Bairro Alto is a historic district that dates back to the 1500s and has traditionally been the city's bohemian spot for artists and writers.
Its streets are silent during the day but Bairro Alto transforms itself at night, becoming one of the most vibrant nightlife areas in the city. Behind the colorful facades you'll find a variety of traditional and international restaurants, fado houses and a multitude of shops and alternatives that are available until the long hours of the night.
Throughout the week, and especially on weekends, in Bairro Alto you'll find people of all ages, origins and lifestyles, jumping from bar to bar, or just standing outside a bar with a drink on their hands, enjoying the usual mild nights in this area of the city.
The main shopping streets are Rua do Norte, Rua da Atalaia and Rua do Diário de Notícias, from where it is easy to reach the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint (garden terrace with panoramic views over the city), and two of the most interesting churches in the city: São Roque with its magnificent baroque interior and the Gothic ruins of the Igreja do Carmo.
Bairro Alto is an 11-minute walk from the Baixa-Chiado metro station, which connects to the blue and green lines.