We plan to be in Lisbon for a week; renting an apartment (thru AirBnB?). We hope to find one in a nice neighborhood, within walking distance of the train station (for excursions to Sintra, Obidos). We tend to have a relaxing vacation....cooking in our apartment, enjoying the ambience and sights, strolling the city in the evenings, heading out on an excursions, etc.
What might be the best neighborhoods or areas within Lisbon to rent such an apartment/flat/house?
Best regards,

I have 2 words for you: Baixa and Chiado. I know some fodorites rented apartments in those areas, maybe somebody pops up.
Baixa and Chiado have a different atmosphere. Baixa is more old school, "bourgeois" and quiet. Chiado is a former working class area with it's neighborhood Bairro Alto , now full of nightclubs, fado houses and young people.
The areas are contiguous. From metro station Baixa-Chiado you can be in either areas, according to the exit you choose.

I posted a trip report on 5 October 2015 about our stay in an apartment in Lisbon - if you click on my screen name and scroll down the list you can find it.

The area we chose was nice and flat for walking, convenient for tram stops and supermarket, and very central.

We loved Lisbon . . . hope you do too! Di

good information...thanks to all

I will be going to Lisbon Oct. 1 for the third time. I love the city and surrounding areas. Last October we stayed at an Air B and B....I believe it was The Chiado Apartments. The apartment was lovely and because it was on the third floor the street noise was not a problem. We dealt with a woman named Sylvia( I'm not sure if she was the owner or manager) who was friendly and very informative. She was helpful in recommending restaurants and interesting points to see in the Losbon area. Enjoy your stay in this vibrant city.