Bairro Alto – is the place to head to once its dark as the whole area comes alive with music and dancing. By day it’s a lovely location to stroll around although there isn’t much going on, however you can marvel at the baroque houses and historic monuments. Nearby are Baixa and Chiado which offer lots of things to do.
Baixa – is bustling and lively as one would expect as it’s the commercial centre. However there is plenty to do here with pedestrianised squares filled with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that specialise in tasty food including seafood. There are museums galore and a must see is The National Museum of Contemporary Art which exhibits Portuguese art from the mid-1800s.
Chiado – if you love books this is where you need to spend a couple of days devouring the superb selection of book shops. Some are old and magical whilst others are brand spanking new. Traditional Lisbon it is, however it’s fast becoming modernised but don’t despair, it will always retain its authentic charm. Shoppers will adore this lovely district, whatever it is they want to buy, they will find it here.
Estrela – the Portuguese Parliament is located in Estrela, a charming residential neighbourhood. The tree-lined streets of Estrela are lined with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, and are popular with both expats and locals. Jardim da Estrela, a 4.6-hectare park modelled after London’s Hyde Park, is another of Lisbon’s most spectacular open spaces.
Liberdade – offers everyone an upmarket lifestyle. Akin to the Champs Elysees, Lisbon’s own Avenida da Liberdade is a dead ringer for the equivalent in Paris. Here the wealthy strut their stuff and go shopping in style at the numerous designer shops. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many cafes in the squares, decorated by stylish fountains and opulent statues. If you are looking for elegant surroundings in every sense of the word, you will find it in abundance in Liberdade.
Lapa – with its tree-lined streets, impressive mansions, and palaces, Lapa is a truly privileged place. Its home to embassies and beautiful gardens, and it’s close to the Alcantara and Santos neighbourhoods. The Tagus River, the Jardim 9 de Abril, and the National Museum of Antique Art are all within walking distance of these charming apartments in Lapa.
Marvila – at the moment, Marvila is one of Lisbon’s most exciting neighbourhoods, with a lot of promise and steady development. With contemporary art galleries, trendy restaurants, and thriving co-working spaces, Marvila and Beato are considered Lisbon’s latest “Brooklyn.”
Principe Real – located north of Bairro Alto and within walking distance of Praca das Flores and Sao Bento, Principe Real is one of Lisbon’s most erudite and fashionable neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood was named after Queen D. Maria II’s son, D. Pedro V, and is known for its beautiful ornamental buildings.