Lisbon is built around seven steep hills, which separate the city into distinct neighborhoods. Each district has its own personality, and the Bairro Alto Hotel is located in the trendy Chiado area. Its design pays homage to Portuguese architecture and style throughout the years, incorporating modern, urban and historic influences. The hotel‘s terrace is one of the most famous in the world, renowned for its sweeping views of Lisbon’s iconic terra cotta rooftops.
Begin the day with a short jaunt up the coast to the Alfama district. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, Alfama is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and historic houses. While originally its residents were mostly sailors and dock workers, nowadays the neighborhood is home to a diverse mix of artisans and is filled with cafes, plazas and unique shops at every turn. Visit the Museu Nacional de Azulejo which specializes in the study and preservation of the intricate tiles and ceramics for which Portugal is known.
In the heart of the Chiado neighborhood, the Bairro de Avillez is a bright, airy space run by famous Portuguese Chef Jose Avillez. Multi-faceted and expansive, the space contains a specialty market as well as several different dining options. The Tavern offers more traditional fare, Pateo is known for its seafood, Beco is for high-end dining and the Pisco Bar serves some of the best cocktails in the city.
Visit the Praça de Comèrcio, or commercial square, on a sunny afternoon when the bright yellow facades contrast beautifully with the surrounding blue skies. Three sides of the square are made up of ornate arches and painted buildings, while the fourth side is open to the adjacent Tagus Estuary. Historically, the square served as the point from which explorers would set sail for foreign excursions. Today, in addition to being visually stunning, the square is an important transportation hub.
