What to do in Lisbon around Chiado

If you are wondering what to do in Lisbon around Chiado, read on to find out some suggestions. Chiado is a very popular area to go out both during the day and night. It was home to many famous Portuguese artists in the beginning of the twentieth century, so there is a lot you can explore!

It is a very lively neighborhood of Lisbon. Both young and elderly hang out there. And another great thing about Chiado is that it’s not as famous as other parts of Lisbon. So, you will be surrounded by the locals. That is why I’m giving you some suggestions of things to do in Chiado I know you’ll enjoy. I want to make sure you enjoy the area as much as possible! From unique iron structures, churches to awesome clothing stores, Chiado has everything you need to spend an amazing time in the city!

 

Go to the São Carlos Theatre

Sao Carlos Theatre

If you are in Lisbon and visit the area of Chiado, the first thing to do is to visit São Carlos Theatre. It first opened its doors on June, 30th of 1793. This theatre is gorgeous! And it is host to world-known operas and breathtaking performances. If you want to know where to begin your walk through Chiado, I think it is a great place to start. It will follow the cultural dimension of Chiado. Next to São Carlos, you’ll also find the São Luiz Theatre, host to more modern music performances and theatre plays.

Go shopping in the most famous street of Chiado

armazens-do-chiado

The one thing everyone does in Chiado in Lisbon is to go shopping. Rua Garrett is famous for its shops and as you go down the street, you will enter Armazéns do Chiado, a small, quirky mall. While visiting Chiado you can’t help entering one of the many shops and treat yourself to something special. You’ll find locals shopping here any day of the week!

Have a great meal

Chiado meals

One thing you absolutely will love and must do in Chiado in Lisbon is to go for a great meal. From breakfast to a snack or a main meal, you’ll find out that Chiado is a gastronomical heaven.

Visit the historical coffee shop A Brasileira, where the poet Fernando Pessoa used to enjoy himself, or the pastry shop next door which is called Benard for a great chocolate croissant in the main street Rua Garrett. You can also explore nearby streets and have breakfast at Tartine, or a custard tart at Manteigaria. For a proper meal, visit the old brewery Trindade. I’m sure you will be satisfied in any of these places! They are my favorite! I always leave with a full belly and they always put a smile on my face!

Visit the Convento do Carmo

Convento do Carmo

 

Another thing to do in Chiado area in Lisbon is to visit Convento do Carmo. This old gothic convent is an iconic symbol of Lisbon. Destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, it was not rebuilt afterwards and it is a testimony to our history in the Lisbon landscape. It now hosts the archeological Museum of Carmo, amongst other initiatives and a part of it was also turned into a military building for the National Guard. For its history, symbolic importance and its breathtaking beauty, this is one place you’ll love to visit in Chiado!

If you’d like us to guide you through your journey, check out our private tours here.

Relax and enjoy a nice view at Adamastor

Adamastor

If you are in Lisbon visiting Chiado, one thing to do is to discover the viewing points nearby. As you go up from Praça de Camões to Rua do Loreto, you’ll find a great viewing point: Santa Catarina, which is also known as Adamastor. Here, you’ll find a statue of Adamastor, a mythical creature that threaten the ships during the Discoveries, sculpted in reference to Os Lusíadas, a famous poem by Luís Vaz de Camões that narrates the adventures of the Portuguese into the sea. Because Chiado is uphill, this viewpoint overlooks the slope leading to the river Tagus and it is the perfect place to stop for a little while, relax and enjoy the view.

Have a quiet and spiritual moment at São Roque, one of Chiado churches

Sao Roque

Another thing to do in Chiado in Lisbon is to visit the churches nearby. You’ll find plenty of churches to visit and they are all worth the visit, but I’m leaving you with the suggestion of São Roque.

São Roque is one of the few buildings that survived the earthquake of 1755 and it was given to Santa Casa da Misericórdia, which is a non-profit Catholic organization known for its social work. I believe it is an interesting visit as you’ll get to see a building from before 1755. That is something quite rare in Lisbon!

Join the locals at Bairro Alto

Lisbon in One Day

The last suggestion of what to do in Chiado in Lisbon is to go uphill and discover the famous area of Bairro Alto. This area became famous at the beginning of the twentieth century when a lot of newspapers had their headquarters there and so it became a center of politic and cultural affairs.

Nowadays it’s known for its nightlife and you can also enjoy great meals in the local restaurants of Bairro Alto. I can assure you, you will thoroughly enjoy this area. The atmosphere truly translates Lisbon lifestyle and the Portuguese way of thinking, which is to take it easy and enjoy every moment.

Take the Santa Justa Elevator

While in the Chiado neighborhood, you cannot miss the Elevador de Santa Justa. You can easily get to the Convento do Carmo by getting on this elevator on Rua Áurea.

What most travelers don’t know is that you can get on this attraction with your Viva Viagem ticket, the travel pass that allows you to travel the city. On board, it will cost you 5.15 euros for the round trip. But if you got a Viva Viagem ticket, I strongly recommend you to use one of your travels to enjoy the Elevador de Santa Justa.

The view from up there is pretty amazing and since it is one of the highlights of the Chiado area, you definitely should not miss it while in Lisbon!

Enjoy the yummiest vegan meal ever

If you’re visiting the Chiado neighborhood, you have to stop at one of the most amazing restaurants there is in Lisbon! It is the Ao 26 restaurant. This place is 100% vegan!

From starters, main dishes to desserts, you don’t have to worry. Not one of your dishes will contain animal products, but they certainly will be the most delicious ones you’ve tasted!

You absolutely have to try their burgers! My favorite one is the crispy tofu one with onion rings, fried sweet potatoes with vegan mayo. The thought of it makes my mouth water! But they also have vegan versions of Portuguese traditional food.

The place is very cosy and the staff is super friendly! Ao 26 is one of my favorite restaurants ever! Whenever I travel to Lisbon, I absolutely have to have lunch or dinner there!

Have a look at some vintage treasures

Near the Convento do Carmo, you will find an alley called Calçada do Carmo. On this downhill alley, there are several vintage stores. The two I recommend you to check are Ás de Espadas and the Jupiter urban and vintage shop.

In both these stores, you will find unique items. From 70’s shirts, dresses from all era, velvet jackets and pants, to fun sunglasses and unique purses! If you enjoy expressing yourself through your outfits and love to look different from the masses, you need to check these two stores! The prices are affordable, so I’m sure you won’t be leaving empty-handed.

You now know what to do in Lisbon around Chiado! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article! Chiado is very special to me! To be honest, there are countless things to do in Chiado. Only a local will be able to show you the way and take you to the best places in Chiado! Because Chiado is one of Lisbon areas where they rather spend time!

Dive into Chiado’s atmosphere and soak in all its culture and coolness! Whenever I meet friends in Lisbon, Chiado is always the meeting point! So if you want to fully experience Lisbon and understand Portuguese lifestyle, it also should be yours! ;) I hope you’ve enjoyed my article and that it has inspired you. If you need further information about anything, feel free to get in touch with us. We love to share our passion for Lisbon and make sure each traveler enjoys the best of the city!

See you in Lisbon!

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