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
The monumental Praça do Comércio, postcard of the Portuguese capital, Historic Center, Lisbon © / Google Earth Pro
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
Historic Center of Lisbon, Lisbon Cathedral © / Images of Portugal
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, Lisbon © / Luh Alves, illustration
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 eat Historic Center, Lisbon © / Internet, illustration
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.
View of Lisbon with the Tagus River in the background © / Images of Portugal
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.
Map of the Historic Center © GEP
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.
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.