Fishing towns and neighborhoods are actually a dime a dozen in Europe. If you're staying in a coastal city, more often than not, it's going to have a fishing district. But what makes Lisbon's Alfama neighborhood stand out is its overall beauty. Usually, such fishing towns aren't as aesthetically pleasing as Alfama. Their primary objective is to catch and collect fish and sell them to the other parts of the city. Who cares if the area looks good? But apparently, this one does. It's beautiful architecture and colorful scheme make it postcard-ready and Instagram-worthy!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lisbon isn't exactly a city you'd automatically consider a nightlife haven, is it? Paris? Maybe! Rome? Why not? How about London? Most definitely! But Lisbon? Does it even have a nightlife scene? The answer is a resounding yes! And you'll know it if you stayed at Bairro Alto. A bohemian district, this is where all the liveliest bars and exciting nightclubs open when the sun goes down. And you never know, you might experience your wildest party here! Or have the best time ever too! Even compared to when you were in the other cities previously mentioned!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
How about if you want to keep active during the day? Where do you stay in Lisbon for that? A good option is the Baixa neighborhood! In fact, on your first trip to Lisbon, this is probably where you stayed the ost! This is the area within the city where tourists flock to more often than not. Apart from the many tourist spots that can be found here, there are loads of restaurants, stores, cafes, and other establishments to entertain locals and visitors alike. It's practically the here at of the city in many ways. And it's often regarded as the "downtown" area of Lisbon too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lisbon's Belém neighborhood is as traditional as they come. And it helps that it houses two beautiful landmarks. Namely, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Both draw countless tourists to this neighborhood, so expect that, most of the time, this place can get busy. However, that doesn't take away from its local beauty. You'll really feel as if you're actually part of the country if you stay here. You'll better understand its history, the culture, and the lifestyle of which many here have grown accustomed to. So if you want to really feel like your Portuguese when you're staying in Lisbon, call this area your home!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
You know the famous movie quote, "Follow the yellow brick road," right? Well, here at the beautiful Cais do Sodré neighborhood in Lisbon, you walk on the pink road. It's as if you stepped out onto a children's coloring book when you go here, with uniquely hued yet classically-built houses lined up on either side of the brightly-painted pavement. And it's no surprise that this particular district is known for its artistic side, be it the small galleries one can pop into here or the coffee shops, restaurants, and bars that have their own unique quirks.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
In many ways, Chiado is somewhat of an ironic neighborhood. It has two sides that couldn't be any further apart from each other. One is the bohemian side, full of artists, writers, and philosophers sharing their ideas to the world. You'll most likely find them within the artisanal coffee shops and novel bars that are peppered throughout the neighborhood. But then, Chiado is also known for its luxurious side. Think five-star hotels and upscale spas. High fashion shopping and high-class cuisines on offer. You wouldn't think both sides belong within the same neighborhood, would you?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Similarly to Alfama, the beautiful neighborhood of Graça can also be found within the older parts of Lisbon. Arguably, this is one of the more charming areas on this list. It's very old-school here, with small cobblestone streets line up with even smaller pavements. It's the type of town that's perfect for a period film to shoot at! But moreover, the landmarks and activities here are also old-school. In particular, there's a flea market that you can go to near the National Pantheon, the area's most famous landmark. Here, you can really see and even taste what real Portuguese culture is all about!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Now, you might think, "what's so great about staying near a park?" If you're an active runner or often exercise outside, this is fine for you. But upon first glance, it's hard to think of why you'd pick Parque das Nações to be your neighborhood in Lisbon. Well, if you're into a lively social scene, this area is right up your alley. Lined with all sorts of restaurants, bars, shopping districts, and the like, there's never a dull moment in this neighborhood. And, of course, you can still hang out in the famous park and meet people there too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The name of this neighborhood, Príncipe Real, is translated into English as 'Royal Prince.' And before you think this to be too grandiose a name for an area, wait until you've actually stepped foot in it! With grand old buildings, each with its own baroque twist, it's easy to think that this was once the hub of royalty during the olden times. Nowadays, however, it's become a trendy neighborhood and a pleasant place to live. If you have some money to spare, buy yourself a big beautiful place here and live like a royal!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Just because Lisbon isn't as popular as other European cities, doesn't mean you should overlook this gem of a city! You never know, you just might find the perfect place for you here. At least, the neighborhoods here are different and unique enough. One might take to your liking!
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