Bairro Alto will top your Lisbon sightseeing list when you work on your Lisbon vacation planning. Bairro Alto actually means the upper quarter in Portuguese and it is located in central Lisbon. Apart from some fabulous shopping and entertainment, there are also residential areas here. To enjoy nightlife in Lisbon, the Bairro Alto is where you head. This is where you can enjoy Lisbon’s haunting Fado music. You will find some of the best Fado cafés and this is an experience you must not miss. Bairro alto also features some of the best Lisbon restaurants.
Cosmopolitan In Its Composition
Bairro Alto is where the Ancient Art Museum, São Roque Church and Carmo Church are located – important Lisbon sights. The streets of Bairro Alto are pretty with cobblestone paths on either side of which you will see mellow ancient buildings. A major part of the area survived the 1755 earthquake, so you can appreciate the quality of architecture. Back in the 16th century, it was called the Vila Nova de Andrade as the Andrade family owned it. They sold the land to buyers in various professions. You will also find aristocrats residing here. Much of the working class will be found here, with many newspaper offices as well, with their writers and artists settling here for the beauty of the place and the local gastronomic delights.
Daytime is fairly peaceful in Bairro Alto, but when night falls, the place comes alive. You will find both local and international Lisbon restaurants where you can enjoy some great Lisbon dining. There are many excellent bars, it is common for people of different nationalities, and backgrounds, both young and old, bar hopping in the lovely weather.
The best shopping in Bairro Alto is at Rua do Norte, Rua da Atalaia, and Rua do Diário de Noticias. From here, there is easy access to the garden terrace Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lisbon. Nearby are the famous São Roque and Carmo Church.
Chiado, near Bairro Alto is full of theaters, bookstores, charming outdoor cafes and stylish shops with international brand names and merchandise and it is ranked as no.9 among well-known shopping areas across the globe. The Tavares Rio Restaurant, built in 1784 with its grand décor is worth a visit.
The Principe Real area up the hill has plenty of antique design shops on the Rua Dom Pedro V and Rua da Escola Politecnica. This area is also reputed to be the gay quarter of Lisbon featuring gay bars and clubs.
Estrela is to the west of Bairro Alto and features a beautiful church. From here, you can see the Sao Bento Palace, which is the parliament. You can head for the Ancient Art Museum from here.
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