Lisbon is a picturesque European city spread over hills beside the Tagus estuary, with a fascinating culture, a rich history, lively nightlife, delicious food and plenty of magical corners that will fill your Instagram with unforgettable photos. The city is made up of several central neighborhoods, each with great places to stay. Here are our recommendations on where to stay in Lisbon, along with recommended hotels in each of the main neighborhoods.
Lisbon is built on hills, and in some areas the slopes can be very steep. Keep this in mind when choosing a hotel: check whether the access is level and whether it is easy to get to and from the city center.
Baixa
Baixa is Lisbon’s most central and most touristy neighborhood, and staying here has many advantages: it is within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions, as well as nightlife, restaurants and shops. There is a wide choice of hotels and guesthouses suited to both independent travelers and families. Because Lisbon is built on hills, most of its neighborhoods involve plenty of ups and downs, but Baixa is fairly flat, so anyone with limited mobility, or who simply prefers to avoid steep climbs, will find it very comfortable.
Rossio is the square at the heart of Baixa, and it is also the heart of historic, touristic Lisbon. If you want to be in the middle of everything, this is the place to look for a hotel.
Recommended Hotels in Baixa
Montebelo Vista Alegre – a five-star hotel about a kilometer from São Jorge Castle.
Hotel Avenida Palace – a five-star hotel right next to Rossio Square.
The Ivens Autograph Collection – a five-star hotel close to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lisbon Art Stay Apartments Baixa – an apartment hotel offering studios and two- and three-bedroom apartments. Every unit has a TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and a shower. Some units also have a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave.
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is another central neighborhood, right next to Baixa and within walking distance of many attractions. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, hotels and shopping here, but as its name (“the upper district”) suggests, Bairro Alto sits on a hill, so getting around on foot takes more effort. If you choose to stay in Bairro Alto, be ready for some steep climbs and descents.
Recommended Hotels in Bairro Alto:
Raw Culture Art & Lofts – a five-star hotel near the Botanical Garden.
The Late Birds – a four-star hotel that is especially LGBTQ+ friendly.
Patio do Tijolo – a three-star hotel with green, idyllic seating areas.
Lapa
An upscale neighborhood often called the “diplomatic quarter” because of the many embassies located here. Its main sights include the Estrela Basilica, one of the most important monuments in the city, and the lovely Estrela Garden right across from it.
As in Bairro Alto, expect some steep streets here too.
The Felix 10 – a boutique hotel offering bed and breakfast. From the hotel’s courtyard you can look out over the whole of Lisbon.
Alfama
Alfama sits by the water, not far from Baixa. It is the oldest part of the city and has an authentic, charming atmosphere. Hotels in Alfama are relatively cheap compared with the city center, but the price you pay is climbing up and down the many stairs the neighborhood is known for.
Recommended Hotels in Alfama:
Santiago de Alfama – a five-star hotel near the Fado Museum.
São Vicente – a four-star hotel with an elegant, welcoming design. All rooms have air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safe, and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers, as well as bed linen and towels.
Solar do Castelo – a four-star hotel set in a stunning 18th-century mansion.
Still not sure where to stay in Lisbon?
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Feel free to share your experience of hotels you’ve stayed at in Lisbon in the comments.