In our last blog post, we talked about the best places to live in the center of Lisbon but if you want to live in Lisbon but away from the city center and from the busy streets we have the ideal solutions to share with you. In the north of Lisbon, we have Avenidas Novas and Alvalade. Moving from the old to the modern, the Avenidas Novas neighborhood has vast – and somewhat costly – residences that are popular among medium and upper-middle-class employees. The neighborhood is also home to multiple colleges, therefore many students and young professionals live here. The architecture in the area is contemporary, with some fairly drab office buildings thrown in for good measure. As a result, this may not be the most aesthetically appealing neighborhood in Lisbon. Having said that, it does have its attraction. There are still a few decent restaurants to try, as well as several prominent shopping complexes to visit. If you wish to have a busy social life, this may not be the best option.
Meanwhile, the green and residential neighborhood of Alvalade is known for its Parisian-style boulevards and charming restaurants and cafés. Just a 20-minute metro ride from the city center, this is an attractive option for families looking to enjoy the quieter life.
In the Northeast part of Lisbon we have Parque das Nações. A little further from the center, Parque das Nações is a modern, vibrant neighborhood that has flourished since its construction for the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition. The area boasts contemporary architecture and numerous bars, restaurants, and malls. It also offers a variety of open parks and a scenic waterfront and lots of amazing views to the Tejo River.
In the south part of Lisbon we have Alfama and Graça. Alfama, Lisbon's oldest area, is home to the famed 11th-century So Jorge Castle. Its tiny cobblestone streets are dotted with cafés and stores offering traditional crafts. The neighborhood is home to a diverse group of young professionals as well as bigger families that have lived there for decades. Alfama was formerly associated with poverty and misery, but it has now evolved into a popular neighborhood for both locals and expats. If you're thinking about renting or purchasing a house in Lisbon, keep in mind that driving will be difficult due to the tight, twisting streets. Furthermore, while there are some good deals to be found, many of the structures in the neighborhood are in severe need of repair.
This is also relevant in Graça's richly historic area, which is located on the castle's opposite side. While the area is recognized for its breathtaking vistas and old-town charm, it lacks parking and green space, which might be a problem if you want to drive and have your own transport.
Lastly but not less important we have West Lisbon. Belém and Restelo might be closer to each other but they’re very different. Belém is a charming district which is home to many of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions, including the 16th-century Torre de Belém. It boasts green parks and open spaces, as well as spectacular views of the Tejo Estuary, which makes it appealing to expats wishing to reside outside of the city center.
The high-end Restelo area, on the other hand, is densely packed with luxurious houses that encircle the oval-shaped Estádio do Restelo football stadium. To live here, though, you'll have to delve deep into your pockets. However, if you're looking for an opulent lifestyle, this may be the place for you.
Campo de Ourique is a popular residential area for middle-class families that love both the antiquity and the new. Beautiful 19th-century structures coexist with modern architecture, and old businesses coexist with modern brands. There are also several restaurants and cafés to visit, as well as a large food market. Meanwhile, Jardim da Parada, a tiny central park, draws people of all ages, particularly families. Despite the fact that this is a beautiful and calm area to live in, home prices might be on the expensive side. Because of the paucity of metro stations, getting into the city center might be difficult. Nonetheless, it is accessible by surrounding motorways and various bus routes.
Santos, one of Lisbon's oldest and most expensive districts, is popular with middle-class residents as well as teens and young people who like the party scene. Many design students may also be found here, as IADE (Lisbon's Institute of Visual Arts, Marketing, and Design) is located here. During the day, when tourists swarm to medieval churches and museums, the region offers a pleasant and bustling vibe. However, at night, it changes into a party hotspot, luring hundreds to the different pubs and nightclubs.
Meanwhile, Lapa's hillside district is known for its great homes and embassies. Many rich retirees live in bigger houses here. While the neighborhood has a calm residential feel, the lack of metro stations may make traveling around difficult. As a result, if you want to live here, you will have to rely on trams and buses. In the next blog post we will talk about the best areas outside but close to Lisbon so stay tuned.