Where to sleep in Lisbon: better neighborhoods and hotels 🛄

As you know I have frequented (and loved) the capital of Portugal since time immemorial and I can assure you that few cities in Europe have had thehousing explosion that he had Lisbon in the last few years. You go from hostels to luxury hotels, passing through the boutique and houses for rent; structures of all types and for all pockets.

After the article on places not to be missed in Lisbon, the one up Unusual Lisbon and the one on Best restaurants, here you will find my favorite areas to sleep in Lisbon, with different options for each.

Where to sleep in Lisbon: the best neighborhoods and addresses

Alfama and Castle

If you are going to Lisbon for the first time I can only recommend you to sleep in the Alfama district, the oldest and most atmospheric area of the city, a labyrinth of alleys and stairways that extends along the slopes below the Castle. It is the area where the Cathedral of the Sé and most of fado club. It is a tourist district that still retains a certain authenticity, especially in the alleys around the church of Sao Miguel. From here you can move on foot to see all the attractions of the center.

Hotel Convento do Salvador (mid-range). As the name suggests, this hotel is located in an old convent (now renovated in a modern way) and has a nice garden inside. It has different types of rooms: double rooms, family rooms, rooms suitable for those with reduced mobility and junior suites on 1 or 2 levels with a view of the Tagus River.
Hostel Petit Lusa (medium-low range). A small hotel in an excellent location that will allow you to reach in a few minutes the train and metro station of Santa Apolónia and Praça do Comércio. It has private rooms with bathroom and a dorm for 10 (always with private bathroom). All rooms are decorated with different Portuguese themes and breakfast is always included in the price.
Alfama Memmo (high end). A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Alfama. It is decorated with a modern style and designer furniture and has several panoramic terraces (there is also one with a small infinity pool) from which you can enjoy a crazy view of the Tagus River.

Where to sleep in Lisbon: better neighborhoods and hotels

Baixa and Chiado

The Baixa (or "lower city") is the area bounded by the Rossio, Praca do Comercio and Praca da Figueira. Together with Chiado (which is located to the west) it is the commercial area of Lisbon, with the most important shops and bars in the city (such as the Café a Brasileira). If you don't like climbs (and descents) this is the perfect area for you, in addition to being super central and super connected, it is also one of the few flat areas of the city

Home Lisbon Hostel (low end). A very nice hostel a stone's throw from Rua Agusta. It has double / twin rooms and dormitories for 4, 6, and 8 beds. It also has a dining area with a fully equipped kitchen and a bar / bistro where you can find simple dishes. Alternatively, you will find dozens of restaurants and cafes nearby, #zerostress.
Lost Lisbon – Chiado House (mid-range). A stone's throw from Cafè A Brasileira, Lost Lisbon Chiado House is a very “familiar” location with rooms of different sizes, all furnished and decorated with style, all different. There are also others of the same chain, one in the Cais do Sodré area (always beautiful, overlooking the river) and also two other houses, one in the Campo do Ourique district and a larger countryhouse inside the Cascais National Park, in The property is 6 miles from Sintra.
Patio House by Shiadu (mid-range). A very nice and familiar traditional structure where the rooms are located around a beautiful patio (where breakfast is offered, always included in the price). All the rooms have modern and well-kept furnishings, they are all air conditioned and equipped with wooden floors. An almost magical place!

Barrio Alto and Principe Real

The Barrio Alto is the historic area of Lisbon's nightlife, a maze of alleys that comes alive as soon as the sun goes down. If you are not exactly a night owl, you should move to the highest part of the Barrio, after the Miradouro de San Pedro de Alcantara, when you arrive in Royal Prince Plate. The latter is a beautiful square with a garden in the center, which it has become the hub of the gay scene of the city. All around the square is a riot of beautiful renovated buildings, trendy shops and restaurants. Principe Real is one of the most exclusive and expensive areas at the moment.

The Independent Hostel & Suites (both low and medium range). Part hostel, part boutique hotel, The Indipendente is housed in a fantastic building opposite the Miradouro de Alcantara once occupied by the Socialist Party Headquarters and the Swiss Embassy. On the lower floors there are dormitories (6-12 beds) and on the upper floors there are doubles, some with balconies and river views. The hotel also has a very busy place rooftop with restaurant bar (The Insolito, which I have already told you about).
Memmo Príncipe Real – Design Hotels (high end). Beautiful hotel with a terrace overlooking the pool and the city (where the bar and restaurant are also located), the Memmo Principe Real is decorated in a contemporary architectural style, where period furniture is flanked by paintings and works of art modern. For those who are not satisfied.

Intendant

This neighborhood slightly away from the center (but still comfortable) is one of the hype neighborhood of the moment. Recently redeveloped (2014/2015) it is still a nice mix of dilapidated and decadent buildings and beautifully polished buildings. Center of the neighborhood is Largo do Intendente, a beautiful square with bars and shops very popular with young hipsters. I love it!

Be Lisbon Hostel Intendente (low end). Nice hostel a few steps from the Intendente metro station, it offers double / twin rooms and dormitories, all with balconies overlooking the city. Guests can enjoy a continental or buffet breakfast every morning (included in the price).
1908 Lisbon Hotel (high end). Magnificent 4-star, 1908 Lisboa also has an art gallery (constantly evolving), a restaurant and bar. Housed in an award-winning 1908 building, completely renovated by a famous Portuguese architect (Adães Bermudes), the hotel is located on Avenida Almirante Reis, two meters from Largo do Intendente.

Lapa and Estrela

Limpet e Star they are two neighborhoods for connoisseurs, for those who already know the city and prefer to stay outside the more touristic neighborhoods. These are the "good" residential areas of Lisbon, with magnificent buildings and quiet squares. It is the area of the embassies where diplomats also live, it is full of greenery and is a stone's throw from the riverside.

Guest House Foreign Friend Lisbon (low end). A very welcoming and lovingly furnished hostel, with private rooms and dormitories, some with private bathrooms and furnished balconies overlooking the city. There is also a fully equipped shared kitchen, but you will have no difficulty in finding food in one of the many restaurants in the surrounding area.
As Janelas Verdes - Lisbon Heritage Collection (high end). If you are looking for the gem and you are an art lover, this hotel is for you. Housed in a renovated 700th century building, it is located near the Museum of Ancient Art of Lisbon, has a top-floor library with a terrace and a view of the Tagus River. The rooms are decorated in a classic Portuguese style with art objects, books and photos. For connoisseurs.