Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto
4.5
About
Home to art galleries and a historic monastery (Convento do Carmo), Bairro Alto is one of the busiest districts of Lisbon after dark. Locals and travelers pack its narrow streets to hang out outside the area’s countless bars. Try ginjinha, a local liqueur, as you listen to live fado music. During the day, you can stroll through the neighborhood's narrow streets and check out the quaint boutiques and cafes. To get to Bairro Alto, take the eye-catching Glória Funicular at Liberdade Avenue. It’ll drop you off at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, where you'll get commanding views of the city. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Neighborhood: Bairro Alto, Bica & Cais do Sodré
Enjoy a cocktail, discover a jazz club, hit the dance floor or simply grab a beer and catch up with your friends in the street: Bairro Alto, Bica and Cais do Sodré are the core of it all. Amazing rooftops, restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, museums and theaters abound. Start off by admiring the river from the Santa Catarina belvedere, have a cocktail at PARK's rooftop bar, try a typical Portuguese steak, or the fresh grilled fish, at Príncipe do Calhariz, and later explore the dozens of streets full of bars and clubs! Whether you're visiting for a day or a whole week, make sure you visit Bairro Alto and its surroundings.
How to get there
  • Restauradores • 7 min walk
  • Rossio • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • HappyVacation016
    Burlington, Canada75 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very busy commercial area
    Our hotel was in this area. Very busy. Lots of stores and squares that have subway access. The train station is close by. Also due to the wide avenue, there are demonstrations in this area as well. We witnessed a huge teachers strike.
    Visited February 2023
    Written March 26, 2023
  • Merrowmum
    Guildford, United Kingdom1,284 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just wander around!
    This is a great neighbourhood to wander about to get a feel for atmosphere in Lisbon! We were so impressed by the beautiful architecture of many of the buildings, often covered in the gorgeous local tiles. It’s also a good place to find somewhere to eat/drink or to take photos of historic trams as the no24 runs this way and isn’t as busy as the other lines.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 29, 2023
  • Janet W
    Solihull, United Kingdom109 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic stay
    What an amazing hotel!! The rooms are spacious and stylish, breakfast on the roof terrace was lovely, staff were attentive and sitting there early evening with a restorative drink or two was the perfect way to finish a days sight seeing. Lovely staff, lovely hotel
    Visited April 2023
    Written May 11, 2023
  • jellico1024
    Orlando, Florida80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun and scenic spot
    Took the tram for 3,80 Euros (roundtrip). The driver made change for those without correct change. There were great views for photos and a nice fountain. The streets were quiet on a Monday morning but everything was open. Came across some great antique stores. A very fun way to spend a morning. Take the tram. Seriously, the hills are brutal.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 31, 2023
  • Michael K
    995 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great neighborhood with lots of things to see
    This place is hilly with many things to see, such as Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, Igreja de Sao Roque, the viewdeck at the top of Elevador de Santa Justa, etc. The best way is to take one of two funiculars to the top and walk downhill. One is Ascensor da Gloria near the Restauradores metro station. The other is Elevador da Bica near Rua Sao Paulo.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 19, 2023
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China159,772 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Charming area of Lisbon
    Bairro Alto is a lovely area of Lisbon up on a hillside to the west of Baixa and Avenida. It is charmingly connected to the downtown area by winding streets and quint elavadors and includes several really nice miradouros with sweeping panaromic viewpoints of eastern parts of Lisbon and the Tangus River to the south. There are interesting neighbourhoods like Chiado that are situated at Bairro Alto, loads of small neighbourhood restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Small squares also dot the area with fountains, monuments and kiosks and trees providing shade for those who want to enjoy a rest while spending time in the area. There are nice sightseeing opportunities in the area as well including the impressive Sao Roque church and monastery as well as the ruins of Carmo Church where you also find an interesting archeological museum as well. It is a charming area of the city, worth spending time while visiting the city. We visited on several days at various points of our trip to Lisbon and will gladly do so again the next time around.
    Visited April 2023
    Written July 3, 2023
  • rayraysworld
    Warwick, United Kingdom1,990 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    yeah....it's good
    the area is worth checking out. you will see it anyway of you have an itinerary of things to do. i don't understand many of the photos on here. i thought this was for reviewing the district, not lots of self indulgent people putting pics of themselves on. those pics could be anywhere but whatever.... nice streets some of which are hard work. churches, statues, restaurants, trams, go see it.
    Visited August 2023
    Written August 10, 2023
  • Bartonbears
    Coffs Harbour, Australia1,941 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous place to wander aimlessly.
    This is a fascinating part of Lisbon with its narrow streets, wonderful old buildings, street cafes, and wall art. It's fun just to wander as the mood takes you. We went early and found that many little shops etc didn't open until later in the day. All good fun.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 19, 2023
  • antonio blvs
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    good place to get lost
    a good place to wander, walking around. a loot of pubs, bars and minimarkets. people are friendly and thats a feeling of security, although some streets are empty and silent. be prepared to valleys and uphills
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written August 25, 2023
  • Lori L
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great area to soak up the culture!
    This historical area is a great place to stay in. Around every corner you will find cool shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and buskers. Lots of up and down streets so bring your walking shoes!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Popular mentions

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DeniseReaves
Durham, NC270 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Couples
Most of Lisbon is just a big city covered in graffiti but not this neighborhood. Wandering through the alley ways will take you back in time. This is also where you want to listen to Fado music. There are plenty of restaurants to have a delicious meal while listening to beautiful, heart wrenching Fado music. Some restaurants you will need reservations mostly the inexpensive ones but we were able to wander right in....
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GlobetrotterJ16
Seoul, South Korea2,030 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
A beautiful neighborhood in Lisbon, feels like a time warp to a certain degree, small streets and alleys, very cozy and picturesque. lots of up and downs in terms of hills but absolutely worth it. Also great views of the city.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Naila
Baku, Azerbaijan844 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019 • Friends
Lisbon or Lisboa how it is called by locals, is very authentic place. Its unique atmosphere is very different from the rest of the european cities. One of the ways to admire this uniqueness is to have a slowly stroll around city streets. Bairro Alto is one of such districts near Praca da Commerce.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jandlUk
Chesterfield, UK1,416 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Atmospheric old part of the City reached by a number of funicular carriages or a very steep walk! Great views from overlooks. Lots of small cafes, bars & restaurants. This place comes alive with visitors every evening. We found a live Fado performance to pass a pleasant hour.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Malgorzata
12,113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
Bairro Alto is located right next to Chiado, Principe Real, Estrela and Cais do Sodre. It is an interesting point on the map of visiting the center of Lisbon. The origins of Bairro Alto date back to the 15th century, when it was a district of sailors and merchants, people who wanted to get rich on the geographical discoveries of Portugal. Over time, the district became a place where Lisbon's wealthy citizens and aristocracy would settle. In the 20th century Bairro started to decline, and the 1980s marked the beginning of the era of nightlife in this part of the city, which continues to this day. You can traverse the steep cobbled streets of the artistic Bairro Alto to take a ride on the da Bica funicular, visit the magnificent Church of St. Rocha and enjoy the views from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara garden. Bairro Alto surprises with its atmosphere, calmness, colors and people. Both fans of atmospheric streets as well as good cocktails and colorful drinks will find something for themselves here. Many historic tenement houses are decorated with colorful murals. After dark, however, this district completely changes its face, becoming the center of nightlife in Lisbon. We can find here various types of bars, cafes, pubs, clubs, fado houses, restaurants, snack bars, bars with rock, latino and electro music, places for dancing and quietly enjoying a delicious drink. Original and traditional place, for fans of old and new Lisbon. For fans of tradition and modernity.
Written February 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anik L
Montreal, Canada654 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019
A good place to visit if you want some night life. In fact, we could say that Bairro Alto is the epicenter of the nightlife in Lisbon. If you're looking for a quiet stay, do not get a flat in the area. It can be quite noisy. But that makes a wonderful atmosphere for nightlife lovers. You can find around loads of nice restaurants, cafés and many attractions (Ruins of Convento do Carmo, Elevador da Bica, São Roque church and museum…).
Highly recommended and not to be missed in Lisbon.
Written May 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ali_Royal_2015
906 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Alto is a vibrant maze of narrow roads weaving up and down the hills of the Barrio. In the evening it comes alive with street bars and restaurants, wander around and stop off when you see a place you like. Also a lot of street art to enjoy if you take your time and keep your eyes up and wide open! Be prepared to walk up and down steep hills, those with mobility issues may struggle.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mary s
12 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
This popular neigbourhood has a lot of small houses and streets. Some restaurants have Fado music but the one we went to (tasca do chico) was not so good. The food, basically tapas of a doubtfull quality, wasn't great, the personnell not friendly and they also accepted people just for drinks. Meaning that they had to stand up and took all our sight so that we couldn't see the performers. We preferred the flamenco in Spain.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dpendgracs
Manitoba, Canada202 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
We really loved exploring Lisbon’s Old Town. The architecture and public art forms (old and new) are striking and make you feel like you’re walking through an outdoor art gallery. Public transport is abundant and cabs are reasonably priced, so no excuse in not getting out there to enjoy as much of it as you have time for.
Written February 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erik S
Stockholm, Sweden925 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
This part of the town is really a hot spot with lots of inviting cafés, bars and restaurants. Some of them maybe a bit touristy but still nice. I would say that if you like to feel the sense and atmosphere of a city and its´mix of people this is the place.
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Bairro Alto - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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