My family (2 teenagers, 2 parents) will be in Lisbon for 4-5 days in early July, and we'll want to 'hit the highlights' of Lisbon and the surrounding area while we're there. We love to walk, and usually take public transportation (when needed) when we're in cities. We're not big shoppers, but we love the local flavor and food (who doesn't?). We'll probably try to find an apartment. Can you suggest a neighborhood to stay? Many seem to have charming features, and I'm really having trouble narrowing it down. Is there any place where you would advise NOT to stay? Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Chicago
565 posts
I'd pick either the Bairro Alto or the Alfama neighborhoods. They both have high concentrations of restaurants and entertainment and seem to be more full of character (and less expensive!) than the Baixa or Chiado.
Some people think these neighborhoods are "seedy" at night but as a single female traveler I had no issues other than some mild street harassment, and, frankly, compared to the streets of Wrigleyville in summertime, these guys were amateurs. Really,the biggest safety issue for me were the slippery-when-wet sidewalks on very hilly streets.
Both these neighborhoods are also very close to the main sites. PM me with any questions.
Emily
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
415 posts
I stayed in Bairro Alto a couple of years ago and am going back to stay in the same neighbourhood - this time with my kids and their spouses as well as my grandson. I did not find it at all sketchy. We were close to Chiado - i.e. the part closer to the river and close to Chiado metro station. This location was close enough to the Ribeira market that we walked there. I thought it was a very good central location.
The apartment we rented was originally the family home of the host - it was a 2 bedroom with den which the family left because they now had 3 small children and had outgrown the family home. But I think that speaks to the safeness of the area even though our street was marked on one of our guidebooks as a real bar and party street. We had no issues there.
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
415 posts
One last note - it was important to one of the folks I was travelling with, that the apartment be accessible by taxi due to a disability. Some streets in Lisbon may not be accessible by cab and you may be dropped off close to where you are staying, but perhaps not right in front of the building. This could be due to limited traffic zones, one way streets and, in Alfama, streets which are too narrow for taxis. If this is important to you, check this with the landlord before you rent an apartment.