Bairro Alto

The Basics

No trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to Bairro Alto. Walking tours of the district typically begin in Rossio Square and explain Lisbon’s long and rich history. Discover Lisbon’s oldest areas and buildings, such as the Carmo Convent and the St. Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint, and get a taste for what the city was like a hundred years ago. If you have more time, explore the city by bike, or on a pub crawl or food tour to sample some delicious Portuguese treats and drinks.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bairro Alto is a must-visit for shopaholics, foodies, and all first-time visitors to Lisbon.

• Wear comfortable shoes to walk the area’s steep hills and cobblestoned streets.

• Don’t worry about getting a spot inside a bar, as most of the fun spills out into the streets on most evenings.

• Uneven sidewalks and small establishments make Bairro Alto quite difficult to navigate in a wheelchair or with a stroller.

How to Get There

The Baixa-Chiado metro station and tram 28 land you right in the heart of Bairro Alto. You can also take the Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador de Santa Justa) or Gloria Elevator (Elevador da Glória) up to the district. It is also a short walk from Praça de Comércio and Alfama, if you’re up for a bit of exercise.

When to Get There

The shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are considered to be the best times to explore Lisbon (and Portugal), when temperatures are cooler and crowds are thinner than during peak season (June through August). During summer (June to September), arrive early to Bairro Alto attractions to avoid long lines.

A Mix of Old and New

Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon’s oldest districts, has gotten numerous facelifts throughout the years. The area’s buildings have been rebuilt many times after earthquakes and fires, making Bairro Alto a great place to see a variety of architectural styles. In this bohemian neighborhood, popular among young people and seniors, classic apartment buildings stand beside hipster coffee shops in an interesting display of old and new.

Ways to explore

No trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to Bairro Alto. Walking tours of the bohemian, hilltop district typically begin in Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV), and stop by many of Lisbon’s oldest areas and buildings in the process, including the Carmo Convent (Carmo Archaeological Museum) and the Sao Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint. If the famous hills feel a little steep, tuk-tuk tours make the ascent easier. It’s also worth browsing Bairro Alto’s sceney shops, embarking on a food tour to sample delicious Portuguese treats and drinks, and even experiencing its nightlife on a lively pub crawl.

Accessibility

Owing to its hills and cobblestones, Bairro Alto can be challenging to access. However, some highlights, such as the Sao Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint, are accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, camera, water bottle, umbrella

What to wear

Wear comfortable, lightweight layers for sightseeing, and comfortable shoes with good grip—you’ll need them for those hills.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Shops, restaurants, access to public transit

Address

Bairro Alto is located in central Lisbon—the hilltop neighborhood is part of the city’s old town. It’s easy to get there using public transportation, including the Lisbon Metro, trams, and even funiculars; the mainline Rossio train station is also nearby. Taxis and rideshare services offer another way to get there.

Driving

Owing to traffic restrictions and very limited parking, driving to Bairro Alto is not recommended. If you need to get there by car, use local taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

Take the Metro to Baixa-Chiado, or use either of the Bica or Glória funiculars to ascend to the hilltop neighborhood. Trams and buses also serve the area, as does the Rossio train station.

Best times to visit

Swing by in the daytime or at sunset to scope out local attractions and admire scenic views. Alternatively, plan an evening visit to experience the nightlife.

Best days to visit

Weekends are a particularly good time to experience Bairro Alto—the neighborhood will be at its busiest and liveliest.

Best months to visit

While summer brings heat and crowds to Lisbon, and winter can be damp, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons offer ideal sightseeing conditions.

Special events

June marks one of Lisbon’s festive high points, and Bairro Alto plays host to a number of celebratory events, including the Santos Populares festivities.