BAIRRO ALTO - District

"Bairro Alto" is one of the most ancient neighbourhoods of Lisbon, sitting on the western hills surrounding the city. It is a complicated grid of narrow alleys based on four parallel-running avenues, hiking up to the top of the hill. Because of its peculiar topography it is quite easy to lose your way when walking around, but this incident just contributes to amplify its mysterious charm. Despite a surreal calm aura hangs upon it during the day – old people just dwell around to have a chat while the kids are playing football in the streets – the barrio suddenly lights up with life at night.

At sunset, a rainbow of colours makes the azulejos shine with a magnetic light. The smell of the Portoguese, Italian, Spanish and Japanese delicatessen roasting on the grills tickles the noses of the youngsters drifting around looking for the best time of their lives. The nightclubs become adventurous experiences.

The all-year-long pleasant weather encourages the movida: hanging out literally means grabbing a beer, get out of the place and meet new people on the streets, moving from bar to bar. 

Live music pumps out of the speakers every day, with cultural associations offering entertainment on the esplanadas (terraces) and nearby the fantastic Miradouro de São Pedro d'Alcantara. Visiting the Bairro Alto is like a treasure hunt: the gold is hidden everywhere, you just have to look for it.