Lisbon is one of Western Europe’s most beautiful capitals, and almost all of its attractions lie within a relatively small downtown area. As long as you don’t mind the hills, it’s a very strollable city, which lets you be more flexible about the neighborhood you choose to stay in.
Whether you’re looking for boutique shopping, pumping nightlife, quality restaurants, or a laid-back atmosphere, you can have it on your doorstep. Therefore, you might not even need to catch a cab or metro until it’s time to head back to the airport. Here are the five best neighborhoods for visitors to Lisbon.
01 of 05 – Alfama and Graça
The oldest neighborhoods in the city, Alfama and Graça, are full of the narrow, winding streets that give central Lisbon much of its charm. Laundry hangs outside overhead windows, and soulful fado music emerges from darkened bars. Life carries on for locals here much as it has for decades.
While these two neighborhoods seamlessly combine, Graça refers to the upper area around Lisbon’s famous castle, while Alfama tumbles down the hill towards the river. Both are atmospheric and fascinating in their own right; moreover, you’ll get better water views near the top.
This area is great for purchasing local crafts and sampling traditional Portuguese dishes. You’ll often smell sardines grilling long before you spot them. As such, pack a good pair of walking shoes if you’re staying here. The maze of streets makes navigation difficult; however, keeping most vehicles away enhances the charm. Parking spaces are almost non-existent, so it’s advisable not to rent a car.
02 of 05 – Chiado
If it’s shopping you’re after, look no further than the sophisticated Chiado neighborhood. It’s Lisbon’s answer to Fifth Avenue or Oxford Street, full of high-end local and international stores, and you could easily spend a day or two indulging yourself.
When you need to take a break from retail therapy, linger over an espresso and pastel de nata in one of the area’s luxurious cafes or visit the oldest bookstore in the world. In the evening, enjoy a lengthy dinner and a show without leaving the neighborhood—Chiado houses some of the fanciest restaurants in the city and is home to Lisbon’s theater district.
03 of 05 – Bairro Alto
Literally meaning “Upper City”, Bairro Alto sits a little uphill of Chiado and is a popular spot for the late-night crowd enjoying Lisbon’s bustling nightlife. This means it can be noisy, especially on weekends; however, it’s a great place to mix with the locals in one of the hundreds of nearby restaurants and bars.
There are plenty of fado music spots in Bairro Alto; however, like Alfama, the best tends to be found in smaller venues that don’t charge entry fees or require set meals. It’s a colorful and vibrant part of town, still close to the river and attractions. Consequently, the nearby Cais do Sodré station offers quick access to Belém or Cascais for a day trip.
04 of 05 – Príncipe Real
Less than a 10-minute walk from Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real has a noticeably different feel. It is calmer and quieter, with more green space and a residential ambiance. This area is home to numerous boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants. Moreover, the city’s Botanic Gardens and Museum of Natural History and Science can also be found here.
The heart of the neighborhood is Jardim do Príncipe Real, a small, tree-lined park with kiosks offering drinks and snacks to patrons at the outdoor tables. For a spectacular view over the city and river, head to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, which has a couple of permanent cafes and regular market stalls selling food, wine, souvenirs, and more.
Some of the city’s best restaurants can be found here, both along the main road and tucked away down several of the side streets. Although there’s easy access to two metro lines if needed, you probably won’t require them; it’s still just a 20-minute downhill walk to the river.
05 of 05 – Campo de Ourique
For a more local, family atmosphere, head to Campo de Ourique. This neighborhood is a little further from downtown than the others, trading that proximity for green space and a lack of crowds. Here, you’ll find many top-quality bakeries and restaurants, offering Portuguese and international food at much better value than the tourist-oriented places closer to the water.
For a smaller, more intimate version of the famous Time Out market, check out the Mercado de Campo de Ourique instead or enjoy a beer or light meal at the kiosk in Jardim Teófilo Braga, the small park at the heart of the neighborhood.
It’s hard to miss the Basílica da Estrela, an ornate 18th-century church on the edge of Jardim da Estrela. In summer, join the locals; pack a picnic and sunbathe on the inviting grass of this large park.
