Lisbon--nice neighborhoods

Posted by Barkinpark (Bay Area, California) on 03/29/24 05:58 PM

Hello folks:

I am traveling to Lisbon this May to get a feel for the non-touristy parts of Lisbon. It's because I have applied for the country's Golden Visa program with the intention of eventually migrating to Portugal after retirement. What are the nicer neighborhoods in Lisbon that are great for locals? What are the bad ones to avoid?

I will be there during Europe's Labor Day week and hotel prices are already sky high. I know I should have booked something earlier, but life has just been incredibly busy.

Thank you for all your advice in advance.

Posted by kathrynj

Cascais, Portugal

03/30/24 07:29 AM

1817 posts

I stayed a month in Campo do Ourique when I first moved to Portugal and it was great. Lots of families and older people and not a tourist shop in sight. It might have changed a bit as I haven’t been there in several years. I found an article that gives a good overview of ones I’ve heard of and know people who live in them and a few I’m not familiar with.
https://dispatcheseurope.com/lisbon-expat-guide-pt-2-the-best-neighbourhoods-for-families/
If you are serious about moving here, I highly recommend the Facebook group Americans and Friends in Portugal. It’s a wealth of knowledge about obtaining visas and making the move. Expacity and Deborah Dahab both have great info, too. Both are on Facebook but also have web pages - I think.

Good luck. Moving here was the best thing I ever did for myself!

Posted by denniskevingibbons

Connecticut

03/30/24 12:08 PM

96 posts

Barkinpark,

I agree (as usual) with Kathryn. Campo de Ourique is a little off the beaten track yet still has access to what you would like to check out. It has a large Mercado and is at the end of the E28 tram.
We have usually stayed in the Principe Real area (around the Praca das flores specifically) but that has become more "hip" lately and now a bit too noisy for my tastes
I have been to Lisbon 4 times and have yet to find a "bad" area that I would avoid. Some are too crowded and noisy, of course, but none are bad

Dennis

Posted by Barkinpark OP

Bay Area, California

03/30/24 02:25 PM

1632 posts

Thank you! I will book a place in this neighborhood!

Posted by aulopone

03/31/24 06:07 PM

361 posts

Most crime in Portugal is property crime ( break and enter into homes and vehicles) and opportunity crime ( pickpockets and unattended property), violent crime also occurs but at a much lower frequency.

Lisbon is relatively compact with some less desirable areas only a few minutes away.

The neighborhoods of the Chelas Metro station and Olaias Metro station should be avoided.

Areas in Amadora ( Cova da Moura) should also be avoided.