make sure that we visited all of the best things to do there with kids.

In this ultimate guide, we will explore eight different Lisbon neighbourhoods. To help you make your decision on where to stay, we’ll cover each neighbourhood’s tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels, and much more.   At the end of our post, we’ve thrown in a ninth option for you – a bit of a curveball.  We’ll talk about why we decided to stay outside of Lisbon, where we stayed and if we’d recommend it – after all, camping isn’t for everyone!

Father wearing. red t-shirt with his toddler son sat on his shoulders looking over a view.  They are looking at the best area in Lisbon to stay.

Quick Guide To Best Area To Stay In Lisbon

Baixa and Chiado – Best for travellers on their first visit looking for a central location in the heart of the city

Alfama & Mouraria Best for lovers of history and those looking for a picture postcard view of Lisbon

Avenidas Novas – Best for couples and families looking for a quieter atmosphere

Bairro Alto – Best for night owls looking for a vibrant nightlife scene

Belém – Best for history lovers, urban explorers and families

Alcântara, Estrela & Madragoa – Best for foodies, remote workers, and families with kids

Graça – Best for returning visitors who are looking for a more local atmosphere

Príncipe Real – Best for those who love shopping, foodies and families looking for things to do in a calmer district

1. Baixa and Chiado

Best for travellers on their first visit, who are short on time and looking for a central location in the heart of the city

You really can’t get more a central Lisbon location than in Baixa and Chiado. When the earthquake hit Lisbon in 1755, this was one of the most affected areas. Following the earthquake, most of the neighbourhood in the Baixa district transformed into a commercial zone.  Because of this, not many people live there.

A view of a main plaza and it's large stone gate in Baixa which is the best area to stay in Lisbon.

It remains mostly a shopping area, where you can find popular high-street brands such as Zara and H&M, as well as luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Unfortunately, the rising rents and increased competition from international brands have forced most of the traditional Portuguese stores that you used to find have closed down in the last few years.

You’ll find that Chiado has deep literary roots and its fair share of bookstores. For literary lovers, you’ll be keen to know that is the area where writers like Fernando Pessoa.  They used to hang around in cafés such as A Brasileira, which is now very popular and packed with tourists.

Best things to do in Baxia and Chiado

There are lots of other fantastic attractions here other than shopping, such as the monumental square of Terreiro do Paço, where most walking tours depart from.  And the stunning gothic-style railway station of Rossio which you should check out, even if you’re not taking a train.

If you’re into transport like our kids are then there are a couple of fun places to head to such as  the funicular at Ascensor da Bica which was built in the 1900s and is still functioning!  And the Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa lift) built by Gustave Eiffel who built the tower in France.

Pretty much all of the main attractions that you’re likely to want to see in Lisbon are within walking distance.  It’s also a good area for taking day trips to places such as Sintra, Cascais, and beyond because the Rossio train station has direct trains to many nearby destinations. 

If you enjoy fine dining, then there are at least three Michelin-star restaurants in this Lisbon neighbourhood.  Plus there is also the Time Out Market Lisbon, which is a vibrant food court with hundreds of top-class food joints. There you can try Portuguese street food or international delights at the many restaurants and bars onsite!

The Elevador de Santa Justa which is in Baix district which is the best area to stay in Lisbon.

Our recommended tourist attractions in Baixa and Chiado

  • Learn about Lisbon’s history with a visit to the interactive museum of Lisbon Story Center 
  • Admire the incredible architecture of Rua Augusta Arch and Praça do Comércio
  • Walk around the riverside
  • Discover the secrets of civilisation at the Money Museum
  • Go shopping along the iconic Rua Augusta, Rua Garrett and/or Rua de Carmo
  • Enjoy Portuguese traditional street food at Mercado de Baixa
  • Visit the amazing Carmo Archaeological Museum
  • Buy a book in the Bertrand Bookshop!
  • Check out Time Out Market Lisbon to try foods from international cuisines
  • Enjoy the nightlife hub, especially the famous Pink Street in Cais do Sodré

Restaurants to try in Baixa and Chiado

  • Alma — This Michelin-star restaurant is run by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa.
  • As Bifanas do Afonso — If you’re looking to try Lisbon’s traditional pork sandwich called the bifana, then this is the perfect spot to order one! 
  • Belcanto — Considered one of the world’s best restaurants, it holds two Michelin stars.  This restaurant is led by Chef José Avillez who gives a modern twist to traditional Portuguese dishes.
  • Casa do Alentejo — Behind the modest facade of Casa do Alentejo is a stunning Moorish-style building. There are two restaurants on-site that specialise in the regional cuisine of the Alentejo.

Our favourite hotels in Baixa and Chiado

  • The One Palácio da Anunciada — This luxury boutique hotel is an oasis in the city, with its beautiful French-style gardens, large swimming pool and a spa.
  • Hotel do Chiado — Designed by award-winning architect Siza Vieira, this hotel is just a few steps from Chiado’s main shopping streets. Some of the rooms offer castle and river views.
  • Home Lisbon Hostel — This hostel is a perfect choice for those travelling solo or with a group of friends because it is surrounded by cafés and souvenir shops.

2. Alfama & Mouraria

Best for lovers of history and those looking for a picture postcard view of Lisbon

As you wander around Alfama you can’t help yourself from taking out your camera. Whether you’re snapping photos of the river views or of the pastel-coloured buildings, this is definitely Lisbon’s most picturesque and best neighbourhoods. 

It’s usually packed with tourists, and many can be found lining up to get the best selfie at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia or to catch a ride on the famous Tram 28. Most visitors to Lisbon have put this on their bucket list of things to see in Portugal. The tram has become a popular tourist attraction in its own right, much to the detriment of the locals, who can barely fit in sometimes.

Having survived the earthquake of 1755, most of Alfama’s charm comes from being the oldest district in the city. Many residents have lived here for generations.  However, with the current tourism boom, landlords have (sadly) begun turning their homes into short-term rentals.  This has in turn forced out many of the longtime residents. 

A brightly coloured yellow tram in Lisbon in Alfama which is one of the best area in Lisbon to stay.

Those who remain get by by selling ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) shots from the windows of their homes or running the few traditional cafés that have not yet been squeezed out by stylish brunch spots.

Don’t let this dissuade you from staying there.  This Lisbon neighbourhood is beautiful, and it is fun getting lost in the maze of narrow streets. Forget directions and just start walking aimlessly around to admire your surroundings.  You can of course, also visit historical monuments like the Sé, Lisbon’s cathedral, or try your hand at haggling at the flea market held every Tuesday and Saturday near the Pantheon. 

Close to Alfama is Mouraria, a multi-cultural neighbourhood where Indian spice shops, Chinese restaurants, and African grocers stand side by side. It is where we locals go when they’re in the mood for a curry or want to pick up ingredients to cook one at home. You’ll also find a mix of Portuguese restaurants, such as Zé da Mouraria, alongside up-and-coming spots like O Velho Eurico.

The view over Alfama with the brightly coloured buildings and their red roofs.

Our favourite tourist attractions in Alfama & Mouraria

Mum, dad, baby and toddler sat on a wall at Lisbon Castle with the view in the background of the city centre and the red roofs.  The Alfama disctrict is one of the best area in Lisbon to stay.

Restaurants to try in Alfama & Mouraria

  • O Velho Eurico — Try a mix of Portuguese petiscos (small dishes to share) at this vibrant spot in the heart of Mouraria. Table reservations are a must.
  • Zé da Mouraria — The portions at this traditional Portuguese restaurant are large enough to share. We recommend that you try the roasted codfish or garlic steak. 
  • Sem Restaurant — This restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu with ingredients from local producers paired with natural wines, craft beer, or speciality cocktails.

Our favourite hotels in Alfama & Mouraria

  • Memmo Alfama — Hidden away in a small alley, this modern hotel has rooms with spectacular views of the Tagus River and the Panteão Nacional. Their swimming pool is a treat for those hot summer days.
  • Solar do Castelo — Located inside the castle grounds, this four-star boutique boutique hotel oozes charisma with its exposed stone walls, wooden ceilings and antique furniture. You’ll notice that the peacocks occasionally wander outside the building.
  • This is Lisbon Hostel – It offers a mix of dorms and private rooms and is a good alternative for those travelling on a budget. The facilities available include a communal kitchen, a lounge and a rooftop with spectacular views of Lisbon city centre.

3. Avenidas Novas

Best for couples and families looking for a quieter atmosphere

Further away from the centre, you’ll find Avenidas Novas a pleasant neighbourhood renowned for its wide boulevards, well-kept parks, and classic buildings. This is one of the newest districts in Lisbon, so you shouldn’t expect to find many historical sites here. Avenidas Novas can be described as a “functional” neighbourhood, with homes and offices.

The view of the gardens at Avenidas Novas with their trimmed box hedges in a patter leading up to the cenotaph.

During the week, the streets are busy with people going to and from work.  And during lunchtime, the restaurants fill up with workers on their lunch breaks. By the weekend, you’ll mostly see families and couples who come to check out the exhibits at the Calouste Gulbenkian’s art museums.  Or, wander through its charming gardens, which are home to turtles and ducks. 

Another attraction is the semi-tropical greenhouse, Estufa Fria. Other than the neighbourhood’s greenery, you can also shop for high-end brands at the El Corte Inglés department store, or grab a pastry at the century-old Pastelaria Versailles, a must-visit if you’re in the area.

A plate of pastel de nata.

This district is quite flat compared to other Lisbon neighbourhoods, and that makes it ideal for families with kids. It is also well-served by public transportation so you can hop on at the nearest metro station and reach the city centre in 20 minutes. 

Avenidas Novas is not an obvious choice for first-time visitors to Lisbon, however, it’s an excellent alternative to some of the more popular and central neighbourhoods.  This is especially the case if you don’t enjoy being surrounded by crowds every time you step out the door. This is the perfect place to stay if you are on a family trip to Portugal.

Our recommended tourist attractions in Avenidas Novas:

  • visit Parque Eduardo VII in the Marquês de Pombal area 
  • explore the Funcação Calouste Gulbenkian Museum with its gorgeous botanical gardens
  • wander around Jardim do Torel
  • ride up the Ascensor do Lavra lift from Avenida da Liberdade

Restaurants to try Avenidas Novas:

  • Fogo by Alexandre Silva — Well-known chef Alexandre Silva is behind this restaurant.  There, everything is cooked over a wood fire, from oysters to prawns and steaks.
  • Lota d’Ávila — Fresh seafood and fish are the specialities of this colourful restaurant near Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.
  • Galeto — Since 1966, this traditional restaurant has served everything from breakfast to late-night meals.
  • Pastelaria Versailles — This centuries-old place stands out with its classic decor. It is renowned for its pastry choice and also serves meals and homemade ice cream.

Our favourite hotels in Avenidas Novas:

  • EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel — This five-star hotel near Parque Eduardo VII features a rooftop pool, a spa, and a gym. It’s one of the best hotels in Avenidas Novas.
  • H10 Duque de Loulé — Occupying a stunning 18th-century building, this hotel stands out with its blue-and-white tile accents. Many rooms offer city views.
  • ibis Lisboa José Malhoa — This is one of the cheapest hotels in the area.  It offers modern rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. 

4. Bairro Alto

Best for night owls looking for a vibrant nightlife scene

A night out in Bairro Alto is a rite of passage for locals who have grown up in Lisbon. It’s all about bar-hopping by grabbing a shot at one place and then a cheap cocktail from the next. 

The bars are so very tiny that everyone spills onto the streets, holding their glasses as they push their way through the crowd. There are people of all ages, however, the nightlife is especially popular with students.

The tram 28 driving through the Barrio Alto district in nightime wiht the lights lit up. Barrio Alto is the best area to stay in Lisbon for night owls.

If you’re in town to party then you’re likely to end up in Bairro Alto or Bairro as locals like to call it. You can start your evening by watching the sunset at one of the local viewpoints.  Then grab some dinner nearby before hitting the bars. There are plenty of dining options to choose from, varying from traditional Portuguese restaurants to Mexican and even Korean. 

Many houses in this area have thin walls, so you shouldn’t expect to get a quiet night’s sleep if you’re staying there, especially during the weekend. With that being said, the neighbourhood is pretty quiet in the mornings.  And it’s great because it’s only a few minutes walk from the city centre, which means you can get into town for sightseeing and exploring quickly and easily. 

During the day, you can also visit many independent boutique shops like Oficina Marques with their infamous repurposed woodwork. And if you have a sweet tooth for a pastel de nata, there’s no better place than Manteigaria.

A table with a spirit measurer and shot glasses on it with lime and lemon slices.

Our recommended tourist attractions in Bairro Alto

  • Check out the amazing street art at Travessa dos Fiéis de Deus
  • Admire the interior design of the beautiful Museu Sao Roque Church
  • Watch a play at the incredible Teatro da Trindade INATEL
  • Enjoy a seafood dinner at Kais Restaurante
  • Admire the beautiful sights at São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint

Restaurants to try in Bairro Alto

  • A Nossa Casa — This casual spot offers a mix of local and international dishes.
  • Essential — This upscale restaurant serves modern dishes that are inspired by French cuisine.
  • Las Dos Manos — Mexico meets Japan at this ultra-trendy restaurant run by Chef Kiko Martins.
  • Casanostra — This is one of the oldest restaurants in Bairro Alto, and it specialises in homemade Italian dishes.  You’ll find from pasta to seafood on the menu.
  • 100 Maneiras — This Michelin-star restaurant serves a tasting menu inspired by the chef’s Bosnian roots with a few Portuguese touches.
  • Tantura — Tasty Mediterranean dishes such as hummus and falafel are the focus of this cosy spot in the heart of Bairro Alto.

Our favourite hotels in Bairro Alto

  • Bairro Alto Hotel — This hotel sits between Chiado and Bairro Alto.  It has spacious rooms that are inspired by Lisbon’s colourful surroundings.
  • The Luminaires Hotel & Spa — The suites and apartments at this five-star hotel come with equipped kitchens.  It also has a rooftop bar, restaurant and spa.
  • Selina Secret Garden & Cowork — This is an ideal spot for younger travellers working remotely.  It has a co-working space and hosts multiple events like yoga and DJ sets.
  • Alface Hall Hostel & Bar — Located in a street full of bars, this hostel is perfect for night owls who want to make the most of Lisbon’s nightlife.

5. Belém

Best for history lovers, urban explorers and families

Hugging the Tejo River is Belém which is where you’ll find most of Lisbon’s museums.  You’ll also see many old landmarks that are connected to the country’s maritime roots. Because of this history, Belém is often full of tourists.  You’ll see people queuing up to visit, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery), a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Gothic-style monastery or queue to taste the original custard tart from the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém.   Locals also like to grab a pastel de nata from there whenever passing through the neighbourhood.

The Momument To The Discoveries in Belem which is the best area to stay in Lisbon if you're looking for luxury.

The neighbourhood’s most recent attraction is MAAT, which is a contemporary museum that is dedicated to art and technology. The art exhibits there are very interesting, however, the bigger draw is watching the sunset from the museum’s wavy rooftop (which is free to access). 

After the museum, you can walk along the riverfront or even cycle to the city centre, which is a few miles east of Belém and about 30 minute walk away. There is, of course, public transport if you’re running short on time.

There are only a few hotels in this area, and most are luxury hotels, so unless you plan on splurging during your stay, we’d suggest that you’re probably best off staying somewhere else.  And instead heading to Belém just for a day trip. 

The biggest perk of staying in Belém is that you can get to the popular monuments very early before the crowds arrive.  It’s a bit closer to the Cascais coastline than Lisbon city centre (a 20-minute ride from the local train station).

The Belem Tower in the river with its beautiful intricately carved exterior facade.

Our recommended tourist attractions in Belém

  • Spent time at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
  • Learn about astronomy at the Planetarium
  • Dive (no pun intended) into Portugal’s maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum
  • Enjoy a waterfront walk as you view the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) and the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
  • Head to the world-famous Pastéis de Belém pastry shop
  • Explore the large and beautiful Tropical Botanical Garden
  • Discover the Centro Cultural de Belém with its exhibitions, concerts, and beautiful garden with a view over the Tagus River.

Restaurants to try in Belém

  • Pão Pão Queijo Queijo — It serves up a variety of baguettes and is a great spot for a quick bite between sightseeing.
  • Taberna dos Ferreiros — This is a family-run restaurant serving traditional cuisine.  It has a few delicious codfish-based dishes.
  • Darwin’s Café — This restaurant has an amazing terrace that overlooks the Tagus River.  This is one of the best places to catch the sunset while you sample some contemporary Portuguese food.

Our favourite hotels in Belém

  • Altis Belém — This is one of the luxury hotels in the area located on the Tagus River and features a Michelin-star restaurant, swimming pools and a spa.
  • NAU Palácio do Governador — This hotel is set in a 17th-century mansion just a short walk from Torre de Belém. Their facilities include a restaurant, bar, gym, outdoor pool,  and spa.
  • Jerónimos 8 — This is one of the more affordable options right next to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and offers modest rooms.

6. Alcântara, Estrela & Madragoa

Best for foodies, remote workers, and families with kids

With trendy cafés, beautiful gardens, and urban art murals, these three neighbourhoods offer visitors a more of an alternative vibe. Combined they form a kind of triangle, with Alcântara and Madragoa lining the riverfront, whilst Estrela sits on the tip of a hill.

The view over Lisbon with its yellow buildings with red roofs.

In the old port of Alcântara, daily life still revolves around the working docks, with inline skaters and runners taking over the waterfront.  And people playing pickleball under the 25 de Abril bridge. If you don’t mind heights then your first stop should be to head up in the Pilar 7 elevator for outstanding panoramic views. 

Alcântara is also home to celebrated creative hubs such as LX Factory where you can explore arts and attend events.  This is a former textile factory that was built in 1846 and now houses a mix of boutique shops, bars and restaurants. In there you can find one of Lisbon’s most stunning bookstores, Ler Devagar. If you love music, then don’t miss the record shop on the top floor too!

Meanwhile, Estrela and Madragoa are packed with designer stores and hip specialty coffee shops where you can grab a fantastic coffee.  Many of Lisbon’s digital nomads and remote workers can be spotted hanging around this area, so you’ll see lots of people with their laptops out.

The view down the road is Esltrela in Lisbon.,

Estrela is a very popular area among expat families, because there are lots of parks and international schools nearby. A favourite spot is the fun Jardim da Estrela, which is a pretty garden with a few kiosks and a great plaground.

Our recommended tourist attractions in Alcântara, Estrela & Madragoa

  • Take time to discover the LX Factory
  • Enjoy a coffee at one of the speciality cafes
  • Explore the beautiful Jardim da Estrela
  • See beautiful art pieces at The National Museum of Ancient Art

Restaurants to try Alcântara, Estrela & Madragoa

  • O Mercado — This is a fresh fish speciality restaurant located inside Alcântara’s food market.
  • Último Porto — Hidden between shipping containers, this is a hidden gem that serves some of the best-grilled seafood in Lisbon.
  • Sofia’s Place — This restaurant serves delicious international dishes from Cape Verde, Portugal and Brazil.
  • Senhor Uva — Modern vegetarian dishes paired with natural wines are the focus of this cosy spot near Jardim da Estrela.

My favourite hotels in Alcântara, Estrela & Madragoa

  • Olissippo Lapa Palace — This luxury hotel is housed within a 19th-century palace and features a spa, two pools, as well as stunning Tagus River views.
  • York House — Conveniently located next to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and several cafés.
  • LX Hostel — Located inside the LX Factory, this the perfect place for travellers on a limited budget, and it’s great that pets are also welcome. 

7. Graça

Best for returning visitors who are looking for a more local atmosphere

Set high on a hill overlooking Lisbon city centre, Graça offers some of the best views in town. This picturesque neighbourhood is just a few minutes away from the historic district of Alfama.  And yet it has a very different atmosphere, with its cosy wine bars, dog-friendly gardens, and colourful murals that almost daily keep popping up on every corner.

A yellow tram driving through the Graca district in Lisbon which is the best area to stay in Lisbon for a local experience.

This is our friend’s favourite neighbourhood in Lisbon, and although the area has changed significantly in recent years, it still retains much of its down-to-earth charm. 

Whilst the traditional restaurants and shops are still there, much of the area has now become much trendier.  This is evident in the many brunch spots and natural wine bars that you can find there. There’s plenty to do in the area, such as thrift shopping at Humana, watching the sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and catching an open mic session at Camones.

What makes Graça very special are the little villas like Vila Berta and Estrela d’Ouro. Originally built as an area for workers, these are like a neighbourhood within a neighbourhood.  These are cute terraced houses with tiled facades. 

If you’ve visited Lisbon before and like staying in pleasant local areas, then this is a great place to soak in the atmosphere and see local life. Some people enjoy the area so much that they seldom leave the neighbourhood.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte with its paved standing area looking out over the view of Lisbon city centre.  There are low hanging branches in the foreground.

Our recommended tourist attractions in Graça

  • Watch a Sunset at Grace Viewpoint
  • Discover 17th-century secrets at the National Pantheon 
  • Go street art hunting through the cobblestone streets of Graca
  • Listen to music and feel like a local at Camones – Artes Bar

Restaurants to try in Graça

  • Altar — This restaurant specialises in Portuguese dishes cooked in their wood-fired oven.
  • A Taberna do Mar — This fusion restaurant combines Portuguese flavours and Japanese seafood.
  • L’APE — This lively Italian bar serves up a delicious bruschettone, piadinas and paninis.
  • Café Mortara — Fresh handmade pasta is the speciality at this colourful café.

Our favourite hotels in Graça

  • Santa Clara 1728 — With just six suites available, this upscale hotel is ideal for a romantic getaway. 
  • Albergaria Senhora do Monte — Only a few steps away from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, this hotel offers rooms with incredible Lisbon city centre views.
  • Tings Lisbon — This is an affordable B&B that features 16 rooms and has a cosy outdoor patio.

8. Príncipe Real

Best for those who love shopping, foodies and families looking for things to do in a calmer district

Príncipe Real is one of the most upscale neighbourhoods in Lisbon city centre, where independent boutique shops sit next to stylish cocktail bars and restaurants. 

Alongside its rows of elegant buildings is the beautiful Embaixada, a 19th-century palace that is now converted into a shopping gallery where local artisans showcase their work. The nearby neighbourhood gardens offer you a great place to unwind after a workday or a shopping spree.

The white stone facade of Embaixada shopping mall in Lisbon.

Weekends in the Príncipe Real district kick off with a drink at a local kiosk, followed by a visit to the farmer’s market, the Mercado Biológico. Even if they don’t live in the district, many locals head there to buy their organic fruit and vegetables.

Our recommended tourist attractions in Príncipe Real

  • Visit Embaixada Mall and check out Portuguese designer boutiques 
  • Explore the cinema history of Lisbon at the spectacular Cinemateca 
  • Wander between the designer boutiques and upscale restaurants in Avenida da Liberdade 
  • Visit the Botanical Garden of Lisbon and enjoy nature with a picnic

Restaurants to try in Príncipe Real

  • Pica Pau — You can sample some Portuguese dishes inspired by old-style recipes, including codfish cakes, octopus and pica-pau 
  • Atalho Real — Found inside the Embaixa Palace this restaurant specialises in Burgers and steaks

Our favourite hotels in Príncipe Real

  • Memmo Príncipe Real — Perfectly located near the neighbourhood gardens, this beautiful five-star boutique hotel offers modern rooms.  Facilities also include an outdoor pool and a cocktail bar with panoramic city views.
  • 1869 Principe Real — This B&B with its red tile facade stands out from the other buildings next to it. It has nine bedrooms and suites, some of which feature private balconies.
  • Independente Príncipe Real — Located in a 19th-century building, this stylish hostel offers a selection of dorms and suites. There are two restaurants on-site offering plenty of choice, including one on the rooftop with spectacular views over the castle.

9. Staying Outside of Lisbon City Centre

Best for families who want a little more open space for their kids to play in, those who love beaches and travellers on a budget

All of the places that we’ve spoken about are fantastic Lisbon city centre locations.  However, we decided early on in our trip planning as we were doing a roadtrip we wanted to add some extra adventure.  That’s when we decided we’d camp with our kids around Portugal.  It was, as you can imagine, a lot cheaper for us camp than pay for bricks and mortar accommodation prices for a month.

A father is sat on a chair with his baby son on his lap and his toddler son is sat on the floor.  In the background is their green tent.

When we researched we were surprised at how few quality campsites we could find close to Lisbon.  We found one that was very centrally located, but, the reviews we read didn’t really sell it to us.  There were several all within 30-45 minutes from the centre with varying reviews.

We ended up staying at Orbitur Guincho with an amazing location on the stunning Praia Guincho beach and just a short 10 minute drive from Cascias.  If you have a car, then its easy to get to Libson city centre within 45 minutes from the campsite.  We used this great app to find cheap parking.

The campsite had some fantastic facilities including two swimming pools, two playgrounds a bar, shop laundry and much more.  What we loved about camping was that it was really easy for Cam to make new friends, he’d either hang out at the pool or playground to meet other kids.  Or, we’d see them at their tents and he’d happily head over and say hi.  Cam is a very confident kid even if the other children don’t speak English he’s happy to chat and boss them around.

We spent an incredible week there with our boys enjoying the spectacular views over the beach.  And in the evening we’d watch the sunset as the surfers took on the big waves.

A man in a red t-shirt sat on a beach with a tennis racquet with his son stood opposite him wearing a yellow jumper and jogging bottoms on the beach.  In the background the sun is about to set.

FAQ’s About Lisbon

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

The autumn and spring are the best time to visit Lisbon as the weather is not too hot or too cold. Lisbon in March, April, September and October are the best months with lows of 17°C and highs of 26°C. However, they are also the busier months as they are high season.

Where to avoid staying in Lisbon?

You should avoid staying in Cova da Moura as it was the red-light district and whilst it has had a new lease of life, it’s still not favourable. All the areas we have mentioned are safe.

Where is the centre of Lisbon for tourists?

Baixa is the most central and touristic neighbourhood in Lisbon. It is where some of the best shops and attractions in the city can be found.

Is 3 full days in Lisbon enough?

The best thing about Lisbon is that it is a relatively compact city with good public transportation. Meaning that getting between attractions is efficient so you can see most of the main tourist attractions within 2 days. Three days will give you spare time to take in some of the experiences such as the Zoo or Science Museum.

Final Thoughts on Best Area To Stay In Lisbon

The great thing about Lisbon is that there are so many fantastic districts to choose from for families, for night owls and for first time visitors. We hope that we’ve been able to give you the details that you need in order to choose the best area to stay in Lisbon for your visit. If you’re on a budget, or after a different adventure like we were, then there are also options further afield like camping by the beach.