Príncipe Real
Principe Real is currently the hottest neighborhood in Lisbon. It's where you find independent boutiques and some of the trendiest spots for a drink or meal at any time of the day, especially on Rua Dom Pedro V and around Praça das Flores.
Pictured above is Ribeiro da Cunha Palace, which has been converted into a shopping gallery, the Embaixada, which is one of the top places to shop in Lisbon.
Lx Factory
Rua Rodrigues Faria, 103 (Alcântara)
Who would have imagined that an abandoned industrial space outside the heart of the city would become one of the places to be in Lisbon? The Lx Factory complex was first taken over by small businesses and creative professionals, then came the shops and cafés, and even a small market on Sundays. Now many pass by in the evening, ending their day at one of the several restaurants.
Chiado
Chiado has always been Lisbon’s main shopping district, today mixing independent stores and international chains, especially on the streets of Carmo and Garrett, and at the Armazéns do Chiado mall. But now it’s also the city’s meeting point, at some of the best cafés, restaurants and rooftop bars in town.
Cais do Sodré
The former red light district of Cais do Sodré now competes with Bairro Alto as the main nightlife destination. Rua Nova do Carvalho (now also known as "Pink Street" for the color of the pavement) mixes crowds of all ages and backgrounds, on the terraces or inside the bars. During the day everyone gravitates towards Ribeira das Naus promenade on the waterfront and the food hall of the city's main market, Mercado da Ribeira / Time Out Market.
Across the road is the train station that connects you to some of the best beaches on the Lisbon coast.
Bairro Alto
Throughout most of its 500-year history, Bairro Alto has maintained a certain bohemian and alternative atmosphere. Starting on Praça Luís de Camões and entering Rua do Norte, this is where the night owls roam the streets looking for the perfect bar or restaurant. The favorite bar is Park, at the top of a car park.
Doca do Jardim do Tabaco
Alfama
Doca do Jardim do Tabaco, by the Santa Apolónia train station, is the site of Lisbon's cruise terminal, and that's where you see a group of old warehouses that are now some of the most popular spots in town, housing restaurants and the famous Lux club.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina
The Santa Catarina viewpoint attracts all kinds of people for the view of the port of Lisbon and of the sunset, but also for the outdoor cafés and restaurants that mix young locals and tourists -- a much recommended one is Pharmácia.
Avenida da Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s luxury shopping boulevard but also offers several affordable kiosks for light meals or drinks at any time of the day. Past some of the best local jewelry and shoe stores, many eventually turn to Rua Barata Salgueiro, which crosses the avenue, for lunch or dinner at a couple of trendy restaurants, while others overlook the city from rooftop bars.
Docas de Santo Amaro
Alcântara
They may be a bit touristy, but the Santo Amaro docks (or simply “the docks”) also attract many locals. The terraces facing the marina and 25 de Abril Bridge create the perfect cosmopolitan spot for the afternoon or night.
Belém
Since the opening of the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) , the neighborhood with the highest concentration of tourists is also a hot spot for locals. The Belém waterfront now has several outdoor cafés, restaurants and bars.
