We have a 24 hour layover in late April in Lisbon so we thought we would stay in a hotel in the heart of the city so we can have a day exploring and a great dinner. I would prefer to stay in an area that is not too touristy but has cafes, restaurants and local stores within close proximity. Given the short time we are there, we don't plan on much sightseeing but plan more wandering and exploring a local neighborhood. Any suggestions as to where we should stay or hotels? We are a family of 4 (2 daughters ages 16 and 14) traveling back from a few weeks in Morocco. Thank you.
Posted by
anyplace picturesque
48 posts
It's not a huge city so anywhere you stay is fast to get round to anywhere else, whether you take trams or Uber. But I'd stay in the centre of the Baixa district for what you want. I wouldn't call it touristy as in rows of souvenir shoppes. There are plenty of good small mom and pop restaurants, plus if it's your 1st time there you'll get to see the major attractions. That said, Lisbon is like Paris in terms of you could stay there a month and only scratch the surface. And that's not even considering straying outside to someplace like Sintra.
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1154 posts
Lisbon is such a fun city. Been there twice in past 3 years, most recently in September 2025. One area for you to check out that meets your criteria is the intersection of Chiado and Bairro Alto near the Miradouro de San Pedro de Alcantara. What I like about this neighborhood is great local eateries, access to more local shops, and I love this particular Miradouro as it has excellent views without as many tourists. This Miradouro also has a little cafe, Adirondack chairs and is so easy to sit and relax with a coffee or my favorite drink in Portugal the Port Tonic.
We typically stay at Chiado Arty Flats which is a 4 minute walk from the Miradouro, 5 minute walk from Livaria Bertrand (the oldest operating bookstore in world). The area around Livaria has cute shops, a cafe A Brasileira opened in 1905 and serves the most excellent French Toast. If you sit outside (there is a covered patio), there is great people watching and often street performers.
Nearby is the Carmo Convent (3 minute walk) and next to the Convent, you have a wonderful view of the Santa Justa elevator. Near the Convent is a rooftop bar with excellent views of Lisbon. The Convent itself is not the first place I would visit in Lisbon, but it is fascinating. They even have a resident cat, Carlotta who greets visitors.
Hope this helps. If you decide to stay in this area, let me know and I can send you some of the local restaurants and shops I have been to.
Posted by
OP
Portland, Maine
22 posts
Thank you both for these wonderful suggestions! You have made our layover planning much easier.