Best of Bairro Alto & Chiado: Santa Justa Rooftop, Carmo Convent & São Roque Church

Many might think they have a measure of Bairro Alto and Chiado, but until you explore their cultural, historical and architectural landscapes with someone who knows their every characteristic, you’ll never truly know these lively districts!

On this tour, those very characteristics will take centre stage, and whether you’re marvelling at the views over Lisbon, admiring the architectural aesthetic, sinking your teeth into a traditional pastry or chatting with a local artisan, your appreciation will intensify with every step you take over these districts’ cobbled streets.

Your afternoon starts as every afternoon should (but rarely does!)- with a view guaranteed to take your breath away. The views from the Sao Pedro Alcantara viewpoint allows you to consider Lisbon’s landscape, including the São Jorge Castle and the network of neighborhoods nestled within - two of which you’ll be getting particularly acquainted with!

From here, you will enjoy a leisurely walk through Bairro Alto’s charming streets to a local bakery - where you’ll be treated to a Portuguese pastry (known as a pastel de nata), loved by locals and visitors alike.

You’ll then chat with a local metal artisan, whose family has been in the trade for more than seven generations! Learn the history behind the tradition, marvel as skilled artisans create lanterns by hand, and take home more than just a memory of your visit with a small souvenir on us!*

If you haven’t heard of the Livraria Betrand, you’re in for a treat! A highlight for book lovers, the Livraria Betrand in Chiado holds the official title of the world’s oldest bookshop! Opened in 1732, the store is steeped in history and a must-see among anyone who regularly passes many contented hours browsing bookstores.

Make your way to the Church of São Roque, which is comprised of nine chapels all built in the 17th and 18th century. While its exterior might be deemed relatively unremarkable, only well-informed insiders will know that the interior of the church of São Roque hides a true gem - the Chapel of St. John the Baptist which was commissioned by King John V in 1740. Constructed by hundreds of exceptionally skilled artists and craftsmen, the chapel was - upon its completion - the most expensive and ornate in Europe. With the help of your dedicated guide you will be introduced, no doubt leaving with a greater appreciation of the Church of São Roque than you anticipated!

Few who visit the Convento do Carmo - which happens to be your next port of call - fail to be moved by this spectacular gothic structure which withstood the natural disaster that was Lisbon’s earthquake of 1755. Remarkable in stature and magnificent in appearance despite its destruction, the Convento do Carmo remains home to awe-inspiring architecture, imposing arches and enticing alcoves. The roofless former convent, which is situated in the Chiado district of Lisbon, also boasts a small museum of archaeology - The Carmo Archaeological Museum, which among various other captivating exhibits, is famously home to mummies of Peruvian and Egyptian descent.

If you thought the eagle-eye view you enjoyed at the beginning of the tour would be the only birds-eye view you’d get of the Portuguese capital, we’ve got good news for you! From the Convento do Carmo, you’ll make your way to the iconic Santa Justa Lift. Here you’ll bypass the queues for the much-loved viewpoint and with the help of a lesser-known entrance point, you’ll gain access to its rooftop terrace and enjoy yet another beautiful view of Lisbon before moving onto the final part of your tour!

After meandering the streets of Chiado, your tour ends at the Luis de Camoes Square and the Cafe Brasileira - one of the oldest and perhaps best known cafes in the city! A favorite among Portugal’s writers and poets, Cafe Brasileira is a veritable touchstone in Lisbon’s cultural heritage - a fact which is celebrated with the help of the bronze statue of Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, which sits outside its doors to this very day.

And there you have it; a cultural deep dive into the countless elements that helps to set Bairro Alto and Chiado apart from all the rest!

*Please note that on weekends the artisan shop closes, so we will go INSIDE the Livraria Betrand instead. On weekdays we will walk by the bookstore and you can choose to return later.