Situated mostly in the centre of Lisbon, the historical neighbourhoods are essential destinations for visitors to the Portuguese capital. They call to be explored, for their culture, their history, their architecture, their people or simply for a relaxed stroll. A structural part of the city?s identity, these neighbourhoods offer to those willing to explore them, a true personal map. There are so many possibilities. Don?t let them get away.
The Bairro Alto is one of the most characteristic and attractive neighbourhoods in the city. Typical and popular, the Bairro Alto has many modern features, with clothes boutiques and bars, many, many bars. A place where people meet in an eclectic and multicultural atmosphere - which is one of the best reasons to visit this neighbourhood. It is essential to explore it, to discover all its streets, lanes and alleys. Good restaurants alongside intimate bookshops, where things are always happening, tea rooms next to design shops and the boutiques of some of the most respected Portuguese fashion designers. It is an exciting neighbourhood, full of attractions, that combines daring and sophistication with tradition and antiquity. A walk around the Bairro Alto is an experience that cannot be repeated in any other part of the city.
After the Bairro Alto, walk down to the Chiado, where you will find an even more sophisticated atmosphere. Ameeting point for young people, artists and intellectuals, the Chiado is an area of emblematic cafés, such as ?A Brasileira?, art schools, theatres and of living history. Besides its intrinsic beauty, it is the people that make the Chiado what it is, with their activity and positive atitude.
The Carmo area, next to the Chiado, has some of the most fascinating historical sites in the city, such as the Convent and Church of Carmo, which have maintained their elegance and grandeur. Here you can visit the ruins, but also the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, which houses a collection of pre-historic, Roman, medieval, Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque artefacts.
Largo do Carmo is also emblematic of recent Portuguese history, the site of important events in the 1974 Revolution. Carmo is connected to the Baixa by another key monument in the city, the irresistible Elevador de Santa Justa. From the top of the Elevador there is a very fine view over the Baixa Pombalina. Don?t lose the opportunity to ride the Elevador, the only vertical lift that provides a public service and was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, which explains its unique architectural style.
In the Baixa, the city?s traditional shopping district, you will find dozens of shops and a great area for walks. A personal welcome makes shopping even more enjoyable. Rua Augusta is the main artery of the Baixa Pombalina, leading between Terreiro do Paço (traditionally called Black Horse Square by the English), open to the river and the symbol of power, to the beautiful Praça do Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro V).
Above the Rossio, discover Avenida da Liberdade. A walk along what was, in the 19th century, the city?s ?Public Walk?, where the élites met for their daily promenade. Today, the Avenida is full of expensive shops, for the most cosmopolitan and international shopping in the city.
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