Bairro Alto, a neighborhood laid out in 1513, is a place that truly changes from night to day. In daylight this bohemian district is a sleepy place, hungover from the previous night, with not much going on except for the shops down Rua do Norte. When the sun sets a new life begins, with restaurants opening their doors, and crowds showing up to spend their bar-hopping night. The bars are small, forcing everyone to spill out onto the streets and creating a street party atmosphere. Rua da Atalaia, Rua do Diário de Noticias and Rua da Barroca become filled with caipirinha-sipping crowds, most under 40, but mixing different urban tribes, straight and gay. It's a place inhabited by old ladies and young artsy hipsters, giving it a vibe that is simultaneously old-fashioned and avant-garde, a shabby-chic neighborhood that really needs no name. It's simply the "bairro," the neighborhood where everything happens -- at night. Crossing the street (Calçada do Combro) you step into the small Bica neighborhood, known for its famous funicular. This is another picturesque neighborhood that goes down the hill, together with neighboring Santa Catarina which is known for its lookout terrace.
Top Neighborhood Attractions
1 | MIRADOURO DE SÃO PEDRO DE ALCÂNTARA »
The garden that’s the most romantic viewpoint in Lisbon, looking out to the castle.
2 | PARK »
A bar at the top of a garage, for get-togethers in the afternoon or at night, looking out to 25 de Abril Bridge.
3 | RUA DA BICA DE DUARTE BELO »
The city's most picturesque street and its iconic funicular.
4 | MIRADOURO DE SANTA CATARINA »
A lookout terrace for chilling out at sunset.
GETTING THERE : Metro: Baixa-Chiado Eléctrico (tram) 28 Elevador da Glória MAIN STREETS : Rua da Atalaia Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo Rua da Rosa Rua do Diário de Notícias Rua do Norte PARKING : Calçada do Combro Largo do Camões Praça da Figueira Praça dos Restauradores Rua Almirante Pessanha (Largo do Carmo)