- 19 March 2023
THIS GUIDE BRINGS TAKES YOU THROUGH the best LISBON NEIGHBOURHOODS
Lisbon doesn’t need any tourist attractions, museums or anything. Just discovering the city and strolling through the best Lisbon neighbourhoods already show the beauty of the city. After living there for 3 months and trying to discover as much as possible, I will share the best Lisbon neighbourhoods including some highlights! Hopefully, this guide gives you a good understanding to the different areas of the city and helps you decide on the best neighbourhood to stay in Lisbon and which places you would definitely like to visit.
Do you want to learn more about Lisbon? Check out my guides: a 3-5 day itinerary, the the best places for brunch, the top 10 places for craft beer, the top bars in Lisbon and the most instagrammable spots.
1. BICA
Bica was the neighbourhood I lived and is a neighbourhood where many locals still live. It is right in the city centre in between Barrio Alto and Cais de Sodre. The neighbourhood is mainly famous for the most photographed street of Lisbon: Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. A picture of the famous Elevador de Bica can’t miss during a Lisbon visit. Stroll along the tiny streets and don’t miss out on Mirador de Santa Catarina, especially during sunset when everyone is hanging out at this lively spot with often some live music. Go to Dear Breakfast for brunch, have dinner at Phármacia and you can stick around after dinner to have a cheap beer on the stairs down Rua de Bica de Duarte Belo. Also! Don’t miss out on Park Rooftop Bar.
Best places to stay: Lisbon Bica (~€70 a night), Palácio das Especiarias (~€225 per night) or Bica FLH Suits (~€160 per night).
2. BAIRRO ALTO / CHIADO
Barrio Alto is known for the little shops, however, primarily for the parties and bars going on at night. During the day, there is not much happening, but later in the evening and at night the streets are packed. It is perfect to stroll to the streets and explore all little alleys and wander around. Have dinner at Tasco do Chico, where you will find live fado during several evenings of the week. On the edge of Barrio Alto, you will find the famous Manteigaria where you can buy the best pastei de nata. Looking for a cosy place for a drink? Try Majong!
Best places to stay: Bairro House Lisbon Charming Suites (~€150 per night), Lisboa Pessoa Hotel (~€210 per night), Bairro Alto Hotel (~€400 per night).
3. MOURARIA
Mouraria is rawer than other neighborhoods and has lots to offer. I did a free walking tour through Mouraria and Alfama and would definitely recommend doing that, as it learns you more about its history and takes you through many small alleys. One thing is sure, they both deserve a place in the list of best Lisbon neighbourhoods. Also, don’t forget to check out the nearby neighbourhood Intendente with a square with some nice restaurants and bars and the rooftop bar Topo located at the square Martim Moniz.
Best places to stay: Lisbon 5 hotel (~€75 per night), Lisbon Serviced Apartments – Mouraria (~€150 per night), WC by The Beautique Hotels (~€175 per night),
4. PRINCIPE REAL
Príncipe Real has all you need in Lisbon. A nice park to hang out, view points, amazing restaurants and all different kinds of bars. Every corner can give you a complete different vibe and all of them are pretty. Príncipe real is the home of my favourite craft beer bar in Lisbon: Cerveteca Lisboa, with daily changing taps. Furthermore, it is home to my favourite restaurant: A Cevicheria. Well worth a visit!
Best places to stay: Flores Guest House (~€110), Casa de Sao Mamede Hotel (~€120), PortoBay Liberdade (~€330)
5. ALFAMA
Alfama is known for all the little alleys and small streets. You will see laundry hanging everywhere and Lisbon’s history shows when walking around. It is home to a cathedral, the famous castle and Fado. When you like photography, eat your heart out, as Alfama can give you some unique shots. It is also home to a flee market on Tuesday and Saturday and different viewpoints, such as Mirador Portas do Sol, give show you the great scenery of Alfama and Lisbon. A nice place for brunch or a coffee is Pois, Cafe.
Best places to stay: Lisbon Best Choice Apartments Alfama (~€150), Patio São Vicente (~€200), Memmo Alfama (~€300)
6. LX FACTORY
It is not a real neighbourhood, but as it gives you shops, culture, food and drinks, it could be one and therefore deserves a place amoung the best Lisbon neighbourhoods. When you like trendy and raw places, it should definitely be on your list to visit. Don’t expect a hidden gem though, as it became a famous tourist attraction. It is home to the best chocolate cake in the world (Landeau) and a library where you definitely want to shoot a picture (Ler Devagar). Visit the rooftop bar Rio Marhavilha for a view over the bridge including a colorful statue and visit A MESA for a great pizza.
Best places to stay: LX Design Apartment (~€130), Find me inn Alcantara (~€150)
