Bairro Alto and Chiado are very different places, but when combined they form the perfect symbiosis between the bohemian and the classic. On the upper side, there’s Bairro Alto. A neighbourhood of narrow streets and many secrets, where the night summons crowds of tourists and beyond. On every street we stumble upon a bar, a restaurant or an alternative store, frequented both by those who consider Bairro Alto home and curious wanderers from all over the world who come in search of something different. On the lower end, we have Chiado. An elegant, cosmopolitan area where one can contemplate the hustle and bustle of tourists and Lisbonners, up and down the shopping streets, or the terraces always packed and animated by artists.
In a city where the architecture of several eras coexists with urban art, the history of Lisbon is told through historical buildings and modern artwork a little bit everywhere. If you love art galleries, you must visit Zé dos Bois, Graça Brandão or Salgadeiras. Don’t miss the chance also to discover the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado, a space that promotes Portuguese artistic expression from the 1850’s until today.
For the performing arts lovers, check the most iconic theatres in the city.
If you want to know Lisbon as a true alfacinha (Lisbonner), take a look at Baixa’s traditional grocery stores or surprise yourself with the dynamics of the Lisbon markets.
