Lisbon’s Neighbourhoods – Find the Best Area to Stay in Lisbon

Alameda & Arroios

I used to live between Alameda and Arroios for around a year and I really love this area. It’s close to everything in the city but still far enough away from the more tourist areas. So if you’re unsure where to live in Lisbon, go and check these areas out. The areas are quite close together, but let me give you a little breakdown between the two.

Alameda: This area is known quite well for the big Alameda park which is basically a green square with a fountain on one side and the Instituto Superior Técnico on top of the other side. During the warmer months, you can find a lot of people relaxing on the grass or playing football. Alameda has a lot of colourful houses, which is something I immediately adored when I first visited the area. In my opinion, the area is a lot more relaxed since there are also not a lot of tourists walking around. If you’re planning on moving to Lisbon more long-term I would recommend checking out this area.

Arroios: This area is quite similar to Alameda (but that could also be because I lived quite close to both). Arroios feels a little more multicultural than Alameda though. One of the main things to see in Arroios is the “Mercado de Arroios” which is a circular market that has restaurants on the outer side of the building and stands with fruit, vegetables and meat on the inside.

Safety-wise I have always felt quite safe in these areas, usually, there are always people out and about, however, I do have to say that I feel a little more safe in Alameda than I did in the Arroios side, especially at night.

Transportation in Alameda & Arroios

Alameda and Arroios are both very well connected transport-wise. They both have a stop on the green metro line. Alameda also has access to the red metro line and in one stop you can reach the yellow metro line and in two stops you have access to the blue metro line. So you get around quite easily to everywhere in Lisbon.

Besides the great access to the metro lines Alameda and Arroios both have a lot of bus lines going through the area and the “Roma-Arreiro” train station is within walking distance.

Even at night when taking an Uber/Bolt the prices are quite affordable and it doesn’t take that long to get back home from the centre.

Places to Try in Alameda & Arroios

Both Alameda and Arroios have a lot of different restaurants, cafés and bars that are worth a visit. Although I lived in the area for quite some time, I must admit that I haven’t explored it as much as I could’ve. But I still have some great recommendations that I think are worth checking out.

1. How About Coffee

If you like speciality coffee this is definitely a café you must try. How about Coffee has wonderful flavourful coffee and also offers some sweet treats and breakfast. (So far I’ve only had their coffee, but I heard the food is amazing too). If the weather is good I would recommend grabbing a coffee to go and heading to the park, which is literally in front of the café’s door.

2. Mezze

As previously mentioned, Arroios is popular for the “Mercado de Arroios”. There are a few restaurants in this circular building. One of my favourite ones is Mezze. I went with a group of friends to try their Syrian food and we had an amazing time. Not only was the ambience really cool (we were sitting inside close to the market, which is closed in the evening) but the food was incredible. We ordered a bunch of different menus and were able to try our way through all of the dishes.

The food was so great I even forgot to take any pictures except one. The portion size was quite generous, so don’t be surprised if you leave the restaurant stuffed.

3. Fonte Luminosa

The fountain “Fonte Luminosa” and generally the park in Alameda is a must-see in my opinion. Especially when you live in the area you should take your time to go and enjoy the sun in the park or have some wine in the evening. During the year the park and the fountain are used to host events, celebrations and small concerts.

The sculptures on the fountain pay homage to Portugal’s cultural heritage and its history. You can also walk along the street (though it’s quite steep) and get on top of the fountain to get a great view of the area.

Alfama

Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon. With its narrow streets, colourful houses and view of the Tagus River it’s a very picturesque neighbourhood to live in. There are a lot of historic landmarks in this area, like the Sé de Lisboa Cathedral or the São Jorge Castle. Culturally there is so much to discover there, from Fado performances to traditional Portuguese restaurants.

The neighbourhood for sure has its charm and is worth visiting (or even staying there for a few days). However, since it’s a very tourist area you have to deal with crowded streets, especially in those sunny summer months. Also, since this is the oldest neighbourhood in the city some of the buildings might lack modern amenities.

Alfama is also very popular during June when the “Festas dos Santos Populares” are happening in June. This means the streets will be even more crowded and people will be partying until the middle of the night if not longer. So just be ready for some sleepless nights during these months.

Transportation in Alfama

The closest metro stop from Alfama is probably the Terreiro do Paço stop of the blue line. Besides the metro the area also has trams like the famous Tram 28 driving through the area. It’s a beautiful ride, but it’s often packed with tourists, which makes it hard to get around. Alfama is also quite steep because it’s on a hill. Other areas in Lisbon are easier to get to and from than this area, but Alfama itself is really beautiful, so it might be worth it for some people. Also who doesn’t like a free leg workout?

Places to Try in Alfama

As the oldest neighbourhood and as a historically very significant city, Alfama has a lot to offer. Here are some of my favourite places to go and see in Alfama.

1. Break Sé

This is for sure one of my favourite breakfast places in Lisbon. Not only because the price is super affordable (and with a Portuguese salary you want that believe me) but also because the food never disappoints. The first time I went there for a British breakfast, I tried some other dishes after that and always left the restaurant happy. When it’s sunny you can also sit outside and watch the famous Tram 28 drive by.

2. Crafty Corner

Located close to the famous Sé de Lisboa Cathedral you can find Crafty Corner. The bar has a laid-back vibe and offers many delicious craft beers. The bar has usually a selection of 12 beers on tap, which are rotated weekly. They aim to introduce new beers to their customers and to support as many local micro and nano breweries as they can.

3. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Whenever friends and family ask me for advice on what to do and see in Lisbon I tell them to go to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It’s located in Alfama and is a must-see thing in Lisbon. The miradouro (which basically means viewpoint), has an incredible view over the Tagus River and Lisbon’s red roofs.

Whether it’s for a sunrise, during the day or the sunset, you will always have a wonderful view from this place. The miradouro itself also has a lot of beautiful tiles with gorgeous paintings of Lisbon’s past. Sometimes you’ll find musicians playing there or even couples taking their wedding pictures there (this is most likely if you go for the sunrise though).

Alvalade

Out of all the neighbourhoods on this list, this area is probably the furthest away from the centre (besides Campo Ourique). But it’s a beautiful calm neighbourhood and the first time I visited it I fell a little in love with it. If you’re looking for the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon for families, this is probably one of them.

Alvalade is a family-friendly area and perfect if you’re looking for something more calm but still want to be able to reach the city quite quickly. There are trees and small parks in the area and although it’s a more residential space, there are still many things to do and restaurants to try.

The University of Lisbon’s School of Agriculture and the University Stadium are also located in Alvalade. There are sometimes sporting events hosted in the University Stadium.

Transportation in Alvalade

Similar to most other areas, Alvalade is connected quite well with bus stops and also has access to the green metro line, which makes it possible to be in the centre in quite a short amount of time.

Places to Try in Alvalade

I personally haven’t explored Alvalade that much yet, but I know there are some nice breakfast places I’m dying to there. But here are two recommendations of things I know are great:

1. O Prego da Peixaria

A friend and I stumbled upon this place randomly on a Sunday. O Prego da Peixaria has Sandwiches, American Burger and TexMex food. We ordered a Burrito Bowl and some sweet potato fries. The portions were massive and the food was delicious! The restaurant also has a booth at Time Out Market, so if you’re in Lisbon only for a short time and don’t want to go all the way to Alvalade, you can try their food there.

But the outside patio of this restaurant is beautiful and the interior is decorated with a lot of details, so it’s worth a visit.

2. Monsanto Ping-Pong Club

In Alvalade you can also find the Monsanto Ping-Pong Club. They regularly organise Ping-Pong events, to which you can sign up and play against other people. It’s a perfect family-friendly activity. Or if you’re looking for something chill to do with your friends or simply just want to meet new people this is the place to go.

As far as I know, the organizers also have a volleyball and a roller disco club, if ping-pong is not really your vibe.

Anjos

Anjos is just South of Arroios, making it a bit closer to the city centre. Just like Arroios the area is quite multicultural and has a variety of different restaurants, bars and event venues. The area is also home to co-working spaces and is quite busy during the day. Overall it’s an interesting area to live in and I personally know a lot of people who moved to this area, since the rent is more affordable than in other places.

But there have been moments at night where I did not feel incredibly comfortable walking alone, however, there are definitely areas which are a lot worse (keep reading to find out which ones).

Transportation in Anjos

Since Anjos is on the green metro line (just like Alameda and Arroios) it does not take long to get to the city centre. Like most other areas there are also bus lines making the area quite accessible.

Places to Try in Anjos

I not only used to live close to Anjos, but I also worked in the area. There are many cute cafés, restaurants and bars that you shouldn’t miss out on.

1. Pastaria – Anjos

Okay Pasta-Lovers this one is for you! If fresh pasta with delicious sauces is your thing then you should go and pay “Pastaria” a visit. It’s a small restaurant with a cute little terrasse and they make all your pasta dreams come true. The portions are generous but you can also size up if you are very hungry.

The last time I was there I had the slow-cooked meat ragu and it was super flavourful. But all the dishes I and the people I know have tried have been wonderful (even the desserts).

2. Palácio do Visconde

We discovered this restaurant randomly. If you love getting a good deal on nice meals, I would recommend trying the app/website “thefork.com”. You can find many restaurants that offer discounts on their menu when you book through the fork in advance. This is how we came across “Palácio do Visconde”. The service was wonderful and the staff was very attentive. The interior of this restaurant is gorgeous and feels quite intimate (it looks like a great date spot).

We had some bread, olives and butter, some wine and this beautiful main dish. We had some miscommunication when we ordered but the waiters handled it wonderfully and overall this is a place I would recommend to everyone looking for a nice dinner in Anjos.

3. La Sharada

If you are craving Pizza, live music or cultural events, la Sharada is the place to visit in Anjos. Their pizzas are to die for! Super fresh with great ingredients and they also have many options to choose from (which might make it more difficult for indecisive people like me haha). I’ve tried their Espresso Martini and Tiramisu but I was not the biggest fan of either, however, the pizzas really are great.

Besides food and drinks La Sharada is often hosting events like Jazz Jam Nights or Open Mic Events. If you’re planning on eating while enjoying the show I would recommend making a reservation since it can be quite packed. If you’re just there for the food and not interested in the events, they also have a separate room where people go to just eat.

4. Mugs and Hugs Café

Okay, this one is for the coffee drinkers! When I was researching cafés in Lisbon I stumbled across this place with Turkish coffee. I had never tried Turkish coffee before so I had to go there immediately to try it. The owner of the café was super lovely and showed me how they make their coffee and even let me take pictures and record it.

I spent the afternoon with some girls having snacks and coffee and just enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of this place.

Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade is a long boulevard that connects the Restauradores Square up to the Marquês de Pombal roundabout. It’s a beautiful area to just go for a short stroll and enjoy the sunny Lisbon weather. There are a lot of trees, fountains and greenery along the boulevard. During some holidays the streets and lights are also decorated.

It’s one of Lisbon’s more expensive areas with luxury apartments and lofts and it’s also Lisbon’s luxury shopping district with stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. located along the main street.

Culturally there is also a lot to see in this area. Theatres like the Tivoli Theatre or the Eden Theatre are showplaces for various performances and plays. The area also has a lot of beautiful fine dining restaurants and trendy cafés.

Transportation in Avenida da Liberdade

The area is quite well-connected with the blue metro line having a few stops along the street and buses running regularly. When I used to live in the Marquês de Pombal area I often walked along Avenida da Liberdade when I had the time because it’s such a beautiful area to stroll along.

Places to Try in Avenida da Liberdade

The area has a lot of upscale restaurants and nice brunch places. Here are three of my favourite restaurants and bars to visit.

1. Zenith Brunch

A brunch place to try in this area is Zenith Brunch, which is located next to the Avenida da Liberdade. It can get quite busy on weekends but so far I’ve always managed to get a seat. They have a lot of yummy brunch food items on their menu and also some delicious cocktails.

2. Mona Verde

Mona Verde is a beautiful rooftop bar close to the Avenida metro station. The bar is located on the 9th floor, you can take the elevator up to the 8th floor and walk up the last flight of stairs.

They have a bunch of signature drinks but also serve classic cocktails. My favourite drink I tried there was for sure their espresso martini. Overall, the atmosphere at Mona Verde is perfect for a date, it’s calm and the bar is beautifully decorated.

3. Kule

A coworker of mine introduced me to this Venezuelan place. We went with a reservation through the fork.com and were able to save 50% of all the food. The restaurant also has a happy hour on drinks so we got quite a few nice savings on our meal and drinks! I’ve never had Venezuelan food before and was very pleasantly surprised.

Baixa & Chiado

Baixa & Chiado are two of Lisbon’s most iconic and vibrant neighbourhoods. Baixa, the lower part and Chiado the upper part are connected through the metro station “Baixa-Chiado” and both of these areas are essential to Lisbon’s history.

Baixa: After the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755 this area had to be rebuilt and received its now grid-like structure. Nowadays, you can find some of the most famous landmarks in this area. For example, the Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) and the triumphal arch of Arco da Rua Augusta are both located in Baixa. There are also numerous stores, restaurants and cafés in Baixa.

Chiado: This area is situated on a hill and is home to many upscale boutiques, historic cafés and the oldest still-functioning bookstore in the world. The architecture is beautiful and hides a lot of history. When leaving the Baixa-Chiado metro station it’s not uncommon to be greeted by the music of a live performance next to the Statue of António Ribeiro.

Both of these areas are beautiful and a must-see when visiting Lisbon. If you’re in Lisbon only for a few days staying here is convenient. However, if you’re planning on living in Lisbon long-term, just be aware that this area gets very crowded with tourists, especially in those warmer months and it can be pricey to live there.

Transportation in Baixa & Chiado

Both Baixa and Chiado are really central and it’s easy to get to other places by foot or by metro. The station “Baixa-Chiado” has access to both the blue and the green lines, making it well connected to many parts of the city. There are also buses, although it’s probably easier to catch the bus from Baixa than it is from Chiado.

Places to Try in Baixa & Chiado

There are a lot of typical sights you can see in these areas like the Praça do Comércio and the triumphal arch of Arco da Rua Augusta or you can go and enjoy some Pastel de Nata at Castro or a Manteigaria. But here are 3 recommendations that are not as touristy.

1. Cerâmicas na Linha

This is one of my favourite places to bring friends and family who are visiting. Besides tiles and Pastel de Nata, Portugal is also popular for its ceramics. And at Cerâmicas na Linha you can find beautiful ceramics for a really good price. This store was recommended to me by a café owner after I asked them where they got their beautiful plates from. They sell ceramics, which are not 100% perfect (things like a small scratch in the glaze, but they are still very beautiful). Most of these ceramics are sold by the kg/price. What could be a better souvenir than a mug from Lisbon?

2. Rocco

One of my favourite places to go if I want to dress up and have a fancy drink is Rocco. The bar area is gorgeous and they make some of the best Negronis in Lisbon (even their alcohol-free Negronis taste delicious). They also have a restaurant area but I’ve been told, you need to make a reservation quite far in advance.

3. Nicolau

Nicolau Lisboa is loved by tourists as well as locals. It has a beautiful interior and a relaxed outside seating area. They offer breakfast food until late in the day. Perfect for when you’re craving breakfast for dinner or just want to eat some sweet pancakes in the afternoon.

Campo de Ourique

Campo de Ourique is a neighbourhood located in the western part of the city. Similar to Baixa, it has a grid-like structure. There are tons of stores, cafés, restaurants and shops. The area also has a park called Jardim da Parada, which has a little pond – the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun.

Although this area is a bit further away from the centre there are so many restaurants, bars and stores. It might not be the ideal place to stay as a tourist but if you’re in Lisbon long-term this area could be the one for you.

Transportation in Campo de Ourice

This neighbourhood has a lot of things to do and explore, the only downside is that currently there is no metro station. The closest metro station is Rato from the yellow line, roughly 15 – 20 minutes by foot. However, there is a new line in planning that should connect the centre to areas like Campo de Ourice. Until then you have the option to use buses, trams or Ubers.

Places to Try in Campo de Ourice

I personally haven’t spent that much time in this area, but I have friends living there and they always have great recommendations. Here are two places I tried and love in Campo de Ourice.

1. Mercado de Campo de Ourique

If you’re in the area this is a must-visit. It’s similar to the very well-known Time Out Market in Santos. The Mercado de Campo de Ourique not only has booths with delicious food but also booths for fresh fruit and vegetables and butcher booths.

I tried the “Hummusbar Lisboa” and if you’re a pita bread (especially warm and fresh pita bread like this one) and hummus lover you should visit them! I was positively surprised by the amount of falafel they put in my pita and I would for sure go there again.

2. The Coffee

During the last summer, I was on the hunt for a great iced coffee. And with great iced coffee, I don’t mean just a glass of ice and some espresso on top (most more traditional Portuguese cafés do it that way). No, I wanted some good iced coffee like the Americans or South Koreans do it. Sweet and with a lot of milk.

A friend of mine recommended “the coffee”. It’s a chain with a few locations throughout the city and they not only have delicious iced coffee but also matcha lattes and hot coffee with different syrups and milks. Ordering at “the coffee” is an introvert’s dream since you can just use an iPad and click all the things you like to add. It kinda reminded me of Seoul, since there were many stores with screens to order from as well.

Campo Pequeno

This is a neighbourhood slightly north of the centre of Lisbon and is known for the Campo Pequeno Bullring. It’s a circular building constructed in the late 19th century and nowadays contains not only a stadium in the middle but also a shopping centre and a cinema underground. The Bullring is also used to host events, concerts, exhibitions and sporting events.

Campo Pequeno offers a lot of other cute cafés, restaurants and shops and even has some smaller parks/green spaces. However, the area might get a little noisy, especially when the Bullring gets busy with an event.

Transportation in Campo Pequeno

Getting to and from the area is fairly easy since the yellow metro line has a stop in the area and the red line in Saldanha is reachable in a few minutes by foot.

There are also a lot of buses that go through the area, including bus line 3710, which goes all the way to Costa da Caparica on the other side of the river.

Places to Try in Campo Pequeno

Besides events at the Bullring and the shopping centre beneath it, Campo Pequeno has a lot of great restaurants that are worth trying. Here are a few recommendations in the area that are worth checking out!

1. 100 Montaditos

The 100 Montaditos is a Spanish chain restaurant, which specialises in small sandwiches (montaditos). The restaurant offers a wide variety of different ingredients (cheese, meats, sauces, even sweet montaditos).

There are a few of these restaurants in Lisbon, one of them is located in the Bullring at Campo Pequeno and is a perfect place for a snack and some beers before or after an event. The restaurant is fairly cheap which makes it a great place for a relaxed hangout with friends. It is often quite busy but the fast service and the cheap beer make up for it.

Since the sandwiches are so small you can order a few different ones and try your way through the different flavours. (Some of my favourites are the chicken strip ones and the pulled pork montaditos).

2. La Tagliatella

This is also a chain restaurant, however, it doesn’t feel like one. The interior is very cosy and inviting and the food is fantastic. La Tagliatella offers very typical Italian food. When I went I tried the truffle mushroom sauce and the portion size was gigantic. As a starter, we tried their Pane de La Tagliatella with tomatoes, olives and onions and believe me when I say they were gone in minutes because they were so delicious.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was wonderful and there were also quite a few bigger groups having family or team dinners together. If you’re looking for Italian food in the area this is for sure the place.

3. Samurai Sushi

A friend of mine, who lived in the area recommended this place. It’s an all-you-can-eat Sushi place with a warm buffet as well. Also, you can grab raw ingredients and they will fry it for you and deliver it to your table. If you’re looking for an affordable place to have some Sushi this is a great place to go (although I know not everyone is a fan of buffet Sushi, if you want to find some other Asian Restaurants in Lisbon check this post).

For the all-you-can-eat buffet (for dinner, lunch is usually cheaper) and a drink, I paid around 22 Euros.

Marquês de Pombal

If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Lisbon, this might be one of them. I absolutely love the Marquês de Pombal area, but it’s quite expensive to live in. The area has a huge park and the department store “El Cortes Ingles”, which also has a cinema and a big grocery store at the bottom. The grocery store has a lot of products from all over the world (perfect for when I was missing Swiss cheese).

The area has beautiful architecture with historic buildings, especially along the Avenida da Liberdade, which is wonderful for a little stroll. Marquês de Pombal is considered a quite safe area. I used to live there for a few months and never felt uncomfortable.

Transportation in Marquês de Pombal

The area is very well connected. The Marquês de Pombal metro station has access to the blue and yellow metro lines. With 10 – 15 min on foot, you can also reach the red metro line.

Places to Try in Marquês de Pombal

Although the area has a lot of office buildings, there are a lot of cool places that are worth a try.

1. Bread & Friends

If you’re looking for a great café to work from, this is one of my favourites! It has such a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable seating. They offer a lot of different baked goods (like cronuts) but also full brunches and lunch menus. However, if you’re looking for really good coffee I would recommend trying some speciality cafés.

2. Ground Burger

Ground Burger serves classic American burgers and craft beer. They also have a booth at Time Out Market (which is around Santos) but also a restaurant next to El Cortes Ingles.

The burgers are delicious and are served with a homemade bun. I wasn’t that overwhelmed with the fries but the burger made up for it.

3. Eduardo VII Park

One of the biggest benefits of the area is the huge Eduardo VII Park. It’s perfect for a stroll around, to walk your dog or to just soak up the sun. If you have a sweet tooth like me, I would recommend getting some coffee and cake in a café close by and just enjoying the nice weather, and people watching.

Saldanha

Saldanha, similar to Marquês de Pombal, is also a business district with many office buildings but still a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Next to the big Saldanha roundabout, there is a big shopping centre, with a variety of stores and a big food court at the bottom.

This area is very lively and there are many Quiosques, which are ideal for an after-work drink or to meet friends for a beer. Similar to most other central areas, Saldanha also has a huge variety of cafés and restaurants.

Transportation in Saldanha

Saldanha is one of the best-connected places in Lisbon. The metro stop has access to the red and yellow lines, from which one can reach the blue and the green lines in just one stop. Many buses stop in the area and by foot you’re quickly in other areas.

Places to Try in Saldanha

Although there are many great restaurants in Saldanha, I would mainly use this area to shop or meet up with friends at a Quiosque. But here are two restaurants that I love in this area!

1. Shiso Burger

This burger place is a chain restaurant, which originated in Germany. Their menu consists of innovative burger creations that blend traditional American-style burgers with Japanese flavours and ingredients. They also make delicious cocktails and the restaurant has a cool modern vibe with great background music.

2. The Green Affair

If you’re on the hunt for some tasty Vegan food in Lisbon, this is the place to try. The Green Affair is a vegan restaurant with a cosy interior. There are also two other locations in Lisbon of the Green Affair.

I’m usually not the biggest fan of completely vegan food (I’m Swiss so I love my cheese), but this place made me appreciate the effort that went into the dishes. The portions were very generous and we left the restaurant full and happy.

Santos

Santos is one of these areas that is up and coming. It is located quite centrally towards the western part of Lisbon but only a few walking minutes from Cais do Sodré (one of the main train stations). There are slowly more and more restaurants and bars opening, but it also means the housing prices are rising.

The area is situated along the Tagus River (the main river in Lisbon). Some warehouses and factories have been renovated and turned into art studios or residential lofts. Besides restaurants and bars, Santos also has culturally a lot to offer.

Transportation in Santos

Generally, Santos is very well connected with bus and tram lines serving the area. The closest metro stop is at Cais do Sodré (green line), but I heard there is a new metro line in the making, which might take a few years (probably around 2025 or 2026). This metro line should also connect Campo de Ourique. Until then you can either go to Cais by metro and then walk to Santos or take buses or trams.

Places to Try in Santos

As I mentioned this is an area that is becoming more and more exciting. There are a lot of new restaurants and event venues opening and the area in general is becoming more and more lively.

1. Rhodo Bagels

This place offers a wide variety of tasty bagels, great coffee and a modern-looking atmosphere. I also tried their chocolate chip cookie (which was fantastic). You can either order one of their set menu bagels or create your own by adding the ingredients you fancy. The staff there is also super friendly and it’s a nice place for a little brunch or just a coffee during the day.

2. La Malquerida

If you’re in Lisbon and like Tacos, you must try this place! La Malquerida offers authentic Mexican Tacos. Between 6 – 7 pm, they also have a happy hour where you can get Tacos for 1 Euro. Usually, this place is quite busy but so far I’ve always managed to find a seat and eat my Tacos. Since they’re open until Midnight, it’s also a nice late-night snack!

3. Social B

There are many great bars in Santos, but Social B has a unique concept. They don’t have a traditional menu for drinks but you just tell the bartender what flavours you want. Or you can tell them you want something similar to a specific cocktail and they will put their twist on it. The overall vibe of the bar is quite relaxed and a bit more low-key but it’s a wonderful spot to hang out with friends!

Just make sure to bring cash, since they don’t accept cards.

4. Xafarix

The Republic of Comedy, which is Portugal’s first international comedy club is based in Xafarix. The comedy club hosts events regularly and they’re donation-based (so no fixed entry price). If you’re a comedy fan I recommend going here and checking out some of the events. And if you’re curious about performing stand-up yourself this might even be a chance to do so.

Bairro Alto

One of the areas I do not recommend is Bairro Alto, also just called Bairro. It’s a bar and club area, which in itself is fun to visit, but if you are planning on staying there, sleepless nights will be guaranteed (even during the week because the bars and pubs are always open). If partying and drinking is something you’re looking for in Lisbon, then you might not mind staying in Bairro, however, if you are staying in Lisbon long-term, I would recommend finding something a little less intense.

Martim Moniz & Intendente

Two other areas that I would not recommend to l stay at in Lisbon, especially not as a woman, are Martim Moniz and Intedente. I just would not feel very safe to be here on my own, especially not at night. Although these two areas might be a bit cheaper than other areas in Lisbon, I don’t know any woman who has had good experiences there, at least not at night.

The areas themselves are nice to discover during the day and there are many interesting restaurants and bars, so it’s worth a visit, but if you’re considering long-term accommodation, these might not be the best areas.

Places to Try in Martim Moniz & Intendente

Although I would personally not recommend living in these areas (especially not as a woman) Martim Moniz and Intendente have a lot to offer in other aspects. I would recommend visiting the area and exploring it but not walking there at night alone (perhaps you might not feel that uncomfortable if you’re a man).

Both of these areas are very multicultural, hence there is a wide variety of restaurants and food stores. If you’re looking for great Asian food stores, these are the areas to look for.

1. Hidden Chinese Restaurant

In Lisbon, you can find some “hidden” restaurants so-called “Clandestinos” or Hidden Chinese Restaurants. These places have an underground feel and make it seem like you are going to someone’s house instead of an official restaurant. There are quite a few of these restaurants in Lisbon, some of them are more hidden than others. This one is probably the most popular and is not as difficult to find as others, but the food is delicious. (If you go there I recommend ordering the Sweet Sour Pork, it’s super soft and tender).

2. Mercado Oriental Martim Moniz

The Mercado Oriental in Martim Moniz is an Asian Food Store. On the top floor, there is an Asian Food Court with many different restaurants. It’s a great place to go with friends so everyone can choose a different restaurant but you can still eat together. The prices are also fairly cheap. Just bring cash because most of these restaurants don’t accept cards, however, there’s an ATM right in front of the building. One of my favourite dishes is the spicy noodles.

The Asian Food Store at the bottom of the building has ingredients from various Asian countries (even Korean foods and Soju).