Chiado

A neighbourhood for lingering

Chiado rewards a slower walk. Around Rua Garrett, bookshops, cafés and theatres sit between the shopping streets of Baixa and the hills of Bairro Alto. It works equally well as a destination for an afternoon or as a pause between other parts of the city.

Books, coffee and a little theatre

A Brasileira and the statue of Fernando Pessoa are familiar landmarks, while Bertrand gives you a reason to step off the street and browse. Rather than trying to see everything, choose a bookshop, find a café table and leave time for the streets around Largo do Chiado.

Teatro Nacional de São Carlos and Teatro da Trindade are part of the neighbourhood’s cultural life. Check their current programmes before planning an evening around a performance. For a different kind of stop, the Carmo area brings together historic buildings and views towards the lower city.

Make it part of a walk

From Chiado, you can head down towards Baixa and the river, or continue into Bairro Alto. The changes in level are part of the experience: a short line on a map can still mean a climb or steps.

The shops and cafés make this an easy area for a flexible lunch or an afternoon break. Look at the menu before sitting down and choose somewhere that suits the pace of your day.

Arriving and getting around

Baixa-Chiado metro is a useful starting point. Pay attention to the exit you choose, since the station serves different levels of the city. Use the map above to plan your route and consult the transport notes before setting out; don’t depend on a historic lift being in service.