James

October 1, 2024

#Europe #Portugal #Lisbon

The 5 Best Areas to Live in Lisbon: A Guide to Your Perfect Neighborhood

If you’re considering relocating to Lisbon, let me tell you—it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This city will amaze you just like it surprised me and continues to captivate every young person who embarks on a new adventure here.

In this blog post, I won’t focus on my personal experience in this wonderful city. Instead, I’ll highlight the best neighborhoods to live in Lisbon those that I would choose myself if I had to start from scratch.

I hope this guide helps you get a sense of where to begin your journey.

Why Live in Lisbon?

If you’re already thinking about moving to Lisbon, you probably know some of the great things that make this city such a fantastic place to live. But let me share what I think are its best qualities.

Lisbon is one of the most attractive cities in all of Europe—and for good reason. The international vibe here is incredible. Add to that its friendly atmosphere, high safety levels, vibrant nightlife, and nearby beaches, and you’ve got the perfect mix for making Lisbon your new home—whether for an Erasmus exchange, work opportunity, or just a long vacation.

However, like any place, there are some downsides. The popularity of Lisbon has led to a significant increase in living costs, particularly for housing, over the past few years. But don’t worry—there are still good deals out there, and I’m sure you’ll find your ideal spot.

1. Alfama: Lisbon’s Oldest Neighborhood

Alfama is the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in Lisbon. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, it’s filled with narrow streets, colorful houses, and viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the city. The area is also home to many historical landmarks, including São Jorge Castle and the National Pantheon.

Alfama is a lively and vibrant neighborhood and a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. It’s packed with restaurants, bars, and shops, and there’s always something to see or do.

Just keep in mind that Alfama’s hilly terrain means you’ll be climbing a lot of stairs. If that’s not a problem for you and you like being close to the city center, this could be the perfect spot.

Additionally, if you’re only planning to stay for a few days, it’s one of the best areas to consider.

Budget: You can find good housing deals here. It’s an attractive area for a specific audience, with the advantage of being close to other sought-after neighborhoods like Baixa-Chiado.
Lifestyle: This bohemian neighborhood has a very traditional and cultural vibe. You’ll find local restaurants, boutiques, and small street events that add to its charm.
Work Opportunities: While it’s not the city’s business hub, Alfama’s central location and growing tourism sector mean there are opportunities in restaurants and entertainment venues.
Safety: Lisbon is generally very safe, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings, especially if you’re visiting this neighborhood as a tourist.
Public Transportation: Alfama is well-connected by metro and is also served by Lisbon’s famous Tram 28.

2. Baixa-Chiado: The Historical Heart of Lisbon**

If you’re looking to experience the vibrant life of Lisbon, Baixa-Chiado is the ideal place. Located in the heart of Lisbon, this neighborhood has it all: shops, restaurants, theaters, and the best nightlife in the city—this is where all the action happens.

However, it’s important to note that this area is bustling with both tourists and locals. As a result, there’s always activity, especially at night, which might not be ideal for everyone.

The neighborhood is filled with narrow streets and alleys, making it a bit challenging to navigate. Additionally, since it’s situated on a hill, you’ll need to climb up and down some stairs frequently.

Budget: As the main tourist hub of the city, prices here are relatively high. But if you can afford it and want everything at your doorstep, it’s the perfect option.
Lifestyle: If you want to live intensely and embrace all the emotions Lisbon has to offer, this is your ideal neighborhood.
Work Opportunities: There are many job opportunities in various sectors, such as gastronomy, tourism, and nightlife.
Safety: With a significant police presence due to its tourist-heavy nature, the area is quite safe, and problems are rare. However, get used to being offered drugs at every corner—it’s a bit crazy.
Public Transport: You’ll have access to all the city’s main transportation connections.

3. Roma, Areeiro, Alameda: Family-Friendly Vibe, Parks, and Gardens

I couldn’t miss the chance to highlight the neighborhoods along Lisbon’s green metro line. I live in one of these areas myself, and I’m personally very fond of them.

These neighborhoods are perfect for families and young people (students or professionals) and are located just 15-20 minutes from Lisbon’s city center.

You’ll find all the amenities you need here: restaurants, gyms, supermarkets, schools, and more.

If I had to recommend a place, I’d definitely suggest the neighborhoods along the green line—more specifically, those stretching from Intendente to Alvalade.

The only downside is the high demand in these areas, and room prices range from €400 to €700.

Budget: You can find good deals, but they go quickly. The average cost for a room is around €550 without a private bathroom.
Lifestyle: Ideal for families and young people, it’s a calm neighborhood with plenty of activities and services to offer.
Work Opportunities: There are many job opportunities, as these neighborhoods are quite commercial, especially in areas like Alameda, Anjos, and Intendente.
Safety: It’s a very safe and peaceful area.
Public Transport: You have excellent metro connections (green line) and train access via Roma-Areeiro. Additionally, there’s a wide range of bus lines, including night services.

4. Parque das Nações: A Modern and Residential Neighborhood

Parque das Nações is a modern, residential neighborhood located in the eastern part of Lisbon. Originally built for the 1998 World Expo, it has now become one of the most popular areas in the city.

The neighborhood is full of parks, gardens, museums, restaurants, shops, and shopping centers. It’s also home to some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Lisbon Oceanarium, the Altice Arena, and the Vasco da Gama Tower.

Parque das Nações is an excellent place to live and work, with good connectivity to Lisbon’s city center.

Budget: You’ll find more “reasonable” prices here. Since it’s farther from the city center, there are better deals, and it’s possible to find newer, well-equipped housing options.
Lifestyle: It’s a family-friendly neighborhood, also ideal for couples looking for a quieter lifestyle.
Work Opportunities: With numerous shopping centers and its proximity to the airport, this area offers great job prospects.
Safety: It’s a very safe neighborhood with a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for families and couples.
Public Transportation: Excellent public transport connections, and you’re just 25 minutes away from Lisbon’s center by metro.

5. Belém: A Coastal Haven of Beauty and History

If you dream of living near the sea and enjoying stunning views, Belém is the perfect place for you. This coastal neighborhood, located southwest of Lisbon’s city center, is known for its tranquil charm and rich maritime history.

Belém strikes the perfect balance between the old and the new. On one hand, you can stroll through its parks and gardens, soaking up the ocean breeze and watching sailboats and ships glide along the Tagus River. On the other hand, the area boasts modern infrastructure and amenities, making it an attractive choice for families and professionals alike.

One of Belém’s main attractions is the famous Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Budget: Belém is a more exclusive area, but it offers a peaceful seaside lifestyle and spectacular views.
Lifestyle: Relaxed, with plenty of outdoor activities and good connections to coastal areas like Caparica and Cascais.
Work Opportunities: Close to various commercial zones, tourist spots, and areas dedicated to the arts and research.
Safety: Considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Lisbon.
Public Transportation: Well-connected by a network of buses and trains, making commuting easy.

Choose Your Perfect Neighborhood

Now that you’re familiar with the top 5 areas to live in Lisbon, you can choose the neighborhood that best suits your lifestyle and meets your needs.

If you’d like, I can also recommend some reliable websites and resources where you can find great deals on rooms and homes in Lisbon.

FAQs

What are the best neighborhoods for a digital nomad?

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If you work remotely, consider Parque das Nações or areas along the green metro line such as Roma, Areeiro, and Alameda. These neighborhoods offer excellent coworking spaces, great cafés for working, and fast internet. Plus, they are quiet and conveniently located.

Are there neighborhoods I should avoid?

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Lisbon is generally safe, but some areas like Intendente or Martim Moniz might feel less pleasant, especially late at night. However, these neighborhoods are becoming trendy, with new bars, restaurants, and cultural spaces, so it depends on what you’re looking for.

Are there apps to find housing or get around in Lisbon?

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Absolutely! For housing, try apps like Idealista, Uniplaces, or Spotahome. For transport, Moovit and Uber are very handy, while Carris and Metro Lisboa apps are great for navigating local buses and the metro.