I remember sitting at home in California, researching the best neighborhoods for a first visit to Lisbon. Since this was my first trip to Portugal—coming straight from a photography workshop in Porto Covo—I wanted a base that put me within easy reach of food, markets, shops, nightlife, and tourist sights. The neighborhoods that kept coming up were Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto, each with its own distinct character.
For a two-week stay, an apartment felt like the right choice. I wanted a comfortable place to settle in, cook a few meals, and return to after long days of exploring. My search led me to Lisbon Serviced Apartments, a company with properties across the city. I picked the Baixa–Castello studio, attracted to its bright, modern aesthetic and practical layout. It felt like a cozy home-away-from-home for a solo traveler.
The amenities
The kitchen is modern and well appointed—ideal for preparing healthy breakfasts or simple dinners using local produce. It includes an oven, stove, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, coffee maker, kettle and toaster, all integrated into clean white cabinetry. There’s also a washing machine and dryer combo tucked away in the kitchen cabinets, which is a huge convenience on longer trips.
The bathroom is spacious and finished in stone-like tiles with plenty of drawer storage for toiletries. The bed leans toward a firmer feel, which many travelers notice in Europe. The living area has two small couches and a television with an assortment of international channels, handy for evenings in when you want to relax without worrying about understanding local broadcasts.
High-speed Wi-Fi made it easy to keep up with email and social media, and the apartment’s layout provided enough space to work on blog posts or photo edits. After a full day of walking Lisbon’s hills and discovering neighborhoods, returning to a clean, quiet apartment felt restorative.
Location and convenience
The Baixa–Castello apartment I stayed in is centrally located, practically adjacent to Alfama, the historic district known for fado houses and winding streets. If you prefer to be closer to the city’s top restaurants and nightlife, the same serviced-apartment company has options in Chiado and Bairro Alto that shorten walking distances to those areas.
Daily cleaning service meant I returned to a tidy space without having to worry about upkeep. The building and apartment doors are keyless and operated by numerical codes, which makes check-in and coming-and-going straightforward—just be sure to save the code somewhere safe so you don’t forget it.
For travelers who want more space and a homier feel than a typical hotel room, a serviced apartment combines the comforts of a home with the practical conveniences of serviced accommodation: fully equipped kitchen, laundry, living area, and a central location that serves as a great base for exploring Lisbon.
My stay was in partnership with Lisbon Serviced Apartments. As always, my opinions are my own.
For more information about exploring Lisbon and planning your trip, see my Lisbon City Guide for tips on neighborhoods, restaurants, markets, and sightseeing ideas to help you choose the best area for your stay.