Lisbon Hotels

As the oldest city in Western Europe, Lisbon is steeped in history. It’s also one of the most affordable capitals in Europe, so you’re sure to get good value for money on a cheap holiday to Lisbon.

A historic city

The Santa Justa lift is a practical necessity in a city full of hills like Lisbon, but this Neo-Gothic tower is striking and worth seeing. Or, you can take a stroll around Alfama, the city’s oldest district. Be sure to head to São Jorge Castle, whose medieval fortifications shape the skyline of the district. Belem Tower is a medieval masterpiece standing strong on the Tagus River. While you’re in Belem, check out the nearby Jeronimos Monastery, a lasting reminder of the church’s historic power in Portugal.

Rich culture

Take the opportunity on your holiday to Lisbon and embrace Portuguese culture. Go to the Museu Coleccao Berardo for examples of Portuguese modern and contemporary art and works by Warhol, Lichtenstein and Pollock. Or take a trip through 150 years of design at the Design Museum. You may also enjoy the Gulbenkian Museum's extensive collection of European paintings and Art Nouveau pieces.

Wine and dine

Indulge in Portuguese specialities like pastel de nata, a decadently sweet egg pastry at Casa Pasteis De Belem. Or head to the less busy Chique de Belem, a local favourite. For a unique dining experience, find one of the Fado houses and enjoy traditional Portuguese food and drinks while listening to Fado music. Casa de Linhares offers a classy setting, where Cristal Fados creates a more intimate atmosphere.

Epic Nightlife

Make the most of your cheap holiday to Lisbon by enjoying the city’s vibrant and varied nightlife. Start your night in the Bairro altodistrict, grab a drink or two in the bars and head out onto the streets with the rest of the locals to chat and relax. If you’re looking to dance, Lisbon’s varied nightclubs won’t disappoint, although the party won’t start until the early morning. The Belem bar and café changes from bar to club at 2 am and even features outdoor dance floors for when the weather is good. Or, head to Incognito for the best in indie and alternative music.

Best places to stay in Lisbon

There are too many fascinating areas of Lisbon to list in one article. Most first-time visitors start in romantic Alfama, the hilly historical district, with its charming cobbled streets, old buildings and charming, tiny eateries – plus fantastic sunset viewpoints. Equally hilly and view-rich, Barrio Alto is the place to be for the atmosphere. It’s the part of the city that truly never sleeps, with small bars and restaurants open until late, tables spilling onto the pavements. Foodies will be in seventh heaven here. Chiado is a family-friendly area that’s known for its shopping, international cuisine and theatres. It’s bustling but very safe at night and centrally located for exploring the city. Other places to stay include the peaceful and very-well-heeled Principe Real, Cais do Sodre – the former-red-light district now turned hip hangout – and rejuvenated docklands Alcantara. Belem is a serene, river-front district that’s low-rise and laid-back

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Lisbon

In the endlessly exciting city of Lisbon, there’s always something interesting to see or do just around the corner. Alfama is home to the castle, cathedral, fado museum and several good viewpoints, while Chiado houses the iconic hillside lift, museums, and beautiful street architecture. Barrio Alto is awash with stunning buildings and pretty streets. Luckily, all three districts are close by, so you can stay in any. The area close to the Santos tram stop and Green Street is also very convenient for the three historical districts and easy tram access to Belem and Alcantara.

Where to stay with your family in Lisbon

Lisbon is a family-friendly city. The Chiado area is perfect, packed with family hotels, restaurants, and plenty of international cuisine if you don’t fancy sampling local delicacies. For around £100/night, you can stay in the heart of Chiado at My Story Hotel Ouro in one of the lovely, interconnected family rooms. The historic Alfama District is also exciting if you’re exploring with kids – it’s here that you’ll find the castle – but quite hilly, so not especially pram-friendly. The area behind Santos station is also very convenient, or you might like to head to Principe Real for something quieter but more luxurious. You’ll find two fabulous (and shady) parks in the area and the museum of natural history.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Cais do Sodre and Barrio Alto are perfect solo destinations if you’re looking to enjoy the city’s liveliness and be surrounded by people. Both boast fantastic nightlife but are very safe. Solo travellers can book into Dear Lisbon Gallery House for £80–150 a night for a luxurious getaway. It’s chic, arty and modern, with a warm and friendly atmosphere for meeting others. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, or you’ve visited before and are looking for a new side to Lisbon, try Alcantara, peaceful Belem or head out to newly rejuvenated Parque das Nações – a chic, modern district with the aquarium and fantastic train connections. For under £100/night in this area, you can base yourself in the Ibis Lisboa Parque das Naçoes or four-star VIP Executive Arts – both sleek, modern and right near the water.

Where to find cheap hotels in Lisbon

Budget Lisbon hotels can be incredibly cool. JAM Hotel, for example, is located near Santos tram stop, with easy access to the old town and Belem. The hotel-cum-hostel has an industrial-chic interior with bold decor and rooms for two, three or up to six guests – £60–£120/night. The real hit here is the rooftop pool and hangout area. Your wallet will love Terrace Lisbon Hostel for less than £50/night. It’s located in a chic part of Belem, and has free parking and highly affordable dorms, twins and double rooms. The cool and colourful terrace is a bonus in summer. To stay right between Barrio Alto and Principe Real, try the hostel Independente Príncipe Real. Rooms are almost always under £100/night and you can choose from private suites or dorms in this fabulously grand, old building, with decor that feels surprisingly elegant for the price.

Hotels with rooftop bars

Meet Mama Shelter Lisboa, a vibrant boutique hotel in well-heeled Principe Real, with a popular rooftop bar that hosts DJs and live music. The vibe is colourful and playful, it’s highly photogenic, and the amenities are top-notch, all for under £100/night. H10 Duque de Loulé has one of the best Lisbon panoramas from its rooftop bar, gazing down at the city from its hill-top location near Paque Eduardo VII. The rooftop space pays homage to Lisbon’s iconic blue-and-white tiles and is very romantic as the sun sets and the city starts to glow.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

The LX Boutique Hotel occupies one of the city's best locations for food and nightlife, close to Pink Street and Cais do Sodre. Besides the beautifully decorated rooms, you’ll love the restaurant, known for some of the best (and best presented) sushi in the city, made with the freshest fish. AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado is a luxurious four-star residence in the heart of the city. It’s best loved for its restaurant, Delfina Lisboa, serving glorious Portuguese regional dishes crafted from locally sourced produce – we recommend the lunchtime menu of the week to try something exciting.

Spa hotels

Elegant and laid-back Belem, with its sweeping river views, seems to be the spa district of Lisbon. Five-star Altis Hotel occupies a prime spot on the waterfront, close to the Torre De Belem. The hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, rooftop pool and indulgent spa area (with an indoor pool too). Nearby, Hotel Palacio Do Governador is another five-star spa hotel in a decadent, renovated chapel. The glorious interior has four posters and vaulted ceilings. There are large indoor and outdoor pools, a Turkish bath, sauna and ice fountain, plus a menu of spa treatments and massages.

Exceptional hotels

The Avenida Palace stands proud at the end of Avenida de Liberdade, an iconic example of Belle Epoch architecture. The attention to detail is impeccable in the decor and service. Think grand rooms, marble floors, chandeliers and exquisite vintage furnishings. A classy cocktail awaits at the polished mahogany saloon bar, alongside a menu filled with Lisbon specialties.

Luxury hotels

Luxury hotels don’t get much more extravagant than the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz near the grand Parque Eduardo VII. The rooms are generously proportioned, lavishly decorated and ultra-modern, and the facilities are a cut above. Think state-of-the-art gym and pilates studio, a rooftop running track, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool and a spa. There are even activities and special meal times for children. There are several bars and lounges, a Japanese and a Portuguese restaurant, and a picture-perfect terrace restaurant for brunch.