Guide to the Bairro Alto neighbourhood in Lisbon

Are you going to stay in Portugal? If it is in Lisbon that you have decided to put your suitcases, do not miss the visit of the Bairro Alto district.

Bairro Alto is one of the oldest districts in Lisbon. The many pavers offer a nice charm to the site. Even the cries of the children resonate in this very lively neighborhood. You will also see when visiting Bairro Alto that the population is quite young, with many families. If the place of character has attracted many antiques, it is now a young and trendy neighborhood.

Bairro Alto has almost a bohemian look. The neighbourhood was able to preserve all its traditions, both at the architectural level and at the level of its local life. With a village spirit in the heart of Lisbon, Bairro Alto is dynamic and friendly. Everyone knows each other or almost. During your stay in Lisbon, you will enjoy visiting Bairro Alto.

The Bairro Alto neighborhood in a few words

As interesting as it is pleasant, Bairro Alto is located on the heights of Lisbon. In addition to its many views, enjoy a neighbourhood life, an atmosphere and beautiful discoveries. Built at the end of the 16th century, the site charms visitors with its houses or Bica funicular.

With different shades depending on the time of visit, Bairro Alto does not leave visitors indifferent. The day, the architecture of the buildings attracts, as much as the shops or the terraces.

At night, the Portuguese come out to put the mood. The meals take place in a festive atmosphere. music of the fado Resonates in most traditional restaurants and taverns. If at the beginning of the evening, the neighbourhood seems to be quiet, it is later, around 11 p.m., that the streets are becoming more animated. Tourists and inhabitants find themselves in the trendy and original bars of the neighborhood. Evenings improvise and the party overflows in the street.

What to see and what to do in the Bairro Alto neighborhood in Lisbon?

The district of Bairro Alto invites to the stroll, in its beautiful paved and steep streets. This bohemian district has many centuries old houses, with decorations of urban works of art. The creations and colors blend harmoniously for the greatest pleasure of visitors' eyes.

Do you want to visit Bairro Alto in the heart of Lisbon? Here are some inevitable steps to enjoy your discovery.

The neighborhood's viewers

Visiting Bairro Alto is also taking height. Two viewers offer unique views of the city of Lisbon.

• Miradoudro São Pedro de Alcantara : it is located at the arrival of the Gloria funicular. In addition to a unique 180° view of Lisbon, the site has two gardens of the nineteenth century. The orientation table places the Cathedral of the Se, Castle São JorgeRossio or the Baixa quarter. The site was renovated in 2008.
• Miradouro Santa Catarina : is at the arrival of the Bica funicular. In the evening, many meet on the heights, to contemplate the sunset.

The botanical garden

With a beautiful area of 40 hectares, the botanical garden is on the northern end of the neighborhood.

When visiting Bairro Alto, stop on this beautiful site, right next to the Natural History Museum. Cactus, palm trees, plants and flowers are arranged on fairly symmetrical plots. Continue with the part of the tree, with many subtropical plants. This walk in the heart of nature shows a modest price 2 € the entrance.

The funicular of Bica

Name Elevador da Bica or Ascensor da Bica This funicular is to be seen. This typical tram has been in operation since 1892 and was rebuilt in 1927. It goes back to the da Bica street in Lisbon.

Don’t hesitate to borrow it or at least watch it pass to photograph it.

Praça do Principe Real and its garden

This emblematic square in the Bairro Alto district is often the place of sale of lisboète artisans. Its typical local producers market reflects the atmosphere of the neighbourhood. At the heart of the square, the centennial cedar is the opportunity to find a little shade.

The Church of São Roque

In the heart of the paved alleys of the neighborhood, there is a beautiful church. The São Roque church is worth a visit, especially for its interior. Built in the 16th century, its interior, decorated with gold, shines. If the exterior façade is austere, the main chapel and the eight small multiply the gildings. The paints in trumpet-eye of the ceiling are just as beautiful.

Considered the most beautiful church in the city, São Roque reveals the exuberance of decoration in Portugal. Linked to the church, the museum offers a collection of sacred art from the 16th century to the 17th century.

Tastings of Porto

Solar do Vinho do Porto is located in the Bairro Alto district of Lisbon. If you want to report from Porto on your trip, 300 wines are offered for sale and tasting. Other wines of the Douro region are also on sale.

Guided visits to Bairro Alto

To visit Bairro Alto in a slightly more original and unique way, enjoy a real guide. He'll give you some secrets and anecdotes on the neighborhood. You can choose one of these formulas:

Bairro Alto conté par les locaux

To understand the history of the neighborhood, a guide offers you to go on foot visit Bairro Alto. To discover all the secrets and souls of the interior quarter, count 20€. The district of the city with seven hills is necessarily discovered in another way when a local speaks.

Free visit of Bairro Alto

To let you surprise yourself, you can also opt for a free visit. The principle of these free tour is simple. Just book to enjoy a free visit. Quite often English , free everyone to give what he wishes at the end of the visit.

Bairro Alto discovers himself in tuk-tuk

To change the tram and climb to the viewers more easily, choose the tuk-tuk. There are many in Lisbon. You can easily find it to visit Bairro Alto. It is then without effort that the neighbourhood’s nuggets are discovered.

And if you're in a group, no problem because a tuk-tuk is hosting up to 6 people. To go quickly and pass through narrow streets, this guided tour is perfect. Count 20 € on average to visit a tuk-tuk. For this price, you often overflow in the Chiado or Baixa neighbourhoods.

Guided tour by bus

Go for a guided bus tour. Fans suggest you follow them to experience the discovery experience of the Bairro Alto district. You will also have a beautiful panoramic view.

The history of Porto in Bairro Alto

After a visit to the Bairro Alto district, enjoy good Porto. Fans combine visits and discoveries of their productions. These formulas are very interesting to discover the typical local wine.

A discovery tram 28

For a very local guided tour, favor the famous yellow tram 28. It is not for nothing that the line is chosen as the best tram circuit in the world. She's obviously in the Bairro Alto party area.

After walking around the neighborhood, join Graça or Santa Catarina and its beautiful viewpoint.

Best hotels to stay in the Bairro Alto district

To visit Bairro Alto, you can stay at the Residentas Sao Pedro . Just know that the place is pretty loud at night. The luxury apartments up to 6 people. This is one of the best hotels in the Bairro Alto district. Count 200€ at least at night.

Also discover The Independant Suites & Terrace. Next to the Gloria funicular, the vintage decoration of this hotel is beautiful. The first rooms are from 160€.

For a more affordable hotel in Bairro Alto, think about Pensao London. The double rooms, with common bathroom, are available from 60€. The hotel is clean and excellent location.

The best value for money remains Inn Bairro Alto B & B. The rooms, from 70€ , are large and cozy. In addition to the common dining room, they are fully equipped.

Where to eat in the Bairro Alto district in Lisbon?

Discoveries open appetite. After visiting Bairro Alto, cut off the day at the Autentico tapas bar. Located street Travessa da Portuguesa , he whispered the papillae with his trays charcuterie/cheese. The manager speaks French and will let you discover Portuguese wine.

Another trendy address: the Sea Me. This is where gourmet seafood delights the epicureans. Between cheap palourde, à la carte seafood, sushi, makis and Japanese specialties, you have a choice. Count on average 25€ for each head.

To go for a drink in the evening, go for it Miradouro Santa Pedro de Alcantara . It also offers a magnificent view of the city centre of Lisbon. From the top, the city shines on one side, the São Jorge Castle on the other. From day to night, experience is unique.

How do I get to Bairro Alto?

Lisboa Card allows you to freely visit many tourist sites. Even all transport is thus included in the pass. Depending on the duration of your stay, buy the Lisboa Pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

If you wonder how to visit Bairro Alto, there is nothing simpler. The neighbourhood is located downtown Lisbon. It is therefore very easy to access it on foot . You can also choose to:

• Metro: if you come from outside, the nearest metro station is_Baixa Chiado_
• Tramway: line 28 stops at the Praça de Camoes, just at the entrance of the Bairro Alto district.
• Bica Funicular: If you want to avoid climbs and descents, it will take you for a few euros to Bairro Alto.