Ultimate Lisbon Guide by Neighborhood

Be honest: when you think of European cities you'd like to check out, where does Lisbon rank in your list? Whether it's at the top of your list, at the bottom, or somewhere in between, there's no denying that this beautiful city is completely underrated. It's already a given that European destinations are beautiful, especially capital cities. So in terms of aesthetics and vibe, Lisbon can rival even the likes of Paris, Milan, Venice, and more. But what truly makes the Portuguese capital a great place is its many unique and fascinating neighborhoods. This neighborhood guide will show the central ones!

 

 

Best Neighborhoods Lisbon

Truthfully speaking, it's unfair to declare a handful of areas as the “best neighborhoods” of Lisbon. Different people like different things, and as such, what might be the “best” place for you might not be the best for others. With that said, however, there is a consensus that Chiado, Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto are four of the most beloved neighborhoods in Lisbon. They're popular among locals and tourists alike, thanks in large part to their central locations within the city. It also helps that these areas offer a variety of hotspots and attractions.

  

What Neighborhoods to Stay in Lisbon

The aforementioned neighborhoods—Chiado, Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto—are also what many would regard as where people should stay in Lisbon. You can include Avenidas Novas, Marvila, Beato, and Estrela on this list. They're trendy districts that are fairly affordable, and that's saying something since the living costs in Lisbon aren't all that high! 

  

Lisbon Neighborhoods to Avoid

Living costs aren't the only things that are low in the Portuguese capital. Lisbon's crime rates aren't high too, which is notable for a capital city. Though it's a bustling metropolis, Lisbon is far from a dangerous city. Nevertheless, it's still better to avoid certain places like Anjos, Intendente, and Martim Moniz at night. They remain largely safe during the day, but they tend to draw all sorts of sketchy characters at night. 

  

Alfama in Lisbon, Portugal

Fishing towns and neighborhoods are a dime a dozen in Europe. If you're staying in a coastal city, it's bound to have a fishing district, more often than not. But what makes Lisbon's Alfama neighborhood stand out is its old-world appeal. It's the old town district of Lisbon, filled with the history and heritage of the Portuguese capital. From cobbled streets to centuries-old houses and grand churches, this place has stood the test of time. It's among the most picturesque parts of Lisbon, one that's worth exploring every chance you get. 

  

What to Do Alfama, Lisbon

If you can only spend a day in Lisbon, you won't regret staying in Alfama. Here, you can go sightseeing, hang out in cafes, go on a foodie tour, get to know locals, and shop in quirky boutiques. There's something to discover at every corner, which is probably why Alfama is beloved by locals and tourists alike. 

  

Where to Eat Alfama, Lisbon

Beyond the historic sights, Alfama is also a treasure trove of great restaurants. Restaurante Farol de Santa Luzia is a particular highlight, known as one of the best seafood spots in the city. You need to taste their mussels drenched in tomato sauce—they're incredible! A Travessa do Fado, which is next to Museu do Fado, is another must-try. Enjoying a cold bottle of beer and gambas ao alhinho (shrimp sautéed in garlic) on one of their outdoor tables is a major treat! And last but not least, go to Parreirinha de Alfama if you want to enjoy traditional Portuguese food and music. It's a culinary experience you won't soon forget! 

  

Is Alfama, Lisbon Safe?

Yes, it's generally a safe neighborhood in Lisbon. As already mentioned, the city's crime rates are already low, and they're even more so in central areas like Alfama. Just be careful when you ride packed trams—pickpockets tend to target them! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Bairro Alto

Lisbon isn't exactly a city you'd automatically consider a nightlife haven, is it? Paris? Maybe! Rome? Why not? How about London? Most definitely! But Lisbon? Does it even have a nightlife scene? The answer is a resounding yes! And it's Bairro Alto. A bohemian district, this is where all the liveliest bars and exciting nightclubs open when the sun goes down. But while the sun's still up, you can still go on a foodie tour of the neighborhood too. 

  

What to Do in Bairro Alto, Lisbon

Bairro Alto is the best place in Lisbon to have a good time. During the day, you can stroll along its cobbled streets and meet plenty of locals who are just hanging out. Perhaps even have lunch in some of the finest restaurants in Lisbon. The place is a popular foodie district, after all. At night, the neighborhood lights up and becomes the ultimate nightlife scene in the city. Check out its quirky bars, dance in lively clubs, and just have a ball! 

  

Bairro Alto, Lisbon Restaurants

Going on a foodie tour of Bairro Alto is like taking a trip around the world. Of course, some hotspots serve authentic Portuguese food like O Faia and Lisboa à Noite, but there are other cuisines too. Valdo Gatti takes you to Italy with its scrumptious pizza pies. El Santo brings the flavors of Mexico to this bustling district too. And if you fancy some Mediterranean seafood, look no further than Sea Me. They even offer a hint of Japanese cuisine in their dishes too! 

  

Is Bairro Alto, Lisbon Safe?

For the most part, it is. During the day, you can go out and about with little to no worry at all. Come nightfall, however, it pays to be a bit more cautious. It's not that Bairro Alto becomes dangerous once the sun goes down. But since it is a popular nightlife district, you never know what might happen here. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Baixa, Lisbon

Baixa is the commercial heart of Lisbon. With its public squares surrounded by local businesses and flooded by flea markets, this is where local life flourishes. The Neoclassical architecture draws in the tourists while the various hotspots make the stay. But make no mistake! Baixa isn't just a tourist haven. Even locals go here to shop, eat, and hang out. It's Lisbon's “downtown” area and often the place to be! 

  

What to Do in Baixa, Lisbon

There's a lot you can do in Baixa. Get lost on Rua Agusta, for example, to shop and eat to your heart's content. Hang out at Praça do Comércio and bask in the glory of one of the city's main and most popular public squares. You can also take the Elevador de Santa Justa, a vertical tram that makes Lisbon’s public transport so unique. 

  

Baixa, Lisbon Restaurants

Much like Bairro Alto, Baixa has a whole myriad of foodie hotspots you shouldn't miss. One is Café do Rio, a great place to enjoy some veggie burgers. Leitaria A Camponeza will also catch your eye with its Art Noveau facade, but will then have you come back for more with their meat or seafood kebabs. And if you're craving authentic Portuguese cuisine, look no further than the in-house restaurant of Museu da Cerveja. 

  

Is Baixa, Lisbon Safe?

Yes, it is. It still pays to be more careful when you go out though, especially when you’re on your own at night! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Belém in Lisbon, Portugal

Alfama and Baixa aren't the only historical districts in Lisbon. There's also Belém! Located right by the Tagus River, the neighborhood proudly puts its seafaring heritage on full display. The iconic Belém Tower stands proudly for this. It's a well-preserved Gothic fortress that looks straight out of a Disney film. The grand Jerónimos Monastery, which is also in Belém, similarly shows off the Portuguese capital's stunning Medieval history. You need to see them for yourself when you're in Lisbon! 

  

What to Do in Belém, Lisbon

There's a lot you can do in the historic neighborhood of Belém, Lisbon. One is to go sightseeing. The aforementioned Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower are just two of the incredible sights to see in this part of the city. There's also the incredible Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument, which is an artistic and architectural marvel you simply have to see to believe. As you explore the district, you can also indulge in seafood, which is common around here since this is a coastal area. They arguably have the freshest fish you'll ever get to taste in Lisbon. 

  

Is Belém, Lisbon Safe?

Not only is Belém safe, but it's actually among the safest neighborhoods in all of Lisbon! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Cais do Sodré, Lisbon

You're familiar with the famous song, “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” from the classic movie, “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), right? Well, here in the beautiful Cais do Sodré neighborhood in Lisbon, you walk on the pink road instead. The place looks just as magical as it sounds, almost as if you stepped inside a children's coloring book. The uniquely hued yet classically built houses lined up on either side of the brightly painted pavement provide the perfect setting for a whimsical say in the Portuguese capital. And it's no surprise that this particular district is known for its artistic side, be it the small galleries one can pop into or the coffee shops, restaurants, and bars that have their own unique quirks. 

  

What to Do in Cais do Sodré, Lisbon

Eat, shop, walk, and have a ball. With its bright colors and exciting establishments, Cais do Sodré is the kind of place to have a memorable adventure. You can go from one restaurant to another, relax by the Tagus River nearby, check out the art galleries, and more. What's not to love? 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Lisbon's Chiado

In many ways, Chiado is somewhat of an ironic neighborhood. It has two sides that couldn't be any further apart from each other. One is the bohemian side, full of artists, writers, and philosophers sharing their ideas with the world. You'll most likely find them within the artisanal coffee shops and novel bars that are peppered throughout the neighborhood. But then, Chiado is also known for its luxurious side. Think five-star hotels, upscale spas, and the most luxurious apartments in Lisbon. High-fashion shopping and high-class cuisines are also on offer. You wouldn't think both sides belong within the same neighborhood!

  

What to Do in Chiado, Lisbon

Arguably the best thing to do in Chiado is to go shopping. This is where you'll find the most luxurious brands in the world. If your budget is limitless, heaven knows how much you'll get when you spend a day in this part of Lisbon. You'll also want to settle down here when you move to Lisbon. It's an upscale district that offers high-class homes surrounded by great restaurants, chic cafes, and more. What more could you ask for? 

  

Is Chiado, Lisbon Safe?

Like Belém, Chiado is another of the safest neighborhoods in Lisbon. It's no surprise considering it's also among the more affluent parts of town. You can expect security to be tight here! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Graça, Lisbon

The beautiful neighborhood of Graça can be found within the older parts of Lisbon. It's very old-school here, with small cobblestone streets that line up with even smaller pavements. It's the type of district that's perfect for a period film to shoot at! Don't miss the flea market near the National Pantheon too. It's a treasure trove of all things Portuguese, from delicacies and desserts to artworks and antiques. 

  

Is Graça, Lisbon Safe?

Graça is one of the safest neighborhoods in Lisbon. Be it noon or night, you'd hardly need to worry about anything when you're in the area. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Parque das Nações, Lisbon

Named after the popular park within the neighborhood, Parque das Nações is a must-see. The actual green space is beautiful and perfect for a relaxing day of fun in the city. But what's so interesting about this redeveloped district is that it looks and feels so far from the rest of the city that you'd think it was in an entirely different metropolis. While the other neighborhoods on this list boast of their old-world appeals and historic glamour, Parque das Nações looks downright space-age! Lined with all sorts of restaurants, bars, shopping districts, and the like, there's never a dull moment in this neighborhood.

  

Parque das Nações, Lisbon Restaurants

For most locals, Parque das Nações is perhaps best known for its restaurant scene. From waterfront hotspots to humble diners, this neighborhood never fails to offer unforgettable culinary experiences. Check out Butchers on Rua do Polo Sul to stuff your face with rich meats. Head on over to Arigato if you're craving sushi and want to find out what a Portuguese-Japanese fusion menu would taste like. Capricciosa, on the other hand, serves up delicious pizza pies that even Rome would be envious of. While Fifty Seconds is an upscale restaurant up in the sky. Perched atop the Vasco da Gama Tower, chef Martín Berasategui whips up Portuguese-Spanish fusion dishes that will take your tastebuds on a tailspin!

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Lisbon's Príncipe Real

Príncipe Real is all about affluence. The grand 19th-century mansions and upscale hotspots show off the wealth of the place, as does the Embaixada Palace, the city's premier shopping mall. You'll find the world's most luxurious brands inside this mecca of fashion, with a bit of local designers mixed in as well. And when you venture further into the neighborhood, the gay bars and clubs offer a haven for the city's LGBTQ+ community. You'll especially want to be there during Pride Month. The entire area parties like no other! 

  

What to Do in Príncipe Real, Lisbon

Luxuriate! That's the best thing to do in Príncipe Real! Go shopping in Embaixada Palace and drown yourself in the finer things in life. Eat at Michelin-starred restaurants to enjoy the most delicious meals ever prepared. Go to the luxury spas and pamper yourself now and then. You deserve it! And at night, party in the gay bars and have the time of your life! What's not to love? 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Let this Lisbon neighborhood guide introduce you to the central areas of the Portuguese capital. These are the districts you'll want to check out and explore when you get to Lisbon. Perhaps you can even consider moving to these places too!