where to stay lisbon portugal
Lisbon – the city of seven hills, pastel‑painted facades, and that unmistakable Atlantic salt‑kissed breeze – is one of Europe’s fastest‑growing travel destinations. Whether you’re a backpacker, a business traveller, a romantic getaway couple, or a family on a holiday, finding the right place to stay can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Below is a “map” of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods and seating options, broken down by traveller type and budget. We’ve included insider tips, transport connections, and nearby attractions to help you pick the perfect base for your Lisbon adventure.
1. The Lisbon Landscape – Brief Overview of the Neighbourhoods
| Neighbourhood | What it’s known for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Baixa & Rossio | Historic city centre, grand plazas, cobbled streets | First‑time explorers |
| Alfama | Oldest quarter, Fado houses, winding alleys | Culture & history lovers |
| Bairro Alto | Nightlife, cliques of bars & cafés | Night owls & 20‑s‑old |
| Príncipe Real | Boutique shops, gardens, gay‑friendly vibe | Hipster/young professionals |
| Chiado | Theatre, cafés, chic shops | Classic Lisbon & theatre fans |
| Parque das Nações | Modern architecture, art, resort vibes | Family trips & business |
| Intendente | Trendy bars, art spaces, morning markets | Young creatives |
| Santos & Marvila | Artists’ lofts, breweries, street art | Art lovers & foodies |
| Avenida da Liberdade | Luxury shopping, Senate ground | Luxury travellers |
2. Budget Accommodation (Under €70/night)
| Type | Example Options | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels | Lisbon Destination Hostel – Flip‑flopped rooms with a pool and bar. | Free city tours, social vibe, 24/7 reception. |
| Private Airbnbs | Studio in Casablanca or a shared flat in Principe Real. | Entire build‑up‑down, you can cook. |
| Budget Hotels | Ibis Lisboa Centro – Clean rooms, simple Wi‑Fi, bar. | Fast checkout, nearby tram. |
| Boutique Guesthouses | Clear Hostel & Apartments – small apartments in the heart of Baixa. | Freedom to stay however long you’ll like. |
Tips
- Pick rooms with a balcony: Lisbon’s clouds some days can hide the sun.
- Book early in January–March to beat the summer surge.
- Look for a house key in hostels—many surprisingly allow you to stretch your stay.
3. Mid‑Range Accommodation (€70–€140/night)
| Type | Example Options | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique Hotels | Hotel Mundial – sea view, lazy deck, near Santos. | Rotating art exhibitions, free breakfast. |
| Refurbished Apartments | Mata Vacation Rentals – 2‑Bed in Intendente. | Local‑style, includes kitchen & laundry. |
| Private Lodges | The NYC Hotel – Oldest boutique hotel, art deco style. | Rooftop terrace with panoramic views. |
| Luxury Serviced Apartments | Citadines Lisbon Rossio – three beds, gym access. | Convenient location, scheduled breakfast service. |
Tips
- Use the city’s metro for cheap but fast travel: the red line pops straight into Rossio.
- Check for a “city city tax” – it will be added automatically to your Airbnb confirmation.
- Café “almoço” (lunch) is cheaper than dinner, so many hotels offer a small lunch menu.
4. Luxury & Boutique (Above €140/night)
| Type | Example Options | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels in Prime Locations | XL – The Amsterdam Hotel – near Baixa with pool. | Iconic architecture, highly rated food service. |
| Boutique Luxury | The Lumiares Hotel & Spa – 1‑star boutique near Bairro Alto. | Gourmet restaurant by a Michelin‑star chef. |
| Resort‑Style | InterContinental Lisbon – Terraced gardens, infinity pool, stunning view over the city. | Family‑friendly, easy access to main sights. |
| Vrbo & Airbnb | Luxury Apartments in Amoreiras Tower – 3‑Bed, high‑tech design. | Good in‑flat security, 24‑hr doorman. |
Tips
- Reserve during the shoulder seasons for better rates.
- Many luxury hotels offer “early check‑in” nightly rates; just ask.
- If you’re a foodie, choose a hotel with a Michelin‑rated chef – Lisbon’s culinary scene is booming.
5. The Best Places for Families
| Whether you’re staying a Few days or a few weeks? | Where? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Kits & Towels – Parent & child in same apartment | Parral & Viana | 14‑cm+ bedrooms, small kitchen. |
| Apartment – Bespoke sleeping arrangements | Bairro Alto (Proveita) | Not too noisy, but library and walkable. |
| Luxury Suites – Spa & pool options | Parque das Nações | Family‑friendly concierge, with art museum and science center. |
Tips
- Kids generally enjoy visiting the Lisbon Oceanarium – one of Europe’s best!
- The Park also has a cultural centre (Pavilhão do Conhecimento) – perfect for an educational detour.
6. Young Professionals & Digital Nomads
| Type | Example Options | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Co‑Live & Co‑Working | Wolde Lisboa – community kitchen, high‑speed Wi‑Fi, coworking spaces. | Social network, startup events. |
| Refurbished Apartments | Estoril Flats near Intendente | 24‑hr reception, security. |
| Boutique Guesthouses | Lisbonia Seeds – Hot‑spot for entrepreneur events. | Yoga mats in the balcony, organic veg snacks. |
Tips
- Their co‑living options often give “extra rooms free” if you book a certain length of stay.
- The city’s early‑morning tram schedule is a lifesaver – allow for a quiet breakfast before the office buzz.
7. Best for Solo Travelers
| Type | Example Options | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels | Remember Hostel – a quiet environment with air‑conditioned rooms. | Morning coffee lounge, good at meeting other travellers. |
| Private Beds in Guesthouses | Bom Jardim – large garden and small artisan cafe near Alfama. | Peaceful environment and a great view of the river. |
| Mid‑Budget Hotels | Hotel Buch – wrap‑up around Rossio. | Recent renovation, friendly staff. |
Tips
- Aim for a centrally located stay to ease transportation.
- If you’re out of pocket for a bike rental, there are bike‑share schemes right on the edge of most touristy areas.
8. Staying in Lisbon – Transport & Practicalities
| Need | How to get there |
|---|---|
| Public transit | Metro (red line), trams, buses – check the Carris Day Pass. |
| Airport Transfer | Aerobus (30‑minute cheap ride), Train (ENEF) (£2.80 one‑way). |
| Getting around | Ciclovia (cycling lanes) – perfect for a daylight neighbourhood exploration. |
| Complimentary Wi‑Fi | Most hotels now provide free Wi‑Fi in rooms and lobbies. |
| Tip | Unplug your phone once you’re in by a Portugal‑Plus (2GB) data card. |
9. Insider Tips to Live Like a Local
- Neighborhood markets: Try the morning Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) for breakfast or fresh fruit.
- Street food: Sample pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in Alfama’s cosy cafés.
- Tipping: 5–10% is enough in restaurants; note that some service is included in the bill.
- Safety: Lisbon is relatively safe, but avoid the clear “pockets” – busy intersections or near the river.
- Golden Zeiten – 3:00‑4:30 pm & 8:30‑9:30 pm are the typical break times – great for the best free Wi‑Fi check.
10. Bottom‑Line Recommendations
If you’re on a budget
Lisbon Destination Hostel in Baixa/Chinatown – 24‑hour key, insulated rooms, and a widely-cited after‑party vibe.
Mid‑range culturally‑rich
Hotel Mundial – a stylish hotel set in the heart of Santos, giving you access to the high‑end artisans and Fado bars.
Luxury for the love‑birds and couples
The Lumiares – small, talk‑friendly, and with a “signature” lavender rinse to put your mood at ease.
Family‑friendly & past‑seasonal rent
InterContinental Lisbon – the duty‑free concierge for small lots of children and an infinity pool that will defeat the summer heat.
Final Thought
Lisbon’s charm is in its layers. From each stair to a balcony side view, each choice for where to stay defines the rhythm you’ll experience. Start with how high‑budget you are and what vibe you’re craving, then use these neighbourhoods as your compass. Get that early arrival check‑in, barter the locals with some Portuguese, and you’re set to discover, savour, and enjoy Lisbon like ever‑aire in the old capital of Portugal. Bon voyage!
