Even though Lisbon is not a large city, it has many fascinating attractions to explore scattered over a few areas.
Discover Lisbon with our guides to the best Lisbon neighbourhoods. Our overview can help you plan your visit.
This list of Lisbon areas is in rough order of importance. Just follow the links to find out more about the tourist attractions, shops, restaurants and bars located in each area. Check also some suggestions to help you pick the best accommodation in each area.
Alfama, Castelo & Graça (Where to Stay)
View of the Igreja de Santo Estêvão
Alfama is Lisbon’s Moorish district: a medina-like neighbourhood of narrow and maze-like streets at the foot of the medieval São Jorge Castle. Besides the winding alleys and little squares, there’s the River Tejo to admire from great viewpoints. Graça, on a hill north of Alfama, also offers great views over Lisbon and the castle. Read More
Baixa & Rossio (Where to Stay)
Rua Augusta
The Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown, and one of the most important sightseeing districts. It contains everything, from historic squares to an eccentric wrought-iron street lift, to museums, to shops, historic cafés and restaurants. Read More
Chiado & Bairro Alto (Where to Stay)
Praça Luís de Camões
Chiado is known for its antique cafés, bookshops and elegant boutiques, while Bairro Alto is the centre of Lisbon’s nightlife. These are the most vibrant areas for shopping, shows, culture and history as well as food and drink in Lisbon. Read More
Belém & Ajuda (Where to Stay)
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Belém is a riverside district, home to Lisbon’s finest monuments and museums, some of which, such as the Unesco-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the peculiar Belém Tower, are testimony of Portugal’s maritime history. Read More
Parque das Nações (Where to Stay)
In complete contrast to the old Lisbon, Parque das Nações is a recent area of wide pedestrianized avenues along the river and futuristic buildings with plenty of space to relax. Make sure you visit the impressive Oceanarium. Read More
Marquês do Pombal & Beyond (Where to Stay)
Parque Eduardo VII
With several several office buildings and convenient transport connections, the area around Avenida da Liberdade makes a great starting point for exploring Lisbon’s historic neigbourhoods on foot. A number of attractions can also be found here, namely Eduardo VII Park with its impressive views, and further northwest the Gulbenkian complex, with one of the best museums of fine arts in Portugal. Read More