Lisbon Old Town Travel Guide

Lisbon District

Carmo Convent featuring heritage architecture
Lisbon Old Town
Lisbon Old Town
Lisbon Old Town
Lisbon Old 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 neighbourhood 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 theatres. 

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 neighbourhood, 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. Organise tours through your hotel or tourist information centers within the Old Town.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Lisbon Old Town

Hotel Mundial

Hotel Mundial

4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
The price is ₹17,279 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹17,279
₹19,129 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an on-site winery. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,071 reviews)
"Fantastic location, clean and tidy rooms, friendly staff. View from top floor restaurant (where we had breakfast) and the roof top bar were great. Would recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Mundial
Rossio Plaza Hotel

Rossio Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,300 reviews)
"There are many pickpockets."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Rossio Plaza Hotel
Pensão Londres

Pensão Londres

Rua Dom Pedro V 53, Lisbon
The price is ₹5,645 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹5,645
₹6,795 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (53 reviews)
"Older property but very clean. Considering the location. I can't believe how quiet it was at night. Walking distance to just about everything and a quaint park right across the street to sit at in the evening and look across the city and see the castle lit up. Would absolutely stay there again."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Pensão Londres
The Editory Riverside Hotel, an Historic Hotel

The Editory Riverside Hotel, an Historic Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, 1, Lisbon
The price is ₹12,959 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹12,959
₹14,550 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (609 reviews)
"Exactly as pictured! Very clean, modern decor, cozy but enough space for the two of us."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

The Editory Riverside Hotel, an Historic Hotel
Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa

Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa

4 out of 5
Rua do Comércio, 93 - 63, Lisbon, Lisboa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹15,222 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹15,222
₹16,947 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (550 reviews)
"Staff were incredibly helpful and pleasant."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa
Jam Hotel Lisbon

Jam Hotel Lisbon

3 out of 5
80 Avenida 24 de Julho, Lisbon
The price is ₹11,734 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹11,734
₹13,250 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (624 reviews)
"The rooftop patio and shared areas are all excellent, especially as the rooms are quite small. The staff was very helpful and the rooms are clean and very quiet."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Jam Hotel Lisbon
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(153 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(77 area reviews)

Noted for its gardens and cafes, there's plenty to explore in Príncipe Real. Top attractions like Avenida da Liberdade and National Museum of Natural History 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

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bertrand 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(604 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


Lisbon Old Town Travel Guide