One Of The 'Coolest Neighborhoods' In Europe Is A Trendy Art-Filled Beauty In Portugal

Whenever you're visiting a new city or returning to an old favorite, a part of you is probably seeking the coolest part of town. Of course, "cool" can mean a lot of things. It can take the shape of a cheap dive bar that only the locals know about, an abundance of street art, or proximity to music venues or delicious restaurants with local favorites. As a traveler, you seek authenticity, not some artificial selfie spot. 

One of the certified coolest neighborhoods in Europe is Príncipe Real in Lisbon. Despite being a city that's home to some of the best hostels in Europe, Lisbon's Príncipe Real may not have the name recognition of New York's Williamsburg or London's Brixton. But the neighborhood has appeared on Time Out's list of the "Top 10 Coolest Neighborhoods" twice now, in 2018 and 2024. 

So, what exactly makes Príncipe Real so cool? Not only does the neighborhood offer up enough shops and restaurants to keep you busy for a few days, but the charming parks and squares offer lovely places to sit, have a coffee, and enjoy the hilltop breeze. It also hosts numerous art venues that make it a cultural hub. It's a neighborhood that's still very laid back and local-centric so, as long as you keep your cool, you'll fit right in.

One of the first things you'll notice about Príncipe Real is its iconic yellow trams. These date back to 1901, when they replaced the city's first clever solution to tackle its steep hills: horse-drawn cars on rails. Although seemingly from another era, these quaint trams are still a popular way to traverse Lisbon. (However, they can sometimes be crowded and you may want to avoid them.) 

Once you get off the tram, you'll notice an array of local eateries, bars, and an endless lineup of neoclassical facades. It's hard to miss the Aqueducto das Aguas Livres, a colossal baroque and neoclassical aqueduct, and engineering marvel, which cuts through Lisbon and leads to the Jardim das Amoreiras. The aqueduct is a must see destination in the area. It has been a source of water for the locals for generations and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jardim das Amoreiras is a scenic place to have a coffee and observe the hundreds of beautiful mulberry trees. For those with green fingers, you'll also find Lisbon's Botanical Garden in the vicinity, a 10-acre home to over 10,000 plants.

One of the main appeals of Príncipe Real is its plethora of galleries, drawing artists to its streets, which are covered in art themselves. From the contemporary Zaratan gallery space to Galeria Sao Mamede, which was founded in the '60s and has exhibited some of Portugal's most notable artists, there is something around every corner for culture vultures.

Príncipe Real also has a vibrant nightlife, and the neighborhood is considered Lisbon's LGBTQ+ quarter. In recent years, Príncipe Real has become a foodie hub with stand out restaurants and organic markets. Not to be missed is ​​A Cevicheria, a Peruvian restaurant specializing in, that's right, ceviche. Any fan of fish, fine dining, or pisco will not leave disappointed. For a more traditional food experience, grab a "pasteis de nata" (egg custard tart) at Padaria Sao Roque, aka the Cathedral of Bread. This stunning hidden gem features an interior with art nouveau tiles and marble columns. For those with a healthy appetite but who like to travel on a budget, Sumaya, a modern Lebanese restaurant, offers delicious mezze and grilled meats at a reasonable price. For a nightcap, step into "O Pavilhão Chinês" (The Chinese Pavilion), a truly unique bar-meets-museum, a cult spot amongst locals that won't fail to ignite your curiosity.

If you're in Portugal for a special occasion and feel like spoiling yourself, there is no better place to stay than Palacio Príncipe Real, an elegant design hotel with Arabesque stucco ceilings and blue and white ceramic tiles that is picture perfect in every way. This high-end boutique hotel has a beautiful tree-lined pool right in the heart of the neighborhood and will make you feel like you've stepped straight into a baroque painting. To explore more of Portugal, consider a day trip to this lesser-known city just an hour and a half from Lisbon.