Bairro Alto by day appears tired, run down and graffiti covering the traditional buildings but when the sun sets the area transforms to become the trendiest district of Lisbon. Bairro Alto is best discovered during the late night of the weekend, when the streets are packed with revellers enjoying themselves. Hidden behind the fronts of the buildings are small funky bars, micro underground venues and traditional Fado restaurants where the sound of Fado can be heard wafting out. The English translation of Bairro Alto means High Area and Bairro Alto is truly at the top of Lisbon’s 7 hills, a night in the area will not only result in a sore head but aching legs!

Bairro Alto was also ravaged by the earthquake of 1755 and was rebuilt on a similar grid plan as that of Baixa, and the architecture of Bairro Alto closely resembles Rossio and Baixa, though on a smaller scale. Bairro Alto is to the west of central Baixa and is reached by passing through the theatre district of Chaido. The closest metro station is Baixa-Chiado which thankfully is at the top of the steep hill between Baixa and Chiado.

Elevador de Santa Justa	Igreja do Carmo
Igreja de São Roque	Praca Alegria View Point

The nights in Lisbon start very late with the bars and streets practically empty before 11. The local government had forced a closing time of 2 am on the bars of Bairro Alto to reduce the noise and disturbance to the local residences but this was revoked and the bars are now open until 3am.

During the summer months the party spills out from the small over priced bars into the streets, here Portuguese socialise amidst groups of young tourists. There is always a very good vibe about the area never a hint of aggression, with a very diverse set of revellers as the area is round for its gay and lesbian scene.

 

The drinks prices sometimes are slightly increase for tourists so check before buying. Another very cheap option for those on a very tight budget is to purchase your drinks from the late night shops and just drink them in the street instead of paying twice the price and to stand in the same area. Walking back after a night out to the hotel area of Baixa is easy as it is all down hill. As with all popular tourist areas keep an eye on your bags and wallets, and if offered drugs always decline as will lead to trouble.

Bairro Alto is not the prettiest area to wander during the day as it is blighted by constant graffiti. The substantial buildings which surround the grid layout of the district would be attractive and traditional if only the Lisbon council could limit the constant vandalism. The city has approved a 1.2 million Euro project to improve the area appearance and security, but results wait to be seen.

The Lisbon council during the 90's limited traffic and only allowed residences access, so Bairro Alto is comparatively quiet during the days with only the sound of Old Portuguese voices gossiping. All of the streets of Bairro Alto appear to climb skywards but the buildings are so compact that there are only a couple of view points on the edge of the district.

 

The variety of shops include; art galleries like Zé dos Bois, bookshops like Ler Devagar or arty gift shops like Hold Me. Barrio Alto opens from the narrow streets on to the grand plaza of Praça Luís de Camões. The magnificent Brazilian embassy overlooks the Praça Luís de Camões and is frequented by countless numbers of Brazilians attempting to extend visa and contact loved ones. The route down to the River Tejo from the heights of Barrio Alto follows streets at an almost 45° angle.

Slightly to the west in the district of Bica, a functionary runs the length of Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. This functionary a true hidden gem of Lisbon and the streets which slope down to the rails are some of the prettiest in Lisbon. There is an excellent view point close to the museum of Pharmacy at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in the Bica district, which provides views over the River Tejo and the Abril 25th bridge and has a great open air café perfect for a rest from the stress of sightseeing.

Districts of Lisbon - Alfama - Bairro Alto - Baixa -Belém - Chiado