Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Lisbon during Summer

Visiting Lisbon soon? This Lisbon neighborhoods guide will help you find the right area to stay in and enhance your experience in Portugal's capital.

Lisbon may seem as a large city, but the truth is that you can pretty much walk anywhere if you are located in the city center. However, every neighborhood in Lisbon is a lot different from one another, which is why this blog looks at the top neighborhoods in Lisbon for you based on your traveler type (e.g. couple, family, party animal, food lover, etc.).

Contents:

• Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Tourism
• Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Local Experience
• Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Food
• Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Nightlife and Going Out
• Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Couples
• Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Families
• Top Lisbon Neighborhood with less hills
• Top Lisbon Neighborhood near the beach
• Summary of Top Lisbon Neighborhoods
• Visiting Lisbon Resources

Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Tourism

The best neighborhood in Lisbon for tourist to stay in is Chiado. Chiado is a vibrant and historic district in the city center offering easy access to major tourist attractions, making it ideal for those looking to explore Lisbon's rich artistic and historic heritage.

📍What to see: Bertrand Bookstore; Convento do Carmo; Elevador de Santa Justa.
🚇Transport connections: Baixa-Chiado (Green and Blue Lines)
💡Local recommendations:

• Restaurante Cabaças is one of my favourite restaurants in Lisbon that serves traditional local Portuguese food. Try it!
• No need to queue and pay the Elevador de Santa Justa to go to the top. You can reach the top and event see the views from the top of the elevator from the Convento do Carmo just by going around it.
• Chiado is pretty central so you can pretty much walk anywhere within the city center.

Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Local Experience

The best neighborhood in Lisbon for local experiences and less touristic is Graça. Graça offers authentic Lisbon charm with its traditional markets, local taverns, and stunning viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, providing a genuine local experience.

📍What to see: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte; Miradouro da Graça; São Vicente de Fora Monastery; Feira da Ladra flea market.
🚇Transport connections: Martim Moniz (Green Line)
💡Local recommendations:

• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is one of my favourite miradouros (viewpoints) in Lisbon. Perfect sunset spot!
• You can see both Miradouro da Graça and Senhora do Monte in the same day as they are located one next to another.
• Very local. Try some wine bars and local Portuguese restaurants, you won't be dissapointed.

Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Food

The best neighborhood in Lisbon for food lovers to stay in is Principe Real. Príncipe Real is a food lover's paradise, boasting a diverse array of trendy restaurants, gourmet shops, and lively food markets - ideal for a culinary adventure.

📍What to see: Jardim do Príncipe Real; São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint; Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden.
🚇Transport connections: Rato (Yellow Line)
💡Local recommendations:

• Loads of traditional restaurants such as Pica Pau or Faz Frio.
• Just above Bairro Alto in case you want to try other local restaurants, Fado houses, or bars.

Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Nightlife and Going Out

The best neighborhood in Lisbon for nightlife and going out is Bairro Alto. Bairro Alto is the heart of Lisbon's nightlife, packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy the city's vibrant evening scene.

📍What to see: Rua da Atalaia; Miradouro de Santa Catarina; Fado Houses; diversity of bars and restaurants.
🚇Transport connections: Baixa-Chiado (Green and Blue Lines)
💡Local recommendations:

• Perfect for drinking and going out. Multiple bar options which you can switch anytime - ideal for pub crawling.
• Local Fado houses such as Canto do Atalaia in case you are also interested in local experiences.
• Some rooftop bars worth visiting such as Park Bar.
• Recommended to bring some cash.

Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Couples

The best neighborhood in Lisbon for couples to stay in is Alfama. Historic architecture, multiple miradouros, winding streets, and traditional Fado music create a romantic atmosphere, ideal for couples seeking an intimate experience.

📍What to see: São Jorge Castle; Miradouro de Santa Luzia; Lisbon Cathedral (Sé); Fado Museum; Alfama's narrow streets and traditional Fado houses.
🚇Transport connections: Santa Apolónia (Blue Line)
💡Local recommendations:

• Visit a Fado house such as O Prego. Perfect for a romantic dinner with live local Fado music.
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the most famous miradouros. Go early to avoid overcrowdness.
• Get lost in the streets of Alfama and try some local wine bars and restaurants, you won't be dissapointed.

Top Lisbon Neighborhood for Families

The best neighborhood in Lisbon for families to stay in is Parque das Nações. Modern and spacious, Parque das Nações offers family-friendly attractions like the Lisbon Oceanarium, science museums, and ample green spaces along the waterfront.

📍What to see: Lisbon Oceanarium; Vasco da Gama Shopping Center; Cable Car Ride; Pavilhão do Conhecimento; Jardim Garcia de Orta.
🚇Transport connections: Oriente (Red Line)
💡Local recommendations:

• Only 20 min away from the city center by train.
• Consider taking the cable car ride one-way and then walk by the river side.

Top Lisbon Neighborhood with Less Hills

The best neighborhood in Lisbon with less hills to stay in is Avenida da Liberdade. This elegant boulevard is lined with high-end shops, theaters, and cafes, offering a sophisticated shopping experience with relatively flat terrain.

📍What to see: High-end boutiques and luxury brands; Tivoli Theatre; Eduardo VII Park; Marquês de Pombal Square.
🚇Transport connections: Avenida (Blue Line)
💡Local recommendations:

• Perfect for high-end boutiques and luxury shopping.
• Less hilly but still some slope, so wear comfortable footwear.
• Multiple rooftops such as Sky Bar by Seen, Mama Shelter and more.

Top Lisbon Neighborhood near the Beach

The best neighborhood in Lisbon near the beach is Belém. Belém combines cultural landmarks with beautiful riverside views and easy access to nearby beaches, perfect for those wanting both sightseeing and relaxation by the water.

📍What to see: Jerónimos Monastery; Belém Tower; Monument to the Discoveries; Pastéis de Belém bakery.
🚇Transport connections: Belém (Cascais Line)
💡Local recommendations:

• Only 10 minutes away from Lisbon city center by train or 20 by tram or bus.
• Very close to nearby beaches such as Praia de Carcavelos or Cascais.
• Pastéis de Belém is a must have!

Summary of Top Lisbon Neighborhoods

• For general tourism, Chiado will be the best Lisbon neighborhood to stay in due to its location, connections and nearby attractions.
• For local Portuguese experiences in Lisbon, Graça will be the best Lisbon neighborhood to stay in due to its traiditional markets, taverns and history.
• For food, Principe Real will be the best Lisbon neighborhood to stay in due to its diversity of restaurants, bars, and food markets.
• For nightlife and partying, Bairro Alto will be the best Lisbon neighborhood to stay in due to its numerous bars and vibes.
• For couples and romatic trips, Alfama will be the best Lisbon neighborhood to stay in due to its multiple miradouros, winding streets, and traditional Fado music for romantic dinners.
• For families, Parque das Nações will be the best Lisbon neighborhood to stay in due to its multiple family-friendly activities and peaceful area.
• For less hills and more accessible stays, Avenida da Liberdade will be the best Lisbon neighborhood to stay in due to its relatively flat terrain and connections.
• For stays near the beach or riverside, Belém will be the best Lisbon neighborhood to stay in due to its beautiful riverside views and easy access to nearby beaches.

Visiting Lisbon Resources

Here is a list of other resources to help you plan your trip to Lisbon whether it is for a few days or staying to live in this wonderful city =):

• Lisbon Travel Guide and must-see places in summer
• Getting around Lisbon by public transport
• Lisbon best summer events and festivals
• Top Lisbon Day Trips by Train
• Best places to live in Lisbon