Quick Lisbon Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Lisbon? Here are a few ideas to help you get started, from things to do to places to stay.
Things to do in Lisbon:
Hotels in Lisbon:
- Memmo Alfama (for old-town views)
- The Ivens (for a Chiado city break)
- Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel (for a little history)
- EPIC SANA Marquês (for a rooftop pool)
- MYRIAD by SANA (for a riverside stay)
Lisbon is the kind of city where choosing your hotel can shape the whole trip. Do you picture yourself stepping out into a tangle of old streets, or would you rather start the morning beside the river? Both are possible here, and that’s part of the fun.
We’ve researched five hotels with different settings and personalities, from a rooftop in Alfama to a contemporary stay in Parque das Nações. You’ll find a little about each one below, along with some ideas for making the most of your time in the city.
Where to Stay in Lisbon: An Overview
Need a quick starting point? Here’s what each hotel brings to the trip:
- Memmo AlfamaAlfama · For old-town views
- The IvensChiado · For a stylish city break
- Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical HotelCais do Sodré · For a little history
- EPIC SANA MarquêsMarquês de Pombal · For a rooftop pool
- MYRIAD by SANAParque das Nações · For a riverside stay
Best Area to Stay in Lisbon
For a first visit, Baixa and Chiado are useful places to start your search. They put you close to the centre, with transport connections and plenty to explore. Baixa’s streets are relatively flat; routes up towards Chiado can be more of a climb.
Alfama is a good match if you’re drawn to historic streets, viewpoints and the character of the old city. It’s hilly, though, so take a look at your hotel’s exact location before you arrive.
For a different atmosphere, Parque das Nações offers a modern riverside setting. You’ll need transport to reach the historic centre, but the change of pace may be just what you’re looking for.
Want to compare more options? See our guide to the best hotels in Lisbon.
The places
Five Hotels to Consider in Lisbon
Each has its own sense of place. Here’s a closer look at what makes them worth considering.
Alfama · For old-town views
1. Memmo Alfama
There’s something special about a hotel that lets you take in the city before you’ve even stepped outside. At Memmo Alfama, the terrace looks out over the neighbourhood’s rooftops and the Tagus, with a pool and wine bar adding another reason to linger.
Tucked into Alfama, it’s a lovely fit if you want the older part of Lisbon on your doorstep. Give yourself time to wander the narrow streets, stop at a viewpoint and find somewhere for a long dinner.
Check rates & availabilityChiado · For a stylish city break
2. The Ivens
The Ivens is a good choice if you like a hotel with a little personality. Its location in Chiado puts you among Lisbon’s bookshops, galleries and restaurants, with Baixa-Chiado metro station nearby.
After a day exploring, there are restaurants at the hotel too. It’s the sort of base that works well when you want to dip in and out of the city rather than plan every hour in advance.
Check rates & availabilityCais do Sodré · For a little history
3. Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel
At Corpo Santo, a piece of Lisbon’s past is part of the hotel itself: a section of the old Fernandina wall has been preserved in the reading room. It’s a lovely detail to look out for during your stay.
The hotel is in Cais do Sodré, near the river, and makes a convenient base for exploring the centre. Praça do Comércio and Chiado are within walking distance, and the station connects you to other parts of the city.
Check rates & availabilityMarquês de Pombal · For a rooftop pool
4. EPIC SANA Marquês
If your ideal city break includes time by the pool, take a look at EPIC SANA Marquês. Its rooftop pool offers a different perspective on Lisbon, and there’s a spa when you feel like slowing down.
The hotel is near Marquês de Pombal and Avenida da Liberdade, so it’s a useful base for combining sightseeing with a little time to unwind. Check the hotel’s seasonal opening details for the rooftop pool before booking.
Check rates & availabilityParque das Nações · For a riverside stay
5. MYRIAD by SANA
For a different side of Lisbon, MYRIAD sits beside the Tagus in Parque das Nações. The contemporary tower and river views make it a change of pace from the lanes of the old town.
There’s a spa and indoor pool, too. This is a good option if a waterside setting appeals to you and you’re happy to use transport to explore the historic centre. Check the hotel’s age restrictions for spa and pool access before you book.
Check rates & availabilityLive availability
Explore more stays in Lisbon
Choose your dates in the map to compare live Booking.com options around Lisbon.
Prices and availability are supplied inside the Stay22 map and can change with dates, guests and room availability.
Good to know
Where to Stay in Lisbon: FAQ
A few answers to help you feel ready for your trip.
What is the best area to stay in Lisbon for a first visit?
Baixa and Chiado are convenient starting points for a first trip, with central locations and transport connections. If historic streets are what you’re dreaming of, Alfama is worth considering too.
Is Alfama a good place to stay in Lisbon?
Yes, especially if you love old streets, viewpoints and being close to the castle. Check the route to your hotel before booking: parts of Alfama are steep and paved with cobblestones.
Should I stay in Baixa, Chiado or Alfama?
Baixa is a practical choice for a central base and flatter streets. Chiado is appealing for shops, cafés and cultural spots, while Alfama puts you among the lanes of the old town. Think about the journey back to your hotel as well as what you want nearby.
How many nights should I spend in Lisbon?
Three nights can give you a good introduction to the city. Add another night or two if you’d like a slower pace or a day trip to Sintra or Cascais.
Can I explore Lisbon without a car?
Yes. Lisbon has a metro, buses and trams, and many central sights can be explored on foot. The hills and cobbled pavements can make some walks more demanding, so check your route and transport options.
When should I book my Lisbon hotel?
Once your dates are settled, it’s worth checking options early, particularly for popular travel periods. Compare the cancellation terms and the final price for your dates before booking.
Keep exploring
More Lisbon Travel Guides & Resources
Plan more of your trip with these Lisbon guides and hotel collections.