Lisbon is a city built across steep hills above the northern shore of the River Tagus, and its historic centre is a patchwork of viewpoints, old quarters and long flights of steps. Where you base yourself shapes how much climbing you do each day, and how easily you reach the rest of the city.
For a visitor, the practical question is which part of the centre to sleep in. The source material for this guide identifies the area along the route of tram #28 as the best location for sightseeing, especially on a first visit, and notes that this matters even more if you are travelling with a baby stroller, since it saves a large part of the hill-climbing. It also notes that the historical centre is where accommodation is concentrated, with prices rising closer in and falling farther out. This guide covers which areas to consider, what each suits, and what to expect at different budgets.
Best areas to stay in Lisbon
1. Along the tram #28 route
This is the area the source material singles out for sightseeing, and it is the most practical base for a first visit. Staying along the tram #28 route puts you on a direct line to much of the historic centre, and because the tram does the climbing, it spares you a large part of the hill-climbing on foot. That makes it particularly suitable if you are travelling with a baby stroller, or if you would rather not walk up and down Lisbon's slopes several times a day.
You will find accommodation here within the historical centre, where the source notes prices for budget places start around €30 and rise from there. Expect the trade-off of a central sightseeing base: you are close to the sights, but you are also in the busiest part of the city.
2. The historical centre
The historical centre is where the source material places most of the city's sleeping options, including numerous clean and active hostels. It suits first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of the centre, and budget travellers, since this is where the cheapest beds are found, starting around €30.
The practical point to weigh is cost against convenience: prices in the historical centre are higher than farther out, and the terrain is hilly. If you are sightseeing, the source still recommends the tram #28 route as the best location, which overlaps with parts of the centre.
3. Farther out from the centre
Accommodation gets cheaper the farther you go from the historical centre. This suits budget travellers who are willing to trade a central location for a lower price, and anyone staying longer who does not need to be on foot near the sights every day.
The source material does not name specific outlying districts, so treat this as a general direction rather than a fixed area. The practical consideration is that you will rely more on the city's transport to reach the centre, rather than walking everywhere.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Lisbon sets high standards for budget accommodation, with numerous clean and active hostels around the city. Prices in the historical centre start around €30 and get cheaper farther out.
- Mid-range: Expect to pay at least €55 for a double room. Central locations along the tram #28 route and in the historical centre put you close to the sights.
- Splurge: The source material does not describe higher-tier accommodation in detail. Central positions in the historical centre are the most convenient for sightseeing, and prices there are at the top of the range the source gives.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself along the route of tram #28. The source material names this as the best location for sightseeing, and it puts you on a direct line to much of the historic centre. It is also the most comfortable choice if you are pushing a stroller, since it removes a large part of the hill-climbing.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Lisbon for sightseeing?
Along the route of tram #28. The source material identifies this as the best location for sightseeing, especially on a first visit.
Is the tram #28 area suitable if I am travelling with a baby stroller?
Yes. The source notes that staying along the tram #28 route works especially well with a baby stroller, because it saves a large part of the hill-climbing.
How much should I expect to pay for a double room?
Expect to pay at least €55 for a double room. Budget beds in the historical centre start around €30 and get cheaper farther out.
Can I book accommodation when I arrive?
Yes. There is a tourist service centre at the airport where a room can be booked for you.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page.