Best Places to Stay in Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon, the historical and modern capital of Portugal, is a must-see destination in Western Europe for its food culture, architecture, nightlife, and festivals.
The city, which is located at the confluence of the Tejo River and the Atlantic Ocean, attracts a lot of attention because it is at the center of commercial, political, and academic life, as well as historical and cultural accumulation.
The city’s popularity can make it difficult for visitors to find hotels that fit their budget and expectations. That is why, with the guide I created on where to stay in Lisbon, you will be able to decide right away in which region and in which hotel to stay.
Quick hotel advice for those in a hurry:
- Clean and relatively affordable 3 ★ Rossio Garden Hotel, in the historic center of the city
- Close to the sights and transportation network 4 ★ Lisboa Pessoa Hotel,
- For those who want to use their preference for luxury and quality 5 ★ Eurostars Das Letras.
Best Areas to Stay in Lisbon
There are 4 areas I recommend for accommodation in Lisbon.
- The first choice of travelers is Baixa – Chiado, known as the very center of the city.
- Alfama, famous for its narrow and irregular streets resembling a labyrinth,
- Bairro Alto, considered the lively Lisbon nightlife center
- Principe Real, filled with restaurants, bars and art galleries.
You can also choose to stay in the Rato area. However, our priority suggestion is in the 4 regions above.
Let’s look at these 4 regions in detail. Don’t forget to check out our list of Lisbon hotel recommendations in the regions.
Baixa – Chiado
The hotels in Baixa and Chiado, which are literally in the city center, are the first choice of visitors. In terms of both hotel quality and other tourist amenities, these two settlements are ideal for those visiting Lisbon for the first time.
Chiado, located west of Baixa, is home to high-end stores and popular cafes. Because of its central location between Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina, the region attracts visitors with its historical texture and allows them to learn about different aspects of the city.
Most visitors who plan a vacation centered on design, shopping, and gastronomy prefer to stay in this area of town. Restaurant prices in this area are slightly higher than in other parts of the city. Chiado also has many cultural attractions, such as the Museum of Contemporary Arts, which was founded in 1911. Some of the buildings constructed in the region in the 18th century have been converted into hotels.
Baixa, which is slightly more “downtown” than Chiado, has a new and planned settlement view in comparison to the historical regions.
The heart of the city is also considered to be Rossio Square in the settlement’s center. If you start your sightseeing tour from this square, you’ll be able to easily reach the popular Freedom Boulevard. If you travel to the south side of the area, you will be able to visit the riverfront neighborhoods.
You can easily get to Castelo, Alfama, and Barrio Alto from Baixa, which was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. If you want to experience the lively atmosphere of the city, you can walk or take advantage of the metro, bus, and tram services.
After visiting historical and cultural sites, you can spend some time shopping in the shops and boutiques on Rua Augusta.
Furthermore, many restaurants are waiting to introduce you to the local cuisine culture within the borders of Baixa. Well-known food and beverage establishments in the region include Martinho da Arcada Lisbon, which has been in operation since 1782.
While staying in Baixa or Chiado, you can enjoy the best shopping in Lisbon, take in the scenery, and easily access the sites that reflect the city’s history and culture.
Of course, it should not be forgotten that being aware of all these possibilities necessitates ignoring the above-average budget.
Baixa – Chiado hotel recommendations:
3 ★ Rossio Garden Hotel
Booking.com score 8.6.
A beautiful, quality boutique hotel dating back to 1900 and recently renovated.
3 ★ Hotel Lis – Baixa
Booking.com score 8.4.
Located a few steps from Praça do Comércio and the Santa Justa elevator, the 3-star hotel is one of the most popular hotels in the city.
4 ★ Lisboa Pessoa Hotel
Booking.com score 9.1.
A nice hotel located in the center of Lisbon, 200 meters from Chiado.
4 ★ TURIM Terreiro do Paço Hotel
Booking.com score 8.3.
It is one of the most beautiful and popular hotels in the city, which is 250 meters from the Trade Square and only 350 meters from the Terreiro do Paço Metro Station.
5 ★ Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel
Booking.com score 9.5.
It is a very nice option for those who want a 5 star luxury place in the center of the city.
Alfama
If staying in a more densely populated area with historical texture appeals to you, consider Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood.
The historical settlement, located on a hillside between Sao Jorge Castle and the Tejo River, offers a unique holiday experience for visitors who like to explore the city on foot through the cultural structures hidden in its narrow and irregular streets that resemble a labyrinth.
Alfama, which derives its name from the Arabic word “Al-Hamma,” is one of the few harbors that survived the 1755 earthquake.
The neighborhood has managed to retain its authentic texture, which makes it appealing to tourists. Furthermore, Fado music, which emerged in this part of town in the 1820s, has become a cultural value over time, increasing interest in the settlement several times.
Alfama, which is located on the famous tram number 28, is also known for the unique view that it provides to its guests.
The scenery improves as you ascend to the upper reaches of the neighborhood, which is built on a hillside rising from the river’s bank. Even the chance to see the unique view of the opposite side of the city and the river from Sao Jorge Castle, which is regarded as the most important tourist structure in the region, should not be overlooked. The magnificent Lisbon Cathedral is another important building in Alfama. If you bring your camera with you while exploring this area, you may be able to immortalize the stunning images you capture.
Alfama is an appealing accommodation area due to the presence of eating and drinking establishments that will assist in recognizing the Fado culture, as well as the landscape and authentic texture. However, due to its location, the region has a lot of slopes. Some travelers may face difficulties as a result of this situation.
Alfama hotel recommendations:
Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites
Booking.com rating 8.8.
A beautiful facility offering modern and stylish rooms less than 10 minutes’ walk from São Jorge Castle.
Alfama by Lisbon Inside Out
Booking.com score 9.4.
It is a nice alternative for those who want to have a place in the comfort of home in a neighborhood with a view and character.
3 ★ Hotel Convento do Salvador
Booking.com score 9.2.
A beautiful hotel located in an old monastery, just 6 minutes’ walk from São Jorge Castle and Sé Cathedral.
Bairro Alto
If you are planning a fun-filled Lisbon vacation, you can start looking at Bairro Alto hotels without considering your accommodation needs. Because it embodies the city’s bohemian spirit, the settlement is widely regarded as the epicenter of vibrant Lisbon nightlife.
Bairro Alto, which is very peaceful during the day, transforms into a completely different place at night. If you want to join the parties and have a good time until the first light of the morning, the night clubs and bars in this area will provide you with the atmosphere you seek. There are more than just party-oriented entertainment venues in Bairro Alto. Some bars and even restaurants in the region are quite successful in conveying to their customers the unique richness of Fado culture.
The region is also popular among travelers who prefer to spend their time in areas with appealing shopping opportunities. Boutiques in this neighborhood continue to sell clothing from the skilled hands of local designers, as well as gifts that reflect the culture of Lisbon.
Bairro Alto has a limited number of hotels. However, the existing facilities are less expensive than in other areas.
You can take advantage of this feature of the hotels and choose your accommodation among the facilities in this region to avoid exhausting your budget, and you can use public transportation to visit the city’s tourist attractions. Buses to the city center leave from Principe Real, which is connected to Bairro Alto.
Bairro Alto is located near the Tejo River, just above the top of Chiado. Because of its central location, the settlement area, which translates as “Upper City,” allows for quick access to sights and attractions.
Bairro Alto hotel recommendations:
3 ★ My Story Hotel Rossio
Booking.com score 9.4.
It is a nice facility for those who want a clean, high quality but not too expensive place in the city center.
3 ★ Monte Belvedere Hotel by Shiadu
Booking.com score 9.0.
A beautiful 3-star hotel with panoramic views of the Tagus River, located in one of the best rated locations in Lisbon.
4 ★ Lisboa Carmo Hotel
Booking.com score 9.2.
Bairro Alto is a nice 4-star property offering luxurious rooms with classic and contemporary décor, a 3-minute walk away.
4 ★ Lx Boutique Hotel
Booking.com score 9.0.
A high quality boutique hotel serving themed rooms with unique views of Lisbon and the Tejo River.
5 ★ Altis Avenida Hotel
Booking.com score 8.8.
A popular 5-star hotel located 5 minutes’ walk from the shopping triangle, consisting of Rua Augusta Street, Chiado and Liberdade Street.
Principe Real
Principe Real is for you if you want a neighborhood with green spaces, entertainment options, and is just a few steps away from places to visit in Lisbon.
There are many places to visit and things to do in this visually appealing area of Portugal’s capital. The style and price of Principe Real hotels vary.
Principe Real, which is filled with restaurants, bars, and art galleries, is a 10-minute walk from Barrio Alto, which I just described in detail. The settlement is easily accessible via two different metro lines. On foot, you can easily cover the distance between the stops of these lines and the hotels in 10-15 minutes. You can also use bus services as an alternative mode of transportation.
Jardim de Principe Real awaits you, where you can find peace in the LGBT-friendly residential area. There are many green areas, both large and small, in addition to the botanical garden.
If you get tired after visiting Miradouro de Sao, where food and gift stands are set up to watch the city and river views, and Pedro de Alcantara, you can rest in one of the area’s parks. If you want to have some fun, you can visit the local bars or walk to Barrio Alto.
If you decide to stay in Principe Real, I recommend that you focus your hotel search on Avenida de Liberdade, which offers many benefits to travelers due to its central location. In the surrounding streets, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. The shops on this street, which is considered Lisbon’s commercial center and has a historical atmosphere, are mostly owned by local designers. While walking down the boulevard, you can see some of the city’s most expensive real estate.
The boulevard, which houses 5-star hotels with high levels of service quality and luxury facilities, provides easy access to the city’s important points. It is also very easy to get to the airport from the street, which has a botanical garden and flamboyant green areas like Eduardo VII Park.
Principe Real hotel recommendations:
3 ★ Hotel Botanico
Booking.com score 8.3.
An affordable hotel located between Avenida da Liberdade and the University’s Botanical Gardens and just a 5-minute walk from Avenida Metro Station.
5 ★ Memmo Príncipe Real – Design Hotels
Booking.com score 9.2.
A 5-star quality facility, located in one of the top rated locations in Lisbon.
Lisbon Hotel Prices
The Mediterranean climate influences Lisbon throughout the year. Summer brings an increase in interest in the city due to climatic conditions. This has a direct impact on hotel prices and occupancy rates.
During the season, double rooms in 2 or 3 star hotels cost between 60 and 100 Euro. A budget of around 200-250 Euro is required for one-night accommodation in 5-star hotels during the same period.
To stay at a lower cost in Lisbon, as in any other city, take advantage of early booking opportunities. In this manner, you can find empty rooms in facilities operating in the 4 or 5 star category for 2-3 star hotel prices in the city center.
Final Word on Lisbon Hotels
Whatever time of year you visit, Lisbon provides a wonderful holiday experience. If you are visiting the city for a short period of time, you can choose between Baixa and Chiado hotels. As a result, you can get to your destinations quickly and enjoy high-end shopping, food and beverage, and entertainment options whenever you want.
If you want to spend your vacation near the city center, where the historical texture is prominent, you should look into Alfama hotels.
I can recommend two accommodation areas in Lisbon for travelers who want to put their vacation plans first. In this regard, Boirro Alto, with its bohemian architecture, resembles a complete paradise. Principe Real is not much different. Furthermore, it is home to Avenida de Liberdade, the city’s most prestigious and luxurious street.
As a hotel recommendation in Lisbon, the 3-star Rossio Garden Hotel and My Story Hotel Rossio are both good options for a low-cost stay.
If you prefer a slightly better hotel, the 4-star TURIM Terreiro do Paço Hotel and Lisboa Carmo Hotel are both excellent choices.
If you want to stay in a much higher quality 5-star hotel during your trip, I recommend the Altis Avenida Hotel and the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel.