Where to stay in Lisbon: the best areas for your trip

Lisbon is a city of hills, so the area you stay in shapes your whole trip: the flat lower town in the centre, the steep lanes of the old town, or the modern avenues near the airport. Here are the best areas to stay for each type of traveller, what to check before you book, and how to pay for your Lisbon hotel in dinars, without a bank card.

Baixa and Rossio: the heart of the city

The Baixa, the "lower town", was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake on a grid plan between two large squares: Rossio and Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), which opens onto the Tagus. It is the most central district in Lisbon and one of the easiest to explore on foot. Trams still run through the centre, and Rossio station is where trains to Sintra depart.

Who is it for? A first visit, doing everything on foot, and travellers who would rather avoid climbs.

Before you book: if you are a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the courtyard rather than the street.

Avenida da Liberdade: the grand avenue

North of Rossio, Avenida da Liberdade is the city's grand tree-lined avenue, with cafés and shops. It has many hotels, often in renovated older buildings, and several metro stations along it.

Who is it for? Families, and anyone who wants a central hotel on a wider, airier street than the old town.

Before you book: the avenue is long. Check on the map how far the hotel is from Rossio and from the nearest metro station.

Alfama: the old town below the castle

Below São Jorge Castle, Alfama winds down to the Tagus in narrow, twisting lanes. It is the part of Lisbon where time seems to stand still, and the birthplace of fado, the city's traditional song.

Who is it for? Couples looking for the charm of old streets and small guesthouses.

Before you book: the lanes are narrow and steep. With heavy luggage, a pushchair or elderly relatives, check that a car can reach the hotel door.

Chiado and Bairro Alto: the bohemian districts

Separated by Luís de Camões square, Chiado and Bairro Alto are Lisbon's bohemian districts. Chiado, rebuilt after a major fire in 1988, is a shopping district with boutiques and historic cafés, including the famous Brasileira.

Who is it for? Couples and friends who enjoy wandering between shops and cafés.

Before you book: check the slope between the hotel and the nearest metro station, and ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper.

Parque das Nações: modern and close to the airport

Built for the 1998 World Exhibition, Parque das Nações is Lisbon's most modern district, on the banks of the Tagus, with plenty of open space. It is home to the Oceanarium, Oriente station and a large shopping centre, and the airport is a few minutes away.

Who is it for? A late arrival or an early departure, a business trip, or a family that prefers open spaces to the old centre.

Before you book: the historic centre is several metro stops away, so factor in the journey.

Belém and Sintra: day trips

Further from the centre, Belém is home to Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: it is a place for a day out rather than an overnight stay. For Sintra, trains leave from Rossio station, one more reason to stay in the Baixa.

Getting there from the airport

Lisbon airport is linked to the city centre by the red metro line. Note your hotel's exact address before you leave: it is on your booking voucher.

Booking your Lisbon hotel in dinars

On our hotels in Europe page, choose your dates: prices and availability are shown live, and cancellation terms appear before you confirm. Send your request; our team confirms availability and the price with the hotel. From Algeria, you pay in dinars, without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our office in Telemly. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once payment is made.

For details on paying without a card, read how to book a hotel without a bank card. Still choosing between Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve? Read our guide Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve. Preparing your visa? Our guide hotel booking for a Spain visa explains what to know about the hotel part of a Schengen application.

Frequently asked questions

Which area is best for a first visit to Lisbon? The Baixa, to do everything on foot; Avenida da Liberdade if you prefer a wide avenue with good metro links.

Where to stay in Lisbon with children? On Avenida da Liberdade, for space and the metro, or in Parque das Nações, more modern and close to the airport. With a pushchair, avoid the steep lanes of Alfama.

Where to stay near Lisbon airport? In Parque das Nações, a few minutes from the airport, with Oriente station and the metro.

Can I pay for my Lisbon hotel in Algerian dinars? Yes. From Algeria you pay in dinars by BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our office; from abroad, online by bank card.

Do I need a visa for Lisbon? As a rule, Algerian citizens need a Schengen visa for Portugal. Check the current conditions with the consulate or the official website before you travel.

Is there a tourist tax to pay at the hotel? Check when you book: the terms of the offer show what is included in the price. If in doubt, ask our team.

See our hotels in Lisbon

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.