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

Jam Hotel Lisbon
Jam Hotel Lisbon
3 out of 5
80 Avenida 24 de Julho, Lisbon
The price is AU$182 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
AU$182
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
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! (199 reviews)
"great location and superb hotel"

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Jam Hotel Lisbon
Hotel Mundial
Hotel Mundial
4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
The price is AU$367 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
AU$367
per night
18 Jun - 19 Jun
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 hotel
"Very nice hotel - enjoyed the roof top bar"

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

Hotel Mundial
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Rossio Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
The price is AU$344 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
AU$344
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! (1,040 reviews)
Friends stay in Lisbon
"great location, clean , comfortable. Excellent breakfast with lots of choice Friendly helpful staff"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Rossio Plaza Hotel
Avenida Palace
Avenida Palace
5 out of 5
Rua 1 De Dezembro 123, Lisbon
The price is AU$497 per night from 28 May to 29 May
AU$497
per night
28 May - 29 May
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)
"Exceptional service. Lovely breakfast each morning. Staff were super helpful at all times. I will be returning here in the Fall. Perfect location to walk everywhere"

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Avenida Palace
The Editory Riverside Hotel, an Historic Hotel
The Editory Riverside Hotel, an Historic Hotel
5 out of 5
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, 1, Lisbon
The price is AU$281 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$281
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (328 reviews)
"Loved the historic property. We had an amazing view of the river and the high ceilings throughout the hotel. Breakfast was delicious. All the staff members were friendly and helpful. We would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

The Editory Riverside Hotel, an Historic Hotel
The Central House Lisbon Baixa - Hostel
The Central House Lisbon Baixa - Hostel
2 out of 5
300 Rua dos Fanqueiros, Lisbon
The price is AU$266 per night from 28 May to 29 May
AU$266
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this hostel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (150 reviews)
"Staff was great, rooms were clean and other roommates were of no trouble."

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

The Central House Lisbon Baixa - Hostel
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 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
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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
Senhora do Monte Viewpoint which includes a river or creek, a city and landscape views

Graça

Graça is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at R. Graça Stop or Graça Stop to explore sights like Senhora do Monte Viewpoint.

Graça

Lisbon Old Town Travel Guide

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