The Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Lisbon

Filled with history, renowned architecture, vibrant nightlife, and famed custard tarts (pastel de nata), Lisbon is a must-visit destination. There's a lot of information on where to go and what to see, so we've pulled together everything you need to know about Lisbon's best neighborhoods from the travel mavens we all know and trust.

Príncipe Real

Príncipe Real, a central gayborhood in Lisbon, is a hip area with great shopping and food.

"Hang in the coolest bars, shop at the dopest stores or just go for a bite. It’s also the neighbourhood with the most alternative shops, colourful fun nights and the hottest restaurants... If you’re here for the food than be ready to taste a bit of every corner of the world." -

Time Out

"Principe Real has a history of catering to the city’s elite and you’ll still find 19th century mansions that nod to this past, but it’s since become a popular shopping destination and hub for LGBTQ nightlife." -

Thrillist

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is a super hip area with a concentrated nightlife scene.

"Dating back to the 15th century when artists and authors flocked here in high numbers, this bohemian borough is now a happening scene. But for the most part, the magic only takes place at night. Come during the day to see the Insta-worthy street art. Return after dark for the city's best nightlife, bar-hopping, and dancing." -

Travel + Leisure

"With streets packed with bars, Bairro Alto is often the starting point of a night out in Lisbon...However, during the day, you’ll discover another side of Bairro Alto, one with emerging street art, historical sights and culinary treats from around the world." -

Culture Trip

Chiado

Chiado is an upscale and hip area with many historical landmarks.

"Located between the neighbourhoods Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina, Chiado offers bundles of culture. It’s here that you’ll find various museums, theatres and snippets of history. The literary guild was founded here in 1856, the National Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors in 1911..." -

Time Out

"It's hard not to compare this sophisticated neighborhood in the center of Lisbon with one you'd find in Paris or on the Upper East Side. It's far more contemporary than its surrounding districts and home to luxury retailers, elegant theaters, and the city's finest reservation-only restaurants. It also boasts Livraria Bertrand, founded in 1732 and thought to be the oldest operating bookstore in the world." -

Travel + Leisure

Alfama

Alfama is a historic area with many ancient landmarks and pristine views.

"Boasting some of the best views of the Tagus River, this medieval village (it survived the 1755 earthquake) is perched on Lisbon's highest hill. It's home to Saint George's castle, and is arguably one of the city's most photogenic neighborhoods." -

Travel + Leisure

"Situated on the slope between São Jorge Castle and Tejo River, Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon and one of the most photogenic. Not only do the hills provide impeccable views of the city and waterside, but the cobbled Medieval alleys are beautifully quaint. Prepare for an Instagram-worthy avalanche." -

Time Out

"Survey the city from the castle walls. The winding medieval streets of Lisbon's most ancient neighbourhood, Alfama, twist up to the city's Moorish pinnacle, Castelo de São Jorge. The dusk-orange walls of the ancient castle date back to the ninth century and lord over the city – they are visible from almost every street." -

The Telegraph

Baixa

Baixa is an upscale area, home to city landmarks and businesses, and perfect for foodies and shoppers.

"The heart of Lisbon is arguably Baixa—the downtown district characterized by grand buildings, historical landmarks and the unique 18th century Pombaline architecture memorializing the city’s reconstruction after the devastating Earthquake of 1755." -

Culture Trip

"The heart of Lisbon's downtown commercial district, Baixa is the home of high-end shopping and fashionable boutiques, grand squares and imposing buildings. There's plenty more to the area than that, though, with everything from world-class museums to Michelin-starred restaurants, Romain ruins to local food markets..." -

Trip Savvy

"With many restaurants to try from - don't fall for the tourist traps that will try to seduce you each step of the way - and many typical stores and streets to lose yourself in, both Baixa and Sé are worth a whole day (or more) of exploring...you'll get why Baixa is one of the best places in Lisbon for a late afternoon drink." -

Time Out

Belém

Belém holds deep historical significance and holds many of the city's landmarks.

"Located west of the city centre along an attractive stretch of the River Tagus, the pretty suburb of Belém is forever associated with the Discoveries, Portugal’s 16th-century era of maritime expansion and exploration. With two UNESCO world heritage sites, boutique hotels, and excellent restaurants, Belém remains a popular tourist destination." -

USA Today

"Lisbon's most impressive buildings and stateliest parks aren't downtown; they're in Belem. This historic waterfront with an extensive riverside trail was where 15th-century explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan, departed Lisbon to discover the world. The city's most photographed structure, the Tower of Belem, rises out of the river and is only accessible by pedestrian bridge." -

Travel + Leisure

"This imperious 15th-century Manueline monastery was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's 'discovery' of India. The main attraction of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is the delicate Gothic chapel that opens up on to a grand monastery, in which some of Portugal's greatest historical figures are entombed." -

The Telegraph