The neighbourhood

The Bairro Alto is a picturesque working class quarter dating from the 16th century that has traditionally been the city's bohemian haunt of artists and writers. Its grid of streets is quiet during the day, but is transformed at night into the city's vibrant nightlife quarter. Behind colorful and graffiti-ridden façades is a variety of excellent traditional and international restaurants, tourist-packed Fado Houses, and a multitude of sleek bars and stylish alternative fashion shops that stay open until late at night. Throughout the week, and especially on weekends you'll find people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles bar-hopping through the cobbled lanes or standing outside with a drink in hand enjoying the city's usual mild nights. The main commercial streets are Rua do Norte, Rua da Atalaia, and Rua do Diário de Noticias, from where it is easy to reach Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (a garden-terrace with a panoramic view over the city), and two of the city's most interesting churches: São Roque with its magnificent baroque interior and the romantic Gothic ruins of Carmo Church.

Neighboring Chiado is an elegant, sophisticated district of theaters, bookshops, old-style cafes, art nouveau jewelry shops and luxurious international names such as Hermes and Cartier.

Principe Real is known for its antique shops and art galleries on Rua Dom Pedro V and Rua da Escola Politecnica, and also for being the city's gay quarter with a number of gay bars and clubs. Around the Principe Real Garden and down to the riverfront, especially in Rua de São Marçal, are attractive 19th century colorful townhouses.
Notes:
Attractions Beach 15 minutes drive or by train
Neighbourhood Beaches Sintra, Arrábida, Cascais
Airport International (15 minutes drive)
Train Yes, Metro Yes, Bus Tramway Yes, Parking near Yes
Suggestions to Visit
ON FOOT: Monuments & Attractive places: Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, S. Bento, Chiado, Pastelaria Brasileira, Rossio, Ruínas do Convento do Carmo, Santa Apolónia station, Restauradores, Praça do Comércio, Elevador da Bica, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara;
BY TRAM: São Jorge Castle, Alfama, Graça, National Panteon, São Vicente de Fora, Jerónimos, Torre de Belém, CCB
BY TRAIN: Costa do Sol Beaches, Cascais
BY CAR: Guincho, Sintra, Costa da Caparica, Arrábida;