Are you planning to visit Lisbon by car?
Here’s everything you need to know to park without stress:
- The Best Parking Spots for Exploring Lisbon
- Where to park near the main sites
- Free options and secure parking
- Areas to avoid and safety tips
Is it hard to park in Lisbon?
Parking in Lisbon requires a little planning ahead! Traffic remains heavy in the city center; street parking there is expensive, and some streets in the historic districts are narrow, steep, or even inaccessible because they are subject to restricted vehicle access (ZAAC), particularly around Alfama and Bairro Alto.
During our visits to the capital, we found that the easiest option is to head straight to one of the many indoor or outdoor parking lots surrounding the city center rather than looking for a street parking spot, and then use public transportation or walk to explore the city. The Lisboa Card gives you free access to all public transportation, as well as to many museums…
WHERE TO STAY IN lisbon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The Baixa neighborhood in the heart of Lisbon –
Hotel da Baixa – See prices, photos and availability
Dare Lisbon House Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
The Alfama neighborhood, the oldest and most charming –
Hotel Poussada Alfama – See prices, photos and availability
The Chiado neighborhood, the most elegant—
Art Legacy Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Parking in Lisbon: Summary
Careful street parking
We don’t necessarily recommend it, but it is possible! On-street parking in Lisbon is managed by the municipal company EMEL. Regulated streets are divided into several fare zones, identified by color: green (the least expensive), yellow, red, brown, and black (the most expensive). Depending on the street, parking may be limited to 2 or 4 hours. In contrast, some green and yellow zones offer a day pass. Rates range from approximately €0.85 to €2.10 per hour, depending on the area. Payment can be made at a parking meter or using the ePark app, among other options.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Free parking
It’s hard to find free parking options in Lisbon. There are still a few free parking streets on the outskirts, particularly in the areas around Benfica, Ajuda, and Restelo, but we recommend that you always check the signs on site. In some EMEL zones, parking is also free outside of paid parking hours. Another option: the Campo Grande parking lot is free on weekends and offers easy access to downtown via the subway. See all our recommendations for free parking further down in the article.
The main parking lots for tourists
- Campo das Cebolas Parking Lot – Outdoor, 24 hours a day, paid parking
The closest to Praça do Comércio and the Sé - Chão do Loureiro Parking Lot – Covered, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
Seats 192, ideal for Château Saint-Georges - Santa Apolónia Parking Lot – Indoor, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
One of the lowest daily limits in the region - Baixa-Chiado Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
Very central to Baixa and Chiado - Camões Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
340 seats between Chiado and Bairro Alto - Restauradores Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
545 seats, conveniently located near Rossio and Avenida da Liberdade - Largo do Rato Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
109 seats for Príncipe Real and Rato - Belém Parking Lot (EMEL) – Outdoor, 8 a.m.–2 a.m. daily, paid parking
76 seats across from Pastéis de Belém
Details of each parking lot later in the article.
Prices range from about €1.50 to €3.45 for the first hour, depending on the parking lot.
Daily limit: between €14.90 and €30.80, depending on the plan selected.
Essential tips
- During peak season, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to find a spot in the most central parking lots
- Do not leave any items or luggage visible inside the passenger compartment: place your belongings in the locked trunk before arriving at your destination
- Don’t rely solely on your GPS: it may direct you to a small street located in an area with restricted vehicle access.
- If you’re staying in Lisbon, check with your lodging provider about parking options
- And check out all our tips for renting a car and driving in Portugal
DISCOVER Lisbon
Accommodation with parking: our recommendations
If you want to make your stay easier, choose a place to stay that offers parking.
Here are some suggestions:
- Hotel Lisboa Pessoa, in the heart of Chiado—private, enclosed parking at the hotel (€25 per night per vehicle; reservations required; spaces subject to availability)— Check photos and availability—and book now!
- Sublime Lisboa Hotel, near Eduardo VII Park—private parking and valet service— Check photos and availability
- EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel, in the Amoreiras neighborhood—private indoor parking available for a fee directly at the hotel— Check photos and availability
- See our selection of the best hotels in Lisbon
Where to park to get closer to specific locations in Lisbon
Lisbon is full of attractions, spread across several neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. Here are our parking recommendations for each area.
Baixa and Praça do Comércio
To get to Praça do Comércio and stroll along the wide, straight Grande Rues of the Baixa, we think the Campo das Cebolas parking garage is the most convenient option. It’s just a short walk from the square and the cathedral. Praça da Figueira also has a parking lot right on the square, which is very close to Rossio. Finally, the Baixa-Chiado Parking Garage serves both the Baixa and the neighboring Chiado districts.
Alfama, the cathedral, and São Jorge Castle
Alfama, with its steep, narrow streets, is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Lisbon, but it’s also one of the trickiest to navigate by car. Part of the neighborhood, around the Castelo, is located in a restricted-access zone (ZAAC). To get there, the Chão do Loureiro parking lot is the most convenient place to start your hike up to the castle. The Campo das Cebolas parking lot is a good choice for the cathedral and the lower part of Alfama, while the Santa Apolónia parking lot remains a good option for the eastern part of the neighborhood, thanks to its affordable daily rate.
FUN around Lisbon: activities
Lisbon by E-Bike
Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon
Dolphin watching
Kayaking in Arrabida
Surfing in Cascais
Chiado and Bairro Alto
In our opinion, Chiado and Bairro Alto complement each other well: culture and shopping by day, and a lively nightlife in the evening. The Camões Parking Lot, located on Praça Luís de Camões, stands out naturally between the two neighborhoods. The Baixa-Chiado Parking Garage is still a good option if Camões is full. Since part of Bairro Alto is also designated as a restricted-access zone for vehicles, it’s generally easier to park at the Camões Parking Garage or the Calçada do Combro Parking Garage and then continue on foot through the neighborhood’s narrow streets.
Rossio, Restauradores, and Avenida da Liberdade
In this busy area, the Restauradores Parking Garage, with its 545 spaces, has the largest capacity in the area and provides easy access to Avenida da Liberdade. The Praça da Figueira parking lot remains a convenient alternative to Rossio, with a sliding-scale rate in the evening.
Príncipe Real and Rato
Príncipe Real, with its gardens and independent shops, is easily accessible from the Largo do Rato parking lot, located on Rua da Escola Politécnica. With 109 parking spaces and a daily rate of €16.90, we believe it’s one of the best options in the city center for a full day, especially if you’re planning to visit the nearby Botanical Garden.
Belém
If you want to visit the Jerónimos Monastery and sample the neighborhood’s famous pastries, the Belém Parking Lot (EMEL) is the place to go. It’s located right across from Pastéis de Belém. The rate is 1€ per hour, with a maximum of 30.80€ per day. Open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, its 76 seats fill up quickly during peak season, so we recommend arriving in the morning.
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The Best Parking Lots for Visiting Lisbon
Lisbon has many parking lots managed by EMEL or Telpark, which are well distributed throughout the tourist districts. Here are the details for 8 parking lots located in tourist areas. All of the city’s parking lots are listed here.
Campo das Cebolas Parking Lot
The Campo das Cebolas parking lot is very convenient for getting to Praça do Comércio, the cathedral, and the lower part of Alfama.
- Address: Rua da Alfândega, 1100-016 Lisbon
- Contact Information GPS: 38.7084662479597, -9.13186969384856
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid parking: €1.50/hour; €6 for 4 hours; maximum €25/day
- Exterior
- 4 seats for people with disabilities
- Ideal for: Praça do Comércio, Sé Cathedral, the lower part of Alfama
- Visit the official website for more info here
Chão do Loureiro Parking Lot
The Chão do Loureiro parking lot provides easy access to São Jorge Castle and the upper part of Alfama.
- Address: between Largo da Atafona and Calçada Marquês de Tancos, 1100-046 Lisbon
- GPS coordinates: 38.71253900478974, -9.134404460192728
- 192 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid parking; rates comparable to those at other EMEL parking lots in the city center
- Covered
- 12 spaces for people with disabilities
- Ideal for: São Jorge Castle, Alfama
- Visit the official website for more info here
Santa Apolónia Parking Lot
The Santa Apolónia Parking Garage stands out for having one of the lowest daily rates in the historic center, making it a good option for a full day exploring Alfama.
- Address: Av. Infante Dom Henrique s/n, Cais da Pedra, 1900-264 Lisbon
- GPS coordinates: 38.71492164231053, -9.120166958346912
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid parking: €2.15 for the first hour; maximum €14.90 per day
- Exterior
- Ideal for: Alfama East, Santa Apolónia Station
- Visit the official website for more info here
Baixa-Chiado Parking Lot
The Baixa-Chiado Parking Garage is one of the most centrally located options in the city, situated at the border of two iconic neighborhoods.
- Address: Largo da Boa Hora 1, 1200-062 Lisbon
- GPS coordinates: 38.70997495243009, -9.139427059905577
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid: €3.45 for the first hour; no standard daily rate listed; price varies depending on duration
- Underground and covered
- Ideal for: Baixa, Chiado
- Visit the official website for more info here
Camões Parking Lot
The Camões Parking Garage is ideally located between Chiado and Bairro Alto and has ample parking space.
- Address: Praça Luís de Camões, 1200-243 Lisbon
- GPS coordinates: 38.71091600859156, -9.143368374958744
- 340 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid parking: €2.85 for the first hour; maximum €27.90 per day
- Underground and covered
- Ideal for: Chiado, Bairro Alto
- Visit the official website for more info here
Restauradores Parking Lot
The Restauradores Parking Garage has the most parking spaces in the city center, making it a reliable option for quick parking near Rossio.
- Address: Praça dos Restauradores, 1250-188 Lisbon
- GPS coordinates: 38.7157714592761, -9.141163654664854
- 545 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid parking: €3.30 for the first hour; maximum €29.90 per day
- Underground and covered
- Ideal for: Rossio, Avenida da Liberdade
- Visit the official website for more info here
Largo do Rato Parking Lot
The Largo do Rato Parking Lot provides convenient access to Príncipe Real and the Rato neighborhood, with an affordable daily rate.
- Address: Rua da Escola Politécnica 217, 1250-101 Lisbon
- GPS coordinates: 38.71912146141232, -9.153377485830367
- 109 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid parking: €3.20 for the first hour; maximum €16.90 per day
- Underground and covered
- Ideal for: Príncipe Real, Rato, Botanical Garden
- Visit the official website for more info here
Belém Parking Lot (EMEL)
The Belém Parking Lot is the ideal solution if you’re coming mainly to see the Jerónimos Monastery and try the Pastéis de Belém. Located directly across from the famous pastry shop.
- Address: Rua de Belém, across from Pastéis de Belém
- GPS coordinates: 38.69655764221861, -9.208923116018056
- 76 seats
- Open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., every day
- Paid parking: €1/hour; €2 for 2 hours; €5.60 for 4 hours; maximum €30.80/day
- Exterior
- Ideal for: Jerónimos Monastery, downtown Belém
- Visit the official website for more info here
And for inexpensive all-day parking
For affordable all-day parking, we suggest three options. The Campo Grande Parking Lot remains unbeatable at €1.10 per hour and a daily maximum of just €2.60, plus it’s free on weekends. From there, you can take the subway to the city center in just a few minutes. The Santa Apolónia Parking Lot comes next, with a daily rate capped at €14.90 and a much more central location. Finally, the Largo do Rato parking lot, at €16.90 per day, is still a good option for exploring the western part of downtown.
Where can I park for free in Lisbon?
There are very few free things to do in Lisbon. Here are our recommendations:
- On the outskirts of downtown: there are still some streets where paid parking is not required, particularly in certain areas farther from the tourist districts. You’re more likely to find them around Benfica, Ajuda, or Restelo than in Baixa, Chiado, or Alfama. Since restricted parking zones are subject to change, always check for a parking meter and the signs on site.
- At night and on weekends: On certain streets managed by EMEL, parking is free outside the zone’s operating hours. However, parking hours vary by neighborhood and street; therefore, do not assume that parking is always free in the evening, on Saturdays, or on Sundays. Check the sign or the parking meter.
- An inexpensive alternative: rather than spending a long time looking for a free parking spot, some EMEL zones offer a Bilhete Diário for €2.15 or €3.15 per day, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. These locations are specifically marked.
- Campo Grande Parking: Another good option: the EMEL parking lot in Campo Grande is free on Saturdays and Sundays and very inexpensive on weekdays, with a daily rate cap of €2.60. It’s more reliable to recommend this to readers than a street that’s supposedly free.
Where should you avoid parking in Lisbon?
It’s important to be familiar with Lisbon’s parking regulations before leaving your car just anywhere, or you may face fines.
- Alfama and São Jorge Castle (excluding the ELEM parking lot): narrow, steep streets, and part of the area designated as a restricted-access zone (ZAAC).
- Bairro Alto: Also subject to restricted vehicle access in its historic alleyways.
- Santa Catarina and Bica: another historic district where vehicle access is restricted.
- Spaces reserved for residents: Do not park here without the appropriate permit.
- Sidewalks, crosswalks, accessible parking spaces, delivery zones, in front of garages, or double-parked: don’t assume it’s okay just because other vehicles are already parked there—always check the signs and road markings.
- Penalties: In the event of a violation, EMEL may issue a citation, impound the vehicle, or have it towed. For a passenger car, the fees applicable as of March 2026 are €87 for impoundment or €111 for towing, to which may be added the fine and €32 for each 24-hour period the vehicle is held.
FAQ – Parking in Lisbon
Can you leave your car on the street all day?
It depends on the area: some have a maximum duration. In areas where daily parking passes are available, you can park all day for a flat rate. For a full day of sightseeing, we recommend using a covered parking garage or an off-street parking lot near the subway.
Can you drive into Alfama?
Not freely available everywhere. Alfama is one of the historic neighborhoods with restricted vehicle access zones. Access is restricted to authorized vehicles in the relevant areas, although provisions have been made for certain visitors. If your hotel is located in Alfama, ask them for directions before you arrive.
Can you drive into Bairro Alto?
Again, some streets are located in a restricted-access zone for vehicles. It’s usually easier to park at the Camões Parking Garage, the Baixa-Chiado Parking Garage, or another nearby covered parking garage, and then continue on foot.
What should I do if my car has been towed?
EMEL lets you check whether a vehicle has been towed and explains the procedure for retrieving it. For a passenger car, expect a towing fee of €111, plus €32 for each 24-hour period or portion thereof, in addition to any possible fine.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Is it convenient to visit Lisbon by car?
We do not recommend it in the historic district. The streets there are sometimes narrow and steep, parking is strictly regulated, and several neighborhoods restrict vehicle access. The most convenient option is to park your car once and for all, then explore Lisbon on foot and by public transportation—especially by using the Lisboa Card. It will give you free access to all public transportation, as well as to many museums…
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