Location matters on seven hills
Lisbon is famously hilly, and that shapes where you might want to stay. A hotel that looks close on a map can involve steep climbs, so it is worth thinking about how you like to get around. Trams, funiculars, the metro and street elevators help, but comfortable shoes are essential wherever you sleep.
The metro links the airport to the city centre, and taxis are an easy alternative, which makes most central areas convenient on arrival.
Baixa and Chiado
The Baixa is the flat, grid-shaped downtown rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1755, running from the riverside square of Praça do Comércio inland. It is central, easy to walk and well connected, a practical choice for first-time visitors.
Chiado, just uphill, is elegant and literary, with historic cafés, theatres and shops. It sits neatly between the Baixa and Bairro Alto, so it suits couples and travellers who want both culture and nightlife within reach.
Alfama and Graça
Alfama is Lisbon's oldest quarter, a tangle of alleys, staircases and tiny squares leading up to the castle. In the evening you may hear fado drifting from small restaurants. It is wonderfully atmospheric but hilly and not ideal with heavy luggage.
Graça, above Alfama, is more residential, with some of the best viewpoints in the city. It suits travellers who enjoy a local feel and do not mind a tram or walk into the centre.
Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real, Avenida and Belém
Bairro Alto is quiet by day and crowded with bars at night, best for night owls. Neighbouring Príncipe Real is greener and more refined, with concept stores and gardens. Along the Avenida da Liberdade, you will find larger hotels on a wide, tree-lined boulevard, good for comfort and business stays.
Belém, to the west, is home to famous monuments and riverside walks. It is calmer and suits families or travellers on a slower trip who are happy to take the tram into the centre.
Good to know
- Check whether your hotel is at the top or bottom of a hill before booking.
- Pack a light suitcase with good wheels, or travel with a backpack.
- Avoid Bairro Alto if you need quiet nights.