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 almost made a very different version of this reel.
Last time I posted about Smiths Falls, the comments surprised me and a lot of them seemed to come from people who actually live there. There’s nothing to do here. It’s boring. My first instinct was to make a whole clap-back video, screenshots and all.
But honestly? I get it. Nobody is a tourist in their own town. The canal is just the thing you cross on your way to work. The museum is where you went once on a school trip in grade four. When you see a place every single day, it goes invisible.
I grew up near the Bay of Fundy - home of the highest tides on the planet - and as a kid I thought it was the most boring place on earth. It took moving away to realize people cross oceans to see what was in my backyard.
So this reel is me being a tourist in your town for you. The 1912 bridge you’d paddle under if you hadn’t stopped noticing it. The museum where you can climb into the trains, and even sleep in one. The thrift trail. The mural. All of it.
To everyone who’s never been: this is your sign for an easy day trip from Ottawa or Kingston.
And to Smiths Falls locals: I dare you to do one thing from this list this weekend. Report back. 😌
What’s the thing in YOUR town that you’ve stopped noticing? I want to hear it.
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#SmithsFalls #RideauCanal #OntarioDayTrip #ExploreOntario #smalltownontario
I have a confession: half my road trips are reverse-engineered.
I don’t pick a destination and find a coffee shop nearby. I pick the coffee shop, then build a whole day around justifying the drive. A hike here, a beach there, some antiquing, all very respectable cover stories for the fact that I drove two hours for an iced latte.
Because here’s what I’ve figured out after years of crisscrossing Ontario: the best coffee shops are never just coffee shops. They’re the unofficial welcome centre of every small town. The barista knows which trail is muddy this week. The regulars will tell you where to park for free. The bulletin board has better local intel than any travel blog, mine included.
So this list isn’t really about coffee. It’s about the 12 places I use as an excuse to keep exploring this province. Swipe through, every single one comes with what to pair it with so you can build your own cover story.
From Thunder Bay to the County, consider this your permission slip to drive unreasonably far for caffeine.
Which one’s closest to you? And more importantly, what’s YOUR coffee shop worth driving for? I’m always taking notes. ☕
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#OntarioCoffeeShops #OntarioRoadTrip #DiscoverOntario #OntarioTravel #SmallTownOntario
For over a hundred years, the men who lived in this house woke up, looked at the lake, and went to work captaining the Wolfe Island ferry. Three generations of them. Same water, same crossing, every day.
I thought about that a lot during my stay at @themullinhouse_ (mainly from the bathtub, because the tub faces the lake and once you’re in it there’s no reason to be anywhere else.)
The Mullin House just opened as a stay, and those who brought it back to life did it in the best way that possible. Keeping the soul of the place.Places with an actual story make my job as a photographer easy. I just have to pay attention.
And if you want to stay here too: It’s a free 20-minute ferry from Kingston, 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10. So this is your sign to plan the group trip you keep talking about.
Save this for when you book it, and be honest, would you make it out of that bathtub by checkout?
Thank you to @themullinhouse_ for having me!
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#wolfeisland #kingstonontario #thousandislands #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I grew up an hour from the Bay of Fundy. And every few years, my school would pile us onto a bus and take us to Hopewell Rocks or Fundy National Park. And every single time, as a kid, I thought : ‘okay, cool. Rocks. Trees. Can we go home now?’
I had absolutely no idea what I was standing next to.
It took me leaving New Brunswick, travelling across the country before I came back to the Bay of Fundy as an adult and genuinely had my breath taken away. I grew up next to one of the most extraordinary places on the planet and completely took it for granted. And I think a lot of Maritimers probably feel the same way.
This carousel is my attempt to fix that, for myself, and for anyone who’s never made the trip. Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d plan a road trip along the New Brunswick side, from the tidal flats to the coastal cliffs to the little fishing towns that feel completely frozen in time.
And if you have extra days to spare, Saint John is absolutely worth a stop, underrated city, great food scene, and it sits right on the bay.
I’m also heading back this summer to try a stay I’ve had my eye on for a while, I genuinely cannot wait to tell you all about it. 👀
Save this for your New Brunswick road trip. 🙌
👇 Have you ever been to the Bay of Fundy? Were you as underwhelmed as I was at 10 years old? 😄
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#BayOfFundy #NewBrunswick #ExploreCanada #CanadaTravel #FundyNationalPark
I’ll be honest, when I pulled up to @whispering_springs I didn’t know what to expect. I’d seen the photos, I’d read the website, but nothing really prepares you for the moment you walk into your safari tent and realize this might actually be nicer than your apartment.
We’re talking a king bed, more space than I expected, and an actual bathtub, in a tent. I took a bath. In the woods. And I would do it again without hesitation.
Oh and the s’mores bar? Someone thought really hard about what would make people unreasonably happy at the end of a summer night and they nailed it.
Save this for your summer planning because at 90 minutes from Toronto there is really no reason to wait.
Now tell me have you ever gone glamping? If not, what are you waiting for!
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#OntarioGetaway #GlampingOntario #OntarioTravel #WeekendGetawayOntario
ExploreOntario
