We came in a little early (before check-in) and was offered to place our baggage in the apartment, while the place was being cleaned. In the mean time, we went out for lunch. The apartment is huge and can easily hold 13 people (we were ten). Overall, we felt welcome and the neighborhood was fine - not that exiting, but close to more crowded streets and areas.

With regards to eating out, we went to a restaurant in Bairro Alto (recommended by our host - can't remeber the name) that we really didn't like... Instead go to the pizzeria called In Bocca al Lupo (3 min away), which was fantastic. Also go to The Decadente, which is just next to a perfect view spot over the city.

If you want to party, we had a good time in Bairro Alto for the street parties as well as around Cais do Sodre. Park (a bar on top of a parking building) and Lux are also worth a visit. We read and heart a lot of bad things about Lux (online reviews), but we didn't experience the things mentioned. We showed up early (1 AM) and well dressed, maybe that is why.