Old and traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon

Lisbon Neighborhoods

Main Neighborhoods of Lisbon

Of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods, especially around the Historic Center of the city, little remains after the Earthquake of 1775. On the eve of this destructive natural catastrophe that devastated the city, for 5 minutes, on November 1st of that year, the city limits were located, from west to east, between "Alcântara and Santa Apolónia, (and) between the River Tagus and a line to the north shortly after Rato and Senhora do Monte" [Lisbon Museum].


Vista do Centro de Lisboa © Images Of Portugal
View of the Center of Lisbon © Images Of Portugal



Neighborhoods in the Historic Center

The Historic Center and its surroundings constitute the oldest urban nucleus in Lisbon. To choose this area is to privilege history and centrality. More details below about the neighborhoods and parishes of this part of the city.


Location of Parishes city limits
Looking at the map of the parishes of the City of Lisbon, the four cardinal points correspond to the following parishes:

• far north: Parish of Santa Clara

• far east (Oriental Lisbon): Marvila and Parque das Nações

• far south: Parish of Misericórdia

• extreme west (Occidental Lisbon): Santa Maria de Belém



Avenidas Novas, Freguesia da Cidade de Lisboa, Estremadura, Centro de Portugal © / Google Earth Pro
Marvila, Parish of the City of Lisbon, Estremadura, Central Portugal © / Google Earth Pro



Old and traditional neighborhoods

From Alcântara to Santa Apolônia, where the important train station of the capital is located, and from the banks of the River Tagus to Largo do Rato (to the west), in Campo de Ourique, and Senhora do Monte, in the Parish of São Vicente, we have the most historic nucleus of the central zone.


Main old and traditional neighborhoods

Alfama: is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, one of the most typical and popular, often visited by tourists, with taverns, small restaurants and fado at night. More: Alfama...


Ajuda: neighborhood and parish (Parish of Ajuda ) located west of the center of Lisbon. Neighborhood and parish with a lot of tranquility, various services and a good network of transport.


Alcântara: neighborhood and parish (Parish of Alcântara ) located west of the center of Lisbon. Neighborhood and parish known for 25 de Abril Bridge, with busy nightlife, various services and good transport network.


Amoreiras: well-known upper-middle-class residential neighborhood in Lisbon. It was in the neighborhood das Amoreiras that the first Shopping Center in Lisbon was built. Even today, Complexo das Amoreiras, or Torres das Amoreiras, as it is also known, is an office and housing complex that characterizes the neighborhood with a touch of modernity in this traditional neighborhood. Relatively expensive neighborhood. It's part of Campo de Ourique Parish.


Areeiro: quiet residential neighborhood, famous for its houses marked by the Art Déco style, and which is part of the Lisbon Center area. A Parish of Areeiro It is well served by transport (Roma-Areeiro metro station) and other services. tree-lined streets, with squares, inhabited by families and students.


Baixa Pombalina: Bairro do Historic Center of Lisbon. Convenience, services and abundant transport make this neighborhood very sought after and one of the most expensive in the Portuguese capital. It is part of Parish of Santa Maria Maior.


Bairro Alto: one of the neighborhoods most popular and lively in Lisbon, located in Freguesia da Misericórdia, one of the most expensive square meters in the Portuguese capital.


Bica: another of Lisbon's most traditional neighborhoods, in Freguesia da Misericórdia, the Bica neighborhood emerged at the end of the 16th century. Bica is located between the Bairro Alto (to the north) and Cais do Sodré (to the south). This picturesque and popular neighborhood it houses the famous Elevador da Bica, which connects the neighborhood to Bairro Alto. The Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, hence the name of the place, is one of the most famous in the neighborhood.


Carmo: neighborhood in the Historic Center of Lisbon, marked by Rua do Carmo, which connects the Rossio to Chiado. Very commercial and busy neighborhood. Belongs to Misericórdia Parish.


Castelo: old and historic neighborhood, formed in the vicinity of Castelo de São Jorge. Historical and touristic place, linked to the founding of the city.


Chiado: also located in Misericórdia Parish, Chiado is one of the neighborhoods with the most expensive subway in Lisbon. Central neighborhood with many amenities.


Graça: another neighborhood with its own life, famous for the Miradouro da Graça and Feira da Ladra flea market, fair of used or antique objects. It is part of Parish of São Vicente.


Madragoa: another popular neighborhood in Lisbon, located on the north bank of the Tagus River, in the Parish of Estrela.


Mouraria: currently one of the most typical neighborhoods in the Portuguese capital, along with Alfama and the Castle. It is situated between the Martim Moniz Square stretching up to the hillside from the São Jorge Castle.


Rato: old neighborhood (17th century), formed around Largo do Rato square, former Brazil Square. The name Rato comes from the nickname given to Luís Gomes de Sá e Menezes.

Find out more: Largo do Rato

Santa Catarina: Lisbon's old quarter, from the end of the 16th century. Currently, with great population concentration, is part of the Misericórdia Parish. Historic Center of the city of Lisbon.


São Vicente: an old neighborhood full of charm, with small streets, this popular neighborhood has characteristics and is located in the central area of Lisbon, Parish of São Vicente.


Lisbon's most modern neighborhoods

Check out the most modern neighborhoods in the city of Lisbon below:

See also: Modern Neighborhoods of Lisbon





Parishes of Lisbon

See also Parishes of the City of Lisbon. The freguesias (parishes) are the administrative divisions of municipalities (municipalities). The Municipality (County) of Lisbon it is divided into 24 parishes.




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