Lisbon Historic Center

Downtown Lisbon

Lisbon Guide

The Historical Center of Lisbon, the nucleus from which the city was founded (see map at bottom of page), comprises the following parishes: Santa Maria Maior, Misericórdia, São Vicente, Campo de Ourique, Estrela and Penha de França.

Santa Maria Maior

Santa Maria Maior is the focus of Unmissable Lisbon, with the monuments and attractions that mark the visitors. The highlights are the Chiado neighborhood, the Sé (Cathedral), the popular neighborhood of Alfama, the Terreiro do Paço (Commerce Square) and the São Jorge Castle.

Know more about Santa Maria Maior

Misericórdia

In the Misericórdia, the Bairro Alto, the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and the Cais do Sodré, two of the busiest spots of Lisbon nightlife.

Know more about Misericórdia

São Vicente

Finally, in the parish of São Vicente, among other attractions, are located the Santa Apolônia Railway Station, important station for railway connections, and the Pantheon. The Feira da Ladra, the largest popular fair of second-hand and used objects also takes place in this parish (neighborhood) of the city of Lisboa, in the Santa Clara Field. A separate attraction.

Know more about São Vicente

Santa Maria Maior, the Heart of Lisbon

As can be seen, it is in the parish (administrative division of municipalities in Portugal) of Santa Maria Maior where the main attractions and monuments to be visited are located: the Lisbon Cathedral (Lisbon Cathedral), the Rossio, the Elevator Santa Justa, the triumphal arch of Rua Augusta, Terreiro do Paço and the foundation of the city, such as the Castle of São Jorge. Is very more!

Lisbon, City of the Seven Hills

As the legend says, Lisbon is the City of Seven Hills. The city rose surrounded by seven hills: «the seven hills on which Lisbon was based (they are the following): São Jorge, São Vicente, São Roque, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas and Sant'Ana».
Find out more: Lisbon, the City of Seven Hills

Historical Heritage

With the numerous and varied Historical, religious and civil Heritage of the Castelo de São Jorge and its beautiful panoramic view of the city, to Terreiro do Paço, the visitor has several options to discover the beauties from the Historic Center, of Lisbon:

• walking tours;


• visits accompanied by local guides;


• excursions with agencies that propose formulas that include lunch;


• excursions that include mini-cruises on the Tagus River;

What to see in the Historic Center

Depending on the length of your stay in Lisbon, to discover the Historic Center the attractions of Unmissable Lisbon must be visited.

What to do in the Historic Center

For a more complete discovery of the city, in addition to visits to Imperdible Lisbon, the experience of a night in a Fados House should be considered.

Night in the Historic Center

The Historic Center, fortunately, concentrates the best of Lisbon nightlife:

• o Cais do Sodré,

• the Chiado and

• the Bairro Alto.

Where to eat in the Historic Center

Many restaurants, bars and cafes are located in the Historic Center. Some of the most traditional establishments in city are located in the Historic Center, as is the case of Café Nicola, to cite just one example.

• Bars in the Historic Center

• Cafes in the Historic Center

• Restaurants in the Historic Center

Where to stay in the Historic Center

For visitors who have little time, choosing accommodation in the Historic Center seems to be the most convenient option. convenient. There are several hotels of all categories in the region with varying prices.
More: Accommodation in the Historic Center

Center: Fall in resident population

As in other European capitals, the population residing in Centro de Lisboa has been falling over the years. Thus, according to a study carried out for the Parish Councils of Misericórdia, Santa Maria Maior and São Vicente, it is noted that "since the 40s of the twentieth century that the historic center of Lisbon was losing population (where 160 thousand people lived, around 40,000 currently reside)" [Quaternaire Portugal, 2017].

Great offer of tourist products

In contrast, it is in the downtown area that the most relevant tourist attractions are concentrated. Among the numerous and varied attractions of the Historical Center of Lisbon, we highlight the following below.

Shopping in Lisbon

You will also find a very busy trade in the streets of the Historic Center, as well as shops and boutiques international markets, especially in the Chiado neighborhood. Avenida da Liberdade, with its boutiques international griffes, is an address to take note of. More: Shopping in Lisbon

Sports (Sports): golf, surfing and windsurfing

In Lisbon there is structure and sports facilities to practice your favorite sport. of the tours of boat to cycling. Find out more: Sports in Lisbon

Musical events, exhibitions

In the cultural centres, galleries and exhibition halls of the Lisbon Historic Center there are different programs cultural, musical, theatrical activities among other options. View our Selection of Events in Lisbon

Map of the Historic Center

It is in the Lisbon Historic Center that the main tourist attractions are concentrated absolutely, starting with the beautiful Terreiro do Paço.

Gastronomy

For the satisfaction of visitors, a good part of the best gastronomic options are located in the Historic Center from Lisbon. The city's best restaurants are found around this area.
Learn more: Top Restaurants in the Historic Center

Good Hotels, Restaurants and Bars

Traditional hotels, restaurants and bars in the Historic Center make it very easy to visit the main attractions tourist attractions in the city. Think about this when booking your hotel.

Lisbon Night (Fados House)

The best of Lisbon's nightlife is in the Historic Center or close to it, such as Baixa, Cais do Sodré, Chiado and Bairro Alto to name the liveliest.