Lisbon Old Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Carmo Convent showing heritage architecture
Lisbon Old Town
Lisbon Old Town
Lisbon Old Town
Lisbon Old Town
Discover views over the old town from hilltop Graça, Moorish history in Alfama, bustling downtown Baixa, bohemian Chiado and nightlife in Bairro Alto.

The historic heart of Lisbon is the Old Town. The area is made up of a series of districts that each have their own unique atmosphere and attractions. Tram 28 runs through the Old Town and stops frequently. Get off and explore the area on foot or station-hop from site to site.

Start in the Graça district of the Old Town to get your bearings. This hilltop neighborhood has stunning views from outdoor cafés.

Discover the Moorish history of the city at Castle de São Jorge, which dominates the hillside overlooking Alfama. Moorish rulers built the castle in the 6th century. Enjoy a multimedia show about Lisbon’s turbulent history in a restored room of the palace.

Move on to discover downtown Baixa with its large squares full of neoclassical buildings and cafés. This district was rebuilt after the Lisbon earthquake and was one of Europe’s first instances of urban planning, with pedestrian avenues, decorative arches and theaters.

Catch the tram to Chiado, a district full of 16th-century buildings. Browse designer boutiques and old bookstores. Sit in cafés where the artists and literary personalities of Lisbon once met and worked.

Explore the streets of Barrio Alto, with its mix of 16th and 19th-century homes. This district was once a working class neighborhood, but is now home to some of the most popular bars in the city.

In the evenings, catch some authentic Portuguese music in Alfama’s Fado bars, enjoy tapas and wine in Barrio Alto or sip cocktails on rooftops with views in Chiado. Tram 28 runs from early in the morning until late in the evening. Purchase a 24-hour ticket for unlimited rides for a day.

You can also discover the Old Town by joining a walking tour for a fee. Knowledgeable guides will give you insight into the Old Town’s mix of Roman and Moorish cultural influences, the history of Jewish persecution and the effect of the 1755 earthquake on the city. Organize tours through your hotel or tourist information centers within the Old Town.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Lisbon Old Town Hotel Deals

Hotel Mundial
Hotel Mundial
4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
The price is AU$250 per night from 6 Jan to 7 Jan
AU$250
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an attached winery. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Old hotel with a renovation on site."

Reviewed on 17 Dec. 2024

Hotel Mundial
Avenida Palace
Avenida Palace
5 out of 5
Rua 1 De Dezembro 123, Lisbon
The price is AU$446 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
AU$446
includes taxes & fees
16 Jan - 17 Jan 2025
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
"Spent 3 nights at this hotel and we loved it! Staffs are amazing and very friendly. Room was ready by noon. Tons of shops and restaurants around the hotel. Location is unbeatable, in the heart of everything! 15 mins walk to Time Out Market. 2 mins walk to the main shopping strip. Jazz performance ..."

Reviewed on 15 Dec. 2024

Avenida Palace
Hotel Borges Chiado
Hotel Borges Chiado
3 out of 5
Rua Garrett, 108-110, Lisbon
The price is AU$127 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$127
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. It is easily accessible by metro and taxi. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 18 Dec. 2024

Hotel Borges Chiado
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Rossio Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
The price is AU$233 per night from 24 Dec to 25 Dec
AU$233
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,308 reviews)
"It is near every place to see and have fun."

Reviewed on 17 Dec. 2024

Rossio Plaza Hotel
Jam Hotel Lisbon
Jam Hotel Lisbon
3 out of 5
80 Avenida 24 de Julho, Lisbon
The price is AU$132 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
AU$132
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (425 reviews)
"It’s a nice hotel, pool and bar up on the roof area, ground floor has a dining area and bar. The room was spacious had a queen bed and a bunk bed. It’s got a unique vibe, staff is friendly. Close to multiple night clubs on either side, surprisingly the noise isn’t too much to deal with. The lobby ..."

Reviewed on 18 Dec. 2024

Jam Hotel Lisbon
Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa
Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa
4 out of 5
Rua dos Correeiros, 204, Lisbon
The price is AU$229 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
AU$229
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (968 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful. The hotel supplies a free mini bar that was a nice surprise especially as it always had bottled water. The area is very central and close to transit"

Reviewed on 20 Dec. 2024

Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Lisbon Old Town

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Bairro Alto

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Principe Real Square, and catch the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto
Botanical Garden which includes a garden

Príncipe Real

4/5(5 area reviews)

Noted for its gardens and cafes, there's plenty to explore in Príncipe Real. Top attractions like Botanical Garden and Avenida da Liberdade are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Príncipe Real Stop or Rato Station to see more of the city.

Príncipe Real
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Bica

Bica is a destination travellers like for its cafes, and you might hop aboard the metro at Cç. Combro Stop or Sta. Catarina Stop to explore sights like Santa Catarina Viewpoint.

Bica
Chiado which includes views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

Spend some time visiting places like Camões Square while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Chiado
Santa Justa Elevator showing landscape views and a city

Baixa

4.5/5(90 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Rossio Square to Rua Augusta – discover Baixa, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Baixa
Lisbon District showing food

Cais do Sodré

If you're spending time in Cais do Sodré, check out sights like Mercado da Ribeira or Pink Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rua de São Paulo Stop or R. Vitor Cordon Stop.

Cais do Sodré

Lisbon Old Town Travel Guide

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