Best hotels in Lisbon: where to stay by area

Lisbon rises and falls over seven hills above the Tagus, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the tidy elegance of the Baixa, the lanes and fado of Alfama, the nightlife of Bairro Alto, the riverside monuments of Belem. Metro, historic trams and funiculars link everything, but the climbs are steep, so location matters. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Lisbon, area by area

Baixa and Chiado

The flat, orderly centre between the Praca do Comercio and Rossio, with the elegant streets of Chiado and the grand historic cafes. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants everything on foot, with the best atmosphere and mid-to-upper prices.

• The Praca do Comercio and Rossio
• The Santa Justa Lift and the streets of Chiado
• Historic cafes like A Brasileira
• Everything on foot or a few metro stops away

For a central, elegant base, look for hotels in Baixa and Chiado.

Alfama and Castelo

The oldest district, a maze of lanes below the Sao Jorge Castle, with fado houses and viewpoints over the river. It is the choice for anyone after atmosphere, history and romance, accepting steep, cobbled streets.

• The Sao Jorge Castle and the Se Cathedral
• The Santa Luzia viewpoint
• The fado houses of Alfama
• The historic tram 28

For history and fado, see hotels in Alfama.

Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre

Lisbon after dark: the Bairro Alto with its bars, the Pink Street of Cais do Sodre and the Time Out Market. It is the choice for anyone who loves nightlife, food and staying in the lively heart, allowing for a bit of noise.

• The bars of Bairro Alto
• The Pink Street of Cais do Sodre
• The Time Out Market
• The Sao Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint

For nightlife and food, look for hotels in Bairro Alto.

Avenida da Liberdade

The grand tree-lined avenue climbing towards Marques de Pombal and Eduardo VII Park, with luxury boutiques and upscale hotels. It is the choice for anyone after elegance, shopping and comfort, staying close to the centre.

• The Avenida da Liberdade
• Eduardo VII Park
• Luxury boutiques and shops
• A direct metro across the city

For luxury and shopping, see hotels on the Avenida.

Belem

On the river to the west, the district of monuments: the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery and the famous custard tarts. It is the quietest choice, ideal for families and lovers of museums and open space, a little outside the centre.

• The Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery
• The Pasteis de Belem
• The MAAT art museum
• The creative LX Factory

For the river and quiet, look for hotels in Belem.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Lisbon stays more affordable than many Western European capitals.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 90-180 euros a night.
• A dinner for two with wine: about 45-70 euros; a bica (espresso) under a euro, a pastel de nata around 1.20-1.50 euros.
• Transport: a single metro ticket around 1.65 euros; a Carris/Metro day card is worth it.
• Tourist tax: Lisbon's taxa municipal turistica is 4 euros per person per night, capped at 7 nights; children under 13 are exempt. It is usually paid at the property. Verify at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Lisbon.

Getting there and around

The airport is Humberto Delgado (LIS), just 7 km from the centre, linked by the red metro line in about half an hour. In town the metro, historic trams and funiculars cover everything, but the hills are steep: tram 28, the funiculars and the Santa Justa lift help a lot.

A car in the centre is more nuisance than help given the narrow lanes and parking. With a good location, almost everything is on foot or a few stops away.

When to go

• March-May: a mild, bright spring, maybe the best window.
• June: warm and festive, with the Santo Antonio festivals on 13 June, sardines and street parties in Alfama.
• July-August: hot and busy, but with long evenings and outdoor life.
• September-October: still warm, fewer crowds, excellent for walking.
• November-February: mild by European standards, some rain, lower prices.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? Baixa and Chiado for a central base on foot, or Alfama for atmosphere.

Do I need a car in Lisbon? No, between metro, trams and funiculars you can do everything; a car is awkward for parking and lanes.

How much is the tourist tax? Four euros per person per night, up to 7 nights; under 13s exempt, usually paid at the property.

How far is the airport? The airport is 7 km away, with the red metro line in about half an hour.

How many days do I need? Three or four nights for the city and Belem, perhaps with a day trip to Sintra.

The best hotels in Lisbon

Below is a selection of real hotels in Lisbon among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.