What is the best neighbourhood to stay in Lisbon for first-time visitors?

Baixa and Chiado are the most central choices for first-timers. You're within walking distance of almost everything: Alfama, the waterfront, great restaurants, and metro connections everywhere. It's the most touristy area but the convenience factor is genuinely hard to beat.

Bairro Alto is the best neighbourhood if nightlife is a priority. It gets lively after 10pm with people spilling out of bars onto narrow streets. By day it's relatively quiet. It's slightly uphill but very walkable to Chiado and Baixa — 10 minutes on foot.

Mouraria is where I'd recommend for first-timers wanting authenticity. The historic Moorish quarter at the foot of Alfama is full of local restaurants, fado spots, and beautiful tiled architecture. Less touristy than Chiado but still very accessible by metro.

Alfama itself is atmospheric but tricky for transport. Staying there means you're in the fado district with beautiful surroundings, but the hilly narrow streets can be exhausting with luggage and it's less convenient for metro access. Great for a short stay though.

Cais do Sodré is great for food lovers. The Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) is right here, and there's a fantastic concentration of restaurants and bars. It's flat, walkable, on the waterfront, and has a direct metro connection. Very popular with travellers.

If you're on a tighter budget, look at hostels in Intendente or Martim Moniz. These areas are less polished but more affordable and increasingly popular with younger travelers. They're slightly further from the top sights but very well connected by metro.

Only stay in Belém if sightseeing is your only priority. It's quiet and disconnected from Lisbon's evening scene. Much better to stay central and take a tram or Uber to Belém for the day — that journey takes about 20–25 minutes and costs under €2 on the tram.