Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto district has emerged as an artists’ haven in Lisbon. A chic Boho neighbourhood, with Fado bars, the traditional live music taverns, as well as trendy restaurants and art galleries are nestled around its steep cobblestone streets.

The district is defined by the two key cablecars: The Elevador da Glória and the Elevador da Bica.  This is a great city central area to go for a stroll, try a Caipirinha cocktail and soak up the atmosphere.

The upper walkways of the Bairro Alto lead to the 14th century Convent. Once the largest church in the city, it was damaged by the earthquake of 1755. Its archaeological museum is the site of the tomb of Dom Fernando I.
Neighbouring Chiado is a lively, youthful neighbourhood, with bars, clubs and extensive shopping. Here find the Museo do Chiado, for Portugal's famous paintings and sculptures.
For relaxation and beautiful scenery, the Parque de São Pedro is not to be missed.  Perfect for a picnic, this is a green area overlooked by the Castelo de São Jorge in the cliffs of Alfama.

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Alfama

Alfama district, with its narrow winding streets and flower-filled balconies, was the only district to survive Lisbon’s 18th century earthquake practically unscathed.
Fishing port heritage and Arabic influences are very apparent here. The area still retains its traditional fishing community, with little houses lining steep streets.

The Castelo de São Jorge sits on Lisbon’s eastern hill.  This ancient palace from the 5th century now hosts a popular promenade, as well as The Museu das Artes Decorativas with 18th century palatial style artefacts.
To the northeast of the district is Santa Engrácia, a domed church in the Baroque style, with panoramic views of the city.   
Feira da Ladra, is Lisbon's flea market, also found in the Alfama neighbourhood, and always draws a crowd to the Campo de Santa Clara.  

Baixa

Baixa, the lower part of town, is the commercial shopping district of Lisbon. This area is busy by day and more tranquil at night.  The streets in Baixa lead to the Praça do Comércio, home to several Official Portuguese monuments and the statue of Dom João I.

Rossio, a square officially titled Praça Dom Pedro IV, is the city's main square. A popular speakeasy area with cafes, restaurants and theatres set in its neo-classical architecture, Rossio is the hub of social life in Lisbon.   The streets around the district are commercially assigned according to trade, meaning shoe-makers, fish mongers etc. each have their own site.
Praça dos Restauradores is worth a visit in Lisbon.  A wide, tree-lined avenue, it is a popular site for traditional city pageants, fairs and festivities.

Santos-Lapa

The Santos and Lapa neighbourhoods run adjacent to each other, along the Rio Tejo, with views towards the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the Monument to Christ, the Cristo Rei, which was contructed post-war in the 1950’s.

Santos is known as Lisbon’s design district, due to its up-and-coming galleries and design stores, mixed among the old neighbourhood buildings.  The area is frequented by Lisbon’s design professionals and art students, who stay for the great selection of jazz bars and boho cafés. 
Every last Thursday of the month in Santos, the district hosts creative showcases, with late opening hours and social events to draw the crowds. 

Lapa is one of the more upmarket districts in Lisbon. A walk on Rua Sacramento or Rua do Caetano towards Estrela, with Lisbon’s most beautiful park and well-kept neighbourhoods, demonstrates the wealth of this area.  Sights to see in Lapos include the convent of Nossa Senhora da Estrela or the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, with a collection of European and Asian art.

Rato-Estrela

The 17th century districts of Rato and Estrela, west of Bairro Alto are now home to diplomatic community and residents.

Find here Portugal’s parliament, previously the Benedictine Mosteiro de São Bento, as well as many foreign embassies and the official residence of Portugal’s Prime Minister.

South in the Estrela district are Lisbon’s stunning gardens, the Guerra Junqueiro, better known as the Jardim da Estrela. These exotic 19th century gardens feature lakes, playgrounds and a café.

Located just beside the gardens of Estrela, is the 18th century Basílica da Estrela, one of Lisbon’s favourite landmarks and further East in the area find the Museu João de Deus, a wonderful Art Nouveau building with interesting artworks.


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Belém

The green Belém district has many spacious gardens, parks and monuments that are well worth a visit, notably the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Belém Cultural Centre, Rua Vieira Portuense and Torre de Belém.
Torre de Belem is linked to Portugal's Golden Age of Discovery; the site where famous navigators set sail to discover the world.

Above Belém now stands the Ajuda Palace, built early to replace the royal palace in Alfama.  This impressive palace can be seen on entering the port of Lisbon.
The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, dating from the 16th century, has tombs of Luís de Camões and navigator Vasco da Gama, an interesting Ship museum and some beautiful rose gardens.

Parque das Nações

This area, which hosted the Expo98 site, now blends housing, unique attractions and the Rio Tejo walkway. 

The Oceanário, one of the largest aquariums in the world, makes for a great family day out in the city.
A waterside cablecar connects the tower and oceanarium, offering excellent views.

Find here also the Atlantico Pavilion, which holds music concerts and sports events.

Cascais

Cascais, just outside of the city, represents the young and international crowd, with a diverse and somewhat sophisticated nightlife.
The Grutus do Poço Velho are a series of prehistoric grotto caves which were discovered in the 19th century, and are situated in the centre of town.
Museu do Mar is a maritime museum of fishing history.  More recently, the town’s glamorous new marina attracts large yachts and boating activity. 
Other attractions in the town include the Praça de Touros, for bullfights, and the Parque Palmela, which frequently hosts open-air concerts.

Sintra

Romantic in character, this town was famously described by Lord Byron as "this glorious Eden".  It is worth a visit for its historical charm.
Strewn across the town’s hillside are several palaces, as well as the ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros, which dates back to the 8th Century.
Alongside many pretty churches, this town has a host of interesting galleries and museums, with a toy museum and several art museums dedicated to the works of Portuguese artists such as Leal de Câmara and Dorita Castel Branco.

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