Bairro Alto

A little about the history of Bairro Alto...

1 - A bit about the history of Bairro Alto...

The history of this famous Lisbon neighborhood, located in the parish of Misericórdia, dates back to 1513. Once known as Vila Nova de Andrade, the current Bairro Alto originated during the reign of King Manuel I, when he authorized the urbanization of the western part of the city, outside the medieval walls.

Its first inhabitants were people linked to maritime activities, in the midst of the Age of Discovery. It was only with the installation of the Jesuit priests and the construction of the church of S.Roque in 1553 that its name was changed to Bairro Alto de S.Roque. 

This was because the establishment of the church played an extremely important role in attracting the nobility, bringing a simultaneously popular and aristocratic atmosphere to the neighborhood - an atmosphere that continues to this day! 
 

Former headquarters of “Diário de Notícias” in Bairro Alto. © TSF - Photo DN Archive

Virtually unscathed by the 1755 earthquake, you can still see the contrast of simple houses built side by side with 17th and 18th century palaces.

When the nobles moved out in the 19th century, the neighborhood became home to many artists who chose this place to live. Bairro Alto thus became associated with nightlife, with the emergence of fado, and with the written press - with practically every newspaper in the country based there.

Today, the cultural, bohemian and artistic atmosphere persists.

a.    Architecture in Bairro Alto

With a history that stretches back 500 years, Bairro Alto boasts a wealth and variety of architecture with a high heritage value.

Throughout its labyrinthine streets, you can find imposing churches, such as the Renaissance church of São Roque and the Baroque and 18th century Igreja das Mercês, palaces and mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries, squares, gardens and viewpoints!
 

© Culture Trip

2 - The parish of Misericórdia in numbers
 

* (Population aged 65 or over / Population under 15) * 100

** Price Report August 2025 Idealista

*** Price Report August 2025 Idealista

 

3 - Why live in Bairro Alto?

In Bairro Alto you'll find yourself in the historic heart of Lisbon, in a place that, having grown up with various influences, is rich in heritage of great cultural and social value. 

In this neighborhood, considered to be Lisbon's nightlife capital, two lifestyles coexist: during the day, in its calm and serene streets, you'll find small stores and restaurants serving typical Portuguese cuisine.

2 - The parish of Misericórdia in numbers
 

* (Population aged 65 or over / Population under 15) * 100

** Price Report December 2024 Idealist 

*** Price Report December 2024 Idealist

 

3 - Why live in Bairro Alto?

In Bairro Alto you'll find yourself in the historic heart of Lisbon, in a place that, having grown up with various influences, is rich in heritage of great cultural and social value. 

In this neighborhood, considered to be Lisbon's nightlife capital, two lifestyles coexist: during the day, in its calm and serene streets, you'll find small stores and restaurants serving typical Portuguese cuisine.

2 - The parish of Misericórdia in numbers
 

* (Population aged 65 or over / Population under 15) * 100

** Price Report August 2025 Idealista

*** Price Report August 2025 Idealista

 

3 - Why live in Bairro Alto?

In Bairro Alto you'll find yourself in the historic heart of Lisbon, in a place that, having grown up with various influences, is rich in heritage of great cultural and social value. 

In this neighborhood, considered to be Lisbon's nightlife capital, two lifestyles coexist: during the day, in its calm and serene streets, you'll find small stores and restaurants serving typical Portuguese cuisine.

Church of São Roque © All About Portugal
Palácio de Santa Catarina, 5-star hotel. Once home to the Count of Verride. © Secil Portugal
Church of Mercês © All About Portugal

At night, the neighborhood's particular bohemian atmosphere comes to the fore and pubs with live music, jazz bars and fado houses open their doors to the public.

Situated side by side with the cosmopolitan Chiado district (500m), close to Rossio (600m) and Cais do Sodré (900m), Bairro Alto enjoys a privileged location. 

You can take the metro from "Baixa-Chiado Station", which has connections to the Green and Blue lines, head to the south bank of the River Tagus via the pier or hop on board the famous streetcar 28. 

As it is located on one of Lisbon's seven hills, two of the Portuguese capital's three elevators arrive here: the Elevador da Glória, which departs from Praça dos Restauradores, and the Elevador da Bica, which goes up from Cais do Sodré. Its position also gives it imposing views over the city and the Tagus River.
 

Streets of Bairro Alto © Flickr - riccardo santi (Original Image)

What to see and do in Bairro Alto?

The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, also known as Miradouro do Bairro, is one of Lisbon's most popular viewpoints. With two kiosks and a terrace, this viewpoint offers a unique view over the oldest part of the city and the Tagus River, making it the ideal place to spend the evening.
Nearby are many of the bars popular with young people.
Opening hours Kiosks: Monday to Friday: 10h00 - 00h00 | Weekends - 10h00 - 2h00

The Elevador da Glória is the best way to get from downtown to the top of Bairro Alto.
Inaugurated in 1885, this elevator travels 275 meters along the Calçada da Glória and passes through some of Lisbon's main streets and tourist attractions, making it an excellent way to get to know the city.
The route ends at the Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara, where you'll find the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Normal ticket price: 3.80 (two trips)
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 7h15 - 23h55  | Friday: 7h15 - 00h25
 

On a steep sidewalk, with the Tagus River as a backdrop, the Elevador da Bica is Lisbon's most photographed funicular!
This picturesque elevator was inaugurated in 1892 and connects Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto.
Although the scenery during the ride is what makes this elevator famous, the route is equally fascinating, passing through some of Lisbon's most traditional streets.
Regular ticket price: 3.80 (two rides)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 7h00 - 21h00  |  Sunday and Bank Holidays: 9h00 - 21h00
 

Located in the center of Bairro Alto, in a former palace, Galeria Zé dos Bois is a multicultural space that promotes artists from the most varied fields.
From the afternoon until the early hours of the morning, the gallery has a program involving performing arts, visual arts and musical interventions.
Check out the schedule of events here: https://zedosbois.org

Photo by ©onthegridcity

Where to eat and drink:

Located on the 6th floor of a parking lot, with a fantastic view over the Portuguese capital, Park is one of Lisbon's most famous bars. The bar has two areas: a terrace and an interior space. Decorated with wooden chairs and tables, the terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset. 
The space is often livened up by DJs.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 16h00 - 2h00 | Friday and Saturday: 14h00 - 2h00 | (Closed on Sundays)
 

©Park

Papo Cheio is a small, family-run restaurant dedicated to Portuguese cuisine.
Situated next to the beautiful church of São Roque, this "hidden house" has been passed on by word of mouth, claiming that this is where you'll find the best and cheapest bitoque in town.
Average price: 15€
Opening hours: 9h00 - 15h00 / 19h00 - 23h00 (Closed on Sundays)
 

©Papo Cheio

Founded in 1947 by the fado singer Lucília do Carmo, O Faia is still a landmark of Lisbon's nightlife.
With daily Fado nights, here you can enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal to the sound of the big names who are a regular presence here.
Average price: 65€
Opening hours: From 7.30pm to 1am (Closed on Sundays)
 

©O Faia

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