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 NZ$184 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
NZ$184
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (828 reviews)
"My stay was really nice! The location was super central to the city. It was extremely easy to get around. Despite being so much in the city, it was not a noisy property! Great food options and history so close by. Highly recommend this hotel!"

Reviewed on 19 Apr. 2024

Hotel Borges Chiado
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Rossio Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
The price is NZ$347 per night from 7 May to 8 May
NZ$347
per night
7 May - 8 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,012 reviews)
Little time in Lisbon
"We had a great stay. Staffs were very friendly and give us suggestions where to go and how to go there."

Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2024

Rossio Plaza Hotel
Jam Hotel Lisbon
Jam Hotel Lisbon
3 out of 5
80 Avenida 24 de Julho, Lisbon
The price is NZ$202 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
NZ$202
per night
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Popular attractions Rossio Square and Avenida da Liberdade are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (173 reviews)
"The hotel and the staff are beautiful nice place and locations"

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2024

Jam Hotel Lisbon
Hotel Mundial
Hotel Mundial
4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
The price is NZ$361 per night from 16 May to 17 May
NZ$361
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Excelent location"

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2024

Hotel Mundial
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 195, Lisbon
The price is NZ$377 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$377
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (778 reviews)
"Place was very clean and staff was nice"

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2024

Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Esqina Urban Lodge
Esqina Urban Lodge
4 out of 5
Rua dos Sapateiros 92, Lisbon
The price is NZ$352 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
NZ$352
per night
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (789 reviews)
"Very good stay."

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2024

Esqina Urban Lodge
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 Fado in Chiado, 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
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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 Fado in Chiado 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

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