Lisboa Baixa

Dozens of pensions are located around the three connected praças that form the hub of downtown Lisboa. A convenient launch pad for visiting sights. On the other hand, Baixa’s prices are often noticeably higher (by €10-20) than those of other neighborhoods, particularly during the summer. Most pensões are on the top floors of buildings, a hassle for luggage-laden travelers. Keep your head up (literally) when looking for a place to stay in Baixa, as pensões are often poorly advertised and easy to miss. On the other hand, this means that if you didn’t reserve ahead in summer, it is still usually possible to track something down. Hostels are another feasible choice. They have more amenities, are less expensive, and are generally nicer than pensões. Due to online booking, however, they fill up quickly in the summer.

Easy Hostel, R. de São Nicolau, 13, 4th fl. (☎218 88 5312). Good location in central Baixa. Great living room area for hanging out with fellow travelers. Bright and airy rooms with 4-6 beds. Each room has soundproof walls, ceiling fans, night lamps, and magnetic card access. The elevator makes life at Easy even easier. Laundry included. Free breakfast with fresh bread. Wi-Fi. M-F €18 per night, Sa-Su €20. Cash only.
Lisbon Lounge Hostel, R. de São Nicolau, 41, 1st fl. (}/fax 213 46 20 61). M: Rossio or Baixa-Chiado. One look at the Lisbon Lounge and you’ll think you’ve entered a classy hotel. Features a central living room, lounge areas on each floor, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, ultra-secure magnetic card access, and lockers. Hungry for more? Dinner is available for a mere €6. Dorms for 4-8 people €18-22 depending on the season, doubles with shared bath €50-60. AmEx/MC/V.
Goodnight Backpacker’s Hostel, R. dos Correeiros, 113, 2nd fl. (☎213 43 01 39). M: Rossio. To get to this new hostel, walk through the storefront, go through the mirrored doors, and climb up the azulejo -lined staircase. Cheerful atmosphere, with bright colors splashed on the walls and whimsical Andy Warhol art. A dining hall and 2 common rooms, free Wi-Fi, videogames, a smoke-free environment, single sex bathrooms, and free breakfast and lockers. 8-bed dorms €19; 4-bed €20; doubles €50. Cash only.
Rossio Plaza, Cç. do Carmo, 6, 2nd fl. (☎213 42 60 04). M: Rossio. Great bohemian feel, though a little less luxurious than some other options. Community guitar, incense, and living room encourage mingling. Breakfast, internet, and lockers included. Co-ed rooms with 4-6 beds. Single sex bathrooms. Sept.-June 30 weekdays €18, weekends €20; July-Aug. €20/22. Cash only.