The best Airbnbs in Lisbon for living like a local

This is what the heart of Lisbon is all about — windows with Juliet balconies overlooking the river, views of terracotta-tiled roofs, stepping out for the day among the locals. After renovations on the building, this antique building with modern features has reopened to guests wanting to explore the neighbourhood’s hilly cobbled streets, authentic restaurants and bars and nearby markets. All while being well connected to the rest of the city. You’ll enjoy a living room, full kitchen, two bedrooms and stunning exterior. Just consider if lots of steps are right for you. 

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 4

Location perks: Close to the Feira da Ladra flea market

Neighbourhood: Alfama 

Price: From €172 per night

Perfect for any digital nomads or pairs wanting to holiday for longer, this quirky central apartment needs to be booked out for 14 or 7 nights depending on the month. Found on the charming street of Rua do Salitre, the 3rd-floor 19th century flat overlooks the old town from its very own balcony (complete with a large table and chairs). Inside is made up of high ceilings, a quaint kitchen, vintage decor, splashes of colour and lots of space. 

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1 bathroom. Sleeps 2

Location perks: Round the corner from where the Glória Funicular tram usually runs

Neighbourhood: Santo António 

Price: From €186

The view from this apartment is the selling point, but this Airbnb in Lisbon is actually a little gem in the heart of the city. Bright and airy, the apartment offers views of the city, river and mountains, which you can see right from the deck. The Airbnb sleeps two guests in a double bed and there's a fully-equipped kitchen, perfect for cooking breakfast and bringing it out onto the patio to enjoy al fresco. The Airbnb is also located close to transport links and shopping, making your trip a little more convenient. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests 

Location perks: Close to Eduardo VII park and Avenida da Liberdade

Neighbourhood: Marques de Pombal 

Price: From €453

This gorgeous duplex Airbnb is located in a 19th-century historical building in Ajuda, Lisbon. It can sleep up to four guests in a double bed and a sofa bed, plus a cot if needed. Refurbished to provide a convenient and comfortable stay, the Airbnb still has its original features like the outside tiles and ceramics to keep its historic charm. The large windows bask the apartment in plenty of sun and light and it has everything you need for your stay. There's a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower, and also a working desk in case you need to catch up with work ASAP. The interior is simple but cosy, with original stone walls adding to the character. A truly delightful stay for all. Though, if you're travelling with a toddler, you'll want to watch the steps. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests (plus, a cot if you need one)

Location perks: Great for heading downtown and the Belem district 

Neighbourhood: Ajuda

Price: From €615

Expect warm and earth tones from this rental, which is packed with the kind of wood furniture that was extremely popular in Portugal from the 1950s to the 1970s. Floor-to-ceiling windows let a whole load of natural light in and open up fully a fab balcony, while a large bathroom boasts a walk-in shower and matching sinks. You’ll be living like the chicest (and wealthiest) of Lisboa folk – a minimal, warming, classy and peaceful abode.

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests

Location perks: Live like a local and stroll down to Chiado with ease

Neighbourhood: Chiado district

Price: From €449

This beautiful tile-covered home is in Oeiras, a small settlement with great access to the beach. No, that doesn’t mean it’s actually in Lisbon, but it is super close to the city by car and it we felt it was a so cute, it had to warrant a place on this list. The blue tile-line dining area is a particular joy to behold and is precisely the place you’ll want to be for a long, drawn out lunch of local produce and a siesta-inducing glass of wine.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location perks: The beach is down the road, and it’s a short drive to the city

Neighbourhood: Oeiras (just outside the city)

Price: From €109

In the cool neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, this bright one-bed provides a primo base for sightseeing. Top attractions like the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Santa Justa Elevator and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint are all nearby. 

The apartment itself also happens to be pretty darn gorgeous. The newly-renovated space is on a quiet street and, with its white paintwork, tanned woods and tasteful, colourful rugs, it feels just as peaceful inside. The Airbnb comes with everything you might need, from air conditioning to beat the summer heat to a fully equipped kitchen, if you get sick of eating out (unlikely). 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location perks: Lots of restaurants, bars and shops close by 

Neighbourhood: Bairro Alto

Price: From €115

If you're after an Airbnb with a view, this one's for you. This stunning studio Airbnb is the perfect cosy place to stay on a romantic trip to the city. The Airbnb has a private balcony that offers views of the Tagus River, with gorgeous sunsets in the evenings (recommended for enjoying with a glass of vino in hand). There's a double bed in the snug mezzanine, a bathroom, a living room, and a kitchenette with basics and essentials. A mixture of old charm and Portuguese community, it will really feel like you're a local. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location perks: Uncover the 'true essence' of Lisbon down this historical, quiet street

Neighbourhood: Alfama 

Price: From €115

City-centre conversions of buildings are ten to a penny these days, but some are a little more special than others. This wonderful loft has been deliberately left ‘undone’ so the walls, the ceilings, the new furnishings and the doors all feel like they’ve been stripped back to their most formative versions, confident in the knowledge that their basic beauty speaks for itself. Bold and unique, it’s the perfect base to explore the lively surroundings neighbourhood.

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps six guests

Location perks: A Baixa-Chiado gem that puts you close to all the action

Neighbourhood: Baixa

Price: From €292

The sort of place you will arrive at and take your shoes off and go ‘ahhh’, this picture-perfect duplex is on the top floor of a Rua da Bica building in shopping and theatre hub Chiado. The floor-to-ceiling windows give the loft plenty of light, as well as stunning views of Lisbon's rooftops and the river; while amenities include a washing machine, air-con, a microwave, TV and more. The Airbnb is bright, modern, and comfortable, with only a short walk to the beach.

Rooms: Studio. Sleeps three guests

Location perks: The hilltop provides the perfect fairytale photo-op

Neighbourhood: Chiado

Price: From €258

Time Out tip: Our very own Time Out Market lives around the corner. Not a flex, promise

This duplex apartment is a recently-renovated wonder with large airy lounge areas, a sunny terrace and a kitchenette. The double bed is tucked snugly underneath bright white rafters, and there's also the option for two extra single beds. The rental uses spaces very cleverly, with a sleek marble bathroom and kitchenette and elegant furnishings. The location is fabulous, too: tram 28 stops just outside, meaning you can zip around the city with ease. Convenient and pretty. 

Rooms: Studio. Sleeps four guests

Location perks: In the heart of a tourist hub that doesn't feel like one

Neighbourhood: Chiado, near Pink Street

Price: From €207

Time Out tip: Pink Street is down the road – enjoy

Imagine sitting with that view, eating a Pastel Del Nata, coffee wafting through the air. Sounds good, right? With its three double bedrooms, a modern bathroom, a lounge, dining area and kitchen, plus a modest terrace and even a dressing room, this smartly furnished pad is ideal for a family or group of friends. It’s located conveniently close to Rossio Square, where there’s a big, beautifully detailed nineteenth-century station with trains to stunning Sintra.

Rooms: Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests
 
Location perks: Right beside Rossio Square

Neighbourhood: Rossio

Price: €203

With its many bars, restaurants and live fado joints, Bairro Alto is a hotbed for evening entertainment. And when you wake up with an inevitable hangover the next morning, there’s nowhere better to do so than in this glamourous penthouse. Nurse that sore head in comfort with plush, suitably-horizontal beds and lovely views out over the city from a private balcony. Play hard, recover hard – or whatever it is they say – stick the radio on and enjoy some good fado tunes: Amália FM on 92.00.

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps five guests

Location perks: A great central location in a quiet and safe neighbourhood

Neighbourhood: Bairro Alto

Price: €167

Head north of Rossio to find this lovely little loft, which is equipped with everything necessary for a romantic trip for two. This one comes with a grand entrance, a plump double bed and a balcony with unobstructed views of the city and river thanks to a glass balustrade (after all, who doesn’t love a view?). Given its central location, just about everything you’d want to see is within walking distance – but there’s also a metro station ten minutes walk away, y’know, should you find the time to leave this supremely romantic pad. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Two guests

Location perks: Baixa Chiado is just a 10-minute wander

Neighbourhood: Bairro Alto/Principe Real

Price: From €200

The eccentric prints and patterns in this roomy one-bed are Portuguese style down to a tee – you’ll see similarly ornamental azulejo tiles adorning buildings and walkways throughout Lisbon. The flat is in a traditional Portuguese building with enormous windows and a general airiness, plus, as an added bonus, tram 28 stops right outside! The 28 goes to a boatload of attractions, running all the way from Martim Moniz up to Campo Ourique in the northwest. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests

Location perks: Conveniently close to downtown

Neighbourhood: Bairro Alto

Price: From €322

Painted a wincingly-bright shade of blue, you’ll certainly struggle to lose this flat. The inside, meanwhile, is much more subtly-styled. Spacious open-plan living quarters are enhanced by minimal, modern décor and a load of convenient amenities. The highlight, however, has to be the terrace, which looks out over the city and is, as you can see, freakin’ huge. It’s in Principe Real, a fashionable district and a hub for Lisbon’s most innovative and artsy residents.

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests

Location perks: Lap up the stunning view of the city from the likes of the balcony. Next door to a great selection of shops. restaurants, bars

Neighbourhood: Principe Real

Price: From €187

This stunning ‘design flat’ looks and feels like it was professionally decked out by someone that seriously knows their stuff about interior design. An exceptionally well laid-out one-bed with sumptuous décor, it also comes with speedy Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace and a really pleasant garden. Location-wise, it’s just north of Rossio Square.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests
 
Location perks: A 15-minute stroll to the city

Neighbourhood: Avenida da Liberdade

Price: From €155

Over in Belém in western Lisbon, you’ll find this nicely spacious and elegantly decorated residence. Given a homely feel by its vintage design touches, each room – from the bedrooms to the living room and bathroom – has oodles of character.

Rooms: Three bedrooms. Sleeps seven guests

Location perks: This cosy spot is only a short drive to downtown

Neighbourhood: Belém 

Price: From €260

Time Out tip: The MAAT and Jeronmos Monastery are super close by

Set in an iconic Alfama building next door to the cathedral, you'll find this gorgeous, rustic two-bed apartment offering stunning views of the Tagus River, complete with air-conditioned rooms, cable TV and wi-fi throughout. Our favourite feature of the apartment is the sloped attic roof - hanging out here in the hammock could be your favourite spot. 

Rooms: Two bedrooms, Sleeps six

Location perks: This place is newly renovated and sun-soaked

Neighbourhood: Alfama

Price: From €115

Carefully curated and seriously stylish, this two-bed apartment set in Lapa boasts incredible sea views from the rooftop terrace, accompanied by artsy warm-toned interiors that blend Portuguese and French design to create total architectural bliss - everything from the ceramics to walls lined with pop art to the rugs make this place a vibrant and fun place to chillout come evening. And just round the corner, you'll find lots of charming local restaurants within walking distance, but there's the fully-stocked kitchen if you prefer a home-cooked feast. There's just one house rule, no shoes indoors. 

Rooms: Two bedrooms, Sleeps four  

Location perks: No stairs to worry about here, as you get direct access from the street. And if you know anything about Lisbon, you'll know that's an absolute godsend

Neighbourhood: Lapa

Price: From €210

We're pretty good at spotting hidden gems if we do say so ourselves, but on the odd occasion, we outdo ourselves with snazzy rentals like the beautiful mezzanine apartment in the historic. In a nutshell, this apartment is the perfect balance of simplicity and design for a very cozy and laid-back feel much like the City itself. We love the way the high ceilings and large windows allow the natural light to come flooding in while the trailing vines and surrounding trees make you feel like the outdoors is creeping in. 

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps six

Location perks: Situated in a quiet residential area, so you really get a local vibe here

Neighbourhood: Historic centre, near Avenida da Liberdade

Price: From €445

This airy apartment in the centre is a no-brainer; it's stylish, spacious, and makes getting to and from nearby attractions a breeze. Trust us that last one will sink in once you've had your fair share of trapesing around  the narrow cobbled streets of Lisbon. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two

The mood: Bright and minimalistic

Location perks: So much more room thatn your average hotel to roam around in

Neighbourhood: Historic centre, near Sé Catedral

Price: From €155