Lisbon has always held its draw. Deciding where to stay in Lisbon was difficult though. The city is bordered by a river on one side and spreads out in a semi circular fashion. Everything is walkable but since the city is located in a very hilly zone, getting from place to place requires considerable effort. That’s the reason why it is particularly important to choose accommodation in Lisbon based on the activities that you plan on doing.
Once we walked through the city a couple of times it became pretty easy to divide the city into zones of activity. Though when it comes to the best area to stay in Lisbon for foodies, I could not narrow down on just one spot because the city has great food everywhere.
But generally speaking if you are a first time visitor with little time on your hands, stay centrally. That way you can get around the city easily. Try a quieter neighborhood aka not Bairro Alto if you are traveling with kids and definitely use the pubic transport. Finally, while Lisbon has its perks, if you really want to enjoy the coast, head to Cascais!
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Where To Stay In Lisbon For First Time Visitors – Chiado
As a first time visitor you will want to head about most of the city quickly since catching the most prominent attractions in Lisbon is quite literally the reason you visit. That’s why it is important to stay as centrally as possible and is something you should consider when picking where to stay in Lisbon.
One of the most central places to stay in is Chiado which makes it the best area to stay in Lisbon for first time visitors. Just make sure to put on your best pair of walking shoes.
1. The Ivens Autograph Collection
⭐️ Rating: 9.4/10 (395 Reviews) Price: $553 per night 📍Location: Rua Capelo 5, Santa Maria Maior, Lisbon Details: Read more on booking.com now!
I have always been a big fan of the Marriott brand and have used their hotels wherever I could. Call them my comfort brand if you may. In Lisbon, the Ivens Autograph Collection is definitely one of the best hotels that you can find in terms of luxury and the location is excellent.
It is located right in the Chiado district of Lisbon which makes walking to the important attractions in Lisbon very easy.
The hotel has some of the best views that you can get in the city. The building dates back to the 12th century and retains all its old world charm but it has been renovated such that you have all the luxuries that you could possibly want.
When you enter the hotel, you will find that the entrance is particularly unique. It is designed to resemble the journey of Ivens and Capelo.
“Fabulous hotel, beautiful décor and luxurious, comfortable rooms, with great attention to detail giving guests the very best experience. Excellent facilities, knowledgeable and friendly staff and an ideal location. Quite simply… superb!”
Howard (read more reviews now!)
These were two very famous explorers who headed to Africa in the 12th century. You can see how the hotel got its name.
Now there are over 80 rooms and suites. They are very tastefully done and the bathrooms are gorgeous. Each room is flooded with light. This is something that I love. Some of the rooms (albeit the more expensive ones) have views of the Tagus river. They even have a balcony! Its perfect for the sunnier days where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Oh and did I mention that there are inhouse restaurants which are definitely worth trying. The hotel also has free parking which for us was a big bonus because finding safe and cheap parking in Lisbon is not easy and it is super convenient especially if you are traveling with kids. Definitely one of the best options when it comes to where to stay in Lisbon.
2. Hotel MeraPrime Gold Lisboa
⭐️ Rating: 8.7/10 (2,596 Reviews) Price: $330 per night 📍Location: Rua Aurea 50, Santa Maria Maior, Lisbon Details: Read more on booking.com now!
If you are wondering where to stay in Lisbon and don’t want to go overboard when it comes to how much you spend on the luxury you want, then you should check out Hotel MeraPrime Gold.
It is located right in the heart of the Chiado district and you can easily get to many restaurants and attractions almost as soon as you get out of the hotel.
The rooms are super swanky and the bathrooms are luxurious with plenty of space.
“Location is excellent, within minutes walk to Praça do Comércio, famous yellow tram 28 stop, and metro station. 10 minutes walk to Rossio train station. The room is excellent as well, the hotel upgraded room to suite, it is very spacious and comfortable.
Besides the facility, I want to say that the hotel pays great attention to their guests, you can feel it from many details. They greeted you with handwritten card and exquisite chocolate. The cleaners left chocolate on the corner of the quilt after cleaning. The staffs are friendly and always smiling. During our stay, we feel sweet, warm, and very comfortable!”
Ping (read more reviews now!)
While the hostel has dorms, it also has family rooms too. If that’s something you want to consider. I looked at them when we were booking our accommodation.
Many of the rooms have a view of the Tagus river and the Lisbon city. Obviously the rooms come with a feat continental breakfast but you always opt for the à la carte version.
If you don’t want to head to one of the numerous and popular bars and cafes in the Chiado, you can choose to enjoy the delicacies served up at the inhouse café. It is well known for its savory and sweet pastries. You can see why this is one of the popular options when it comes to where to stay in Lisbon.
Best Area To Stay In Lisbon For The Nightlife – Bairro Alto
Lisbon in general is well known for its vibrant nightlife. From the numerous pubs to the melodious fados, there are plenty of activities to enjoy and numerous places where you can just chill with your friends or family.
Now the best area to stay in Lisbon for the nightlife is Bairro Alto. This is where all the nightclubs and discos are centered around. By default you will find the streets in this area active till late at night.
If you stay in this area, it is super easy to get back to your hotel room after a night on the town. This convenience is well worth it because who wants to navigate the public transport system in the wee hours of the morning?
Luckily there are great hotels in all budget ranges in this area. Since it is in the center of the city and has some great views to boost, you will find that the price range of the hotels here can be a bit higher especially when it comes to the budget range.
Here are a couple of options that I would like to highlight when it comes to where to stay in Lisbon for the nightlife.
3. Hotel Bairro Alto – Luxury
⭐️ Rating: 9.2/10 (537 Reviews) Price: $424 per night 📍Location: Praça Luis De Camões 2, Misericordia, Lisbon Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Hotel Bairro Alto is one of the well placed hotels in the city. It is in one of the best areas to stay in Lisbon because it is almost on the border of both Chiado and Bairro Alto that I was pretty much confused where to include it. It is located just at the side of the Praça Luís de Camões. This is a very busy city square and in the day it is filled with activity.
The area is also close to a lot of the attractions in Lisbon so you don’t have to walk far from anything. Big bonus: Manteigaria is located just a couple of meters away and they have the best pasteis de nata. My mouth is drooling just thinking about them. I think I could have had them for breakfast lunch and dinner. They were just soooo good!
“Everything! Beautiful room – twin with balcony. Excellent soundproofing for when we wanted to shut out noise of square in front but I loved to listen and watch during the day. Beds so comfortable, stunning bathroom with superb shower and all products were Le Labo! Bathrobes so pretty I purchased one to bring home! Location absolutely perfect- near many of our top choice restaurants and 30metres from the 28 tram.
Stunning mezzanine area with lots of places to sit and meet and enjoy a coffee or drink. Staff always so helpful, arranged a car hire for us. Always a lovely friendly atmosphere at reception. I became very unwell during my stay, hotel staff were so kind, arranged a doctor for me, checked in on me regularly asking if they could do anything for me. I will definitely return to Lisbon soon and this hotel is where you’ll find me!”
Helen (read more reviews now!)
Now aside from the location, there is more to Hotel Bairro Alto’s allure. It is located in one of the historical buildings of Lisbon and has been refurnished such that it includes luxury and yet retains the old world charm that the city is famous for.
When it comes to where to stay in Lisbon, this definitely wins due to both the location and the views. While one side of the hotel has views of the bustling historic region of Lisbon, the other side has views of the Tagus river. Something that you would not have guessed if you were just walking in Praça Luís de Camões.
The best bit however is the bar and restaurant that are located on the rooftop. This gives you a chance to take in some of the best views of the city while just relaxing and enjoying a drink or a meal.
You can see why this tops my list of where to stay in Lisbon for first timers. The location is perfect, the views are excellent and it has all the luxury you could ask for!
4. Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel – Mid Range
⭐️ Rating: 9.3/10 (530 Reviews) Price: $302 per night 📍Location: Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara 39-49, Misericórdia, Lissabon Details: Read more on booking.com now!
The Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel caught my attention the moment I walked by it. For one thin, its striking yellow color is very hard to miss and for another, it was located close to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara which is my favorite view point in the whole of Lisbon.
This is because it has a nice shaded park and there are plenty of street performers to keep you entertained while you enjoy the view! Definitely one of the options that you should consider when deciding where to stay in Lisbon.
But that’s not all, the hotel is also just a hop and a skip away from some of the best spots in town for food. As I mentioned before, this is the area where the best of Lisbon’s nightlife is so it always very active.
One of the things that the guests love about this hotel is all the little things that are done to make the stay memorable. From little treats at the end of the day to the cute furnishings. The staff are also very accommodating and willing to help you plan your day or provide information about the city.
“”They are all about the little details to make you feel like a valued guest. Every night a sweet treat is waiting for you to enjoy. I looked forward to it every evening after a long day of sight seeing. Every staff member is there to assist you with anything you need. I had some bumps in the road on this holiday (nothing to do with this establishment)and they were there with suggestions to help.”
Karen (read more reviews now!)
Despite being so central, you will find that the rooms here are large and spacious. As can be expected from any 5 star hotel, you will find that they are fully furnished with whatever you need. They are also soundproof so you are isolated from the sounds of the partying in the streets of the city. Particularly useful because Lisbon is a busy city and this is the busiest part of the town even in the night.
You’ve probably guessed after reading the name of the hotel, that wine is a big part of the hotel. They offer a wine tasting of the local Portuguese wines. You have to book this in advance so ask at the reception when you reach.
It even has an in house restaurant called Frederico. The restaurant itself has an impressive selection of wines so if you miss the wine tasting, you can also just try out some of the wines here. The food I’m told is excellent.
For those of you who are driving in to town, the Palacio Ludovice has its own parking spot which is one of the reasons why we considered about when we were looking at where to stay in Lisbon. Its not free but the daily charge is definitely less that most of the garages around.
Since parking is hard in the area, I would suggest splurging for it. It makes the stay more comfortable and you don’t have to worry about your vehicle.
5. 9 Hotel Mercy – Budget
⭐️ Rating: 8.2/10 (1,176 Reviews) Price: $166 per night 📍Location: Rua da Misericórdia 76, Santa Maria Maior, Lisbon Details: Read more on booking.com now!
9 Hotel Mercy is one of the best hotels in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto in the budget category. Its not a hostel mind you so its not ultra cheap but it definitely has its marks for the price to value ratio considering where it is located and the facilities that it provides.
For one thing, every room has a view. Whether its the bustling historic streets to the front of the hotel or the ones on the other opposite site that have a view of the Tagus river and the sprawling city of Lisbon.
The river view is something that you would not realize that the hotel has if you just pass it by.
“Location was perfect. Good hotel. Easy check-in. Decent breakfast. Very nice room. Bars and restaurants close by. Would stay again next time in Lisbon.”
Nicholas (read more reviews now!)
Now if you aren’t splurging for the room upgrade and the river views, fear not because you can still catch a glimpse of the coveted scenery from the inhouse rooftop terrace bar called The Heaven. You can even see the Castelo de São Jorge from here. Its a great place to chill at if you don’t want to head out or if you want to mingle with the other guests.
A couple of things that stand out when it comes to this hotel is the customer service, the clean rooms and the breakfast buffet. So if you are the partying kind and are searching for where to stay in Lisbon on a budget bump this hotel to the top of your list!
Where To Stay In Lisbon With Kids – Chiado, Bairro Alto, Ajuda And Belem
When it comes to where to stay in Lisbon with kids there are a variety of different options. Chiado and Bairro Alto are very central and great if you want to get about the town easily. Note that these two options are also very busy during the day and the night. So if you prefer a little quieter spot with plenty of things to do for kids, I would recommend heading to Belem.
Now I’ve covered the hotel options in both Chiado and Bairro Alto above so I’m just going to talk about the options in Belem and Ajuda right here.
6. Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10 (1,878 Reviews) Price: $277 per night 📍Location: Rua Jau, 54, Alcântara, Lissabon Details: Read more on booking.com now!
The Pestana Palace hotel is by far one of the most iconic places that you could stay in while you are in Lisbon. In fact, if your budget allows you, I would suggest considering it when you think about where to stay in Lisbon especially if you are traveling with kids.
Why? First of all, it is located in a gorgeous 19th century palace. Secondly the campus has its own private parkland. One that children and you will enjoy running around. The huge green spaces are pretty amazing.
The rooms are large and spacious. Many of the rooms have a furnished balcony that overlooks the expansive gardens. It is heavenly to get up in the morning and to hear the singing of the birds.
You will find that some of the rooms even have a seating area which makes them really swanky suites.
“I felt at home and comfortable during my stay. The room was fantastic with a great view. All the staff were friendly and always helpful. We got a bottle of port wine and pastel de nata in our room as a surprise. I will definitely be staying here again!”
Kerri (read more reviews now!)
I get that this hotel may seem a bit further than most of the hotels which makes it much quieter on site. You really don’t have to get out of the hotel for anything. It has an amazing restaurant with a garden view. Don’t worry. It serves up some of the best of the Portuguese cuisine so you aren’t missing out.
It also has 2 swimming pools, a steam bath, hot tub, a gym and more. In fact, one of the pools is an indoor pool with water that is heated up to 26C which means you can swim here even when the weather is bad. This is a great way to entertain the kids and tire them out.
7. NAU Palacio do Governador
⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10 (2,354 Reviews) Price: $222 per night 📍Location: Rua Bartolomeu Dias, Nr. 117, Belem, Lisbon Details: Read more on booking.com now!
When you consider where to stay in Lisbon with kids location is everything. Nau Palacio do Governador is located as central as it gets. Despite being so central, the property that the hotel is situated in is huge.
The hotel has its own swimming pool and a pretty gorgeous garden. It even has a great indoor pool where you can swim in when the weather is bad. It is a definite bonus when you are traveling with children and want to keep them entertained.
Another big bonus is that the hotel has free private parking so you can just park your car and wander around the city. Its very stroller friendly in Belem and the hotel is very close to the train station so you can easily get to Lisbon and Cascais.
“We appreciated the “separated bathroom” which meant that the shower and toilet was in two separate “rooms”. The shower is very large and it has two different shower heads (big and small). The staff was really friendly and professional, they even helped us with receiving an ordered package.
The breakfast was very tasty and had high quality foods. Free underground parking was easily accessible, with plenty of spots. There is also a tram station right in front of the hotel which is already very close to Belem Tower.”
Alexandra (read more reviews now!)
It is also super close to the famed Pasteis de Belem restaurant where the original pasteis de nata were made. Most people just get takeaway but if you stay close I would recommend heading here for tea or breakfast. Our kids loved it and made us go back multiple times.
8. Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 9.3/10 (1,680 Reviews) Price: $241 per night 📍Location: 56 Travessa da Memória, Ajuda, Lissabon Details: Read more on booking.com now!
The Wine & Books Lisboa hotel is just about 800 meters away from the center of Belem and is located in Ajuda. This is a quieter part of town to live in and it is always a relief to be away from the major tourist hubs when you travel with kids which is why this hotel has made the list. You can also take a short tram ride to Lisbon or head to the main train station and take the train from there.
Aside from this, the hotel is very modern looking with huge glass windows that allow in a lot of light. It makes the rooms feel vibrant and bright and provide some pretty awesome views.
The rooms are spacious and some of them even come with a balcony so you can enjoy the city views.
The rooms also have a very nice breakfast included in the price which is pretty great because you don’t have to go hunting early in the morning for something to quench the kids hunger.
“The staff were the highlight, they were excellent. Polite, well informed, helpful, nothing was too much trouble. They genuinely appeared to enjoy their jobs. Clearly excellent training regime at this hotel, consistency f approach to clients. Location excel for Belém and all the key sights this side of Lisbon. Easy tram ride to centre of Lisbon. Breakfast excellent.”
Anthony (read more reviews now!)
It also helps that they get to choose what they want. I find that this makes my kids very happy and they usually have a pretty big breakfast so we can get in a lot of sightseeing before they are hungry again.
Tasca da Memória is the inhouse restaurant that you can visit should you want a meal indoors. There’s also an inhouse bar where you can relax and enjoy a drink. Pretty convenient after a day in Lisbon and with tired kids. This is why it ranks pretty high on my pics for where to stay in Lisbon with kids.
Where To Stay in Lisbon For The Beach – Cascais
When it comes to where to stay in Lisbon for the beach, few places can beat Cascais and Estoril. Technically Cascais is not in the Lisbon but it is definitely close enough to be considered as a viable place to stay given all the perks of the location.
Cascais is a lively spot and has loads of amazing hotels to stay in. Estoril on the other hand is a much quieter neighborhood with a casino of its own and great beaches. We chose to stay in Estoril. It is another spot that you should consider when looking at where to stay in Lisbon.
We walked to Cascais along the promenade whenever we wanted to and if our feet were ever tired we could easily have taken the train or bus back. We never did because the walk was amazing. Generally speaking we walked to Cascais for the food more than the beaches because there are some amazing restaurants there!
9. The Albatroz Cascais – Luxury
⭐️ Rating: 9.3/10 (1,173 Reviews) Price: $283 per night 📍Location: Rua Frederico Arouca 100, Cascais Details: Read more on booking.com now!
There are many hotels with cliffside views but one of the best hotels which is located almost right on the beach is the Albatroz. You can’t help but notice it because the building is absolutely gorgeous. As you walk along the promenade of Cascais, you will easily spot it. I wouldn’t blame you if you pegged it for one of the historical buildings or a museum. I know I did.
In fact, the hotel is actually in a historic building that was renovated for this exact same purpose. It has two separate wings. One is the old wing and one is the new wing. Both of which are impeccably decorated and have cool themed rooms.
The best part however is that all you have to do is get out of the hotel and you can sink your feet in the sand. If you don’t feel like doing that, you can head to the sea facing pool that is quite frankly one of the biggest attractions of the hotel.
There is an amazing restaurant in the hotel too and it has a panoramic view of the Cascais bay. So you can take in the view while enjoying the food. The restaurant also organizes wine tasting so make sure that you check in with them at the start of your stay.
“Flawless! Location is perfect in the centre of Cascais, right next to the train station and easy to drive to from Lisbon with free parking on site. The staff were incredible – welcoming, friendly, attentive, helpful with recommendations.
The hotel is small but the facilities are incredible, even including a small gym and terrace for yoga in the mornings. The pool was the perfect spot to relax, a complete oasis in the centre of Cascais. Breakfast was outstanding. Love it and would 10000% recommend.”
Lucy (read more reviews now!)
10. Hotel Baia – Mid Range
⭐️ Rating: 8.4/10 (3,962 Reviews) Price: $101 per night 📍Location: Passeio D. Luís 1 – Av. Marginal , Cascais Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Wondering where to stay in Lisbon by the sea and don’t want to break the bank? Well Hotel Baia in Cascais is a pretty great option. Its not a hostel and you get your own room but the prices are more mid range to budget. The amenities on the other hand are not.
Many of the rooms here have sea facing views. You do have to pay a bit extra for this luxury but its so worth it!
The rooms are decorated in warm colors and have air conditioning which is a total lifesaver in summer.
“I can’t believe its only 3 star?!!! The rooftop swimming pool and chill area. The restaurant… the staff. Our room! It was brilliant!!!! We loved the beach front spot!!!!”
Marlize (read more reviews now!)
Another thing that I really need to talk about is the location of Hotel Baia. It is right opposite Fisherman’s beach. Like just 20 meters away so its a great place to stay with kids. You can head down to the beach and easily get them home when they are tired. Plus, it is just a couple minutes walk away from the center of the city where there are numerous great restaurants. Very very convenient.
Another big attraction when it comes to this particular hotel is the indoor rooftop pool which is perfect if the weather isn’t to good or even when it is. The outdoor terrace has some of the best panoramic views in the neighborhood. Definitely a bonus when you consider all the options about where to stay in Lisbon.
11. Cascais Bay Hostel – Budget
⭐️ Rating: 7.6/10 (588 Reviews) Price: $27 per person per night 📍Location: Rua da Palma, Largo Luis de Camoês,38 – 2º Piso, Cascais Details: Read more on booking.com now!
The best part about Cascais is that there are budget options that you can consider and the hostels are pretty good if you know which one to pick. The Cascais bay hostel is one of the prime examples and one that you should consider when thinking about where to stay in Lisbon.
The Cascais bay hostel is located centrally. All you have to do is walk out of the hostel and you are bang in the middle of the historic part of town. The beach is just a few minutes walk away. This makes the location excellent.
Since we booked ours way in advance, we realized that the cost of the family rooms and that of a room in one of the midrange hotels came to about the same for us. So we opted for the later. This may be a better option for last minute bookings though. You’ll have to verify this when you book.
“My stay at Cascais Bay Hostel was amazing. The staff were welcoming, the facilities were clean, and the kitchen was well stocked with tools needed to cook. My favorite part was the balcony/bar with a view of the ocean and the busy street below.”
Tamara (read more reviews now!)
The hostel has a very cool rooftop bar which is a great place to hang out at night. You can mingle with the fellow residents and just kick back and relax. The bonus is that there is actually a view of the Cascais bay from here. This makes it a great place to catch the sunset in the evening! You can see why I loved this option when it came to where to stay in Lisbon for the beach. Definitely one of the backpacker favorites.
When you consider where to stay in Lisbon you really need to consider what kind of a traveler you are. Do you prefer luxury or would rather check into a budget hotel. It is also important to set a budget. Generally speaking, I would always recommend booking your accommodation in advance.
The cost of accommodation in Lisbon tends to rise exponentially the closer you are to your intended date of stay. This is especially true in spring and summer.
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