Meeting Point

Carmo square

Rua Garrett and Chiado

We’ll stroll along some of the most important streets of Chiado, exploring how the area became the epicenter of Lisbon’s aristocratic life after the earthquake, as the upper classes increasingly favored the hills. Its architecture reflects this transformation, combining elegant apartments with palacetes, or small urban palaces. Chiado also became home to fashionable shops with French panache and some of the city’s most vibrant cafés. We won’t miss Bertrand, the world’s oldest continuously operating bookstore.

S. Carlos Opera house

We’ll visit the São Carlos Opera House, created at a time when having a national opera house was considered essential for a European capital. Its construction was supported by Lisbon’s financial elite, resulting in a beautiful Neoclassical building in a surprisingly peaceful square. We’ll also pass by the São Luiz Theatre, further exploring Chiado’s role as the cultural heart of the city.

Largo do Chiado

At Largo do Chiado, we’ll step into the heart of Lisbon’s literary and café culture. We’ll visit famous cafés, including A Brasileira, a favorite gathering place for writers, artists, and intellectuals. We’ll also uncover who Chiado was and how he gave the neighborhood its name. No visit would be complete without Fernando Pessoa, whose presence still defines this square, alongside the many artists and intellectuals who left their lasting mark on Portuguese culture.

Largo de Camoes

At Largo de Camões, we’ll reach what was once the limit of the medieval city and explore this important connection between Chiado and Bairro Alto. Here, we’ll also talk about Luís de Camões, Portugal’s most celebrated poet, and his enduring influence on generations of Portuguese writers and poets through his unique voice and his masterpiece, Os Lusíadas.

Bairro Alto

In Bairro Alto, we’ll discover the neighborhood’s bohemian side and how its streets became a meeting point for very different worlds. Remarkably, Bairro Alto survived the 1755 earthquake relatively unscathed, allowing much of its historic character to remain. We’ll explore its connections to artists and the fascinating story of Fado, while uncovering how the neighborhood became a place where aristocrats and lower classes crossed paths, often in search of entertainment, nightlife and a little mischief. If guests wish, we can also visit São Roque Church and discover its remarkable artistic treasures.

S. Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint

At São Pedro de Alcântara, we’ll enjoy one of Lisbon’s most beautiful views, looking across the city towards the Castle Hill. Created in the 19th century, the viewpoint reflects a fascinating new way of experiencing the city: a place where Lisbon could pause, admire itself, and enjoy its own beauty from above.

Principe Real

At Príncipe Real, we’ll visit one of my favorite public gardens in Lisbon, surrounded by elegant palacetes. Created in the 19th century, it is another example of the new gardens, viewpoints and public spaces designed for people to relax, stroll and enjoy the city. Here, we’ll explore how these spaces reflect the social changes and new ways of experiencing urban life that emerged during the 19th century. Still today, Príncipe Real is a favorite place for locals to discover unique shops, sit at a café and simply people-watch.

Ending Point

Principe Real