This shabby-chic yet picturesque district of narrow streets, old buildings and steep hills has two separate personalities; the quiet serene, almost sleepy, daytime district and the hip and happening nighttime party-town. Bairro Alto literally means Upper District. It dates back to the 16th century when Lisbon first outgrew the city's boundary walls. Traditionally the district is the haunt of artists, writers and the dandy folk. Today is home to both the old and the young. During the daylight hours, the Bairro Alto makes a great place to go shopping, especially along the Rua do Norte, Rua da Atalaia, and Rua do Diario de Noticias streets. This is where you'll find a mass of unique and enticing boutiques selling retro clothing, product design and Brazilian imports. Our sister website MADABOUTLISBON.COM will guide you there and introduce you to the best places to see and top things to do. | www.madaboutlisbon.com
TOP ATTRACTIONS OF THE BAIRRO ALTOThis funicular joins the Baixo with the Bairro Alto.
| Praça Luís de Camões
This square marks the boundaries of the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts. It owes its existence to the removal of the ruined Palace of the Marquis of Marialva and Loreto. Standing on his pedestal and formed from bronze in the square's centre is the 16th-century master poet Luis de Camões. This six-metre tall statue was designed by Vitor Bastos. It was sculpted between 1860 and 1867. The tram number 28 stops here. The roads that offshoot the square are where you'll find many great restaurants, eateries and bars and make the Praça Luís de Camões a great place to start a night out. Getting There | 758 | #28
Cantinho LusitanoThis authentic family-owned restaurant has always inspired to produce great food sourced from fresh local ingredients and served within a small yet friendly atmosphere. The diner can sample many of the delicacies as they're served as petiscos, Portugal's version of Tapas, whilst enjoying a glass of wine and great company. The menu alternates with the seasons and new creations. However, you'll always find a good selection of bacalhau dishes, a range of quality cheeses, black pig hams and sausages. Those with a sweet tooth are also well catered for, their lemon pie is to die for. As with many of the Bairro Alto's restaurants seating is restricted. It's advisable then to book using the contact details below or to pop your head in if passing.
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Restaurante as SalgadeirasThis wonderful treasure is a refurbished bakery and they're maintained much of the decor from that time. The stonework, arches, a large oven which is now a wine bar and soft lighting make for a cosy and intimate experience. Located in the street which bears its name this restaurant curiously serves rustic delights from opposite ends of Portugal, both from the Minho and the Alentejo. The large number of locals who frequent this restaurant to me is a stamp of approval.
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Lisboa a NoiteA foodie's delight. And if you're partial to fish you're doubly lucky. Lisboa a Noite champions a new take on Portuguese classic dishes. Located in the former stables of the Palácio dos Condes the restaurant still maintains an ancient well and the original Pombaline arches. The chef is a master of his art, the freshest seafood imaginable is cooked to perfection. If you don't fancy fare from the sea there are plenty of terrestrial dishes available of equally great quality. The choice of Portuguese wines here are of comparable merit and the choice desserts wheeled to your table are far too tempting to refuse.
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9 Hotel Mercy ★ ★ ★ ★8.8/10 Excellent (1,001 verified customer reviews) Contemporary, Cosmopolitan, Charming, Comfortable… four C's and four stars. This modern hotel is situated between the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts with spacious themed rooms overlooking the Baixa district and the São Jorge castle beyond. On the fifth floor, there's are larger rooms with 360º panoramic views.
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Pensão Londres8.4/10 Very Good (32 verified customer reviews) This guest house boasts excellent views perched on its advantage point overlooking the city. Ideal for those looking for a budget option whilst staying in the heart of the Bairro Alto, yet who are not prepared to slum it. All rooms are perfectly clean and comfortable and come with en-suite bathrooms. Added facilities include free WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning and inclusive breakfast. |
Casa do Jasmim by Shiadu ★ ★ ★9.4/10 Exceptional (145 verified customer reviews) Situated in the Misericordia district of Lisbon, Casa do Jasmim by Shiadu is at a short distance from attractions such as the Bairro Alto and Liberty Avenue. The property is close to other popular areas like Chiado and Rossio. The rooms in the guest house are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Rooms include Free WiFi and a private bathroom with a shower. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property. |
Nocturnal Bairro Alto… or just Bairro is a different beast altogether. Within the narrow streets, the small bars and restaurants which are so easily missed during the day come to life. The small bars can't accommodate many people so the people spill out into the streets creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Throughout the week and on weekends, people of all ages, from all backgrounds and lifestyles go bar-hopping through the cobbled streets. Notably in the Rua da Atalaia, Rua do Diário de Noticias and Rua da Barroca. The smell of food is everywhere generated by the many traditional and international restaurants. This truly is a vibrant and happening place after dark. | See More [ ► ]
| Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo
Descending down from the Bairro Alto is the charming Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo and the Bico neighbourhood. Lined by pastel-coloured buildings, views of the river Tejo (Tagus) in the distance, hanging lanterns and the old Elevador da Bica, that chugs its way up and down. The Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo has become one of the most photographed streets in Lisbon.
Similar in design to the Glória Funicular yet at 245 metres (804 ft) the route is much longer yet less steep. Designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard the Bica funicular first opened on the 28th of June 1892 and climbs the Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo from the Rua São Paulo to the Calçada do Combro/Rua do Loreto. In 2002 it was designated a National Monument.
Only 10km (6mi) south of Lisbon Portela Airport Website 
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From the airport the Bairro Alto is a 25 minute drive southward down the Avenida da República. Take the A1 from the north, A12 from the east, the IP7 from the south and the A36 from the west.
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Urban trains services (comboios urbanos) from Cais do Sodre downhill towards the river of the Bairro go along the coast towards Cascais: |
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The Bairro Alto doesn't have a metro station of it's own however the closest stations are at Restauradores, from where you can take the Elevador da Glória up the hill, on the Blue line (Linha Azul) or the Baixa-Chiado station which lies on both blue and green (Verde) lines: Website |
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| Carris bus routes to The Bairro Alto from various areas around the city: Website |
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| • 28E: Praça Martim Moniz - Campo Ourique (Prazeres): Timetable |
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