If you are looking for the 11 best things to do in Chiado Lisbon, stay put.
Chiado is one of the most exciting and vibrant districts in the city of Lisbon. Geographically, Chiado is centrally located making it an ideal place to base yourself in the city. The Bairro Alto district borders Chiado to the north, the Baixa Pombalina district borders Chiado to the south, and the Tagus River borders Chiado to the east. While the Chiado area is a relatively small district, it is one of the most popular areas of Lisbon.
As someone who has visited the city with my work, I have first-hand researched and vetted each of these in this article. Therefore, in the guide, I have been sure to include a mix of culture, food, history and art in order to get a complete picture of the district.
Overall, out of everywhere we visited, these are the places that are worth visiting. Each one teaches you both the past and the present of this colourful district. Here are the 11 best things to do in Chiado, Lisbon:
The 11 best things to do in Chiado, Lisbon:
1. Visit the Livraria Bertrand Bookstore
Address: R. Garrett 73 75, 1200-203 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm
Phone: +351 21 030 5590
Livraria Bertrand is the oldest operating bookstore in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. It was founded in 1732 by two French brothers, Pedro Faure and Claude Simão, and has been located in the Chiado neighbourhood of Lisbon.
While this may be a traditionally popular spot, it is well worth a visit. As well as a beloved haunt of local book lovers, the bookstore is known for its wide selection of books in Portuguese and other languages. Additionally, as well as its beautiful interior, which features soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and marble columns.
2. Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado
Address: Rua Serpa Pinto, 4 – Rua Capelo 13, 1200-444Lisboa
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6PM
Phone: +351 213432148
The National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado (MNAC) (read our guide to the best museums and galleries in Lisbon, Portugal) also known as the Museu do Chiado, is a museum of contemporary art located in the Chiado neighbourhood. It was founded in 1911 and re-inaugurated, in new installations, in 1994. The MNAC houses a collection of over 40,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints, from the second half of the 19th century to the present day.
What stood out to us was that the collection includes works by some of the most important Portuguese artists of the modern and contemporary periods. Furthermore, some of the standout artists we saw to look out for were Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, António Carneiro, Fernando Pessoa, Almada Negreiros, and Vieira da Silva.
3. Have a Coffee at A Brasileira
Address: R. Garrett 122, 1200-205 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 8 am to 12 am.
Phone: +351 21 346 9541
A Brasileira is a café located at 120 Rua Garrett. As one of the oldest and most famous cafés in Lisbon, it has long been a popular meeting place for artists, writers, and creatives for over a century. The café was founded in 1903 by Adrian Telles, who originally opened it as a shop to import and sell Brazilian coffee.
Thereafter, the café quickly became a popular gathering place for the city’s literati and was frequented by such figures as Fernando Pessoa, Mário de Sá-Carneiro, Almada Negreiros, and Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. Moreover, A Brasileira is known for its traditional Portuguese décor, which includes marble tables, wooden chairs, and stained glass windows and has kept it’s original decor ever since.
4. See a show at Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
Address: R. Serpa Pinto 9, 1200-442 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, between 1 pm and 7 pm.
Phone: +351 21 325 3000
Teatro Nacional de São Carlos is a beautiful theatre which first opened in 1793. The São Carlos National Theatre is a must-visit for any fan of opera or classical music. The theatre was built in the 18th century to replace the Tejo Opera House, which was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Thereafter, it opened in 1793 and has been hosting performances ever since.
Moreover, the theatre hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including opera, ballet, concerts, and recitals. It is also home to the Portuguese Symphonic Orchestra and the Choir of the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos.
The theater is also a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture and is worth visiting, even if you are not interested in seeing a performance.
5. Have A Bite to Eat at Manteigaria
Address: Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 8am to 12am.
Phone: +351 21 347 1492
Manteigaria is a traditional Portuguese bakery that has been in operation since 2014. The Chiado outpost is the main branch located at Rua do Loreto no. 2 in a building that dates back to 1900, with a classic Art Nouveau façade. One thing you can guarantee – it is always busy (often with a line out the door).
Manteigaria pride themselves on a classic recipe for their pastel de nata with a flaky crust which is also buttery, a custard which is rich and creamy. In addition to pastel de nata, Manteigaria Chiado also serves a variety of other Portuguese pastries, such as pastéis de Belém, pastéis de nata de amêndoa, and pastéis de nata de maracujá. Overall, this bakery is somewhat of a classic Lisbon institution and is a great place to enjoy a delicious and authentic pastel de nata.
6. Take a ride on the Santa Justa Lift
Address: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 7am to 10:45pm.
Phone: +351 21 413 8679
The Santa Justa Lift (Portuguese: Elevador de Santa Justa) is a neo-Gothic elevator in Chiado. The lift was built in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a Portuguese-born engineer who was a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. Moreover, the lift connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo, and offers stunning views of the city. The Lift is a also symbol of Lisbon’s resilience. It was one of the few structures that survived the devastating 1755 earthquake and subsequent fire, and its reconstruction marked a period of rebuilding and modernisation for the city.
At the top of the lift, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Lisbon towards the Tagus River and the São Jorge Castle. Additionally, it also provides a quick way to ascend from the lower Baixa district to the higher Bairro Alto neighbourhood. This is especially helpful for those with limited mobility or who want to avoid the steep climb.
7. Visit the National Tile Museum
Address: R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 6pm.
Phone: +351 21 810 0340
The National Tile Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated to the art of azulejo, the traditional Portuguese ceramic tilework. The former Madre de Deus Convent, a beautiful 16th-century building with impressive azulejo decoration, houses the museum.
Overall, the collection spans over eight centuries of azulejo production, from the first Moorish tiles imported to Portugal in the 13th century to the present day. Furthermore, the exhibits trace the evolution of azulejo design and technique, showcasing the wide range of subjects depicted in azulejo over the centuries, from religious scenes to everyday life to landscapes.
8. Dine at Alma
Address: R. Anchieta 15, 1200-224 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12–3:30 pm, 7 pm–12 am
Phone: +351 21 347 0650
Housed in an 18th-century warehouse that once stored books for Bertrand, one of the oldest bookstores in the world, Alma’s ambience is steeped in history. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and soft lighting create an intimate and elegant atmosphere. Alma is helmed by the acclaimed chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, boasting two Michelin stars, a testament to its exceptional cuisine.
On the menu, guests can indulge in a curated “Costa a Costa” (Coast to Coast) tasting menu showcasing the bounty of Portugal’s coastline, or explore the à la carte menu featuring Sá Pessoa’s signature dishes like salted cod with coriander broth and seafood confit with turnip-top puree. Over the years, Alma has impressed renowned food critics and been praised for its innovative cuisine, attentive service, and unforgettable dining experience.
9. Visit the Renowned Bairro do Avillez
Address: R. Nova da Trindade 18, 1200-303 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12:30–3 pm and 6:30–11 pm
Phone: +351 21 583 0290
Bairro do Avillez is a restaurant complex in Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal, owned and operated by Michelin-starred chef José Avillez. It is a collection of five different dining experiences, each with its own unique concept:
- Taberna: A traditional Portuguese tavern serving classic dishes such as bacalhau à brás and arroz de pato.
- Cantinho do Avillez: A fine-dining restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine.
- Mini Bar: A cocktail bar with a focus on experimental drinks.
- Pizzaria Lisboa: A pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas made with seasonal ingredients.
- Pátio: A casual restaurant with a focus on grilled meats and seafood.
10. Take in the Architecture of São Roque Church
Address: Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm.
Phone: +351 21 346 0361
São Roque Church, also known as the Church of Saint Roch, is a Catholic church located in the Chiado district of Lisbon, Portugal. São Roque holds the distinction of being the first Jesuit church in Portugal, built between 1505 and 1573. It is dedicated to Saint Roch, who is known as the patron saint of plague victims. Inside, the church is known for its lavish interior decoration, which is a mix of Baroque and Mannerist styles. The building’s true beauty is revealed only when you step inside, where every detail has been thoughtfully designed everywhere you look.
11. End The Day at ByTheWine
Address: Rua das Flores 41 43, 1200-193 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 7 pm – 12 am, Friday to Sunday 1 pm to 12 am.
Phone: +351 21 342 0319
Nestled in the heart of Lisbon’s charming Chiado district, Bythewine is more than just a wine bar. Inside, floor-to-ceiling wine racks filled with bottles line the arches of the restaurant.
Boasting an exclusive partnership with SOGRAPE, the largest wine producer in Portugal, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of over 80 wine references. From iconic Portuguese brands like Mateus Rosé and Quinta dos Carvalhais to international offerings from SOGRAPE’s wineries in New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and Spain, the list caters to diverse palates and preferences. On the menu, a vibrant selection of tapas takes centre stage, featuring both traditional Portuguese favourites like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and pataniscas de bacalhau (cod fritters) alongside contemporary twists like tuna tostadas and salmon ceviche.
Conclusion: The 11 Best Things to do in Chiado, Lisbon
Overall, in the guide, we have provided you with the 11 best things to do in Chiado, Lisbon. Chiado is the vibrant heart of Lisbon and where both history and modernity meet. From its grand theatres, the Santa Justa lift, and opulent churches to its historical shops and innovative culinary space, there is nothing dull about this vibrant district.
We hope this article has provided you with inspiration for your trip to the city and inspired to you discover just how many unique things you can do in the district. Additionally, if you need any further recommendations or questions before your trip, do not hesitate to get in contact via our contact form.
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