Most Populous Parishes in Lisbon

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Lisbon, Capital of Portugal:

• Lisbon - leading city of tourist destinations in 2018

• Europe's Green Capital in 2020

Lisboa is located in the Municipality of Lisbon, District of Lisbon, in the Lisbon Region (Area Metropolitana de Lisboa), and in the former Province of Estremadura.

Most Populous Parishes in Lisbon

• 1. Lumiar (46,260 inhab., INE, 2021) : the most populous parish of the municipality (municipality) of Lisbon. In addition to the larger population per parish, the population density is 7,052 inhab. per km².
Neighborhood with many green spaces, this old town, which comprised Lumiar, Paço do Lumiar and Telheiras, was home to aristocrats, being one of the oldest in the municipality of Lisbon, having been created in 1266.
Lumiar is located in the north of the Portuguese capital, about 10 km from the Sé de Lisboa.

Find out more: Parish of Lumiar


• 2. Marvila (35,463 inhab., INE, 2021): the second most populous parish of Lisbon is located east of the Historic Center, from which it is 7 km away. Headquarters of Porto de Lisboa, Marvila extends from bank of the River Tagus to the Parque do Vale do Fundão, to the north. In the past, in this locality there were many farms, including the Quinta do Marquês de Abrantes, which supplied the city with its agricultural products.

The proximity of the River Tagus, beautiful squares and green spaces make Marvila a good place to live in tranquility, comfort (many services offered) and security.

The second most populous parish in the Portuguese capital has a population density of 4,983 inhabitants. per km². The biggest Population growth occurred during the 1990s, when it reached nearly 50,000 inhabitants.

Find out more: Parish of Marvila





• 3. Benfica (pop. 35,279, INE, 2021): also located northwest of Lisbon, the Freguesia de Benfica completes the podium of the 3 most populous parishes in the Portuguese capital. Parish quiet, in Benfica are located 2/3 of the great green lung of Lisbon, the Parque Florestal de Monsanto, which makes the town one of the best places to live. Old rural area with many farms.
In addition to hosting the Stadium of the Portuguese club Benfica, the parish also has an important shopping center, the Colombo Shopping Center.

Benfica, which had its largest population in the 1980s, when it reached almost 52,000 inhabitants, has a population density of 4,403 inhab. per km².

Find out more: Parish of Benfica


• 4. Parish of São Domingos de Benfica (34,060 inhab., INE, 2021): quite populous parish for its area, São Domingos de Benfica is located north of the Historical Center of Lisbon, from which is just over 6 km away. The Estádio da Luz (Sport Lisboa e Benfica) and the Aqueduct of Águas Livres are the main highlights of the parish.

São Domingos de Benfica, which had almost 40,000 inhabitants in the early 1980s, currently has a population density of 7,943 inhabitants. per km², the highest of these four parishes.

Find out more: Parish of São Domingos de Benfica


• 5. Parish of Alvalade (pop. 33,236, INE, 2021) : the fifth parish most populous in the Portuguese capital, Alvalade, which includes the towns of São João de Brito and Santos Reis, It is considered a quiet residential neighborhood with a wide range of services. The parish is located in the central area of municipality of Lisbon, 4 km (in a straight line) from the Historic Center.

University quarter, in Alvalade are located the universities University of Lisbon, the largest in Portugal, the University Institute of Lisbon, the Portuguese Catholic University and the Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies.

Alvalade, which had almost 17,000 inhabitants in the early 1960s and lost almost half of its population since then, it currently has a population density of 6,237 inhab. per km².

Find out more: Parish of Alvalade


• 6. Arroios (33,055 inhab., INE, 2021) : the Parish of Arroios, with only 2.13 km², located in the central area of the city, it is the most densely populated in the Portuguese capital.

Arroios, created with the merger of the parishes of São Jorge de Arroios, Pena and Anjos, has currently a population density of 15,637 inhab. by km², the highest in Lisbon.

Find out more: Parish of Arroios


• 7. Olivais (32,107 inhab., INE, 2021): parish in the northeast of Lisbon, where the Lisbon International Airport. The Freguesia dos Olivais, with 8.09 km², has the second largest area in the municipality of Lisbon. This territory, in turn, is divided into several neighborhoods.

Olivais, whose name before 2012 was Santa Maria dos Olivais, currently has a density population of 3 977 inhab. per km². In the 1980s it experienced its greatest population peak, when it nearly reached 62,000 inhabitants. Currently, it has just over half of that number.

Find out more: Olivais Parish


• 8. Penha de França (28,354 inhab., INE, 2021) : the parish of Penha de França, located east of the Historic Center of Lisbon, it runs from the bank of the River Tagus to the parish of Areeiro to the north.

Penha de França, a quiet residential neighborhood with good services, currently has a density population of 10,507 inhab. per km², the second highest population density in the capital.

Find out more: Penha de França Parish


• 9. Santa Clara (23,673 inhab., INE, 2021): the Parish of Santa Clara, located in the North end of Lisbon, it is a quiet residential neighborhood of the city. The parish was created with the merger from the old parishes of Ameixoeira (metro station) and Charneca.

Santa Clara, located about 15 km north of the capital, currently has a density population of 7,037 inhab. per km². The popular Mercado de Santa Clara and the Flea Market are the main highlights of the parish.

Find out more: Parish of Santa Clara


• 10. Avenidas Novas (23,252 inhab., INE, 2021) : the tenth most populous parish in Lisbon, Avenidas Novas is located in the heart of Lisbon. It was created in 2012 by the merger of former parishes of Nossa Senhora de Fátima and São Sebastião da Pedreira. residential neighborhood with great offer of services and transport (metro).

Avenidas Novas, considered one of the best places to live in the capital, currently has a density population of 7,232 inhab. per km².

Find out more: Parish of Avenidas Novas


• 11. Parque das Nações (22,350 inhab., INE, 2021): the most modern parish and neighborhood in Lisbon, Parque das Nações is also considered the best place to live in the city, which increases costs renting and buying real estate in the region.

Parque das Nações, created for the 1998 International Exhibition, currently has a density population of 4,114 inhab. per km².

Find out more: Parque das Nações Parish


• 12. Campo de Ourique (22,169 inhab., INE, 2021): the Parish of Campo de Ourique, a one of the most populous in Lisbon, it is located in the center of the Portuguese capital, and is part of the Historic Center. Residential neighborhood, well located between Amoreiras, Estrela and Prazeres, and endowed with good services, the neighborhood is more like a city within a city.
"It was in the neighborhood of Campo de Ourique that the revolutionary movement of October 5, 1910, for the implantation of the Republic began" [Parish of Campo de Ourique].

Campo de Ourique, whose area is only 1.65 km², currently has a population density of 13 406 inhab. by km², thus being the third most densely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the merger of the former parishes of Santa Isabel and Santo Condestável.

Find out more: Campo de Ourique Parish


• 13. Areeiro (pop. 21,144, INE, 2021) : the parish of Areeiro is another small Parish of the central city of Lisbon. Middle and upper class residential neighborhood, with good services, wide avenues and squares.

Areeiro, whose area is only 1.74 km², currently has a population density of 11,586 inhab. per km², thus being the fourth most densely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the merger of the former parishes of Santa Isabel and Santo Condestável. The Campo bullring Small is the highlight of its attractions.

Find out more: Parish of Areeiro


• 14. Estrela (pop. 20,242, INE, 2021): the Parish of Estrela, on the banks of the Tagus River, it is part of the Historical Center of Lisbon. Residential neighborhood well served by transport (Gare Marítima de Alcântara) and services. The Palácio de São Bento is also located in Estrela.

Estrela, whose area is 4.60 km², currently has a population density of 4,375 inhab. per km², thus being a parish with low population density. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the merger of the former small parishes of Lapa, Prazeres and Santos-o-Velho.

Find out more: Parish of Estrela





• 15. Carnide (17,990 inhab., INE, 2021): parish located in the extreme north of the city of Lisbon, former sparsely populated rural area, on the outskirts of Carnide and Largo da Luz. Residential neighborhood with better areas served than others in infrastructure and services. The highlights are the Colégio Militar and the neighboring Colombo Shopping Center (Benfica).

Carnide, whose area is 3.69 km², currently has a population density of 4,885 inhab. by km², thus being a relatively sparsely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the dismemberment of the parish of Belém.

Find out more: Parish of Carnide








• 16. Belém (16,537 inhab., INE, 2021): parish located in the westernmost part of city of Lisbon, on the north bank of the River Tagus, whose history, since the 15th century, has been marked by the Discoveries, being the Jeronimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos - Monument to the Discoveries - the main highlights of the parish.

With these important monuments, Parish of Belém is one of the most visited places from Lisbon. The Palácio Nacional de Belém is also part of this rich heritage. In the neighborhood of Restelo is home to the embassies of some of the main foreign countries in Portugal.
Belém is also a residential parish with plenty of green spaces, wide avenues, squares, security, and comfort with many facilities offered to the inhabitants. The parish comprises the neighborhoods of Restelo, in the western and northern part of the parish.

Belém, whose area is 10.43 km², currently has a population density of 1,586 inhab. by km², thus being a sparsely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the merger of the former parishes of Santa Maria de Belém and Saint Francis Xavier.

Find out more: Parish of Belém


• 17. Campolide (14,778 inhab., INE, 2021): parish located in the central area of city of Lisbon, whose history, since the 18th century, has been marked by the construction works of the monumental Aqueduct of Águas Livres which is the main highlight of the parish. residential parish with with four neighborhoods: Liberdade, Serafina, Bela Flor and Calçada dos Mestres.

Campolide, whose area is 2.77 km², currently has a population density of 5,581 inhab. by km², thus being a relatively sparsely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the detachment of the parish of São Sebastião da Pedreira.

Find out more: Parish of Campolide

Lisbon by Night

Another facet of the City of Lisbon: Lisboa by Night (Lisboa à Noite). Where to go and what to do to spend memorable nights in the capital from Portugal. Having dinner, snacking, listening to fado (or your favorite rhythm) and having fun with friends is no mystery: just know the right addresses for your night out. Lisbon welcomes its numerous visitors throughout the year with great fun. the whole world, which is why the city is always popular with tourists from all over the world.
Learn more: Lisbon Nights

Discover Lisbon

• What to see in Lisbon
There are many and varied tourist attractions of this global city, one of the most visited in Europe and which so enchants visitors from all over the world.

• What to do in Lisbon
Some activity suggestions for active holiday lovers. More: What to do in Lisbon

Museum of Lisbon

A visit to the Palácio Pimenta, home of the Lisbon Museum, allows you to learn more about the Portuguese capital, with important details such as the importance of ceramics and potteries in the construction of the city.

"From the pottery centers of Mouraria and Santos-o-Velho to the large factories Lusitânia, Desterro, Viúva Lamego or Sant’Anna, passing by the Real Fábrica de Louça do Rato, it's a whole other story of the city" that we discover [Museum of the City of Lisbon].

Gastronomy

In Lisbon, in addition to good restaurants serving international cuisine, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the delights of Portuguese cuisine and gastronomy. There are restaurants in the city that serve the most appetizing specialties. of Portuguese Cuisine.
Learn more: Discover Lisbon's cuisine





• 18. Ajuda (14,299 inhab., INE, 2021): parish located in the central area of city of Lisbon, whose history, since the 18th century, when the Lisbon Earthquake, and was marked by the installation of the King's Palace (the Real Barraca) and for the construction of the important Palácio Nacional da Ajuda which is the main highlight of the parish. residential parish with with its neighborhoods Ajuda, Alto Ajuda, Largo da Memória and Boa-Hora.

Ajuda, whose area is 2.88 km², currently has a population density of 4,967 inhab. by km², thus being a sparsely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the detachment of the parish of Belém, to which it belonged.

Find out more: Ajuda Parish





• 19. São Vicente (13,896 inhab., INE, 2021): parish located on the north bank of the River Tagus, central area of the city of Lisbon. Historic neighborhood with many churches, convents, viewpoints and the Feira da Ladra, the Miradouros da Senhora do Monte and the Miradouro da Graça which are the main highlights of the parish. residential parish with its neighborhoods of Graça, Santa Engrácia, Senhora do Monte and São Vicente de Fora.

São Vicente, whose area is 1.99 km², the second smallest parish in Lisbon, has currently a population density of 7,708 inhab. by km², thus being a relatively sparsely populated city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the merger of former parishes of Graça, São Vicente de Fora and Santa Engrácia.

Find out more: Parish of São Vicente


• 20. Alcântara (13,825 inhab., INE, 2021): parish located in the central area of city of Lisbon, on the north bank of the River Tagus and which extends to the Parque de Monsanto, to the north. A construction of the 25 de Abril Bridge profoundly transformed the parish.
Currently, Alcântara is one of the centers of Lisbon Night, in the Docks. The parish, in addition to attracting many tourists, is also a residential neighborhood.

Alcântara, whose area is 5.07 km², currently has a population density of 2,731 inhab. per km², thus being the parish with the lowest population density in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the joining of territory in part of the councils (municipalities) of Belém and Lisbon. In the 1950s it had more than 34,000 inhabitants.

Find out more: Alcântara Parish


• 21. Beato (12,166 inhab., INE, 2021): parish located in the eastern part of city of Lisbon, on the north bank of the Tagus River. The former parish of Saint Bartholomew was the origin of the current parish. The Convento de São Bento, the Convento do Beato, in Xabregas, was also the center of the town.
Currently, the Freguesia do Beato, with a port terminal (Terminal do Beato) is a residential location with its neighborhoods Xabregas, Grilo, Madre de Deus and Olaias.

Beato, whose area is 2.48 km², currently has a population density of 4,906 inhab. by km², thus being a sparsely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the extinction of the municipality (municipality) of Olivais, today a parish.

Find out more: Freguesia do Beato


• 22. Santo Antônio (11,070 inhab., INE, 2021): parish located in the central area of city of Lisbon, whose name is a tribute to the patron saint of Lisbon. The Avenida da Liberdade, one of the most important in the city, crosses the parish. Residential parish of the most coveted in the central area, with its neighborhoods: Restauradores, Largo de São Mamede, Largo do Rato and Glory.

Santo Antônio, whose area is 1.49 km², the smallest parish in Lisbon, currently has a population density of 7,422 inhabitants. by km², thus being a relatively sparsely populated parish of the Portuguese capital. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the merger of the parishes of Saint Mamede, Heart of Jesus and Saint Joseph.

Find out more: Parish of Santo Antônio


• 23. Santa Maria Maior (9,997 inhab., INE, 2021): second least populated parish in Lisbon; the parish of Santa Maria Maior is located in the central area of Lisbon, the Historic Center, whose history, since the 18th century, was marked by the 1755 earthquake and the works of city reconstruction. The monumental Praça do Comércio and the Lisbon Cathedral are, among many other monuments, the main highlights of the parish.
Currently, a sparsely residential parish with its neighborhoods: Alfama, Castelo, São Nicolau and Rossio.

Santa Maria Maior, whose area is 3.01 km², currently has a population density of 3,339 inhab. by km², thus being a sparsely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, was due to the merger of 12 of the smaller parishes Centro Histórico de Lisboa.

Find out more: Parish of Santa Maria Maior


• 24. Misericórdia (9,645 inhab., INE, 2021): the parish with the smallest population. Misericórdia is located in the central area of Lisbon, in the Historic Center, whose history, since the eighteenth century, was marked by the construction works of the monumental Aqueduct of Águas Livres which is the main highlight of the parish. residential parish with with four neighborhoods: Bairro Alto, Chiado, Baixa de Lisboa and Cais do Sodré.

Misericórdia, whose area is 2.19 km², currently has a population density of 4,410 hab. by km², thus being a sparsely populated parish in the city of Lisbon. Its creation, in 2012, it was due to the merger of the parishes of Encarnação, Santa Catarina, Mercês and São Paulo.

Find out more: Misericórdia Parish

Live in Lisbon

In recent years Lisbon has been attracting more and more people, especially Brazilians, interested to live in the city. This phenomenon tends to increase the prices of rents and houses for sale.
For many, finding an apartment to rent for 500 € it already becomes difficult. Therefore, the option is search in the municipalities of Greater Lisbon, or even beyond this area on the outskirts of the city.

Learn more: Lisbon's Neighborhoods

Outskirts of Lisbon

Make the most of your stay in Lisbon and discover unmissable places around the Portuguese capital. From Fatima to Oeiras, passing through Cascais, Caldas da Rainha or Sintra, there are many destinations from which you will keep memories of good times.
Learn more: Greater Lisbon