Lisbon Downtown

Lisbon In Depth
The Downtown Areas

The city centre of Lisbon is split into three distinct areas;   

Bairro Alto & Estrela  Baixa and Avenida  Alfama 

Each has its own character and architecture and its own very special feel.

Bairro Alto & Estrela   

Bairro Alto is one of the prettiest areas of Lisbon, and is situated on a hilltop, giving wonderful views across the city and down to the water.  Translated the name Bairro Alto, means “High Quarter”.  The area dates back to the 16th century, when it was planned and inhabited by the city’s wealthy elite and although it fell into decline during the 19th century, is again a fashionable area of central Lisbon.  Characterised by its cobbled streets and small intimate restaurants and Casa de Fado, the area is Lisbon’s best known nightlife centre.  One part of the Bairro Alto, the Chiado, was almost devastated by fire in 1988 but since the completion of extensive restoration work, is once more a thriving shopping district.  The 1920’s Brasileira Café on Lago do Chiado is very typical of the traditional haunts of the intellectual elite of the city who lived and worked in the district.     

Must sees in the Bairro Alto:   
Sao Roque   
The 16th century church of Sao Roque has a remarkable richly decorated interior and is well worth a visit.  Largo Trindade Coelho.
Museu do Chiado   
This is the national museum of contemporary art and houses an impressive collection organised by period and style. Rua Serpa Pinto 4-6
Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga   
This is Portugal’s national art collection and is impressive not just for its collection but also for the fabulous 17th century palace that houses it.  One of the most important altar pieces in Europe, the Adoration of St Vincent, is on display on the second floor. Rua das Janelas Verdes

Baixa and Avenida   

The areas in the Baixa and Avenida district were constructed following the devastating earthquake of 1755.  Lisbon lay in ruins after this catastrophic event and the Marques de Pombal (whose name adorns Lisbon’s great circle at the top of the Avenida Liberdade) created an entirely new city centre.  The area stretches from the waterfront grandeur of the Praca do Comercio, to Marques de Pombal at the end of the great boulevard, Liberdade.  The Baixa area is that down near the waterfront, and Avenida is the area surrounding the Avenida Liberdade.  Central to both area is the Restuaradores, the busiest part of the city hosting three of its’ most impressive public spaces, the Praca dos Restauradores, the Rossio and the Praca da Figuera.  These tree lined squares are the hub of café society in Lisbon.   

Must sees in Baixa and Avenida:   
Rossio 
This tree lined square with fountains at each end, provides a social focal point for the city.  Surrounded by cafes and pastry shops, the square also houses the National theatre.   
Elavador de Santa Justa 
One of Lisbon’s iconic structures the Elavador de Santa Justa was not built by Alexandre Gustav Eiffel, of the Paris tower fame as is widely believed, but in fact by one of his apprentices, Raoul Mesnier du Ponsrad.  The elevator links the lower and upper levels of this part of the city and delivers passengers to the ruins of the Carmo church.  The elevator was spared from the fire of 1998 by a matter of metres.   
Praca do Comercio 
This splendid open space was the site of the royal palace for 400 years, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755.  The buildings surrounding the square today, were the crowning glory of the Baixa renaissance scheme designed by Pombal.    The magnificent terraces that enclose three sides of the square were converted into government offices after the 1910 revolution (click here for more details of the history of Lisbon).  The fourth side of the square is open to the Tagus and has traditionally been the disembarkation point for royalty and visiting VIPs.  The Praca is home to the Lisbon Welcome Centre, an excellent starting point for information about the city.

Alfama   

The Alfama district is clustered around the slopes leading up to the Castelo de Soa Jorge.  This area of narrow winding streets and bustling city life, is best explored on foot.  Many of the prettiest areas are unable to cope with cars, as the compact houses line steep streets and stairs.  Life here revolves around local grocers and markets and hidden, cave like bars.  An extensive restoration programme is underway in the area so be prepared to negotiate building works.   

Must sees in the Alfama:   
Miradouro de Santa Luzia   
This elegant small park next the pretty church of Santa Luzia, offers one of the best views across the Alfama and out to the Tagus.  The bougainvillea provides welcome shade under which to cool down from walking up the steep streets.   
Musea de Artes Decorativas     
This museum was founded in the 1950’s to showcase and protect the traditions of Portuguese decorative arts.  The collection is housed in an intimate four story building, once home to the founder of the museum and houses an important collection of traditional furniture, textiles and tiles.  Largos das Portas do Sol 2. www.fress.pt   
Se   
This magnificent cathedral was built for the first bishop of Lisbon, the English crusader, Gilbert of Hastings.  The cathedral is a mixture of styles as a result of being damaged by successive earthquakes, and as a result the interior is austere and lacking the embellishments most commonly associated with religious buildings of its age.  The Se is nevertheless an important part of Lisbon’s diverse history and is well worth a visit. Largo do Se   
Castelo de Sao Jorge 
No visit to Lisbon is complete without a walk around this magnificent castle, visible across almost the entire city.  The castle was the residence of the Portuguese kings from 1147, when the city was recaptured from the Moors.  The ramparts were virtually destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 and remained in ruins until Salazar started extensive renovations in 1938.  The castle now contains an area of very pretty cobbled streets, the Santa Cruz, as well as the famous Casa de Leao Restaurant, with a magnificent terrace overlooking the city.