With its rich history, delicious food, and beautiful art, Lisbon, Portugal is one of the best destinations to visit in Europe. And while, like us, you may be tempted to gather long lists of things to do and places to eat, you’ll also need to figure out where to stay in Lisbon.
Many of the best places to stay in Lisbon also happen to be in the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon. Chiado is situated in the heart of town and is home to many of Lisbon’s best attractions. Alfama, also known as the Old Town, is bursting with historical sites. Then, there’s Bairro Alto, the heart of Lisbon’s nightlife. And that’s just the start!
That said, there are many hotels in each of these neighbourhoods. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled the best of the best for you!
Bairro Alto Hotel
When deciding where to stay in Lisbon, you should definitely consider the Bairro Alto Hotel. This luxurious hotel was completely renovated and recently reopened in 2019. Now, you can enjoy lavish rooms, complete with Le Labo bath products, Marshall sound speakers, and high-quality bed linens.
But the rooms aren’t the only noteworthy part of the recently renovated version of the Bairro Alto Hotel. The dining scene definitely needs it’s time to shine too! BAHR – the Bairro Alto Hotel Restaurant – is run by the world renowned Chef Nuno Mendes. Try the wild turbot with green kale sauce and chorizo or the roasted lamb with turnip tops and alentejo stew broth.
All of that said, it’s not just the new features that make the Bairro Alto Hotel so wonderful. The old perks are awesome as well – especially the location. As its name implies, the Bairro Alto Hotel is located in the Bairro Alto district. In other words, you can easily make your way to many of the city’s coolest sites, including the Elevador da Bica, Time Out Market Lisboa, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Olissippo Lapa Palace
The Olissippo Lapa Palace is another one of the most luxurious hotels in Lisbon. Once upon a time, it was actually quite an extravagant manor! Today, you can stay at this pale pink hotel and feel like royalty.
You could easily spend all of your time in Lisbon on the Olissippo Lapa Palace property. That’s just how wonderful it is! You can get pampered at the spa, dine at the Lapa Restaurant, take a dip in the stunning pool, or simply admire the views of the gorgeous Tagus River.
As for the location, the Olissippo Lapa Palace is located on the outskirts of Lisbon. While this isn’t ideal for seeing all of the sites, it’s absolutely fantastic if you’re hoping for a quiet getaway.
Valverde Hotel
If you’re all about location, Valverde Hotel will inevitably come up when searching for where to stay in Lisbon. Situated in the center of Avenida da Liberdade, Valverde Hotel claims a coveted piece of Lisbon real estate. From this lovely boutique hotel, you can easily make your way to many of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and sites.
But the prime location is just one of the many perks that come with the Valverde Hotel. You can also enjoy afternoon tea at Sítio Valverde, take a dip in the pool in the courtyard, or even shop for Portuguese porcelain at the (online) Valverde Boutique.
Hotel Avenida Palace
Opened in 1892, Hotel Avenida Palace has become a Lisbon landmark of sorts. When you first enter this wonderful hotel, you’ll be greeted with bursts of vibrant colors – from the red and gold patterned wallpaper to the thriving green plants.
And the excitement of Hotel Avenida Palace certainly doesn’t end with the entryway. You can also get a relaxing massage, attend the Palace Afternoon Tea, find a cozy nook in the library, and enjoy a cocktail at the Bar of Avenida Palace.
When you decide to leave this extraordinary hotel, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Lisbon. Within just a few minutes, you’ll be able to make your way to many of Lisbon’s most amazing restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
If you’re from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and want to stay at a more familiar accommodation, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon may be the option you’re searching for.
This eye-catching art-deco style hotel boasts muted yellow chairs, massive windows, and patterned rugs. But an impeccable interior design is just the start. There’s also the Portuguese fine dining restaurant known as Cura, the lovely lap pool, and the relaxing spa.
Last but certainly not least, there’s the prime location. Situated in the Azul neighborhood, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is just a few steps away from Miradouro Parque Eduardo VII and Estufa Fria Botanical Garden.
AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado
AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado is a charming boutique hotel with just 28 rooms. And with so few guests, you know you’ll be treated with kindness and attentiveness.
There are thoughtful Portuguese touches throughout AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado. Enjoy pasteis de nata for breakfast, make use of the wonderfully scented local soaps, and admire the azulejo tiles dotted throughout the property.
But that’s certainly not all this amazing Lisbon accommodation has to offer. Dine on Portuguese cuisine at Delfina – Cantina Portuguesa, enjoy an in-room massage, and admire the views of the city from your cute little balcony.
Finally, there’s AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado’s envy-worthy location. Situated on Praça de Município, you really can’t ask for a much better location. You can easily walk to Terreiro do Paço, Time Out Market, Santa Justa Elevator and other amazing Lisbon sites.
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa has been one of the most popular hotels in Lisbon for decades. It has everything you could want in a hotel – from a fantastic on-site restaurant to impeccable interior decor to a prime location.
A day at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa is an experience in luxury. You can wake up in your comfortable bed to the sunshine streaming through the windows. Then, go for a morning swim in the picture-perfect pool. And when you’re fully refreshed, head out to explore the nearby Lisbon sites, including Avenida da Liberdade, the Botanical Garden of Lisbon, and the National Museum of History and Science.
Once you get back from your Lisbon adventure, the lavish life at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa can continue. Enjoy a lovely massage at the Anantara Spa, dine on delicious fresh seafood at Cervejaria Liberdade, and finish off the day with a trendy drink at Sky Bar by Seen.
The Lisboans Apartments
Many of the spots on this list of where to stay in Lisbon focus on experiencing the city as a visitor. By staying at the Lisboans Apartments instead, you’ll get a little taste of the life of a Lisbon local.
The Lisboans Apartments only has a few apartments. In other words, if this is at the top of your list, you’ll definitely want to book early. If you do manage to snag a spot, you won’t be disappointed. Admire the Portuguese-inspired interior design, take in the views of the Juliet balcony, and head downstairs to the classy wine bar for a drink each night.
As if that weren’t enough to convince you to book a few nights at The Lisboans Apartments, the location will sway you. From this wonderful accommodation, you can walk to the Lisbon Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, Praça do Comércio, and many of the city’s best miradouros.
Memmo Alfama Hotel
This list of where to stay in Lisbon would not be complete without at least one accommodation in Alfama, or the Old Town. Luckily, the Memmo Alfama Hotel fills the gap. From this fantastic boutique hotel, you can easily explore everything that Alfama has to offer – from the Castelo Sao Jorge to the Lisbon Cathedral.
And after you’re done exploring Alfama, you can head back to Memmo Alfama Hotel to rest and relax. Swim in the rooftop pool, take in the views of the gorgeous Portuguese sunset, or simply take a nap in your welcoming room.
Altis Belem Hotel and Spa
When looking at places to stay in Lisbon, most of the options will be around Bairro Alto and Chiado and surprisingly few will be near Belem and Belem Tower. Luckily, the incredible Altis Belem Hotel and Spa is one of those few.
Located across the marina from the famous Belem Tower, you literally could not find a closer accommodation to this Lisbon landmark. And while that’s the main highlight of the Altis Belem Hotel and Spa’s location, you’ll also be quite close to the Belem Lighthouse, Jeronimos Monastery, and the Rose Compass.
When you get back from your attraction-packed days, you’ll want to rest and relax – and the Altis Belem Hotel and Spa is definitely equipped for that. Get pampered at BSpa by Karin Herzog, soak in your room’s porcelain tub, or sip on a tasty cocktail at 38º41′. You can even dine at one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Lisbon, Feitoria Restaurant & Wine Bar.
And that’s a wrap on where to stay in Lisbon, Portugal! Which of these fabulous accommodations will you decide to book for your lovely getaway?
Interested in food on your trip? Check our guides to the best restaurants in Lisbon and the best brunch in Lisbon!