Can’t decide where to stay in Lisbon? From the best neighbourhoods, to the best hotels and Airbnbs, this guide has you covered.
Whether you’ve visiting Lisbon for a long weekend or planning on doing a deep dive over a couple of weeks, where you stay can have a big impact on your experience of the city.
Broken down into the 3 most popular areas to stay in Lisbon, I have made a selection the best hotels, guest houses and apartments for all budgets.
WHERE TO STAY IN LISBON?
To cater to all budgets and accommodation choices, I have broken the selection down into hotels and B&Bs, plus Airbnbs/apartments.
Do note that the prices quoted are for the summer season, and should you be visiting during the quieter months, you’ll likely make significant savings on accommodation.
*** Look for this emoji ★ for my personal picks!
THE AFLAMA DISTRICT
With its timeless charm and historic allure, Alfama embodies the quintessential Lisbon experience, making it an ideal neighborhood for first-timers and repeat visitors alike. As one of the oldest areas of the city, Alfama exudes a palpable sense of history, boasting renowned landmarks such as Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral, and the National Pantheon.
Alfama is not only the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, but it’s also the most romantic. After a day of sightseeing, indulge in Alfama’s culinary delights at one of its many charming restaurants and end the night with a Fado performance.
THE PROS
- Ideal central location in Lisbon
- Picturesque streets perfect for photography
- Rich history and proximity to historic sites
- Vibrant Fado music scene and charming restaurants
THE CONS
- High tourist density
- Slightly distant from public transportation hubs
- Requires climbing a lot of hills and steep steps
Things to do //
Miradouro da Santa Luzia // This is my favorite Miradouro and certainly the most Instagram worthy! What makes it unique is that it’s located inside a small garden surrounded by beautiful Azulejo tiles. This one is extremely popular so get there early if you want your picture perfect moment.
Castelo de São Jorge // Located on the highest hill in Lisbon, Castelo de São Jorge is one of the most emblematic attractions in Lisbon. Built in the 10th century when Lisbon was an important Muslim port, this castle has been classified as a National Monument since 1910. Those who visit will be greeted with one of the best lookout view of the city.
Listen to Fado // Whether you are a music lover or not, going to a Fado show is sure to leave you feeling something. And when it comes to fado, Aflama has more than enough option to choose from.
Pastelaria Alfama Doce // I found this place randomly on my second visit to Lisbon. Of course I had to try their Pastéis da Nata and they easily ranked in the top 3 I’ve had in Lisbon.
ALFAMA HOTELS
The Budget Option || This is Lisbon is a well rated hostel near Alfama. They have 8, 6 and 4-bed dormitories as well as private twin and double rooms, with shared or private bathroom. What makes this hostel unique is their rooftop with stunning views of Lisbon. Rates for a single bed starts at €34 during the high season. Find out more here.
★ The Mid-Range Option || Hotel Convento do Salvador is located in one of the oldest convents in Lisbon which has been beautifully renovated in a sleek and modern style. Many of the rooms offer views on the Tage River. They offer single rooms, perfect for solo traveller, all the way up to family rooms that sleeps four person. Rates for a double room starts at €150 during the high season. Find out more here.
The Fancy Option || Santiago de Aflama is a 5 star boutique-hotel is located just 8 minutes from the iconic São Jorge Castle. This hotel offers panoramic views of the city. I love how this hotel merges old and new with beautiful azulejos (tiles) accent walls in each room. Rates for a double room starts at €300 during the high season. Find out more here.
ALFAMA APARTMENTS
The Budget Option || An 18th century renovated one bedroom apartment in the heart of Alfama, located on a charming and quiet street. The simple and cozy decor makes it a great option of you want to stay in Alfama on a more affordable budget. It’s available from €115 a night (2 nights minimum). Find out more here.
The Mid-Range Option || This Cozy studio next to the castle of São Jorge and Portas sleeps up to 3 people. Decorated in an beautiful boho style, this apartment has a mezzanine and a bath. It’s available from €130 a night (2 nights minimum). Find out more here.
★ The Fancy Option || This adorably Instagramable one bedroom apartment has been recently renovated. Sprawl out on a leather couch and relax amid the modern furnishings and vaulted ceilings or move to the romantic, rose-colored patio for drinks at sundown. It’s available from €252 a night (2 nights minimum). Find out more here.
THE BAIRRO ALTO DISTRICT
Translating to “Upper Neighborhood” in English, Bairro Alto sits on … the top of a hill. It is also the most recent of Lisbon’s old quarters. Built around 1513, it was the city’s first planned district outside of the medieval walls.
Nowadays, the Bairro Alto is synonymous with amore bohemian lifestyle. If you want to enjoy the best nightlife in Lisbon, this is where you need to go. In the summer, street parties are a big thing here: many bars will open their doors and bring the action to the small and narrow alleyways of Bairro Alto.
During the day, it is not as interesting as other neighborhood, however it is still worth a visit to see some of the city’s most iconic sites.
THE PROS
- Lots of nightlife options
- Colorful and full of street art
- Eclectic and delicious restaurants
- Walking distance from the Chiado and Baixa districts.
- More affordable choices.
THE CONS
- Can be loud in the evenings and weekends
- Not as many tourist and historic attractions as other districts
- Not as many choices as other districts.
Things to do //
Ascensor da Bica // Built in 1892, this funicular is located on one of Lisbon’s steepest hills, between Rua de São Paulo and Largo do Calhariz via Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. With the same yellow body as the historical trams, it is one of the most photographed sites in Lisbon. Mostly used by tourists, this 23 passenger car leaves every 15 minutes until 9pm. The ride will cost you €3.80, and allow two trips — up the hill and back down, or down and then back up, on the same day. It is also included with the Lisbon Card.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcántara // With it’s fountain and curated gardens, this Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara is the perfect place to sit down and relax while admiring the amazing views on the São Jorge Castle.
Igreja de São Roque // Known as the “world’s most expensive chapel”, this church is definitely worth a look.
BAIRRO ALTO HOTELS
The Budget Option || Selina Secret Garden is a super cool and trendy hostel located near the Cais do Sodre neighborhood. They have shared dormitories and private rooms. This hostel even has a pool and a coworking space. Rates for a single bed starts at €85 during the high season. Find out more here.
★ The Mid-Range Option || Independant Bica is ultra modern and trendy hotel in Bairro Alto. The eclectic decors of the common areas contrasts with the simple and sleek decors of the bedroom, which comes in many different size : from bunkbeds to family rooms. Breakfast is included in the price of the room. Rates for a double room start at €190 during the high season. Find out more here.
The Fancy Option || Bairro Alto Hotel is a boutique hotel is set in an historical building from the 18th century and features 87 guestrooms, including 2 signature suites, 8 Suites and 12 Junior Suites. The hotel also has a restaurant with an award-winning Chef and overlooks the river and Lisbon’s Old Town. Rates for a double room start at €400 during the high season (they also have single and twin rooms at cheaper rates). Find out more here.
BAIRRO ALTO APARTMENTS
The Budget Option || Bright apartment in the heart of Lisbon, in an 18th century building, full of portuguese traditional tiles. The famous 28 tram stops just in front of the apartment. It’s available from €126 a night (2 nights minimum). Find out more here.
★ The Mid-Range Option || Located in a beautiful yellow traditional building right on Praça Luís de Camões, this bright and modern one bedroom apartment is the perfect central spot for your visit in Lisbon. It’s available from €187 a night (2 nights minimum) . Find out more here.
The Fancy Option || This beautifully renovated open-spaced apartment sleeps up to five people. It has large windows which brings in a lot of lights and it even has an adorable patio. It’s available from €232 a night (2 nights minimum). Find out more here.
THE BAXIA AND CHIADO DISTRICTS
Completely rebuild after the 1755 earthquake, the Baxia district couldn’t be more different then the Aflama district. Here, the perfectly organized street are a striking contrast from Alfama’s narrow alleyways.
Built on the flattest part of Lisbon (your legs will enjoy this much deserved break from hills!) this district is a testimony of Lisbon’s desire to modernize in the wake of the 1755 earthquake
If you’re short on time and eager to dive straight into your Lisbon adventure, Baixa or Chiado are top contenders. These vibrant neighborhoods serve as fantastic, centrally located hubs for exploring the city. During our first trip, we bunked at the Porto do Mar Apartments in Baixa and couldn’t have been happier with our choice.
THE PROS
- Central location
- Near lots of landmarks and attractions
- Flattest part of Lisbon
- Easy to get around on public transportation from Rossio train station
THE CONS
- Extremely popular with tourists
- Crowded and hectic for most of the year
- A lot of “tourist-trap” restaurants
Things to do //
Praça do Comércio | This is one of the highlights of Lisbon’s historical center and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It was once the home of the Royal Palace, but following the 1755 earthquake, it grew to represent a new era, where trade and the bourgeois class were favoured.
Arco da Rua Augusta | Praça do Comércio is also home of the famous Arco da Rua Augusta. Built in the late 19th century to commemorate the rebirth of the city after the earthquake, it is now possible to climb to the top to get a view of the Praça and the Baxia district (you can buy your tickets here)
Santa Justa Lift | Opened in 1899, this beautiful Neo-Gothic lift links the lower Baxia District to the upper Largo do Carmo Square. A return ticket costs €5,15 and includes the entrance fee to the viewpoint. The 24-hour transport ticket also includes access to the elevator but NOT the viewpoint and you will have to pay the €1,50 fee.
BAIXA AND CHIADO HOTELS
★ The Budget Option || We Hate F Tourist is, despite what its name might imply, one of the top rated hostels in Lisbon. If offers dormitories (mixed or women only) as well as private rooms. I love it’s boho and trendy vibes. It also has a pretty cool rooftop. Rates for a single bed starts at €50 during the high season. Find out more here.
The Mid-Range Option || Located in Rua da Madalena, considered one of the most beautiful example of Pombaline architecture, Memoria Lisboa FLH Hotel is housed in a building that was reconstructed in 1780 after the earthquake that shattered the city in 1755. With only 25 rooms this is an absolutely charming option. Rates for a double room start at €250 during the high season. Find out more here.
The Fancy Option || Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel is a 5 star hotel perfect for food lovers. Former private residence of João Federico Ludovice, architect to King João V in the 18th century, its rooms and halls are brought back to life as 61 rooms and suites. Rates for a double room start at €329 during the high season. Find out more here.
BAIXA AND CHIADO APARTMENTS
The Budget Option || For a more affordable option, this studio is located on the Praça dos Restauradores at the foot of the renowned Rua da Liberdade, known for its prestigious shops, the Restauradores metro station, the Rossio train station. It was completely renovated. It’s available from €130 a night (2 nights minimum). Find out more here.
★ The Mid-Range Option || Located in a typical Lisbon XIX Century building this apartment has a very warm atmosphere, with natural grasscloth wallpaper, and mirror covering its walls. There is a small balcony with views over Lisbon’s rooftops and the Tagus river. It’s available from €187 a night (2 nights minimum). Find out more here.
The Fancy Option || This is a luxury, design and bright apartment in a new building, with 24 hours security, located in Restauradores, the most emblematic area in Lisbon. It sleeps up to 4 guests. It’s available from €289 a night (2 nights minimum). Find out more here.
WHERE DID I STAY?
For my visits, I’ve stayed a bit outside of these neighborhoods but still close enough to be at a tram-ride away from everything. I highly recommend both of these hotels (better suited for couples or solo travelers).
Garam Lisboa : Located half-way between the city center and Belém, this was an an adorable boutique-hotel with a pool and swings as breakfast table chairs. Breakfast was included in the price of the room. Rates for a double room start at €200 during the high season. Find out more here.
Upon Angels : This is a brand new adult-only hotel a short walk (uphill!) away from the Aflama district. The rooms are big and colorful. The hotel also has a pool and a bar. Rates for a double room start at €228 during the high season. Find out more here.
READ THESE POSTS BEFORE VISITING LISBON!
LISBON GUIDES | 14 Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon; 11 Amazing Things to do In Lisbon; How to make the best of your visit to Belém; 1 day, 3 castles: How to make the best of your day in Sintra; 5 tips for riding Tram 28 in Lisbon
LISBON PHOTOS | 30 amazing photos of Lisbon
THE REST OF PORTUGAL | 11 amazing things to do in Porto; 9 amazing things to do in Lagos
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I’ll be honest, Peterborough wasn’t on my radar for a long time. It’s one of those places you drive past on your way to a cottage, always meaning to stop, never quite doing it. 🌿
Then I actually stopped.
And now I keep going back.
There’s something about this part of Ontario that feels like it hasn’t been packaged for tourists yet. A small city with a real downtown, surrounded by lakes and forests and history that goes back thousands of years.
Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d spend a first visit, from the first coffee of the morning to the sunset that completely blew me away!
Some of it will surprise you. Some of it will make you hungry. And at least one slide is going to make you say « wait, that exists in Ontario?! » 🙌
Save this before your next road trip north, you’re going to want it.
👇 Have you ever been to Peterborough? I’ll be back in that area in the Fall so tell me what I missed?
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#Peterborough #Kawarthas #OntarioTravel #ExploreOntario #VisitOntario
I’ve driven this loop more times than I can count and every single time I find something new to love about it.
It starts just outside Ottawa and winds through some of the most underrated corners of Eastern Ontario.
The thing about this road trip is that it doesn’t ask much of you. You don’t need to plan weeks in advance or drive for hours to feel like you’ve actually gotten away. You just need a long weekend, a full tank of gas, and a willingness to slow down.
I’ve been piecing this route together for years, adding stops, swapping others out, finding the spots that are worth the detour and the ones that aren’t. This is the version I keep coming back to. The one I send to friends when they ask where to go. The one that made me fall in love with Eastern Ontario all over again.
Every stop is in the reel. Save this and start planning.
Have you done any of these stops before? Drop the ones you’ve been to below 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#ottawa #ottawatravel #ottawaweekend #easternontario #ontarioroadtrip
Ottawa has this quiet superpower that most people overlook. Within two hours, you can be walking along a UNESCO canal, standing on a lookout over a lake, or eating the best pizza of your life on a patio beside a waterfall.
And yet somehow, most people spend their weekends doing the same thing in the city when all of this is sitting right outside their door.
Scroll through to see my list of nine day trips, all under two hours from Ottawa. One of them might end up becoming your new regular.
Which one is going on your list first? Drop the name below 👇
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#exploreontario #ontariotravel #ottawaweekend #daytrip #ontariogetaway
I almost didn’t go to Kincardine. It kept coming up in conversations; someone would mention it in passing, or I’d see a photo of that lighthouse at golden hour and think “I should go there sometime.” And then I’d forget about it and plan something else instead.
I finally went last Summer. And I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
There’s something about this town that’s hard to explain. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is, a small lakeside town with Scottish roots, a lighthouse that’s been standing since 1880, beaches that face west so every single evening turns into something worth stopping for, and a community that genuinely seems to love where it lives.
The full guide is in the reel : where to start your morning, which lighthouse to visit, where to eat, where to stay, and the one sunset experience that I genuinely was not prepared for.
Kincardine is about two and a half hours from Toronto and one hour from Kitchener, so save this for your summer planning. 🔖
Have you been to Kincardine before?
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#kincardine #exploreontario #ontariotravel #lakehuron #brucecounty
Ontario has a short summer. Like, genuinely short. And every year I watch September arrive and think about all the things I meant to do and didn’t.
So this year I’m doing things differently. I made a list.
It has hikes that will make you question whether you’re still in Canada. A tradition that has been going on since 1996 that most Ontarians have never witnessed. A beach that books up so fast it’ll make your head spin. A helicopter ride that changes the way you see this province. And a few experiences that are so specific to Ontario that you could only find them here.
All of them are worth making time for before the leaves turn and you’re back in your winter coat wondering where summer went.
Swipe through and be honest with yourself about how many you’ve actually done?
Drop a number below, how many have you checked off? And which one are you adding first? 👇
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#ontariobucketlist #ontariosummer #exploreontario #ontariotravel #ontariohiking
