Neighbourhoods in Lisbon

North Lisbon

Avenidas Novas and Alvalade

Avenidas Novas district has spacious apartments that are popular among middle and upper-middle-class workers, although they are relatively expensive. The area also houses multiple universities, so many students and young professionals reside there. The architecture in the local area is mostly modern, and it includes some uninteresting office buildings. This means that the area may not be very attractive from an aesthetic point of view. However, there are still some great restaurants to try out and popular shopping malls to visit. If you are looking for a lively social scene, this may not be the best option.

The neighbourhood of Alvalade is green and residential and has Parisian-style boulevards along with charming restaurants and cafes. It is located 20 minutes away from the city centre by metro and is a great option for families who want a quieter lifestyle.

Saldanha and São Sebastião

Saldanha is a chic locality in close proximity to the city centre, offering a blend of contemporary and traditional architecture. The area has a charming atmosphere with leafy streets and adorable boutiques, with the central point being the roundabout Praça Duque de Saldanha. You can find many restaurants and cafés there, including the famous Pastelaria Versailles, catering to tourists, professionals, and locals alike. Saldanha is also becoming increasingly popular among startups and digital nomads.

The neighbourhood of São Sebastião is located near the city centre and features a blend of old and modern architecture. It is an upscale area. El Corte Inglès department store is situated in this area. Parque Eduardo VII is located nearby, providing a vast green area within the city with well-maintained gardens and stunning views of the Tagus River. The Gulbenkian Foundation is conveniently situated in the neighbourhood and offers contemporary art exhibitions, musical performances, and beautiful gardens.

Arroios

Although it is within walking distance of Saldanha, Arroios has a distinct character of its own. Avenida Almirante Reis, which passes through the heart of the neighbourhood, used to be one of Lisbon's most notorious streets. It has since undergone significant improvement and is now a lively, multicultural area popular with students and expats seeking more affordable living options in Lisbon. This area has local markets, unique stores, excellent transportation links to the rest of the city, and an authentic atmosphere. Additionally, there are a handful of green spaces to enjoy. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach Praça do Comércio on foot. While some side streets may not be safe, staying to the main road is a safe choice.

Northeast Lisbon

Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações is a lively and contemporary neighbourhood situated a bit further away from the city centre. It is one of the newest and trendy parts of the city, which was constructed in 1998 for the World Exhibition. The area is equipped with upscale restaurants, rooftop bars, and hosts significant events like international fairs and concerts. Families looking to enjoy modern amenities while also escaping the busy city centre often visit this flat neighbourhood with lots of green spaces, urban art, and cycle lanes. 

Although Parque das Nações has good transport connections to the city centre, it may not be the best fit for expats seeking a close-knit community atmosphere.

South Lisbon

Alfama and Graça

Alfama, which is Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, is renowned for hosting the iconic 11th-century São Jorge Castle. Its charming alleys are filled with cafes and traditional craft shops. The district is home to both young professionals and long-established families. In the past, Alfama was known for being a low-income and unclean area but now it's become popular among both locals and expats. If you plan on living here and need a mode of transportation, be aware that narrow streets make having a car impractical. Additionally, while there are good deals to be had, many buildings in the area require significant renovation.

In the historic district of Graça, located on the opposite side of the castle, there are spectacular views and old-town charm, but limited parking and green space. So, if you are planning to have your own transport, it might be an issue.

West Lisbon

Belém and Restelo

Although located close together, Belém and other areas in Lisbon are vastly different. Belém is a charming district known for its iconic tourist attractions, including the 16th-century Torre de Belém. Unlike other areas, it offers green parks, open spaces, and stunning views along the Tejo Estuary, which can be attractive for expats who want to live outside the centre.

Restelo is an upscale area that has many luxurious villas surrounding the Estádio do Restelo, an oval-shaped football stadium. Living here requires a significant financial investment, but if you are looking for an affluent lifestyle, then this area could be your ideal destination.

Campo de Ourique

Campo de Ourique is a residential neighbourhood that is well-liked by middle-class families who enjoy a mix of traditional and modern elements. The area features a grid pattern and includes both 19th-century buildings and contemporary architecture. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining options, from traditional shops to modern brands and a large food market. Jardim da Parada is a small central park that attracts people of all ages, especially families. While it is a delightful and tranquil neighbourhood to reside in, property prices can be a little pricey. The absence of metro stations can also make transportation to the city centre a bit inconvenient, but it is accessible through nearby highways and several bus routes.

Santos and Lapa

Santos is a neighbourhood in Lisbon that is both old and expensive. It is liked by the local middle-class people, young adults, and teenagers who enjoy the party scene. The area is home to IADE, where numerous design students pursue their studies. During the day, tourists visit the old churches and museums, giving the district a lively ambiance. However, in the evenings, it turns into a party destination with numerous bars and nightclubs that attract many visitors.

The hilly neighbourhood of Lapa is known for its impressive palaces and embassies. It is a popular spot for upscale retirees who prefer to settle in spacious mansions. However, the lack of metro stations in the area could be a hindrance to traveling around easily. So, if you decide to reside here, you will have to use trams and buses as your means of transportation.

Alcântara

Alcântara is located to the west of Santos and has a variety of local restaurants, shops, and cafés to explore. Although it was previously known as one of the more industrial neighbourhoods in the city, significant efforts were made to revitalize the area. As a result, Alcântara has become a desirable place to live in Lisbon. Currently, this area of the city is housing start-ups, trendy restaurants, and casual nightlife. However, not many tourists tend to visit this specific part of the city, except if they plan on going to LX Factory or one of the museums in the vicinity.

Lisbon stands out as one of the most desirable places to reside worldwide due to its excellent safety record, breath-taking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, cost-effectiveness, and high standard of living. It is worth noting, however, that there might be distinctions in the living experience between expatriates and native Portuguese residents.

To facilitate your transition to Lisbon, acquiring knowledge about the city and its customs is of paramount importance. Take the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the local language and immerse yourself in the cultural fabric. By adopting an open mindset, maintaining a positive outlook, and embracing the spirit of exploration, you can swiftly adapt to your newfound local lifestyle.

Portugal proves to be an ideal destination for highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, digital nomads, and retirees. The relocation process to this thriving nation is remarkably hassle-free, thanks to its streamlined procedures and wide array of residence permit options. Moreover, upon completing a five-year tenure as a legal permanent resident, you may potentially qualify for Portuguese citizenship through the residency program.

Should you have any further inquiries regarding your move to Lisbon, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are delighted to offer our assistance and support.