Lisbon hotels for city breaks and longer stays

Lisbon is having a moment. Digital nomads from across the globe are swapping office drudgery for extended stays in the Portuguese capital, filled with breezy evenings on terraces, sun-soaked lunch breaks and endless beach weekends. In-the-know travellers have long had this city on their radar, but right now it’s abuzz with a fresh energy, buoyed by street parties, a burgeoning food scene, fine local wine and incredible surf.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Lisbon’s hotel scene ranges from luxury stays in pastel period buildings to apartment-style properties hidden in plain sight. From rooftop swimming pools to co-working communities, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Lisbon.

The city’s neighbourhoods have their own distinct character. Estrela and Amoreiras are on the sleepier side, while Graça and Alfama house a low-key creative scene and some of Lisbon’s best shopping. Every night is Friday in crowded Bairro Alto, where younger tourists grab a few hours’ sleep in affordable hostels and hotels (pack earplugs). Príncipe Real is teeming with upmarket restaurants, boutiques and bars, while Baixa places you right in the centre, with the city’s landmarks and nightlife within walking distance.

Príncipe Real

The Vintage

Best for: Cooling off with a dip in the subterranean spa; rooftop drinks
Location: R. Rodrigo da Fonseca 2, 1250-191 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 195 EUR

The Vintage hotel is steps from the artsy boutiques, restaurants and cafes of LGBTQ-friendly Príncipe Real. Reserve an afternoon for wandering the area’s shady gardens and gourmet ice cream shops, and the legendary Foxtrot bar. Back home, spin some records in the hotel cocktail lounge, grab a drink on the rooftop or sink into the jacuzzi, located in the hotel’s basement. In your room, a 1950s bar cart is laden with complimentary Portuguese Sharish Gin and snacks, and bathrooms are decked out with Claus Porto products that are almost too pretty to open. Head to nearby Amplify gym on Príncipe Real if you fancy a high-energy workout alongside active locals, and be sure to reserve a table at A Cevicheria for excellent ceviche and pisco sours.

Independente Principe Real Hostel & Hotel

Best for: An affordable, stylish base
Location: Rua São Pedro de Alcântara 81, 1250-138 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Double rooms from 96 EUR per night

Independente Principe Real Hostel & Hotel has 22 private suites and a selection of affordable shared dorms. Rooms of various sizes are mixed, while one nine bed room is female only. Sandwiched between theatre hub Chiado and the buzzy Príncipe Real, Independente is bohemian in all the best ways. It doesn’t offer room service, nor a spa, gym or valet parking, but what you do get is breezy, attentive staff, a top-notch happy hour, and quiet corners to work in – should you have to. Panoramic views stretch out across the city’s iconic rooftops to Alfama, São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River beyond, and are best enjoyed from the rooftop bar and restaurant, Insólito. The hotel offers access to one of the best viewpoints in the city: the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

Pátio do Tijolo

Best for: A plant-filled courtyard; local artwork
Location: Calçada do Tijolo 41a Lisboa, 1200-464 Portugal
Price: Rooms from 153 EUR

This boutique hotel is an ideal base for those seeking a go-slow, intimate retreat. Brought to life by interior designer Natalia Tubella, the space has an airy, minimal finish with whitewashed rooms and vintage rugs. Locality is stitched at the core of Pátio do Tijolo, from its limestone exterior and rare Lioz marble floors to small details like the handmade ceramics and works by local artists found across its 24 rooms. Guests also have access to a plant-filled courtyard hung with lanterns, as well as a shared kitchen and plenty of snug seating areas. There are three room types to choose from, each kitted out with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustling Bairro Alto neighbourhood.

Palácio Ludovice

Best for: One of the best wine experiences in Lisbon
Location: R. de São Pedro de Alcântara 39, 1250-237 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 285 EUR

The canary-yellow facade of the former private residence of João Frederico Ludovice (architect to King João V in the 18th century) is hard to miss. The majestic building enjoys the same historic atmosphere as the nearby Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, with added bells and whistles: stucco ceilings, regal staircases, swathes of marble and glamorous touches. There are 61 rooms and suites, many with balconies for soaking up views of the city. Downstairs, an old cellar reveals a bar with vintage wines (book in for a tasting, or the paired wine and dinner experience). Nextdoor Boutique Spa Caudalie is the place to be spoiled, while the adjoining shop is lined with tempting products that may make you regret only bringing hand luggage.

The Lumiares

Best for: Apartment-style living with a polished hotel feel
Location: R. do Diário de Notícias 142, 1200-146 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 332 EUR

Stay at Lumiares for the sheer proximity to its rooftop restaurant Lumi, one of the best in Lisbon. Its spicy garlic king prawns and pica-pau (traditional Portuguese beef strips in pickle sauce) are must-try dishes, best enjoyed with a glass of well-priced wine and jaw-dropping rooftop views across Bairro Alto and beyond. The digs are spectacular too – this is a former palace after all, converted into several modern apartments, studios and mezzanine suites. Highlights include a well-equipped gym, treatment rooms and striking artwork throughout. On the street outside, you’ll catch the iconic yellow tram rolling by.

Amoreiras

Hotel das Amoreiras

Best for: True aesthetes; neighbouring museums
Location: Praça das Amoreiras 34, 1250-020 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 180 EUR

This low-key boutique hotel is set on Praça das Amoreiras square, which is planted with 331 mulberry trees. It also skirts the Jardim das Amoreiras, a peaceful garden with a kiosk where you can watch the world go by with a local Super Bock lager in hand. There are 17 rooms and two attic suites, all filled with art and furnishings lovingly handpicked by owners Pedro and Alicia. You’re placed right by two museums – the Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva Foundation and the Water Museum. The 18th-century Águas Livres Aqueduct, where the renowned Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate lies, is located opposite. Set back from the noise of Bairro Alto and the crowds of Cais do Sodre, Hotel das Amoreiras is an excellent choice for a restful,  slow-paced trip. Wander beneath the trees then dip into Forno d’Oro, one of the city’s best Italian restaurants, for dinner. Turn things up a notch with rooftop drinks and DJ sets at buzzy Mama Shelter nearby.

Locke de Santa Joana

Best for: Longer stays; outdoor pool
Location: R Camilo Castelo Branco 18, 1150-084 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 117.50 EUR 

This aparthotel on the edge of the boulevard Avenida da Liberdade (home to some of Lisbon’s best shopping) goes far beyond the standard double room. Locke’s debut in Portugal features 370 rooms, suites and serviced apartments, some of which have private terraces. There is a slick co-working space, an outdoor pool and multiple dining restaurants, all housed in a 17th century former convent. There’s even a gallery that displays artefacts uncovered during the building’s remodelling. Finish up in the Kissaten bar, which has Lisbon’s largest whisky collection.

Alfama

Santa Clara 1728

Best for: Beautiful interiors, intimate setting
Location: Campo de Santa Clara 128 RC, 1100-473 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 500 EUR

The team at Santa Clara 1728 have successfully preserved the charm of this 18th-century building, while adding wow factor interiors that see jaws and wide eyes on arrival, every time. There are just six rooms, and high ceilings, breathtaking artwork, unusual fixtures and high-spec fittings delight at every turn. Here, it’s all in the details: the kitchen is left open at night, so peckish guests can help themselves to freshly made bread, cheeses and wine whenever they like. In the bathrooms, freestanding bathtubs and sinks are made from pink limestone, and candles and matches are provided for the ultimate relaxing soak. Breakfast is enjoyed family-style: three courses of locally sourced organic produce served up to what quickly becomes a small group of new friends, swapping stories and recommendations. As well as being just minutes from the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, the hotel places on the doorstep stepping of one of the city’s most famous flea markets, Feira da Ladra every Tuesday and Saturday – it’s a riot of unusual antiques and vintage finds.

Estrela

Toctoctoc Lisboa

Best for: Lovers of all things eclectic and slightly eccentric
Location: R. de Santo Amaro 29 R/c, 1200-803 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 170 EUR

Resembling both a boutique hotel and a guest house, Toctoctoc Lisboa offers one of the more unusual and memorable stays in Lisbon. It’s positioned between the renowned Estrela Gardens and the antique dealers of Santo Bento in a quiet part of town. It is also close to Praça das Flores, one of Lisbon’s loveliest, leafy squares, as well as the shops and bars of Chiado. Behind the flaking azulejo tiles lie ten rooms, which face into a patio and serene garden. Design fans will appreciate the artful mix of vintage and industrial accents collected from the owners’ various travels. In winter, enjoy leisurely drinks by the crackling fireplace in the tasteful lobby.

AlmaLusa Alfama

Best for: A central location with Tagus River views
Location: R. dos Bacalhoeiros 16, 1100-070 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 105 EUR

Located in Campo das Cebolas square, this 25-key luxury boutique hotel adopts a prime position alongside Praça do Comércio with undisturbed views of the shimmering Tagus River. Its sunshine-yellow facade makes a striking contrast to its pared-back, whitewashed bedrooms, which range from sweet single rooms for solo travellers to expansive suites. Downstairs, Delfina Cafe delivers a buffet-style breakfast of fresh fruits, pastries and juices. If it’s dinner you’re after, wander to nearby Clube de Fado for a traditional fado music experience.

Baixa

Ando Living

Best for: Feeling properly looked after
Location: Santa Justa 77 Apt 202 by Ando Living / Rua de Santa Justa
Price: Rooms from 200 EUR

Santa Justa 77 is situated in the centre of Baixa, a stone’s throw from the area’s high-end shopping and near the best pastel de nata in town at Castro. There are five of these residencies scattered around the city, ranging from entire buildings to individual apartments, which is ideal for those that are looking for a multifaceted space where they can work and play – and inevitability stay in the city a little longer. Residents can access the Ando Club, which has a restaurant, bar, cafe, concept store, rentable living room, gym and swimming pool – a rarity in central Lisbon. Guests can expect a generous supply of coffee pods and a 24-hour concierge service via WhatsApp.

Casa Balthazar

Best for: Private terraces, and a swimming pool
Location: R. do Duque 26, 1200-159 Lisboa, Portugal
Price: Rooms from 190 EUR

The term ‘hidden gem’ is grossly overused, but it was surely invented for spots like this. Tucked away behind an unassuming door on a winding street in the hubbub of bustling Baixa, you’ll find Casa Balthazar’s quiet courtyard with a swimming pool, an airy breakfast space stacked with trinkets and a handful of highly polished rooms with balconies and terraces – some of which include a hot tub. Steps away are some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and clubs. Hit as many of them as you can, before rolling home to toast the holiday overlooking Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops.

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