Where to Stay in Lisbon: First Time Visitor Guide

Whether you want great value hotels or luxury resorts, romantic stays or family friendly properties, Ive got the recommendations on where to stay in Lisbon for your first time visit.

Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city built on seven hills, renowned for terrific sightseeing and a great food scene, so it’s not surprising that Lisbon is one of Europe’s top city break destinations. However, choosing where to stay in Lisbon is not easy – but don’t panic, I have done all the hard work for you.

In this post, I will highlight the top neighbourhoods in Lisbon for tourists, as well as provide you with some of the most highly rated hotels and accommodations in each area. This list really has it all, from high end hotels to spacious apartments, that are perfect for families or friends.

What neighbourhood to stay in Lisbon?

Each area of Lisbon has its own unique charm and is easily accessible on foot, or by the classic old trams. There are pros and cons to staying in each areas, all depending on each individual’s travel style. So, let’s take a closer look to find which area is best suited to you!

Bairro Alto & Chiado

Bairro Alto and Chiado, are two trendy neighbourhoods located in a lively part of the city. I stayed here during our trip to Lisbon and loved the location – I believe its the best area to stay in Lisbon. There are plenty of bars, shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene, but it is its bohemian style architecture and cobbled stone streets that adds to the whole experience.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Bairro Alto & Chiado

Hotels in Bairro Alto & Chiado

Bairro House Lisbon Charming Suites (3-Star)

Rating: 8.2/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms | Check Rates and Availability | €€

The Bairro House is located in the Chiado area. It is beautifully decorated, with 8 suites to choose from, all of which come with there own private balcony and bathrooms.

It is quite central to a range of Lisbon’s top attractions, such as Pink Street, Ribeira Market, Rossio and Commerce Square.

There are also a range of bars, restaurants, and shops on the hotel’s doorstep.

Madalena by The Beautique Hotels (4-Stars)

Rating: 9/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms | Check Rates and Availability | €€€

If you are looking to stay in a stylish yet affordable hotel while in Lisbon then give Madalena by The Beautique Hotels. The rooms are decorated with a modern design, all equipped with air conditioning, a coffee machine, a minibar, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

The hotel also has an onsite restaurant, which offers buffet or continental breakfast each morning.

Lumiares Hotel & Spa (5-Star)

Rating: 9/10 | Accommodation type: Studio & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€€€

Part of the small luxury hotels of the world, this boutique hotel is not only one of Lisbon hotels, but its location in the fashionable district of Bairro Alto is superb. We dined in its small rooftop restaurant, which offers spectacular views
over Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops. 

Check prices here

Bairro Alto Hotel (5-Star)

Rating: 9.2/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€€€

Rated one of the best place to stay in Lisbon, it is located in the heart of Lisbon’s old town, between Bairro Alto and Chiado districts, this is the ‘cool’ place to stay in Lisbon. You only have to look at this landmark hotel to know its one of Lisbon’s best hotels. It offers modern luxury inside an 18th century building and boasts great views over the Tagus river and Lisbon’s colourful rooftops.

Best for families in Lisbon – Martinhal Chiado Lisbon (5-Star)

Rating: 9.2/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms & Apartments | Check Rates and Availability | €€€€

I travel a lot on city breaks with my children and usually find apartments the most convenient to stay in. However, I have yet to find city apartments as good for families as Martinhal Chiado. Officially a 5-star hotel, you have all the benefits of self-catering, with the amenities and service of a luxury hotel.

Martinhal Resorts were specifically designed with families in mind and are without a doubt some of best luxury family resorts in Europe. There are two resorts on the Algarve, one in Cascais, as well as Martinhal Chiado in the heart of Lisbon.

The location in Lisbon’s trendy Chiado district is superb – you are right in the centre of Lisbon’s old town and within walking distance to the main square and coast. But it is the spacious apartments and family facilities that set Martinhal Chiado apart from the rest.

There are no sharp edges on the furniture, child steps, potties and even nappy bins in the bathrooms, handy hooks so kids clothes are not left lying around – to say the apartments are well equipped for families is a massive understatement! 

Martinhal Chiado has a baby concierge service, so everything from high chairs, to sterilisers and even buggies, can be pre booked in advance. There is a kids club onsite, that also offers evening sessions so you can enjoy a night out in this vibrant city.

The apartments are set in three old listed buildings, and the interiors blend perfectly to give a sophisticated yet understated feel. Rooms are very spacious and there is a selection of room types to choose from, all equipped with every possible child’s need.  If you are looking for a luxury stay in Lisbon, that caters exceptionally well for families – look no further.

Cais do Sodré

Cais de Sodré is a fantastic place to stay when visiting Lisbon. What I really like about the area is that it is relatively flat (for the most part). There is no need to battle those iconic Lisbon hills on your way home after a long day of exploring.

It’s also extremely close to the train station, perfect for those planning to visit Belém, Cascais or Sintra on a day trip! And if you are looking for somewhere fun and easy to eat, the time out market is right on your doorstep.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Cais do Sodré

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

LX Boutique Hotel (4-Star)

Rating: 8.5/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€

Located in the heart of the old between the upmarket areas of Chiado and the Baixa district, this is one of the best areas to stay in Lisbon. There are restaurants and bars within a five minute walk, as well as a trendy Sushi restaurant on site. This hotel receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and was a Travellers Choice award winner this year.

Baixa de Lisboa

If you are looking to stay in the liveliest part of the city then I’d advise looking at the Baixa de Lisboa area. It is one of the best places to stay in Lisbon for tourists. Here you will find some of the cities top tourist attractions such as the R. Augusta street, Praça do Comércio and the Elevador de Santa Justa
.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Baixa de Lisboa

Esqina Urban Lodge (3-Star)

Rating: 8.4/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms | Check Rates and Availability | €€

The Esquina Uban Lodge is in a great location, just a short 3-minute walk from Chiado and a 2-minute walk from Rossio Square.

The rooms are designed with a modern and bright feel, all including a private bathroom, flat screen tv and FREE Wi-Fi.

There are plenty of bars, coffee shops and restaurants just a short walk from the hotel and it has easy access to the metro.

Hotel Mundial (4-Star)

Rating: 8.5/10 | Accommodation type: Studio & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€€

One of Lisbon’s most iconic hotels, the Hotel Mundial boasts superb city center views from its famous Rooftop Bar – the perfect place for sundowners . Located beside Rossio Square and the main street for entertainment and shopping, it is hard to beat the Mundial’s location. 

The famous ‘Tram 28’ stops right outside the door, which will take you to all of Lisbon’s top spots. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor here.

Art Legacy Hotel Baixa-Chiado

Rating: 9/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€€€

If you are looking for a little bit of luxury while staying in the Baixa de Lisboa area then consider staying at the Art Legacy Hotel.

It’s just 300 metres from Rossio and 500m from Commerce Square.

All rooms have air conditioning, and desk, coffee machine, safe, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom in the room. Each morning there is a buffet, à la carte, or continental breakfast offered to guests.

Upper Lisbon (near Parque Eduardo VII & Av. da Liberdade)

Staying in Parque Eduardo VII and Avenida da Liberdade area is quite nice, there are plenty of green spaces in the area, so you can easily escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

However, with that being said, this area is much further away from some of the major hot spots in the city, such as Pink Street, Alfama district and Baixa de Lisboa. This is something to be mindful of when booking this area, as you can expect to walk 30 to 40 minutes to reach other parts of the city.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Upper Lisbon

Where to Stay in Upper Lisbon

HF Fénix Music (3-Star)

Rating: 9/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms | Check Rates and Availability | €€

This music-themed hotel is one of the top-rated three-star hotels in Lisbon. Its trendy rooftop pool, funky decor and location close to the Marques de Pombal Square, probably has something to do with that. It is also located beside the Oriente metro station which connects to Lisbon airport and Lisbon’s old town.

This hotel receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and is a super choice for anyone looking for a good value hotel with a lively atmosphere.

Ibis Styles Lisboa centro Marques de Pombal (3-Star)

Rating: 9/10 | Accommodation type: Studio & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€

Another great value option, the modern Ibis Styles Marquês de Pombal is located close to Avenida da Liberdade and the Marquês de Pombal metro. It offers complimentary breakfast and is always a great value option, it receives good reviews on TripAdvisor too.

Lisbon Sao Bento (3-Star)

Rating: 8.1/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€

The centrally located São Bento Hotel has only 52 rooms. Its modern décor and super service ensure excellent reviews from guests onTripAdvisor.  This hotel offers superb value for a Lisbon city break, and they offer complimentary breakfast!

4-Star Altis Prime apartments

Rating: 8.7/10 | Accommodation type: Apartments | Check Rates and Availability | €€€

 The Altis Prime are also a great choice for families or friends getaway, with plenty of room to enjoy pre-dinner drinks together. The Altis Prime are highly rated on TripAdvisor and enjoy a top floor sundeck, a lounge café, heated swimming pool, sauna and fitness room. 

PortoBay Marquês (4-Star)

Rating: 8.9/10 | Accommodation type: Room & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€€

The PortoBay Marquês hotel is a popular choice for its central location, friendly service and facilities on site. The rooftop plunge pool with solarium and sauna, and the choice of dining options ensure high ratings on TripAdvisor. The complimentary breakfast is a nice touch too! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

Hotel Lisboa Plaza (4-Star)

Rating: 9/10 | Accommodation type: Studio & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€€

This Lisbon Heritage Collection Hotel has been owned and managed by the same Portuguese family for over 60 years. Located in the heart of the historic centre of Lisbon, this boutique-style hotel has a classic and relaxed atmosphere.

Facilities include a bar, restaurant, library and a fitness room. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, this is sure to please those looking for a traditional hotel in central Lisbon.

Avani Avenida Liberdade Lisbon (4-Star)

Rating: 8.6/10 | Accommodation type: Rooms & Family Rooms | Check Rates and Availability | €€€

This highly-rated modern hotel offers the advantages of a five-star hotel, with the price of a four-star. Its sister hotel, the five-star Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa is located just two-minutes away and has an outdoor pool, sauna, a Sky-Bar and a choice of restaurants, while the Avani Avenida Liberdade has a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

The in-unit handy phones are a great asset to have when navigating the streets of Lisbon – enjoy all the perks of a phone, without the costs! Check out the excellent reviews on TripAdvisor if you still need convincing.

Hotel PortoBay Liberdade (5-Star)

Rating: 9/10 | Accommodation type: Studio & Suites | Check Rates and Availability | €€€€

Not only is the PortoBay Liberdade Hotel superbly located next to the upmarket Avenida da Liberdade, but the building itself is an architectural delight. The historic facade of the palaces of Lisbon are preserved, while the interior is modernly furnished, with a focus on technology.

The indoor swimming pool and spa make it a good choice at any time of year. With over 1300 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, make sure you check this one out.

Like Lisbon? Read my blog on the top things to do in Lisbon – with or without kids

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. Please note these Lisbon hotels contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made with no additional cost to you.