The Chiado is famous for its range of antique cafés and bookshops, elegant boutiques, historic theatres and buildings, while the Bairro Alto is the centre of Lisbon’s nightlife, attracting a hipster vibe, mostly on weekends.
With several unmissable attractions (just follow our guide and use the map below), perhaps the biggest attraction of all is the street life. The Chiado and Bairro Alto are popular destinations for visitors and locals who enjoy shopping, theatre, restaurants, bars, history and culture.
1. Convento do Carmo
Convento do Carmo
Evidence of the destruction of the earthquake of 1755, this convent-turned-museum shelters an eclectic collection of archeological treasures. Read More
2. Shopping on Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett
A Brasileira
Wander up and down two of the best shopping streets in Lisbon, Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett. Home to big brands such as Apple, Nespresso, Zara, among others, as well as century-old establishments, shopping in Chiado is exciting and varied. Read More
3. Teatro de São Carlos
Teatro Nacional São Carlos
Lisbon’s opera house is the only Portuguese theatre especially dedicated to opera and ballet performances. Opened in 1793, the building is a National Monument. During the summer months, free outdoor performances, including opera, ballet and classical concerts, take place at the square in front of the theatre. Read More
4. Museu do Chiado
Museu do Chiado
Explore contemporary Portuguese art at the Museu do Chiado, which provides an account of Romanticism, Naturalism, Modernism, Symbolism and other movements in the Portuguese artistic scene. Read More
5. Ascensor da Bica
Ascensor da Bica
Considered Lisbon’s most picturesque funicular, the nineteenth century ascensor climbs one of Lisbon’s steepest hills, crossing the Bica district up to the Calçada do Combro, marking the beginning of the Bairro Alto neighbourhood. Read More
6. Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Statue of the mytical Adamastor at the Miradouro de Santa Catarina
The Miradouro de Santa Catarina offers great views over the river and rooftops of the Lapa and Madragoa neighborhoods. The views stretch as far as the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge and the Cristo Rei. Read More
7. Bairro Alto Nightlife
Top Bars in Bairro Alto
A quiet, residential area during the day, Bairro Alto is abuzz with people at night, mostly on weekends, attracting a hipster vibe. A series of bars, small pubs, and clubs make up Bairro Alto’s nightlife. The Bairro Alto is also a fado stronghold where you can find some of the best fado houses in Lisbon. Read More
8. Igreja de São Roque
Igreja São Roque
The Igreja de São Roque has a Renaissance façade that hides a surprising and exuberant interior of gold, marble and azulejos (hand-painted tile panels). Read More
9. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
View from of the castle from São Pedro de Alcântara
São Pedro de Alcântara is one of the best known viewpoints overlooking the Castelo de São Jorge, as well as the historic districts of Martim Moniz, Mouraria, Baixa and Alfama. Read More
