5 cool Lisbon neighbourhoods you can’t miss

Lisbon is divided into districts and each one of them is special on its own way. Many neighbourhoods in Lisbon are more traditional, others are more modern. Some Lisbon districts are fancier, others are more adventurous.

Together they transform Lisbon into what it is. In this guest article, Lisbon expert Julia Vilaça recommends five different Lisbon neighbourhoods. You’ll have a complete overview of Lisbon and its special character.

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Lisbon Neighbourhoods

1. Alfama in Lisbon

One of the cool neighborhoods in Lisbon because of its traditions, Alfama is considered the “Fado’s Birthplace”. It’s an area with narrow labyrinth streets, that transform the neighborhood into one of the most fascinating.

For a genuine visit to Lisbon with a pretty cool lookout at the end, visit Alfama, listen to some Fado and enjoy the viewpoints. “Portas do Sol” is one of the most fantastic viewpoints and if you want a place to stay, you can choose Memmo Alfama Design Hotels. In Alfama you can also visit the National Pantheon and Casa dos Bicos – the José Saramago foundation house.

Hotels in Alfama – Memmo Alfama Design Hotels

The Memmo Alfama Design Hotel is located in a refurbished, late 19th century building and offers a 24-hour reception, wine bar, an outdoor pool and Tagus River views.

2. Alcântara/Belém in Lisbon

The Discoveries Monument, Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, National Coach Museum, Electricity Museum and many other monuments are located in Alcântara/Belém. It’s one of the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon for walking around (especially when the sun comes out) and to discover Portuguese history, since most of the monuments related to the discoveries are located here.

In Belém, you’ll find something for everyone. And you should definitely try the Portuguese pastries – Pastéis de Belém. Enjoy the sunset at Espelho D’Água and stay at the Altis Belém Hotel.

Hotels in Belém – Altis Belém Hotel

The luxury 5-star Altis Belém Hotel occupies a unique waterfront location in the historic Lisbon district of Belém, next to the Tagus River. It features a Michelin Star restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a rooftop sun deck.

3. Chiado in Lisbon

If you like to shop, this is the perfect place. Chiado, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, brings together lots of stores, restaurants, cafés and little shops – you should definitely try the chocolate cake from Landeau and have a cup of coffee with the famous Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa in A Brasileira.

Are you looking for traditional souvenirs? Or maybe a cool trendy piece for your closet? You’re going to find it in Chiado because modern brands cohabit with centenary premises (here you can find, for example, A Vida Portuguesa and Luvaria Ulisses). The Lisboa Carmo Hotel is a great option if you want to stay in the heart of the city. And if you want to go to the theatre or see some street artists, Chiado is also the place!

You may also enjoy: Ten fun things to do in Faro in just one day

Hotels in Chiado – Lisboa Carmo Hotel

Located in the heart of the city, the Lisboa Carmo Hotel features luxury rooms with classic and contemporary décor. The upper floors of the hotel offer views of the Tagus River and Lisbon’s old town.

Check out these fun tours of Lisbon

Experience the live ‘Fado in Chiado‘ show and discover the music that expresses the true soul of Lisbon

Discover Lisbon’s hills the easy way during this electric bike tour

See the wonderful landscape of Lisbon’s historical city center on a River Tagus Guided Sightseeing Cruise on a traditional 1947 boat.

4. Bairro Alto in Lisbon

Bairro Alto is another one of the cool areas in Lisbon. Some people just call it “Bairro” and it’s one of Lisbon’s alternative areas. In Bairro Alto you’ll find art galleries, bars like PARK (for a great sunset), local stores… It’s a very traditional area during the day and, at night, it transforms itself into a trendy neighborhood –there’s music, drinks and fashion all over the place.

Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon’s most diverse districts and although it’s not super quiet at night, it’s also great if you want to go out and enjoy the hours after the sun goes down. During the day, travel up the 7th hill by hopping on one of Lisbon’s famous elevators: Bica or Glória.

5. Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações is the most modern part of the city, with a business side. Thanks to Expo ’98, it was fully renovated (some people call it “the Expo area”) but in Parque das Nações you can enjoy a different perspective of the city. MEO Arena, the Pavilion of Knowledge and the Lisbon Oceanarium are located here, so it’s a great area to take the kids. For an even cooler experience, take a ride on the cable cars!

Looking for more things to do in Lisbon?

Savor gourmet foods from Portugal during this small-group guided food and wine tour of Lisbon

Admire beautiful Lisbon from the water on a 2-Hour Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River with Drinks

This small-group guided walking tour is great for first-time visitors who want to experience Lisbon’s rich culture and landmarks

Looking for a place to stay? Try these hotels in Lisbon

Author Bio: Thanks for this article to Julia Vilaça who writes at Lisboa Cool and is an avid collector of happy moments. Her dream is to help people discover the coolest places when they travel.

Photo Credits: Neighbourhoods of Lisbon by SZimmermann_DE on Pixabay | Discoveries Monument by LoggaWiggler on Pixabay | Belem tower by Medienservice on Pixabay | Chaido by Bert Kaufmann on Flickr | Barrio Alto Houses by Heiko Penz on Pixabay | Barrio Alto Tram by Julia Orige on Pixabay | Lisbon Expo by Bernswaelz on Pixabay | Lisbon Trams photo by Frank Nurnberger on Pixabay

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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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