Lookout Lisbon Hostel: A Haven in Lisbon Portugal
With high ceilings and lots of open space, Lookout Lisbon Hostel was my home away from home during my trip to Lisbon, Portugal. Before I get into all the awesome details about my stay, let’s backtrack a bit.
A few weeks before my trip to Lisbon, my plans fell apart (not always a bad thing though).
As luck may have it, a friend decided to cancel last-minute and I struggled to find a hostel that would accommodate my 5-night stay. In the end, I stayed at three hostels.
One of the things you should know about Portugal is that it is home to some of the best hostels in the world. There were so many great options to choose from and by chance, I experienced Lisbon’s vibrant backpacking scene.
I spent my last 2 nights at Lookout Lisbon Hostel and as the saying goes, always save the best for last!
Lookout Lisbon Hostel
Check-in and Getting Acquainted
Lookout Lisbon Hostel is a small hostel in the historical center of Lisbon, right at the top of Barrio Alto. It’s within walking distance to the Gloria Funicular, Rossio Square and lots of other attractions.
After climbing a short flight of steps to the first floor, I rang the doorbell and Claudia, one of the friendly staff members, greeted me with a smile. She ushered me into the common area and there I checked-in at the 24-hour reception desk.
The common area looked like the kind of living room that I secretly wished I had back home.
Lots of colorful accents and books to read.
The common area was bright and airy and although decorated simply, it was tasteful. The patio doors led to a small balcony that had fantastic views of the viewpoint, Miradouro de Sao Pedro De Alcântara.
Related: 5 Incredible Lisbon Views That Will Make You Fall In Love
In the common area, there was also a large bulletin board that featured a ton of things to do like jeep tours, hot yoga, free sangria, pub-crawls, beach days by bike and so much more. Lookout also offered free walking tours to Alfama and Bairro Alto.
Bike wall decoration that you can also take out to see the city.
Heading to the kitchen, I adored how vintage bikes decorated the walls. I’d never seen anything like this at a hostel before and appreciated the stylish yet practical use of the bikes.
Bunk Bed with a View
I slept in the large and spacious “Bunk Bed with a View” room. This mixed room accommodated nine people and had three sets of bunk beds. It also featured a small lounge area and two balconies with city views.
The large lockers are underneath the beds.
My bed was #8 (middle bunk) and it was comfortable.
The bed was already made and came with a wide locker and key. This meant that if you left your locker at home, you didn’t have to worry about having to buy a new one.
Each bed also came with a curtain for privacy, a reading lamp and power socket. The wi-fi signal was strong. I had no connectivity issues which isn’t always the case at other hostels.
Even my friends were raving about my room – bragging rights!
Since it was extremely hot during my stay, when the heat became unbearable, having a balcony made all the difference. In the afternoons, I sat on the balcony and enjoyed the cool breeze.
Related: How To Make Friends At Hostels When Traveling Solo
Bathroom
The communal bathroom had two showers and two toilets.
It was always clean and often times I had it to myself. Lookout also had a private bathroom but I didn’t get a chance to use it during my stay.
One of my favorite amenities in the bathroom was the free soap. Since I moved around a lot, this came in handy when I lost my body wash.
Lookout Lisbon Hostel Vibes
Lookout Lisbon Hostel offers the best of both worlds because although it’s not a party hostel, the club and bar scene at Barrio Alto is just a few streets down. Barrio Alto is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Lisbon and features tons of restaurants and bars.
I also felt a real sense of community at Lookout after reading restaurant and tour recommendations from past guests. There were even recommendations for things to do on a rainy day!
You can also sign up for communal dinners at the reception desk. Unfortunately, I had to head home before tasting Filipa’s vegetarian risotto with carrots and courgettes.
It’s the little things like the soothing tunes playing in the common area, the hostel’s communal spirit and the colorful accents that made Lookout Lisbon Hostel my haven in Lisbon.
If you’re looking for a recommendation for a great place to stay in Lisbon, well there you have it!
Thanks again Lookout Lisbon Hostel for hosting my stay and welcoming me to Portugal.
Danielle Desir Corbett paid off $63,000 of student loan debt in 4 years, bought a house at 27, and has traveled to 27 countries, including her favorites, Iceland, China, and Bermuda. Go here to learn Danielle’s incredible story, from struggling financially and in debt to finding creative ways to earn more and live on her terms. Listen to The Thought Card Podcast, where Danielle shares how you can creatively travel more and build wealth regardless of your current financial situation. Reach out to Danielle by contacting: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
Never really used hostels much. But I suppose it would be so much fun for the young solo travelers!
I’ve never stayed at a hostel or have any experience with them but this looks like a cozy and fun one. Enjoy!
Hostels can be so hit or miss. Love to see a postive review! Sounds like a great place to stay in Lisbon :)
I really enjoyed my stay at Lookout. Having tried 2 others hostels in Lisbon, it was good to see the different styles and amenities.
This hostel looks like such a cool place! I’ll save the info for when I’ll go to Lisbon :)
Hey Danielle :)
This review about Lookout is great! I’m sad we didn’t get to meet. You were at the hostel during my days off, and we never got to meet or talk. I was really hoping to meet a travel blogger and get a chance to chat as I have a blog too. I think your blog is really interesting and your posts on the cheap fare flights are insane! I’m really happy you had a good time and that you understood the hostel exactly for what it is: a home away from home :)
Hi Rita, so nice to meet you! I’m sad that we didn’t get to meet during my stay but I’m excited to hear that you also blog. Do you have a travel blog? I had a great time in Lisbon and can’t wait to find another great deal to head back soon.
Looks like a very good affordable place to stay. Glad you were able to work out the arrangements.
My days oh hosteling are over but this one looks super cute and lots of fun :)
Amazing hostel ? They are by far the best hostel bunk beds I’ve ever seen!
I’ve been meaning to make a trip to Spain and Portugal (along with every other place in the world haha). This hostel looks very comfortable though! If I were travelling by myself, I’d definitely consider this place. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
I’ve been reading lots of great posts about Portugal lately. I’ll have to keep this in mind as I enjoy staying in hostels. I agree with the free soap! Sometimes its the little niceties like that that make a place even better.
Ahh, I know how frustrating it can be when people back out of travel plans, but I’m glad it worked out for you! Looks like a lovely place to stay & I love the view from the balcony! I’ll have to keep it in mind if I visit Lisbon :)
The Lisbon hostel looks like a cool place to set up digs and head out to explore the enigmatic city of Lisbon. The interiors are really neat. I am particularly intrigued by the bicycle decoration on the wall. I am sure you had a great time there.
What a great place to stay! It looks like a fun stay to be had and practical too. Very smart design with those lockers that way.
Sounds like a really great place to stay, and for a hostel it’s setting a pretty high standard! Love that the common area is reminiscent of a living room with a homely feel, and love that there’s such a sense of community, without having to put up with the party scene if you don’t want to. Lockers in the bed is an amazing touch for security too – thanks for the great review!
I am usually not a hostel person, but this one looks cool! It’s in the VERY HEART of Lisbon, really the best area. I literally know where it is — the viewpoint in front of the hostel is my most favourite place in Lisbon :)
My young cousins are thinking of heading to Portugal soon. I’ll pass this on as it looks like a nice hostel with good facilities and friendly faces.
Of all countries I’ve visited, Portugal had the best choice of the accommodation – all categories! We booked a cute apartment in Lisbon and enjoyed stylish hostel in Porto. I’m glad you also found your “it” hostel there :)
Portugal’s hostels consistently wins awards every year. I can see why! I had plans to visit Porto but when my friend canceled, I decided to spend my entire time in Lisbon instead. I can’t wait to go back! I also loved how affordable the hostels are also!
Wow looks neat. I can’t really relate with you or anyone who backpacks/stays in hostels. We did it once but opted for a private room and this whole “meet new people” did not work for us. People stayed in their own kind (meaning white with white people) at the common room. Defeats the whole purpose no? So I’m kind of sick of this perpetuated way of travel since it doesn’t work for non westerners as much. Or shall I say for Indians/Pakistanis. Even at the bar/pool area that touted “meet new friends” did not work for us as we sat in the corner while people partied on their own without even a hi towards us.
Anyways glad you made friends.
Every hostel is different and there are hostels that I didn’t meet a single person in, but during my trip, I can actually say that I made a best friend. We had lunch/dinner everyday and met up at different attractions. I hope you guys give it a try again, maybe your experience in Europe will be different. Also, I’ve had moments where I ate alone and sat alone as well, it all depends on you, the other travelers and the hostel’s vibes.
Great post! Hostels can be so hit and miss so it’s good to have one recommended. Looks like you had a great time there.