Bairro Alto & Príncipe Real

The Bairro Alto (Upper District) is Lisbon's double life in pure form. By day, a sleepy residential area with small shops, laundry lines between houses, and cats on windowsills. By night, it explodes: Over 250 bars, clubs, and pubs turn the narrow streets into one big open-air party. The doors of the bars are open, guests stand with their drinks on the street, and the atmosphere is infectious — even if you just wanted to pass through.

The best way to reach Bairro Alto is with the Elevador da Glória (1885), one of Lisbon's three famous funiculars, which rattles up the hill from Praça dos Restauradores in two minutes. Once at the top, you stand at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara — one of the city's most beautiful viewpoints with a direct view of the Castelo de São Jorge and Alfama.

West of Bairro Alto lies Príncipe Real, Lisbon's most elegant and progressive district. Around the square of the same name with its massive cedar (under which a small market takes place), concept stores, organic restaurants, antique shops, and the best brunch spots in the city line up. The district is the center of Lisbon's LGBTQ+ scene and exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of Berlin neighborhoods — only with more sun and better Pastéis de Nata.

In the Jardim Botânico (entrance 3€), hidden behind the university, you will find one of Europe's lushest gardens: subtropical trees, centuries-old palms, cactus collections, and a tranquility you wouldn't expect in the middle of a big city. The garden descends steeply down the hill — from the entrance level to the lower exit, you overcome over 100 meters in height between exotic plants from the former colonies.

Culinarily, Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real are a goldmine. The Cervejaria Ramiro (Avenida Almirante Reis 1H, not directly in the district, but a must) serves the best seafood in the city — the giant prawns in garlic butter (Gambas al Ajillo, from 18€) and the Percebes (goose barnacles, from 35€/portion) are legendary. In Príncipe Real, A Cevicheria (Rua Dom Pedro V 129) delights with Peruvian-Portuguese fusion — the giant octopus hanging from the ceiling is Instagram gold.