Whether you want a weekend city break or a longer holiday, Lisbon is the ideal destination. You can expect to be greeted by fascinating history and culture, beautiful architecture, delicious food and drink, and wonderful weather (at the right time of year). Some people might like to explore a city by hitting all the big sights, but others would rather check it out at their own pace. If that second one sounds like you, visiting some of Lisbon’s top neighbourhoods is a good way to get a flavour of the city and what it has to offer. So where should you go?
Alfama
Alfama is by far one of the best neighbourhoods for wandering around. Its history and charm make it a top choice and it’s perfectly walkable. As the oldest part of town, it’s the place to go if you’re looking for a traditional meal. It’s a great place to get lost thanks to its winding streets, but in the best way possible. Walking through the neighbourhood will lead you to some other lovely parts of the city too, including some famous sites. Check out the 12th-century cathedral or the National Pantheon for two places that span a large portion of Lisbon’s history.
Baixa
Head downtown to Baixa if you’re looking for somewhere with plenty of opportunities for dining, shopping, or just taking a good stroll. While still full of historical architecture, it’s much newer than Alfama due to the effects of an earthquake in 1755 which ravaged much of the city. It was rebuilt with lots of lovely squares, which offer places to walk around, stop for food or drink, or check out the local shops. Find Praça do Comércio on your map of Lisbon for a truly impressive example. This square was rebuilt to facilitate trade and it’s still a great place for shopping, with impressive views of the river.
Belém
If you’re the sort of person who doesn’t want to miss out on the big sites, going to riverside Belém is a must. This neighbourhood is home to two World Heritage Sites, the 16th-century Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. Both of these sites are excellent examples of Manueline-style architecture, which arose during the Portuguese Renaissance and Age of Discoveries. Both sites are definitely worth visiting if you’re a history fan or you like interesting architecture. The rest of the neighbourhood is worth exploring too, especially as there are some great places to get pastel de nata.
Bairro Alto
For those looking for an alternative, boho vibe, Bairro Alto is your spot. It might not look like much during the day, but it’s where all the cool people can be found at night. Here you’ll find bars, cafes, restaurants and yet more pieces of history. If you prefer a bustling place to stay, you could choose a hostel here or perhaps even rent an apartment during your stay.
Take your time to explore these different Lisbon neighbourhoods and find your favourite place to hang out. There’s so much to see and do in each district.
