Best areas to stay in Lisbon for the ultimate city break

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Whether you’re planing a romantic weekend for two in Lisbon, or a trip with friends of family, you may be wondering which district to stay in. Where are the best areas in Lisbon? Here’s our guide to the best areas to stay in Lisbon.

  1. Where to stay in Lisbon?
  2. How many days to spend in Lisbon?
  3. Most romantic places to stay in Lisbon for couples
    1. Where to stay in Alfama
    2. Where to stay in Mouraria
    3. Where to stay in Baixa and Rosso
    4. Where to stay in Barrio Alto
    5. Where to stay in Avenida da Liberdade
    6. Where to stay in Santos
    7. Where to stay in Cais do Sodré
    8. Where to stay in Belem

Best area to stay in Lisbon?

Let’s start with a quick summary of the different districts in Lisbon. It is a big city and all the different districts have distinct personalities. Finding the best places to stay in Lisbon for couples can be tricky until you’ve chosen the best district for you. Find out which is the best area for your in Lisbon here.

Alfama is the “old town” to the East of Lisbon. It is the home of Fado music and numerous quaint restaurants and bars. It has a traditional feel. A little further up the hill from Alfama is Mouraria, the Moorish Quarter that surrounds San Jorge Castle. This is a very romantic area of Lisbon, where you can enjoy views down the river from the castle.

Further towards the centre of Lisbon, you will find Baixa and Rosso, Avenida de Liberdade and Barrio Alto. Baixa and Rosso are slightly cheaper areas for accommodation, but the central location is perfect for a weekend break. Barrio Alto, high up the hill, is the party district of Lisbon. Of course you can find a party anywhere in Lisbon, but this is where the late night bars are. Avenida de Liberdade is an upmarket area with shops and plush hotels.

To the West of Lisbon, you will find Cais do Sodre, the heart of the restaurant scene. little way beyond is Santos, an up and coming trendy district. Both Cais do Sodre and Santos are great areas to consider if you plan to visit the Beach in Cascais as the train leaves from these stations. Further still is Belem, a great area for museum lovers as you find both Belem castle and a large monastery in this area. Belem is one of the best places to stay in Lisbon for couples looking for a quiet break. But it may not suit anyone wanting to be in the centre of the action.

There is so much more to Lisbon than just these districts, but if it’s your first time to the city you’re likely to stick to the main areas. Read on to find out about the best places to stay in each area.

How many days to spend in Lisbon?

You may be wondering how many days you ought to spend in Lisbon. Before you book your hotel, it’s a good idea to decide this. To get the most from Lisbon, we recommend at least three days. In two days, you will not get a chance to see the city properly. But, three days allows you to see the main highlights. Of course, you can definitely spend longer! You could stay in Lisbon for one week and explore nearby areas, there’s plenty to do and see!

Find out more about what to do in Lisbon in our ultimate Lisbon city guide.

Best areas to stay in Lisbon

Best areas to stay in Lisbon: Alfama

Best for: Quaint charm, Fado music, Portuguese tradition, apartments, sweeping and romantic viewing spots

BUDGET: Little Duplex Alfama – this bijou apartment is just 350 metres away from the National Pantheon and close to a weekly flea market, which is a great location in Lisbon. A perfect apartment for two people enjoying a romantic long weekend or friends sharing.

MID RANGE: Cativos Alfama Centre District – a cute apartment with a terrace, in a super central location in Alfama.

LUXURY: Tandem Palacio Alfama Suites – a modern and spacious one bed apartment with a terrace. There’s also a garden with a pool offering incredible views across the city.

Best aeras to stay in Lisbon: Mouraria

Best for: View points, visiting the castle, romantic strolls, a little more space than Alfama but still quaint charm

BUDGET: Dalma Old Town Suites – are a two minute walk from the castle. For a budget option, the decor here is pretty plush! Enjoy a suite, room or apartment. The rate also includes breakfast.

MID RANGE: Castle Inn Apartments offer one bed apartment accommodation in the heart of San Jorge Castle. The apartments are clean and offer a mid-range option for couples or friends.

LUXURY: Solar do Castelo – would you like to stay in a grand hotel in the grounds of San Jorge Castle? This is your chance. The exclusive Solar do Castelo is a luxury heritage hotel. I don’t think it gets more fabulous than this!

Best areas to stay in Lisbon: Baixa and Rossio

Best for: Budget travelers, central location, being amongst the action

BUDGET: Heart of Lisbon hotel offers bijou accommodation but for a good price. This is a super hotel for couples or a solo traveller, after a central location. The rooms are intimate, but there’s a cute terrace to enjoy a drink or two overlooking the city.

MID RANGE: Lisbon Art Stay apartments are a fabulous place to stay if you love quirky accommodation. The decor here is a little off the wall, but it’s certainly bright and fun.

LUXURY: Boemi FLH hotel offers plush suites in a charming architectural building. Expect exacting decor and comfortable beds, with a fun bar downstairs to spend time in.

Best areas to stay in Lisbon: Barrio Alto

Best for: Party animals, central location, groups of friends

BUDGET: Inn Barrio Alto offers some of the least expensive accommodation for two, outside of the hostels. Here you can get a decent size clean bedroom for two, in the heart of Barrio Alto.

MID RANGE: 54 Santa Caterina Apartments – these apartments have balconies and great in room facilities. The design is chic and the lighting romantic. This location is a great place to stay in Lisbon for couples, a little away from the action but near enough that you can head out to party whenever you want.

LUXURY: Barrio Alto Hotel – so good that it doesn’t need a fancy name. This is THE Barrio Alto Hotel. A luxury pad in a converted 18th century building in the heart of this central district of Lisbon. The hotel is away from the noisy streets of Barrio Alto with a perfect location on a square. After a hard day of exploring, settle into your own roll top bath and enjoy a meal cooked by the in house chef.

Best areas to stay in Lisbon: Avenida da Liberdade

Best for: Luxury hotels, rooftop pools, shopping

BUDGET: It is difficult to find a true “budget” option in this area, but a good choice could be Room007. The small rooms here are charmingly decorated and some have balconies too.

MID RANGE: Blue Liberdade screams classic Lisbon romance. The building is traditional Portuguese style, with subtle but delightful decor inside. Guests love the location and the attentiveness of the staff here.

LUXURY: The One Palacio da Anunciada stands out from the crowds, even surrounded by luxury hotels. This place has a decadent roof top bar and swimming pool, plus all the elegant touches you would expect from a 5 star hotel. Romance is sure to flourish here.

Best area to stay in Lisbon: Santos

Best for: Edgy bars, interesting restaurants, access to the beaches at Estroil and Cascais

BUDGET: Lisbon Check In Guest House is one of the most budget options in the Santos district. 3 star accommodation close to the edge of Barrio Alto. This would suit a young couple or friends visiting Lisbon.

MID RANGE: Like Home is a 3 star guest house offering apartments and studios. The decor is colourful and vibrant and the location excellent.

LUXURY: The Emerald House Lisbon offers 4 star accommodation in Santos district. Expect large bedrooms, simple decor and a fitness suite downstairs.

Best areas to stay in Lisbon: Cais do Sodré

Best for: Central location, transport links, foodies

BUDGET: Lost Inn Lisbon Hostel offers private rooms that would suit couples on a budget looking for a central location in Cais do Sodre.

MID RANGE: The Felix 10 is a mid-range boutique hotel in central Lisbon. The main selling points are the roof terrace (!) and cool, dark, edgy decor.

LUXURY: Flora Chiado Apartments are four star apartments in central Lisbon. Each one has a balcony or terrace and the decor is exceptional. A luxury stay in Cais do Sodre.

Best areas to stay in Lisbon: Belem

Best for: Museum and history fans, seekers of a quiet break, anyone wanting to visit the home of the Pastel de Nata

BUDGET: Cosy Bedroom Guest House Belem offers very good rates for Lisbon at around $60 per night. A brightly coloured and clean guest house, popular with guests for the price and location.

MID RANGE: Geronimo Guest House is a super mid-range option in Belem very near to the Monastery. A quiet area, with plenty nearby for tourists to visit. This guest house has a terrace and garden, offering a little peaceful interlude in Lisbon.

LUXURY: For a luxury hotel, Nau Palacio do Governador is a fabulous choice in Belem. It is also one of the least expensive 5 star properties in the city.There’s a large garden complete with an all year round swimming pool and it’s in the centre of Belem.



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