Arroios is honestly one of my favorite neighborhoods to show clients. It's this incredible mix of diverse, central, vibrant, and creative—basically everything that makes Lisbon special—but without the price tag of the more famous areas. If you want the real Lisbon experience with all the walkability and culture, but you're not trying to break the bank, Arroios might be exactly what you've been searching for.
Let me walk you through what it's actually like to live here, what makes it so unique, what you can expect to pay, and whether it's the right fit for your move to Lisbon.
Where Is Arroios?
Arroios sits just northeast of Lisbon's historic center, tucked between Anjos, Intendente, Saldanha, Alameda, and Avenidas Novas. Translation? You're close to absolutely everything—metro stations, restaurants, parks, shops, cafés, cultural spots, and those amazing local markets—while still getting a more authentic, grounded Lisbon vibe.
Unlike the super polished feel you get in Príncipe Real or Avenidas Novas, Arroios has this more urban, creative, eclectic energy. It's become a magnet for artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and expats who want a neighborhood with some actual character.
Why Expats Are Choosing Arroios
I've noticed more and more of my clients gravitating toward Arroios lately, and it makes total sense. They want something that feels real—not like it was designed for Instagram—but still central enough that daily life is easy.
1. Affordability Compared to Other Central Areas
Finding affordable housing in central Lisbon? It's getting harder every year. Arroios is honestly one of the last neighborhoods where you can still snag a two-bedroom apartment under €400,000, find buildings with actual character and charm, or discover renovation opportunities that won't completely destroy your budget.
If buying in Baixa, Alfama, or Príncipe Real feels out of reach (and honestly, for most people it is), Arroios offers an incredibly compelling alternative.
2. Incredible International Diversity
Arroios is easily one of the most multicultural neighborhoods in all of Portugal. Walk down the street and you'll see Portuguese families, young professionals, African, South Asian, Brazilian, and European communities, artists, long-term expats, and digital nomads all sharing the same sidewalk.
This diversity creates this warm, welcoming atmosphere that's just culturally rich in a way that's hard to find elsewhere.
3. Easy Access to Everywhere
The whole Arroios-Anjos-Intendente corridor is one of the best-connected zones in the entire city. You've got metro stations, endless bus routes, serious walkability, and you're just minutes from Saldanha, Baixa, and Avenidas Novas.
If you're planning to live in Lisbon without a car (which I generally recommend), Arroios is a fantastic choice.
4. A Creative, Up-and-Coming Feel
Over the past few years, I've watched new cafés, natural wine bars, coworking spaces, and creative studios pop up all over this neighborhood. Streets that used to be quiet—or honestly a bit gritty—are now lively and filled with independent businesses.
Arroios is quickly becoming known for art, design, music, fusion cuisine, and creative entrepreneurship. But here's what I love: unlike Marvila or Alcântara, Arroios is already fully livable today. You're not waiting around for development to catch up—it's happening right now.
What's the Lifestyle Actually Like in Arroios?
Living in Arroios feels different from that postcard-perfect Lisbon experience. This is a neighborhood with personality, texture, and real life happening all around you.
You can expect cultural diversity everywhere you look, street art on half the buildings, markets selling food from literally around the world, local bakeries right next to trendy coffee shops, affordable restaurants that aren't trying to gouge tourists, international grocery stores when you need ingredients from home, an energetic urban feel, a younger demographic, and this creative vibe that's honestly hard to find anywhere else in the city.
Arroios is for people who like life, energy, and authenticity—not perfection.
Property Types & Prices in Arroios
One of the biggest reasons my clients choose Arroios? Value for money.
Common Property Types
You'll mostly find older Portuguese apartment buildings, walk-ups (and yes, some without elevators—Portugal is big on stairs), renovated modern apartments, townhouse-style buildings on the side streets, those gorgeous buildings with traditional tile façades, and some contemporary developments closer to Alameda and Saldanha.
Current Market Prices (2025–2026)
Right now, you're looking at around €3,800–€6,000 per square meter for most properties. Renovation projects can come in lower, while premium renovated places are toward the higher end of that range.
Compared to most Lisbon neighborhoods, there are still genuinely good opportunities here—especially if you're open to doing some renovation work.
Who Actually Thrives in Arroios?
Arroios is perfect if you want a central Lisbon lifestyle without paying those high-end prices, real culture and diversity and community, walkability and urban convenience, creative energy and independent businesses, a place that feels authentic instead of touristy, and a neighborhood that's actively evolving and growing.
Now, if you're someone who wants something super polished, quiet, and upscale, you might be happier in Avenidas Novas, Príncipe Real, or Estrela. But if you're seeking vibrancy and value? You're going to love Arroios.
Pros & Cons of Living in Arroios
Pros:
- Way more affordable than most central Lisbon neighborhoods
- Super central and incredibly well-connected
- That rich cultural diversity I keep talking about
- Tons of cafés, restaurants, and markets
- Creative, youthful energy everywhere
- Real renovation opportunities if you're into that
- Totally walkable lifestyle
Cons:
- Some streets can feel a bit gritty or noisy
- Fewer elevators in those older buildings (hello, leg day)
- Parking can be challenging
- Not as polished as Príncipe Real or Estrela
- The neighborhood's growing popularity is starting to push prices up
Is Arroios Right for You?
If you're looking for a lively, authentic, culturally rich Lisbon neighborhood with excellent value for money, Arroios absolutely deserves a spot on your shortlist. It's especially great for solo movers, younger buyers, creatives, digital nomads, investors, and anyone looking for an affordable entry point into Lisbon's center.
It's a neighborhood with a real future—one that keeps attracting this diverse mix of locals, expats, and newcomers who shape its character every single day.
Thinking About Buying in Arroios? We Can Help.
Whether you're moving in 9 days or 90 days, we help English-speaking buyers find the right property in Lisbon, Cascais, Oeiras, Sintra, and beyond.
We're Americans who've been living in Portugal for years, we're fully bilingual, and we're fully licensed to practice real estate here. We understand exactly what foreign buyers expect—and exactly how Portugal actually works.
Contact Us:
Email: info@PortugalDreamRealEstate.com
WhatsApp or Phone: +351 916 674 780
https://www.youtube.com/@LivinginLisbonPortugalarea
Let us help you make a smooth, confident move to Lisbon.
