Lisbon Blog

Lisbon is a city of high slopes and inclines, characterised by its tremendously rugged profile. Located on a huge hill, it has a special charm which is hard to describe. Right in the middle of the mountain, between Bairro Alto and Baixa, is the most elegant neighbourhoods of all Lisbon, Chiado.

Apart from its elegance, Chiado is noted for its traditional flavour. This area used to abound with Portuguese intellectuals in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The famous Lisbon poet Fernando Pessoa was also born here. As a reminder to the intellectual life in the neighbourhood, there have been numerous statues erected in the honour of Pessoa, and other writers such as Luis de Camões and Eça de Queiroz. Chiado district suffered heavy damage due to an unfortunate fire in 1988 but a few years later it was tastefully rebuilt by the famous Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza Viera.

Over time Chiado has become the most prosperous district of the city thanks to the Rua Garret and its fashionable boutiques, old cafes, bookstores, theatres and luxurious Art Nouveau jewellers. All this makes it one of the most prestigious districts in the world according to a study conducted worldwide. It lists the fashionable Chiado district at an acceptable ninth place after famous places like Fifth Avenue in New York, Oxford Street in London or the Champs Elysees in Paris.

You can find out for yourself why Chiado has such a good reputation: Discover the opulence of the gilded Tavares Rico Restaurant (open since 1784), check out the fine china in the Vista Alegre store, Come to the boutique of Ana Salazar, one of Portugal’s most famous designers, or even have something to eat or drink in the café A Brasileira where Pessoa used to sit and write.

One of the main attractions of the neighbourhood is the Santa Justa Elevador; a lift built by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel himself to avoid climbing the steep slopes of the city streets. Nowadays it is used mainly as a tourist attraction. Located at the junction of Santa Justa and Ruas Aurea, the tower was erected in 1902, is 45 metres in height and connects the Baixa district with the Chiado district. From the top of the elevator there are some beautiful views of the city and on the top floor there is a pleasant cafe.

In Chiado there are also three beautiful churches that you should not miss: the Nossa Senhora de Loreto, the Nossa Senhora de Encarnaçao and the Nossa Senhora dos Martyrs. Strolling through the streets of Serpa Pinto you can see the opera of Lisbon and the neoclassical theatre of São Carlos. We also recommend a visit to the Museo de Chiado for the best in Portuguese art.
Finally, a visit to the ruins of the Convento do Carmo is certainly worth visiting. This is a building that was demolished by an earthquake in 1755 and all that remains are the columns and Gothic arches which are of great archaeological value.
Lisbon hides many other incredible neighbourhoods just waiting to be discovered by you! Why not rent some of the best apartments in Lisbon and enjoy some of the finest things Portugal has to offer.