Even with its struggling economy evidently weighing down the
Portuguese, Lisbon radiates with unpretentious charm, a medley of old
and new aspects, and a bustling social scene. In the shadows of the
modern buildings, and shopping malls located in medieval districts, you
will find glimpses of old Lisbon everywhere; crumbling mansions and
streets, rattling trams, mosaic pavements and elaborate tiles, Gothic
churches, and old-style bars and cafés. Here are the top 5 must-see
neighborhoods to explore in Lisbon.
Belém
Rich in architecture, elaborate gardens, and majestic monuments stemming from the finest Gothic and Renaissance artistry, this western suburb was once the main spot where ships anchored and sailed to overseas expeditions. Be awed by Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a massive monastery complex built in 1460 to provide spiritual comfort to sailors, its carved stonework is a mix of Gothic, and Renaissance style. Approaching the waterfront in this historical neighborhood stands the modern Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) erected in 1960 and which celebrates Portuguese national triumph inspired by 15th and 16th century explorations. Walking by the waterfront, Portugal's national landmark comes into sight, the Belém Tower, nestled in the water. This 16th century four storey edifice is a composite of towers, turrets, and battlements. Be careful, however, as the stairs up the tower are steep and narrow.
Transportation to Belém is very accessible with various city bus routes, a rail station, and even with the one of the city's oldest means of public transport, the tram.
Baixa
The downtown commercial district of Baixa was rebuilt and entirely changed following the 1755 earthquake to make for a grid of ordered streets easily accessible by an excellent underground subway system. Old-fashioned boutiques and modern international chains line the streets along with busy cafes and restaurants. I can gladly say that my time in this area was mainly spent on shopping, eating traditional Portuguese pastries with coffee, and walking leisurely. Some of the best gift finds and souvenirs are purchased here. The pedestrian-only street called Rua Augusta connects to Rossio square and the riverside Praça do Comércio boasting a scenic open space of the waterfront.
Chiado
A thriving square of aesthetic proportion, Chiado is known to have been basked in the presence of 19th century artists, poets, and writers. A 1988 fire damaged much of the area's historical buildings, the reconstruction of the district kept true to the original structures. Today, Chiado charms visitors with its luxury shops, fine old cafés, and beautifully restored facades, maintaining its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. I visited Chiado on my first day in Lisbon and shared coffee and pastries with my two friends who have Portuguese backgrounds. It was then that I witnessed the first of several typical quarrels between a tourist and a European: the waiter had shortchanged my friend. Waiters often take the liberty to remove money from your change for their tip without the tourist realizing.
Bairro Alto
I was terribly confused as to how to access this bohemian little neighborhood that stands high above the city until I noticed a tram that provides lifts from Chiado and Baixa districts. Once up there, the streets are cobbled and narrow, but the city view is a stunner! The area is distinctively unique in appearance and lifestyle; the old and narrow sloping roadways, lanes and building walls have a medieval sense, and its residents are young and vibrant. Bairro Alto or Upper Town is considered as one of Lisbon's liveliest and distinctive quarters. I paid a visit to the 16th century Church of São Roque which is nothing special from the outside, but makes quite an impression upon entrance. The interior is lavishly adorned with riches and extravagant pieces of gold, gilt, marble, mosaics and more. I was lucky to find the interior of the church mostly empty which gave me more time to admire the spectacle of wealth.
Alfama
Honestly, I did not explore much of Lisbon's oldest part of the city. Alfama's labyrinth of steep and narrow streets is a challenge on foot. It has shops, restaurants and bars overlooking the city and beautiful churches. My main interest in this area was discovering the castle on the hill. Castelo de São Jorge dates back to the medieval period of Portuguese history. Touring the ancient fortress is actually a peacefull and serene experience as you walk on winding pathways around and inside the open-air castle, encountering shady resting areas and free-ranging peacocks. Transportation to Alfama is by tram (unless you're part of a tour bus) which makes for an interesting ride up the hill.
Happy travels!
Belém
Rich in architecture, elaborate gardens, and majestic monuments stemming from the finest Gothic and Renaissance artistry, this western suburb was once the main spot where ships anchored and sailed to overseas expeditions. Be awed by Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a massive monastery complex built in 1460 to provide spiritual comfort to sailors, its carved stonework is a mix of Gothic, and Renaissance style. Approaching the waterfront in this historical neighborhood stands the modern Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) erected in 1960 and which celebrates Portuguese national triumph inspired by 15th and 16th century explorations. Walking by the waterfront, Portugal's national landmark comes into sight, the Belém Tower, nestled in the water. This 16th century four storey edifice is a composite of towers, turrets, and battlements. Be careful, however, as the stairs up the tower are steep and narrow.
Transportation to Belém is very accessible with various city bus routes, a rail station, and even with the one of the city's oldest means of public transport, the tram.
Baixa
The downtown commercial district of Baixa was rebuilt and entirely changed following the 1755 earthquake to make for a grid of ordered streets easily accessible by an excellent underground subway system. Old-fashioned boutiques and modern international chains line the streets along with busy cafes and restaurants. I can gladly say that my time in this area was mainly spent on shopping, eating traditional Portuguese pastries with coffee, and walking leisurely. Some of the best gift finds and souvenirs are purchased here. The pedestrian-only street called Rua Augusta connects to Rossio square and the riverside Praça do Comércio boasting a scenic open space of the waterfront.
Chiado
A thriving square of aesthetic proportion, Chiado is known to have been basked in the presence of 19th century artists, poets, and writers. A 1988 fire damaged much of the area's historical buildings, the reconstruction of the district kept true to the original structures. Today, Chiado charms visitors with its luxury shops, fine old cafés, and beautifully restored facades, maintaining its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. I visited Chiado on my first day in Lisbon and shared coffee and pastries with my two friends who have Portuguese backgrounds. It was then that I witnessed the first of several typical quarrels between a tourist and a European: the waiter had shortchanged my friend. Waiters often take the liberty to remove money from your change for their tip without the tourist realizing.
Bairro Alto
I was terribly confused as to how to access this bohemian little neighborhood that stands high above the city until I noticed a tram that provides lifts from Chiado and Baixa districts. Once up there, the streets are cobbled and narrow, but the city view is a stunner! The area is distinctively unique in appearance and lifestyle; the old and narrow sloping roadways, lanes and building walls have a medieval sense, and its residents are young and vibrant. Bairro Alto or Upper Town is considered as one of Lisbon's liveliest and distinctive quarters. I paid a visit to the 16th century Church of São Roque which is nothing special from the outside, but makes quite an impression upon entrance. The interior is lavishly adorned with riches and extravagant pieces of gold, gilt, marble, mosaics and more. I was lucky to find the interior of the church mostly empty which gave me more time to admire the spectacle of wealth.
Alfama
Honestly, I did not explore much of Lisbon's oldest part of the city. Alfama's labyrinth of steep and narrow streets is a challenge on foot. It has shops, restaurants and bars overlooking the city and beautiful churches. My main interest in this area was discovering the castle on the hill. Castelo de São Jorge dates back to the medieval period of Portuguese history. Touring the ancient fortress is actually a peacefull and serene experience as you walk on winding pathways around and inside the open-air castle, encountering shady resting areas and free-ranging peacocks. Transportation to Alfama is by tram (unless you're part of a tour bus) which makes for an interesting ride up the hill.
Happy travels!
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