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Lisbon is a compact city, but one full of hills, slopes and traditional Portuguese cobblestone pavement that make getting around part of the experience itself. If you're staying in a Feel Lisboa apartment in Lapa or Chiado/Bairro Alto, this guide brings together general, verifiable information on how to move around the city, on foot, by tram, metro, bus or taxi/ride-hailing app, so you can plan your days with more confidence.
For precise directions from the exact address of your accommodation, our team is always available at check-in or by message before you arrive.
In summary
- Chiado/Bairro Alto is a central, highly walkable area, close to shops, restaurants and nightlife.
- Lapa is a residential, elegant neighbourhood, slightly further from the historic centre and hillier.
- Lisbon has a metro, historic trams (including the famous tram 28), Carris buses, funiculars/lifts and ferry crossings over the Tagus.
- For exact distances, the nearest stops and travel time to the airport from your specific accommodation, always confirm with the Feel Lisboa team.
Lisbon on Foot: Chiado and Lapa as Starting Points
For many visitors, walking is the best way to experience Lisbon, but be prepared for steep hills and traditional cobblestone pavement, which can be uneven and slippery, especially in the rain or with unsuitable footwear. Chiado and Bairro Alto sit right in the heart of the city, next to areas such as Baixa, Cais do Sodré and Príncipe Real, which makes many attractions, shops and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Lapa is a more residential, quiet and elegant neighbourhood, set on higher ground some distance from the historic centre. Walking between Lapa and Baixa is perfectly feasible for anyone who enjoys walking and doesn't mind an incline, but the exact distance and walking time vary depending on the specific street where your accommodation is located. We recommend confirming this detail [to be confirmed] with our team, who can point you to the best route from your booked unit.
Trams and Metro: The Backbone of Lisbon's Public Transport
The historic tram network is one of Lisbon's signature images, and tram 28, which runs through neighbourhoods such as Graça, Baixa and Chiado/Estrela, is probably the best known among tourists, though it tends to have queues at busy times. These yellow trams share the city with a more modern bus and metro network, run by Carris and Metropolitano de Lisboa.
The Lisbon metro has four lines (identified by colour) covering much of the city, including a connection to Lisbon Airport. Chiado has a widely known metro station, Baixa-Chiado, which serves as a major interchange between lines.
Lapa does not have a metro station directly in the neighbourhood; the nearest connection usually involves a walk, tram or bus to the most convenient station, the Feel Lisboa team can point you to the best option from your specific unit.
- Historical electric vehicles ideal for sightseeing and for getting to neighborhoods with narrow streets.
- Metro fast for longer trips within the city and for getting to the airport.
- Tickets usually via the Viva Viagem card or contactless payment options, depending on the system in place at the time of your trip.
Buses, Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
The Carris bus network is extensive and complements the tram and metro, reaching areas they don't cover directly. It's a practical option for longer trips or outside the peak hours of other transport modes.
Taxis and ride-hailing services (apps such as Uber or Bolt, among others available in Lisbon) are widely used across the city and tend to be the most comfortable option for late arrivals, heavy luggage or groups with reduced mobility. They're also useful when the narrow streets of Lapa or Bairro Alto make walking with suitcases less practical.
Which Mode of Transport Is Best?
Each mode of transport has different advantages depending on the purpose of your trip. The table below summarises the general options available in Lisbon:
| Mode of transport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Short distances in Chiado, Baixa and Bairro Alto | Watch for hills and uneven cobblestone pavement |
| Tram | Touristic experience and historic neighbourhoods | Tram 28 is the best known; can have queues |
| Metro | Longer trips and airport connection | Baixa-Chiado station is a well-known interchange; Lapa has no direct station |
| Bus | Areas without tram/metro coverage | Extensive Carris network |
| Taxi / Ride-hailing | Luggage, late arrivals, reduced mobility | Available citywide via app or taxi rank |
Parking, Renting a Car and Getting to the Airport
Renting a car usually isn't the most practical option for guests staying in Lapa or Chiado: the historic centre's streets are narrow, traffic is restricted and parking is limited and, in many areas, paid.
For everyday trips within the city, combining walking, public transport and taxi/ride-hailing tends to be simpler and free of parking worries.
Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado) is connected to the city centre by metro, buses and taxis/ride-hailing apps, which is publicly available, well-known information about the city's transport network.
That said, the exact travel time between your specific accommodation in Lapa or Chiado and the airport depends on the unit's precise location, traffic and the mode of transport chosen, so we won't give a specific figure here. The Feel Lisboa team always confirms this information at check-in or by message before you arrive.
How to Book
If you're planning your stay in Lisbon and want to explore the city easily from Lapa or Chiado, check our availability of Feel Lisboa apartments and learn more who we are and how we work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it easy to walk around from Lapa or Chiado?
Chiado and Bairro Alto sit right in the centre of Lisbon and are very walkable, with most attractions, shops and restaurants within short distance. Lapa is more residential and slightly higher up and further from the historic centre, so the walk is longer; the exact distance from your accommodation depends on the specific street, something our team will confirm with you.
What public transport is available in Lisbon?
Lisbon has a metro network with four lines, historic trams (including the famous tram 28), an extensive Carris bus network, funiculars and lifts in some steeper areas, and ferry crossings over the Tagus river. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber or Bolt complement this offer.
Is it worth renting a car in Lisbon if I'm staying in Lapa or Chiado?
Generally not the most practical option. The historic centre has narrow streets, restricted traffic and limited, often paid, parking. Combining public transport, walking and taxi/ride-hailing tends to be simpler for everyday trips within the city.
Where can I park near my Feel Lisboa accommodation?
As opções de estacionamento variam bastante consoante a unidade específica que reservou. A nossa equipa Feel Lisboa fornece indicações precisas sobre estacionamento próximo no check-in ou por mensagem antes da sua chegada.
How long does it take to get to the airport from Lapa or Chiado?
Travel time to Lisbon Airport depends on the exact location of your accommodation, the mode of transport chosen and traffic conditions at the time. We won't give a specific figure here; our team confirms this information with you at check-in or by message before arrival.
