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Chiado, Lisbon's Montmartre
News -> September 15, 2019
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Chiado can be described as Lisbon’s Montmartre, the bohemian and elegant Lisboa in its essence. Baixa-Chiado is the downtown of the city, and unveils itself over a hill, with several historical cafes, fashionable boutiques, and notable visitor attractions.
Chiado is a very popular area to go out both during the day and night. It was home to many famous Portuguese artists at the beginning of the twentieth century, so there is a lot you can explore!
What are the top things to do in Chiado?
The cosmopolitan ambiance of Chiado flashes back to the "Belle Époque" when Fernando Pessoa and Eça de Queiroz, famous Portuguese writers, used to get inspiration at the now-historic cafés. Being an important cultural area, Chiado is also home for theaters, bookshops, and major international brands. This part of the city is still not that popular as some other parts of the Lisbon among the tourists, so there you can still feel the "real spirit" of the old town and meet the locals living there. Families, celebrities, tourists, divas, intellectuals or fools: everyone strolls around the most famous neighborhood of Lisbon.
Visit the São Roque Church
Popular for its art and history, São Roque Church is one of the few buildings that survived the 1755 earthquake, practically without a scratch! Inside the whitewashed church and adjoined museum is some of the finest examples of Jesuit art. This church is definitely worth a peek, even if you’re not religious. The interior will make you feel totally immersed into the soul.
Have a “bica” with Fernando Pessoa
Café A Brasileira, one of Europe's best historic cafés, according to The Telegraph, is where the famous poet Fernando Pessoa used to have his morning coffee. You can either order a meal or a coffee and take a seat next to the bronze statue of the poet for a typical picture with this remarkable literary figure. The Cafe Brasileira is one of the oldest and most famous cafes in Lisbon and is the original home of the Bica - a very strong espresso. The Cafe Brasileira historically attracted intellectuals, poets and writers who would debate the issues of the era in the smoke laced cafe.
As you go down the Garret street, full of stores and boutiques, you will enter Armazéns do Chiado, a small, quirky shopping gallery right in the center of Lisbon that is a reference in shopping in the city, full of shops for all tastes. You will find locals shopping here, any time of the week! Armazéns do Chiado, as the name implies, is located in Bairro do Chiado and in one of the busiest streets in the center.
If you would like to find out about our properties near Armazéns do Chiado, check them out here!
Count the bottles at "By the Wine" restaurant
One of the best places for a wine and a quick bite is this flagship store brand of José Maria da Fonseca, that marries the concepts of a wine bar and a wine store, with all of the company’s products and brands. More than 3200 bottles cover the ceiling, as part of space’s impressive decor! It is a relaxed and cosmopolitan space with a carefully selected gastronomic offer that leaves no one indifferent.
"By The Wine" presents the entire range of José Maria da Fonseca wines, including the famous complete collection of Moscatel de Setúbal.
Santa Justa lift
The Santa Justa Lift has a stunning observation deck and offers dazzling views over Baixa and was inaugurated as one of the city’s public transport systems on 10 July 1902 and was called Elevador do Carmo (Carmo Lift). It is the quickest way to get to the graffiti-slashed streets of Bairro Alto, and like the vintage funiculars that run-in Portugal’s capital, this lift is not only a convenient means of transportation but has also become a popular tourist attraction. The Elevador de Santa Justa stands 45m tall and the structure is built in the same style as the Eiffel tower in Paris. The Elevador de Santa Justa is one of the truly unique tourist attractions of Lisbon.
Convento do Carmo ruins
The ruins of this gothic church Convento do Carmo are evocative reminders of the devastation left by the 1755 earthquake. At the time of the earthquake, it was the largest church in Lisbon, but today the ethereal arches of Carmo Church ake these ruins worth a look. The show “Lisbon Under Stars”, held outside, is a visual arts extravaganza that tells the history of Portugal and the church through technical lights.
If Chiado appears to be a place you would be happy settling down in, then check out some of the best properties available in the area: > Properties in Sale in Chiado
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