Lisbon Budget Hotels Street with Historic Tram

Lisbon Hotels | Best Budget Neighborhoods & Cheap Stays

Lisbon Hotels | Best Budget Neighborhoods & Cheap Stays

Lisbon is one of Europe’s best cities for affordable travel, and finding the right hotel can make a big difference to your overall budget. Budget and cheap hotels in Lisbon typically cost between €65 and €140 per night, especially when you stay in well-connected neighborhoods close to metro stations. Areas like Baixa, Arroios, Avenidas Novas, and Alvalade offer the best balance of price, location, and easy access to the city’s top sights.

For travelers looking to save money without sacrificing convenience, staying near a Lisbon metro station is the smartest choice. The metro is fast, affordable, and connects the historic center, airport, and popular districts in under 15 minutes. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best budget hotels in Lisbon, highlight cheap hotels near metro stations, and share the most affordable neighborhoods so you can choose the right place to stay—whether it’s your first visit or a return trip. This Lisbon hotels guide fits nicely with the Lisbon Travel Guide | Attractions, Food & Budget Tips.

In this guide, I’ll break down:

  • The best budget neighborhoods in Lisbon
  • Cheap hotels I’d actually recommend to a friend
  • Where you get the best value vs. location
  • How to save money on accommodation without sacrificing comfort

This is written for travelers who want smart value for Lisbon Hotels, not just the lowest price.

What “Budget” Means for Lisbon Hotels

Lisbon is cheaper than Paris or London, but prices have risen in recent years. Here’s how I define budget now:

  • €70–€90: Basic, clean hotels slightly outside the core
  • €90–€120: Central budget hotels with metro access
  • €120–€140: Excellent value in prime neighborhoods (still cheaper than most capitals)

Anything below €70 usually comes with trade-offs (noise, distance, or shared facilities).

In Portugal, a well-located stay often matters more than star ratings.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Lisbon on a Budget

Lisbon Hotels - Scenic Night View of Lisbon, Portugal
Scenic Night View of Lisbon, Portugal

1. Baixa & Rossio – Best Location on a Budget

This is the historic heart of Lisbon. Flat (rare here!), central, and incredibly convenient.

Why I recommend it:

  • Walkable to major attractions
  • Excellent metro and train connections
  • Ideal for first-time visitors
  • Many good-value budget hotels

Tip: Hotels here sell out fast — book early.

2. Arroios – Best Cheap Neighborhood with Local Feel

Arroios is where I’d stay if I wanted lower prices without feeling far away.

Why it works:

  • Direct metro to city center
  • More affordable than Baixa
  • Local restaurants and cafés
  • Great value for longer stays

3. Bairro Alto / Cais do Sodré – Best for Nightlife (Choose Carefully)

This area is lively and fun — but hotel choice matters.

Why stay here:

  • Close to nightlife and riverfront
  • Walkable to Chiado
  • Good deals outside peak weekends

Tip: Check noise reviews carefully.

Best Budget Hotels in Lisbon

Table Comparison of the Best Budget Hotels in Lisbon

HotelNeighborhoodNearest MetroPriceBest For
Hotel Gat RossioBaixaRossio€85–€130First-time visitors, walkable central
Hotel Borges ChiadoChiadoBaixa-Chiado€90–€135Central, affordable, boutique feel
Hotel Alif AvenidasAvenidas NovasSaldanha€70–€115Metro access & modern comfort
ibis Lisboa CentroPicoas / Avenidas NovasPicoas€75–€120Reliable comfort, easy connections
Hotel Roma LisboaAlvaladeRoma–Areeiro€65–€105Spacious rooms & longer stays
LX Boutique HotelCais do SodréCais do Sodré€100–€140Stylish stays, riverfront, deals only
My Story Hotel TejoBaixaBaixa-Chiado€90–€135Boutique-style, central, walkable
Hotel LuenaArroiosArroios€65–€100Cheapest metro-accessible stays

Tips for Booking Cheap Hotels Near Metro in Lisbon

Booking cheap hotels in Lisbon is easier when you travel outside peak summer months, choose metro-connected neighborhoods, and book midweek. Comparing locations rather than hotel names often leads to better prices and better value. Refer to these tips:

  • Red Line stations = easiest airport access
  • Avoid hotels that rely only on trams (slower, crowded)
  • Slightly outside Baixa = better value
  • Always check walking distance to the station (under 5 minutes is ideal)
  • Travel January–March or November for lowest prices
  • Book midweek for better deals
  • Compare metro-accessible neighborhoods to maximize value
  • Check guest reviews for noise, cleanliness, and transport proximity

Is It Better to Stay Near a Metro Station in Lisbon?

Staying near a metro station in Lisbon makes it easier to reach major attractions, the airport, and surrounding neighborhoods quickly. Lisbon hotels located near metro stations often cost less than central hotels while still saving time and transportation expenses, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers.

  • Reduces travel time and walking on Lisbon’s hills
  • Saves money on taxis or trams
  • Connects you quickly to airport, historic districts, and nightlife
  • Metro lines: Green (Baixa, Rossio), Red (airport), Yellow (business + budget areas)

Where to Stay in Lisbon Without Breaking the Bank: Affordable Lisbon Hotels in Great Locations

One thing I always tell friends before they book a hotel in Lisbon is to stay near a metro station. Lisbon is beautiful, but it’s hilly, spread out, and surprisingly tiring if you’re walking everywhere.

The good news? You don’t need to stay in the historic center to save time or money. Lisbon’s metro system is clean, safe, and efficient — and some of the best cheap hotels are located just a few steps from metro stations that connect you straight to Baixa, Alfama, the airport, and even the beach.

Lisbon hotels offer excellent value, with affordable stays near metro stations priced between €65 and €140 per night. The best areas for budget hotels in Lisbon include Baixa, Arroios, Avenidas Novas, and Alvalade, all providing quick access to the city center and Lisbon Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lisbon Hotels

Travelers searching for budget hotels in Lisbon often ask about safety, pricing, metro access, and the best areas to stay. The answers below address the most common questions to help you choose the right hotel for your trip.

1. What is the cheapest area to stay in Lisbon?

The cheapest areas to stay in Lisbon are Arroios, Alvalade, and Avenidas Novas, where hotel prices are lower and metro access is excellent. These neighborhoods offer direct connections to Baixa and the historic center without paying city-center prices.

2. Are there cheap hotels in Lisbon near the metro?

Yes, Lisbon has many cheap hotels located within walking distance of metro stations, especially along the Green, Red, and Yellow lines. Areas like Rossio, Saldanha, Arroios, and Alvalade offer affordable hotels with fast access to major attractions and the airport.

3. How much do budget hotels in Lisbon cost per night?

Budget hotels in Lisbon typically cost between €65 and €140 per night, depending on location, season, and proximity to metro stations. Hotels outside the historic center but near metro lines usually offer the best value.

4. Is it better to stay in Baixa or Arroios on a budget?

Baixa is better for first-time visitors who want to walk to major attractions, while Arroios is better for budget travelers looking for lower prices and a more local feel. Arroios hotels are usually cheaper and still connect directly to Baixa by metro.

5. Which metro line is best for tourists staying in Lisbon?

The Green Line is ideal for tourists because it connects Rossio, Baixa, and Cais do Sodré. The Red Line is best for airport access, while the Yellow Line offers good value hotel options in quieter neighborhoods.

6. Are cheap hotels in Lisbon safe?

Yes, most cheap and budget hotels in Lisbon are safe, especially those near metro stations in residential neighborhoods. Areas like Avenidas Novas, Alvalade, and Arroios are well-lit, well-connected, and popular with both locals and travelers.

7. Can you stay outside the city center and still see Lisbon easily?

Yes, you can. Lisbon’s metro system makes it easy to stay outside the city center and reach major attractions in 10–15 minutes. Staying near a metro station often saves money without sacrificing convenience.

8. What is the best area to stay in Lisbon for first-time visitors on a budget?

For first-time visitors, Baixa and Rossio are the best budget-friendly areas because they are flat, central, and well-connected by metro. Budget hotels here cost more than outer areas but save time and transport costs.

9. Are Lisbon hotels cheaper than other European capitals?

Yes. Lisbon hotels are generally cheaper than those in Paris, London, or Amsterdam. Budget travelers can still find clean, well-located hotels near metro stations for under €120 per night, especially outside peak summer months.

10. When is the best time to find cheap hotels in Lisbon?

The best time to find cheap hotels in Lisbon is January–March and November, when demand is lower. Prices also drop midweek and outside major festivals and public holidays.

Where to Stay in Lisbon Without Breaking the Bank: Affordable Lisbon Hotels in Great Locations

One thing I always tell friends before they book a hotel in Lisbon is to stay near a metro station. Lisbon is beautiful, but it’s hilly, spread out, and surprisingly tiring if you’re walking everywhere.

The good news? You don’t need to stay in the historic center to save time or money. Lisbon’s metro system is clean, safe, and efficient — and some of the best cheap hotels are located just a few steps from metro stations that connect you straight to Baixa, Alfama, the airport, and even the beach.

Lisbon hotels offer excellent value, with affordable stays near metro stations priced between €65 and €140 per night. The best areas for budget hotels in Lisbon include Baixa, Arroios, Avenidas Novas, and Alvalade, all providing quick access to the city center and Lisbon Airport.

Find More Budget Tips to Lisbon Travel Guide

Share this post