%20COPY.jpg)
It’s one of the most talked-about destinations in Europe, which means that trying to pick out the best hotels in Lisbon can be a tall order. As someone who has spent a significant amount of time in Portugal’s capital – including exploring many of its hotels, old and new – I consider myself well-qualified to help you find the perfect stay for your city trip.
There’s no doubt that Lisbon is one of the buzziest city breaks in Europe right now. The city surged in popularity post-pandemic, with its tall tiled buildings, sprawling sea views and terracotta rooftops popping up all over our Instagram. And given the speed at which the city is developing – with new restaurants, tourist attractions and hotels opening seemingly weekly – it can be a lot to figure out exactly where you should book.
Which is where we come in. Now’s the time to get ahead of the inevitable crowds for 2024 and secure your spot at one of the best Lisbon hotels. Just picture it: mornings spent strolling the flower-lined, cobbled streets (pastéis de nata in hand); afternoons exploring the city’s ancient monasteries and museums; evening meals in traditional tascas tucking into succulent seafood and sipping vinho verde. What could be better?
Best hotels in Lisbon 2024 at a glance:
- Best Luxury Stay: Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon
- Best For Hen Weekends: Mama Shelter
- Best View: Palacio Ludovice
- Best For Solo Travellers: Hotel Das Amoreiras
- Best For Couples: Sublime Lisboa
- Best Central Stay: The Ivens
What area of Lisbon is best to stay in?
Truly, there are no bad areas in Lisbon. The city is small, and one of my favourite things to do is spend a day simply strolling around (although, remember to pack comfortable shoes; those hills are no joke). If your goal is to be as ‘central’ as possible, the neighbouring areas of Baixa and Chiado are often flagged as the best parts of Lisbon to stay in, particularly for first-time tourists. Culture-rich Baixa was entirely rebuilt in the 18th century after a devastating earthquake destroyed much of Lisbon in 1755, and now is home to many grand neo-classical buildings and plazas. Chiado is where you’ll find gorgeous shops, cobbled streets and colourful-tiled buildings. Whereas in Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s boho quarter, you’ll find bustling streets packed with shops, bars and restaurants that come alive in the night time, perfect for a girls’ weekend away.
For an authentic and quieter stay, head to Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon where the streets are narrow and the famous terracotta roofs of the city can be seen from almost any angle. Or, if your goal is to feel like a local during your stay, you might want to consider the areas of Santos, where locals hang around cool bars, or Graça, where you can stroll through flea markets and watch the sunset at some of the city’s most famous viewpoints.
What is the best month to visit Lisbon?
Like much of Europe in the summer, Lisbon is at its busiest (and most expensive) in July and August, when temperatures often peak at over 30°C with virtually no rain. To avoid the crowds and cost, visit Lisbon in the shoulder season, when temperatures will still reach highs of around 20-25°C and the chances of rain are slim. With that in mind, the best months to visit Lisbon are April, May, June, September and October. Consider that April can be rainy, and the weather often takes a turn in late October, but the first couple of weeks of the month are regularly peaceful and warm.