Lisbon is one of my favorite cities. It is vibrant, historic, and full of life. But as a physician who values both adventure and rest, I know how important it is to pick the right place to stay. Whether you’re here for a conference, a well-earned vacation during residency, or a quick getaway, where you stay shapes your experience. Do you want to be in the heart of the action or somewhere peaceful after long days of exploring? In this guide, I’ll break down where to stay in Lisbon based on convenience, comfort, and the kind of trip you’re looking for.

What Matters When Choosing a Place

Location is key. Staying near hospitals or conference venues saves time, while good public transport links make exploring easier. Do you want a lively area with bars and restaurants, or would you rather have a peaceful retreat? Also, when it comes to where to stay in Lisbon, think about amenities. A good gym, a spa, or a quiet workspace can make all the difference after a long day on your feet.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay In

Baixa & Chiado – Right in the Action

If you love being in the heart of the city, Baixa and Chiado are packed with shops, cafés, and historic sites. Public transport is excellent, and it’s a great place for first-time visitors. Just know it can be a little chaotic, and hotels here are often pricier. A friend of mine, also a physician, stayed here on her first trip to Lisbon. She loved how easy it was to grab a coffee and walk straight to historic sites before a conference. The trade-off? She said it was tough to find a quiet spot to unwind after long days.

• Great Options: Hotel do Chiado, Bairro Alto Hotel, Brown’s Central Hotel.

Avenida da Liberdade – Quiet and Upscale

Avenida da Liberdade is all about elegance, with tree-lined streets, high-end shopping, and stylish hotels. If you like a calm atmosphere but still want easy access to the city, this is a solid choice. The dining scene is excellent too, which is a nice bonus.

• Great Options: Valverde Hotel, PortoBay Liberdade, Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel.

Alfama – Old-World Charm

If you want a more traditional Lisbon experience, Alfama’s narrow streets and breathtaking views won’t disappoint. It’s slower-paced, great for wandering, and packed with local character. Just be prepared for some steep hills and limited metro access. I stayed in Alfama once and loved the charm, but lugging my suitcase up the cobblestone streets was a workout I wasn’t ready for. If you have heavy bags, a taxi drop-off at the nearest flat road is a lifesaver.

• Great Options: Memmo Alfama, Santiago de Alfama.

Príncipe Real – Trendy but Relaxed

This neighborhood has a mix of stylish cafés, green spaces, and boutique shops. It’s lively but not overwhelming, with great restaurants and a laid-back feel. Think of it as the cool but not too crowded part of town.

• Great Options: Casa do Príncipe, Hotel Botanico.

Parque das Nações – Modern and Convenient

This is a newer part of Lisbon, close to the airport and well connected by metro. It’s quieter, with modern hotels and waterfront views. If you’re here for work and prefer a more structured, business-like setting, this area is a good bet.

• Great Options: Myriad by SANA, Meliá Lisboa Oriente.

A Few Travel Tips

Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with fewer crowds and perfect weather. Pharmacies (farmácias) are easy to find, and Lisbon’s hospitals are well-equipped. The metro, trams, and Uber make getting around simple. Unless you love a parallel parking challenge on steep streets, skip the rental car. A colleague of mine rented a car in Lisbon, thinking it would make exploring easier. Instead, she spent half her trip circling for parking and sweating over the city’s steep, narrow streets. By the second day, she ditched the car and relied on trams and Uber.

Bottom Line

Lisbon has something for everyone. Whether you want a lively, central spot or a quiet retreat, there’s a perfect place for you. The best place I’ve ever stayed in Lisbon was a small boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace. After long days of sightseeing, I’d sip a glass of vinho verde and watch the sunset over the city. It was the perfect way to end each day. So when it comes to where to stay in Lisbon, think about what matters most to you. You deserve it.