Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon to Visit: Area Guide

Lisbon's Essential Neighborhoods

Lisbon is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Here's the essential guide.

1. Alfama 🏰

Lisbon's oldest neighborhood.

What to See

• São Jorge Castle
• Sé de Lisboa (Cathedral)
• Portas do Sol Viewpoint
• Santa Luzia Viewpoint
• Fado Houses

Characteristics

Luggage Tip

⚠️ Don't bring suitcases to Alfama. The streets are impossible for wheels.

How to get there without luggage →

2. Baixa and Rossio 🏛️

The historic and commercial center.

What to See

• Praça do Comércio
• Rua Augusta Arch
• Santa Justa Elevator
• Rossio Square
• Rossio Station

Characteristics

Luggage Tip

✅ Most accessible area, but still better without bags for photos.

3. Chiado and Bairro Alto 🎭

Culture, shopping and nightlife.

What to See

• Bertrand Bookshop (world's oldest)
• A Brasileira Café
• São Roque Church
• São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint
• Bar streets (at night)

Characteristics

4. Belém 🗼

Monuments and Discoveries history.

What to See

• Torre de Belém
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• MAAT
• Pastéis de Belém

Characteristics

Luggage Tip

⚠️ Long distances between monuments. Better without luggage.

Lockers near Belém →

5. Graça and Mouraria 🌅

Authentic neighborhoods with views.

What to See

• Graça Viewpoint
• Senhora do Monte Viewpoint
• Feira da Ladra (Tuesday and Saturday)
• Multicultural streets of Mouraria

Characteristics

6. Príncipe Real and Avenida da Liberdade 🌳

Trendy and elegant area.

What to See

• Botanical Garden
• Príncipe Real Square
• Design shops
• Avenida da Liberdade (luxury shopping)

Characteristics

7. Parque das Nações (Oriente) 🐠

Modern area by the river.

What to See

• Lisbon Oceanarium
• Cable Car
• Vasco da Gama Center
• MEO Arena
• Riverside gardens

Characteristics

Lockers near Oriente →

Mental Map: Lisbon Neighborhoods

                    GRAÇA
                      ↑
        PRÍNCIPE  ← MOURARIA → ALFAMA
        REAL          ↓          ↓
          ↓       ROSSIO    SÉ CATHEDRAL
    BAIRRO ALTO     ↓
          ↓       BAIXA
       CHIADO       ↓
          ↓    CAIS DO SODRÉ
               ↓
            BELÉM

Itinerary by Time

1 Day in Lisbon

• Morning: Baixa + Alfama
• Afternoon: Belém
• Evening: Bairro Alto

2 Days

• Day 1: Baixa, Chiado, Alfama
• Day 2: Belém, Príncipe Real

3+ Days

Add: Graça, Mouraria, Parque das Nações, Sintra (day trip)

Where to Store Bags

LockerArea Estefania is central, allowing easy access to all neighborhoods:

Book locker →

Conclusion

Lisbon is for exploring on foot, neighborhood by neighborhood:

• ✅ Alfama — History and authenticity
• ✅ Baixa — Center and accessibility
• ✅ Belém — Monuments and pastries
• ✅ Bairro Alto — Culture and nightlife

Store your bags and discover each neighborhood at your own pace!

Book locker →

Article updated January 2025.