Lisbon Old Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Miradouro de Santa Luzia showing a city, night scenes and a coastal 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 Borges Chiado
Hotel Borges Chiado
3 out of 5
Rua Garrett, 108-110, Lisbon
The price is AU$193 per night from 22 May to 23 May
AU$193
per night
22 May - 23 May
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (846 reviews)
"Excellent location. Room was spacious and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Steps away from the Metro and amazing food. Will absolutely stay here again. Can be a little noisy so recommend getting a top floor so you can’t hear footsteps above you. Other than that quiet and peaceful."

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Hotel Borges Chiado
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Rossio Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
The price is AU$343 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
AU$343
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
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! (1,031 reviews)
Excellent hotel in a great location
"Excellent located hotel. We stayed in the northern wing in a nice corner room with great view to the Rossio square. The room was well appointed and immaculate clean. It had an espresso maker with capsules, comfy bed and towels. The towel was brand new, with porcelain tiles and a great rain shower. ..."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Rossio Plaza Hotel
Jam Hotel Lisbon
Jam Hotel Lisbon
3 out of 5
80 Avenida 24 de Julho, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$198 per night from 21 May to 22 May
AU$198
per night
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Rossio Square and Avenida da Liberdade ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (188 reviews)
Eclectic stay in Lisbon
"This place is quiet and very basic. It has some nice amenities like hot water and coffee machines on every floor plus a rooftop with a pretty view of the river. The hotel itself was a bit eclectic and not in the most convenient part of town."

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

Jam Hotel Lisbon
Hotel Mundial
Hotel Mundial
4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
The price is AU$327 per night from 16 May to 17 May
AU$327
per night
16 May - 17 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an attached winery. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Great central location next to the Martin Moniz Park. Very courteous staff and wonderful rooftop bar. The Varanda Restaurant is one of the best in the city with 270 degree views of Lisbon but, plan on reserving a table one to two days in advance."

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Hotel Mundial
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 195, Lisbon
The price is AU$305 per night from 12 May to 13 May
AU$305
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (794 reviews)
"The staff were so friendly and helpful. The hotel was clean and quiet, atmosphere was charming, and the walkability was what we had hoped for. We were 3 couples travelling and all enjoyed our comfortable two night stay at Esqina. Would return for sure"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
9Hotel Mercy
9Hotel Mercy
4 out of 5
Rua da Misericordia, 76, Lisbon
The price is AU$326 per night from 12 May to 13 May
AU$326
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"Great location, excellent amenities"

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

9Hotel Mercy
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

Default Image

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 Avenida da Liberdade and Botanical Garden 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
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
Default Image

Mouraria

While you're in Mouraria, take in top sights like Martim Moniz Square or Avenida Almirante Reis, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Socorro Stop or Martim Moniz Station.

Mouraria

Search flights