Bairro Alto: bars, panoramic views and secrets

Bairro Alto (Lisbon) is a transformed place during the night...

It looks like just another old quarter in Lisbon: narrow streets, Portuguese pavement, old buildings. But when the sun goes down, Bairro Alto is transformed. Timidly, the doors open and from there bars and more bars come out, there are more than 200! It's impossible to visit every single one of them in one night ... so we give you our favorites!

HOW TO GET THERE?

The easiest way to get to Bairro Alto is by underground to Baixa Chiado, blue and green line. Imagine getting out of the underground, you have climbed a huge staircase that gives access to the exterior. From your right side the statue of Fernando Pessoa, in front of you the street that you cross to reach the Largo de Camões. Crossing to your right is now the Bairro Alto. With little money and only a few hours, which bars to choose? We present you our list of recommendations below.

1. FIÉIS AO BAIRRO ALTO

Going up Bairro Alto from Largo de Camões turn left and enter a little street called Rua da Trombeta. Here you will find the cheapest beer in Bairro Alto: 0.50L to 1EUR! Are not you a beer fan? How about the fiéis mojito at 2.50 EUR?

2. ERASMUS CORNER

Popularised by the Erasmus Student Network, this is one of the most international places in the neighborhood! Here, exchange students and also local students meet. In Erasmus Corner you will find the Apollo bar, Erasmus students' favourite bar! Go inside order a drink and leave your message on the huge chalkboard right next to the toilet.

3. ESTEVES BAR

Very very close to Erasmus Corner there's a little and cozy bar. You go inside, at your right you see jukebox and you admire it for a second - you've only have seen those in movies, you smile. Now you're ready to order and you decide to order to "Erasmus Pack" - which consists of a shot and a half-liter beer or sangria - and you're entire image of the bar changes... What happens when order the Erasmus Pack is a show you can't miss!

4. SÃO PEDRO DE ALCÂNTARA VIEWPOINT

Across the road from the Erasmus Corner, you come across the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint. If you're looking to create a romantic moment, or simply have a break from the hustle and bustle of the places you've been to before, here you will find a viewpoint with a spectacular panoramic view of the city: the castle, the cathedral, the downtown, the new avenues ... all this is visible from this place! Sometimes you also have concerts and fairs here!

5. RUA DA ATALAIA

It is one of the most famous streets in Bairro Alto! Here you will find several bars, including Arroz Doce, which has live music every day and Duplex, which offers a great deal for shots, at 1 EUR and sometimes 6 shots at 5 euros!

6. GALERIA ZÉ DOS BOIS

In Bairro Alto most bars do not have tables, the idea is to order a drink and wander the streets to the next bar. If you are too tired for this, go up to the terrace of the Zé dos Bois Gallery and have a sit. This space also offers exhibitions and cinema sessions on the lower floors.

7. BOTA ALTA

We are more than halfway of this article and we had only talked about drinks so far. What about food? You will find many types of restaurants in Bairro Alto. Since fast food (lots of kebabs) to typical Portuguese food and even some fancy restaurants. We recommend Bota Alta for a complete Portuguese experience: from the decoration to the typical dishes (codfish, anyone?) or if you feel like some international food, what about the modern A Cultura do Hambúrger? Find delicious burgers here - vegetarian options also available.

8. LOUCOS E SONHADORES

Choose Loucos for a drink, popcorn and books in a hipster environment, with a decoration that will leave you admiring the space for several minutes. We recommend this bar specially when its cold and rainny outside.

9. BA WINE BAR

Are you a wine connoisseur? In this bar you have 150 Portuguese wines to taste: white, red, Port wine, moscatel ... And you can buy it by the glass.

10. POP CEREAL CAFÉ

Lastly, a bar dedicated to ... cereal! If you want a great breakfast after a night of drinking, here you will find more than 100 varieties of cereal that you can mix with milk, ice cream, toppings ... the only limit is your imagination!

Last but not least, the question that pops up in our heads because we love Bairro Alto so much: CAN WE SLEEP IN BAIRRO?!

Yes, you can.

No Limit Bairro Alto is located right in Largo de Camões, very well located in the entrance of Bairro Alto (but far enough of the noise of the party). In this hostel you'll find modern and well decorated private rooms and dorms.

If you would like to find other options of accommodation, take a look at our website: