The best neighbourhoods for students in Lisbon

Arroios

Arroios is one of the preferred neighbourhoods by students due to two major factors: its alternative and cool vibe, and its affordability. It’s a multicultural and lively area, which attracts young people from all over the world and makes it one of the best neighbourhoods for students in Lisbon.

To the north of Arroios is the Instituto Superior Técnico, and to the west, the Autonomous University of Lisbon, so it’s convenient, especially for those who are going to study in one of those institutions.

In Arroios, you’ll find a varied offer of restaurants and bars, many of them on the lively Avenida Almirante Reis and others in smaller streets. There are also several affordable shops and supermarkets for students.

One of the favourite places for young people in Arroios is the Viewpoint of Monte Agudo, from which you have very beautiful views of the city. There are also several green areas to enjoy, such as the Campo dos Mártires da Pátria and the Jardim do Torel.

Arroios is very well connected to the rest of the city through tram, bus, and metro lines (the green line). It also has several bike paths on its main avenues.

São Sebastião da Pedreira

This area is more residential than the previous one, but it’s still located in the centre of Lisbon. It’s ideal if you’re going to go to Campolide Campus from the NOVA University of Lisbon, it’s located a few minutes walk from it, and is also close to the Instituto Superior Técnico and the University City Campus from the University of Lisbon.

In São Sebastião da Pedreira there’s a diverse gastronomy offer, with cuisines from different parts of the world. There are also a variety of stores, especially in the Avenida Antônio Augusto de Aguiar.

Among the cultural visits, some highlights are the Banksy Museum and the Casa-Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves. There are also movie theaters and sporting venues, as well as shopping centers.

The neighbourhood itself doesn’t have many green spaces, but it’s next to important natural areas in the city, such as the Eduardo VII Park, the Jardim Amália Rodrigues and the Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.

São Sebastião da Pedreira is perfectly connected with the rest of the city through public transportation. It has several bus lines and metro lines (blue, yellow and red).

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is one of the most central areas of Lisbon. It's a neighbourhood that’s popular with both students and tourists. It's in the city centre, so it’s one of the best neighbourhoods for students in Lisbon. In fact, it’s one of the chosen areas by young people who want to be in the centre of nightlife.

In Bairro Alto you can find many of the discos and bars that are frequented by students. Of course, keep in mind that the environment is very busy, and that it may not be the most convenient if you prefer to live in a quieter area.

The neighbourhood itself doesn’t have green spaces, but it’s next to the famous Jardim do Príncipe Real, which provides a respite from the city. It’s also very close to the Lisbon Botanical Garden.

In terms of transport, Bairro Alto is connected by bus and tram lines, and it also has funicular stops. It also has some metro stations nearby.

Ajuda and Alto da Ajuda

These two neighbourhoods are located west of the center of Lisbon and north of Belém, so they’re further away from the nightlife and leisure of the Portuguese capital. It’s ideal for students who want to be close to the student atmosphere, but living in a quieter area. Additionally, rents here are usually more affordable than in more central neighbourhoods.

Ajuda y Alto da Ajuda are convenient for students from various institutions, as for those who are going to go to Ajuda Campus from the University of Lisbon or Pólo Universitário Alto da Ajuda from the Technical University of Lisbon.

This area has some cultural sites that can be visited, such as Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, which is an art museum, and the Astronomical Observatory of Ajuda. It’s also very close to the famous LX Factory art center, as well as the Belém area.

From Ajuda there’s very good access to green places, such as the great Monsanto Forest Park, which has a variety of trails for hiking and mountain biking.

This area has several tram and bus lines that connect with Lisbon and its surroundings, but you have to pay close attention to the nighttime hours because it isn’t always the most convenient.

FAQ about neighbourhoods in Lisbon