Flavor of Bairro Alto & Chiado: Carmo Convent & Santa Justa Rooftop with Green Wine

For many visitors to Lisbon, nightlife and Bairro Alto go hand in hand, while stylish boutiques and Chiado are a perfect pairing. And while these associations certainly have their place, there is so much more to two of Lisbon’s most popular districts!

On this tour, you’ll explore their cultural, historical, and architectural landscapes with someone who knows their every cobble and every corner. Marvel at the views over Lisbon, admire the architectural aesthetic, sink your teeth into a traditional pastry, sip from a glass of wine, chat with a local artisan or - in other words - experience Bairro Alto and Chiado as they should be experienced!

Your afternoon begins with a view guaranteed to take your breath away. From the Miradoura de Sao Pedro Alcantara, you’ll survey Lisbon’s landscape, and consider the network of neighborhoods nestled within - the perfect way to begin any city tour, right?

From here, you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through Bairro Alto’s charming streets to a local bakery - where you’ll be treated to a pastel de nata favoured by the Portuguese and adored by visitors.

You’ll chat with a local metalsmith, whose family has been in the trade for a staggering 200 years! Learn the history behind the longstanding tradition as you watch skilled workers create lanterns by hand, and bring home more than a mere memory of your visit with a small souvenir (on us!).*

Have you heard of the Livraria Bertrand in Chiado? Opened in 1732, it holds the official title of the world’s oldest bookshop! The store is steeped in history and a must-see among anyone who regularly passes happy hours browsing bookstores.*

Moving on from hammers and books, we turn our attention to an oft-forgotten highlight of the Bairro Alto neighbourhood. Following a leisurely 10-minute stroll, you’ll find yourself at the Church of São Roque, which is comprised of nine chapels all built in the 17th and 18th century, and was one of the first Jesuit churches in the Portuguese world. While the building’s exterior might be deemed relatively unremarkable, only locals to the neighborhood and well-informed insiders will know that the interior of the Church of São Roque hides a truly wondrous feature - 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. Step inside, allow your dedicated guide to introduce you, and leave with a greater appreciation of the Church of São Roque than you anticipated!

With the memory of the Church of São Rogue fresh in your mind, make your way to an awe-inspiring structure in Chiado - the Convento do Carmo. The convent bore the brunt of an earthquake in 1755, and while reconstruction took place in the centuries that followed, it again fell victim to the same natural disaster in the 20th century. While the gothic structure stands without a roof today, it is remarkable in stature, magnificent in appearance, and remains home to awe-inspiring architecture, imposing arches and enticing alcoves. The roofless former convent also boasts a small museum of archaeology - The Carmo Archaeological Museum. In addition to various other captivating exhibits, the museum is famously home to mummies of Peruvian and Egyptian descent.

From the Convento do Carmo, make your way to the iconic Santa Justa Lift where you’ll bypass the crowds at this much-loved viewpoint, and with the help of a lesser-known, local entrance point you’ll gain entrance to its rooftop terrace. Offering beautiful views over Lisbon, the Santa Justa Lift, which was built in 1902, is the perfect perch from which to survey the Portuguese capital.

As the day closes, you’ll make your way to Luis de Camoes Square where you will see the Cafe A Brasileira - one of the oldest, and perhaps best known cafes in the city! A favorite among Portugal’s artists, writers, and poets, Cafe Brasileira is a veritable touchstone in Lisbon’s literary scene and cultural heritage - a fact made all the more poignant by the bronze statue of Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, which sits outside its doors to this very day.

Having explored Lisbon’s cultural, historical and architectural landscape, it’s now time to relax, and end your evening just as a local would - with a variety of wine and snacks. Enjoy three distinct varieties of regional wine, all of which will be accompanied by a platter of local cheese, cured meats and olives. Your guide will talk you through the green - yes that’s right, green! - white, and red wine you will be enjoying, while you linger over your glasses, indulge your taste buds and chat about your 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.