Where To Stay In Lisbons Principe Real Neighbourhood
For luxury, design, service and location, the 5-star Memmo Princípe Real looks hard to beat. The rooftop pool with a view is a particularly welcome feature. See photos and room options.
Casa do Principe is right next door to Embaixada mall and overlooks Principe Real gardens. Its a cosy bed and breakfast that will treat you like royalty. The ceilings in the Dom Pedro suite are a sight to behold and the whole place is beautifully and tastefully decorated. Choose the best room.
Another charming bed and breakfast near the gardens is the recently opened 1869 Principe Real, which has original painted tiles in some of the bedrooms, air conditioning and excellent customer service. Check current prices.
Casa do Jasmim by Shiadu is a cute guesthouse with some family rooms in a quiet street just behind the pretty Principe Real Park. Check prices.
For a more residential location and the possibility of self-catering you have Flores Guest House, just off Praça das Flores. Beautifully renovated and stylishly decorated, the accommodation comes in the form of apartments, rooms and studios. Take a look at the rooms.
You will find more self catering options at Casas de São Bento close to the Portuguese Parliament. They have a wide selection of apartments all with a bold decor. Check out the photos.
Lisbons Artistic Neighbourhood: Chiado
This neighbourhood in the heart of Lisbon is home to high-end boutique shops in Rua Garrett avenue, as well as art galleries and the National Theatre of São Carlos.
If you are travelling on a tight budget, Chiado has affordable apartments and places to stay. At the same time, the blue and green metro lines make it easy to head off on day trips from Lisbon
Chiado is the perfect place to stay if you want easy access to:
- National Museum of Contemporary Art and several notable galleries
- Must-visit Café A Brasileira in Largo do Chiado
- Archeological Museum and the Filigree Museum
The famous Santa Just lift in Lisbon
Why not stay at one of these lovely accommodation options for every budget while in Chiado?
Budget: Boho Guesthouse These rooms and apartments offer a perfect budget accommodation in Lisbon city centre. You wont sacrifice comfort or location when booking at the Boho Guesthouse. Plus, the communal kitchen means you can save by preparing your own food using ingredients sold at the nearby market.
Mid-range: Madalena by The Beautique Hotels In the heart of Lisbon, this stylish hotel strikes a balance between boutique and beauty. It features a bar and restaurant, as well as room service if you are hoping to stay in bed. Each room has air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and a small patio with city views.
Rossio Square in Lisbon, Portugal
Where To Stay In Lisbon: A Complete Guide To The 4 Best Places To Stay
Now that youve gotten a brief overview of Lisbons layout, lets get into the specific places to stay in Lisbon that we like.
Of course, like most cities, the answer to the question where should I stay in Lisbon? largely depends on YOU and your preferences. Theres no cookie-cutter answer that we can give you. Which is why were going into the pros and cons of each area below to give you an idea of whether or not it fits what youre looking for.
If youre short on time and want to get straight to finding the perfect place to stay in Lisbon, this section is for you .
- If its your first time in Lisbon, you should stay in Baixa or Chiado. We stayed there on our first trip, and its a fantastic, central home base for exploring the city. We stayed at Porto do Mar Apartments in Baixa, which we recommend.
- If youre looking for something more romantic and charming, stay in Alfama, which is full of narrow cobblestone streets to get lost in. But theres a tradeoff its up a hill, and theres only a few ways to get up and down that arent walking.
- If youre looking for nightlife and to be in the middle of all the action after dark, stay in Bairro Alto, which is adjacent to Chiado on top of the hill.
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Where Not To Stay In Lisbon
In general, wed recommend staying near the city center, particularly if you have a short trip . That way, youll be within walking distance of most of the main attractions in Lisbon.
That means you should immediately cross off anything further north than Rua do Salitre , which is at the northern edge of Principe Real, anything east of Alfama, and anything further west than Principe Real.
Within that area, youll have plenty of choice in terms of places to stay, whether youre looking for a quiet, more residential neighborhood, or a hip area with good nightlife. Or just about anything in between.
We would avoid Cais de Sodre, which is the area immediately around the Time Out Market closest to the river. While we walked through the area at all times of day and felt perfectly safe, it was the place where we were offered drugs the most often. Like, every block. At least once per block.
Its a good place to spend an evening eating and drinking to your hearts content, full of bars and restaurants, but wed recommend staying elsewhere if you can. Its a good place to stay on a budget, but there are plenty of budget options in each of the other neighborhoods we recommend below, including hostels.
Thats all weve got we hope we helped you find an amazing place to stay in Lisbon and that the information in this guide was helpful for planning your trip.
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Tandem Palacio Alfama Suites
2-6 guests · studio or 1-2 bedrooms · 1-2 beds · 1 bath
Ideally located close to St. Georges Castle and Commerce Square, Tandem Palacio Alfama Suites offers excellent apartments with access to outdoor swimming pool, garden, and fitness room. Guests can choose from a studio unit, 1-bedroom apartment, or 2-bedroom apartments.
Location: Alfama
- Facilities for disabled guests
Guests Say:
Excellent location , friendly staff, very modern and quiet apartment. | Clean and well managed. Well located in the center of Alfama. | Way better standard than others apartments weve stayed in in Lisbon. Great stay, highly recommendable!
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Alfama A Traditional Neighborhood To Stay In Lisbon
Alfamais a neighborhood that doesnt have many hotels, but if youre looking for vacation apartments in Lisbon, this is a good place to stay.
3. Alfama, a traditional neighborhood to stay in Lisbon
If youre looking for a place to stay in Lisbon that still retains a Portuguese essence, Alfama may be a good choice. You can enjoy fado, a genre of Portuguese popular music, and visit the Feira da Ladra, the Fado Museum, and the Sé cathedral here. In addition, in this neighborhood, there are lookout points from which you get beautiful views of the city, especially at sunset.
These are the best tourist apartments in Lisbon, Alfama:
- Low-cost option: Alfama Lisbon Lounge Suites
Best Places To Stay In Lisbon
Ive already mentioned earlier that the Baixa and Rossio area is the tourist hub of the city. However, if youre looking for the coolest place to stay in Lisbon, then soak up the hip and boho vibes in the Bairro Alto. That district is packed with tattoo parlors, hostels, and fabulous bars. Just north of Bairro Alto, the neighborhood of Principle Real is the trendy, social district that is filled with grand and gorgeous buildings!
Best Airbnb in Lisbon: 2 Bedroom Apartment in Principe Real
This Airbnb is positively darling. Its just a five-minute walk from Bairro Alto and drips with charm. It is a two-bedroom apartment with three beds, which makes staying with friends a breeze. There is a fully equipped kitchen, great wifi, and all the amenities you could need. Theres also a tram and metro station nearby. Youll love the huge bathroom, too!
Best Hostel in Lisbon: Living Lounge Hostel
Living Lounge Hostel is a boutique-style hostel that is bursting with color and unique things. My personal favorite part of the hostel is the free breakfast complete with pancakes galore! Who doesnt crave pancakes when traveling? There are also affordable three-course dinners and wine available at dinner time. This chic hostel sits in Lisbons Baixa district, just a 12 minute walk to the nightlife at Bairro Alto!
Best Hotel in Lisbon: 9Hotel Mercy
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Best Hostel In Baixa: Home Lisbon Hostel
This hostel is one of the best places to stay in Lisbon if youre on a budget. It is located within walking distance of popular tourist attractions and is close to bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. This hostel offers comfortable rooms, private lockers, and each night guests can enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Bairro Alto Neighborhood With The Best Night Scene
Yes, Lisbon has amazing architecture and culture, the foods are amazing but It also has great nightlife! Bairro Alto is the party district of Lisbon, so it is not a surprise to find many nice restaurants, bars, and clubs here. The main bar street, Cais do Sodré, is not only busy on the weekends but also very much alive every single day! You will certainly witness a very colorful night scene here!
During the daytime in Bairro Alto, you can discover quirky shops in Parque das Nacoes, visit museums and explore Portuguese snacks and desserts. This area is located just 2km north of the city center and has easy access to other areas of Lisbon. The only downside of Bairro Alto is, it is a hilly area. Even though some areas can be reached on foot you might need to use public transport here.
But hey, picture opportunities are amazing from there too!
Also, if you are into nightlife and want to experience Lisbons famous night scene, this area is where you should stay for sure.
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Why Stay In Bairro Alto
If you want to be in the thick of it all after hours, then Bairro Alto is the place to stay in Lisbon. With the hottest bars and clubs right on your doorstep, you won’t have to go far to find a decent night out.
Though if you do fancy sleeping too, it’s best to stay a little further away from the main hub as it can get quite loud. And as it’s such a central area, Bairro Alto is also just a hop and a skip away from the sights and attractions of the rest of the city.
The Best Areas To Stay In Lisbon For Food Lovers
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Finding a great location to stay can be quite daunting in Portugals capital and largest city. To help you get the most out of your Lisbon trip, we prepared this guide with the best areas to stay in Lisbon for food lovers.
We stayed in Lisbon for several weeks, walking and eating our way through Portugals capital city.
Lisbon can be easily navigated by foot and using public transportation. For the most part, the city is relatively safe, especially in the popular tourist areas.
Each barrio, or neighborhood, has its own unique character and charm. And in each barrio, youll find amazing local establishments serving the very best Portuguese specialties.
Lisbon is the perfect place to visit all year round, offering almost 300 sunny days every year.
Here are our recommendations on where to stay in Lisbon based on location, neighborhoods and the local food scene.
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Prncipe Real: Cosmopolitan And Upscale
Príncipe Real is a super upscale neighborhood! Very cosmopolitan yet filled with Portugese heritage gems like 19th-century mansions, and fashionable shops in stunning buildings, this is an excellent choice for first timers to the city who love vintage vibes and want to stay a little away from the touristy places.
In Principe Real you will find Portuguese designer labels and art, all housed in beautiful quarters. Its not hard to find locally made items here. A visit to the Embaixada is a must, which is a concept store located inside Lisbons oldest palaces. How cool is that?
When you arrive from Baixa- Chiado or Bairro Alto you will be mesmerized by the cute Quiosque do Refresco at the Principe Real garden, which is a perfect stop for respite in the summer months.
This area looks very sleek and relaxed, away from the touristy humdrum. Its location is however great in connecting to various neighbourhoods in Lisbon. Metro stations and buses are accessible here.
- Trendy and posh neighborhood. LGBTQ friendly
- Shop at the many lavish retail outlets here including many of Portuguese origin. Explore the Embaixada mall
- Hang out at the Principe Real gardens, and chill at the Quiosque do Refresco kiosk under the leafy cedar tree
- Find happening gay bars and nightclubs quaint cafes here
- Good location to stay, as it is close to touristy districts of Baixa-Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Avenida da Liberdade, without being overly crowded
Top Hotel/Airbnb Picks:
Where To Stay In Lisbon: Lisbons Coolest Neighborhoods And Best Areas To Stay
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Where to Stay in Lisbon: Advice from a local British expat and travel blogger about the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon, Portugal! Includes recommendations for 21 of the best apartments and hotels to stay in Lisbon.
Disclosure: This Where to Stay in Lisbon guide contains affiliate links. That means we earn a commission when you use the links on this site to book a hotel, buy your travel insurance, shop for travel essentials, etc.. You dont pay anything extra. If youd like to learn more about how this works, you can read more under our Disclaimer page.
We created this guide in collaboration with Julie Dawn Fox, a British expat, travel blogger and photographer who has been living in Portugal since 2007. Julie has served as the local expert for this post by choosing and describing the best areas to stay in Lisbon. I have added in the hotel recommendations, as well as my own thoughts!
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Palacete Chafariz Del Rei
One of the best hotels in Alfama, Lisbon. A small boutique hotel with six luxury suites offering unique views of the river and city. The building dates from the end of the 19th century. It has been beautifully redecorated preserving all the original features, stainglass, stuccoed ceilings, chandeliers and antiques. A cool place to stay in Lisbon.
Dear Lisbon Charming House
Dear Lisbon Charming House is set in a renovated building featuring stylish, themed rooms with panoramic views of the city. Fireplaces, a shared kitchen, terrace, garden, and outdoor swimming pool set this B& B apart. This Lisbon accommodation is a bit outside the city center but convenient to the Cais do Sodré Transport Hub.
Location: Just West of Chiado and Bairro Alto
Cost: $$
Lodging style: Bed and Breakfast
Amenities/highlights:
- Continental, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free breakfast options
- Airport shuttle
Guests Say:
Beautiful rooms well kept. Breakfast very good and overall good location. | The property was located in an area where everything was easy to get to, transportation was literally less than a minute away. | Everything comfy room, lovely breakfast, wonderful helpful and friendly staff, perfect location and tasteful communal spaces.
Downsides: A bit further from some attractions in the city center
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Best Guest House In Principe Real: The Loft Boutique Hostel Lisbon
This excellent property is situated in one of Lisbons best neighbourhoods. Not only is it close to Principe Reals top tourist attractions, but its within walking distance of the best nightlife, sightseeing and dining options in Lisbon. This guesthouse is comprised of 18 stylish rooms with contemporary amenities.
Where To Stay In Lisbon Principe Real Oozes Trendy Cool
West of Bairro Altos north end lies Principe Real, a trendy and gay-friendly residential neighbourhood full of concept stores, boutiques, fashionable restaurants and a couple of cute squares and gardens plus several grocery stores and small supermarkets. Draw a line on a map heading straight west from Restauradores, and youll hit Principe Real after Bairro Alto.
Principe Real is a 7-minute walk from 3 metro lines, and is well-served by buses, making it a great area if you want to get away from the very center of Lisbon without sacrificing much in terms of convenience.
Compared to Bairro Alto, Principe Real is still lively, but its quieter and more upscale, with hip shopping and cafés. If you stay here, be sure to visit the eponymous garden .
Principe Real is great for both short and longer-term stays, and suits all kinds of travellers. If you want to avoid traffic noise, stay on one of the side streets.
Casa do Príncipe This is a highly rated and very relaxing BnB with large, tastefully decorated rooms. Each room has all the modern conveniences including flat screen TVs, private bath/shower. Bairro Alto is nearby with all the bars, shops and restaurants you can handle.
Check Pricing & Availability onBooking.com / TripAdvisor
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