Lisbon, Portugal neighborhood guide

Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon. It has gorgeous architecture, traditional dining spots and winding cobblestone streets. Its pastel-tiled buildings offer a glimpse into what the city looked like in the past, and the nearby tile museum will help fill in the historic gaps (book your visit through Get Your Guide). Don’t miss the Portas del Sol lookout point, and follow the labyrinthine streets to the historic Caste de São Jorge.

This hilly neighborhood is a nighttime hotspot thanks to its bars, restaurants and 16th-century alleyways. It’s a great connecting point between Chiado and Príncipe Real, making it a popular home base for visitors. Among its lodging options is the 53-room boutique Bairro Alto Hotel, a member of Leading Hotels of The World. Once you’ve checked in, explore the neighborhood’s many vintage and antique shops. For a view, catch the 800-foot Bica Funicular (Ascensor da Bica). It was built in 1892 and is a fixture in many Lisbon photographs.

It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring Belém. Its incredible museums, tree-lined streets and gorgeous riverfront are worth lingering over. Make sure to visit the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, make your way through The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). When you’re done, grab some traditional Portuguese bites at Canalha. For something sweet, head to Pastéis de Belém, the self-proclaimed inventor of the popular Lisbon treat.

Chiado is the perfect place to grab a bite before a night out in nearby Bairro Alto. Rocco, a recently opened Italian spot, is one of the hottest reservations in the city with options like fresh pasta and tableside tiramisu. The neighborhood is also home to theaters and other cultural institutions. Don't miss the oldest operating bookstore in the world (called Bertrand), and the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado.

Trendy Príncipe Real in the heart of the city features grandeur around every corner. Its namesake Palacio Príncipe Real, a 25-room mansion, is a must-see landmark with original tiles and hand-painted ceilings. The property has a gorgeous outdoor pool and is within walking distance of the stunning Jardim Botânico de Lisboa. While you’re in the neighborhood, make sure to visit its incredible concept stores, like the artisanal market of Embaixada.