When I first went to Lisbon in 2012, I immediately fell in love with it. Hilly, colorful, beautiful, and full of wonderful food – it was everything I wanted. And the fact that it was very inexpensive didn’t hurt either.
Pre-COVID, Lisbon’s secret got out. Tourists flocked here in droves, and it became a magnet for digital nomads. While the crowds are greater and the prices are higher than before, Lisbon’s charm hasn’t been fully lost. The food scene is still excellent (and underrated if you ask me). The bars are lively. And the street scene is always intoxicatingly fun.
Plus, compared to other capitals in Europe, Lisbon is still a bargain.
The city’s 11 neighborhoods all have their own unique characteristics, providing visitors with a wide variety of locales to choose from. From achingly charming Alfama to the always swinging Bairro Alto, there’s something for everyone.
But before we dive in, here are some of the most common questions I get about Lisbon:
What’s the best neighborhood for budget travelers?
Baixa and Rossio are home to many of the city’s hostels, making it a good hub for budget travelers.
What’s the best neighborhood for families?
Modern, somewhat futuristic-looking Parque das Nações is loaded with family-oriented attractions, including the Oceanarium, Europe’s largest indoor aquarium.
