Chiado in Lisbon is the elegant district where everyone meets for coffee, shops, or enjoys the best food before heading to Bairro Alto for a night out.
Chiado is squeezed between Bairro Alto at the top, and Cais do Sodre at the bottom.
It is a historical area in Lisbon with many boulevards and the main shopping street in Rua Garrett.
Still, what makes the area popular besides shopping, and how do you reach this charming neighborhood? Let’s find out.
More About Chiado
Today, locals come here to enjoy shopping for international brands and drinking coffee. Tourists can choose from a wide selection of accommodations and hotels.
Yet, back in the day, the district was a hub for writers and intellectuals, especially at the end of the 19th and the start of the 20th century.
Among these characters were Antonio Ribeiro, Chiado, and the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, both of whom were born here.
Still, the neighborhood’s artistic side remains. In the historical La Brasileira, the Fernando Pessoa bronze statue outside the cafe greets you.
Then, there is the statue of the poet Luรญs de Camรตes and many theaters, including the Teatro da Trindade, Teatro Naciรณnal de Sรฃo Carlos, and Sรฃo Luiz Teatro Municipal.
In 1755, Lisbon was hit by a fire, and in 1988, another fire burned out in a store, spreading through Chiado.
The firefighters found it impossible to move through the narrow street, and traces of the fire are still seen on some buildings.
Yet, Chiado started over again, restoring the buildings and now outshines many other neighborhoods in the city.
10. Things to Do and See in Chiado
1. Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent is a remarkable Gothic church that survived the devastating earthquake of 1755, albeit with some damage.
The remains of the convent itself are intriguing, and it currently serves as a museum exhibiting a remarkable collection of art and artifacts.
Among the exhibits is a wooden sculpture of Christ from the 14th century and a collection of shrunken heads.
Allegedly, devout Christians who visit the Carmo Convent church are entitled to 40 days of indulgence, making it a convenient stop for those in Lisbon.
2. National Museum of Contemporary Art
The National Museum of Contemporary Art took over a convent in 1911 and was renovated in 1994. It then expanded to an adjoining building in 2015.
Yet, there is still not enough space to display the entire collection of Portuguese art.
You find some of the selected pieces on temporary exhibitions. Ensure to visit the sculpture-filled terrace.
3. Praรงa Luรญs de Camรตes
Praรงa Luรญs de Camรตes is also known as Largo do Camรตes. The public square separates Bairro Alto and Chiado.
Walk through Camoes Square and head to the center to find a bronze statue of the poet Luรญs de Camรตes dating back to 1867. The statue is surrounded by eight smaller statues representing other personalities in Portuguese literature.
There are images of mermaids and ships forming the cobblestones around the pedestal with a poem. Walk behind the statue to find a kiosk with refreshments.
Camoes Square is a meeting place at night for locals and also the main stop for the famous Tram 28 stop and Tram 24 terminals.
4. Sao Roque Church
The Sao Roque Church survived the 1755 earthquake. For this reason, the church and residence were given to the Santa Casa da Misericordia charity.
The church, dating back to the 16th century, catches the attention of everyone passing by. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Lisbon. There is also a museum to explore.
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5. Carmo Terraces
The terraces used to be occupied by the police barracks and are part of the Chiado renovation plan. After the 1988 fire, Alvaro Siza Vieira designed them to become recreational spaces. You can view Rossio Square, the terrace behind the Carmo Convent, and the Santa Justa Elevator. Here is an open-air bar.
Hot Tip๐ฅ: If you want to travel to the top of Santa Justa Elevator, avoid all the queues on Rua d Santa Justa and access it from here.
6. A Brasileira
Head to the historical cafe A Brasileira for some bica and be greeted by the statue Fernando Pessoa, prompting you to take a selfie on the poet’s lap. Then, head indoors to order a bica, as the word for coffee was born here.
7. Basilica dos Martires
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs is a Catholic church built after the earthquake on the site of a collapsed 12th-century church.
Here is where the first baptism occurred after the reconquest, but today, it is known for the poet Fernando Pessoa as he was baptized here.
A standout is the beautiful ceiling, painted by Pedro Alexandrino de Carvalho. Here, you also find a magnificent organ dating back to 1780.
8. Bertrand Book Shop
Livraria Bertrand in Chiado is one of the oldest bookstores in the world, founded by two French brothers in 1732.
You will find the confirmation on the door with a certificate from the Guinness World Records.
It is located on Rua Garrett, the main street in Chiado. It has wooden floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with bestsellers and classic books.
9. Topo Chiado
Topo Chiado is more than just a rooftop bar. It is the best place in Chiado for all-day dining. Enjoy brunch or various petiscos while enjoying the panoramic view. Visit during the day and then return at night.
Hot Tip๐ฅ: Also, check out some of the rooftop restaurants in Lisbon for other city views.
10. Igreja da Encarnaรงรฃo
Of the many churches in Chiado, Igreja da Encarnaรงรฃo is the most beautiful, rebuilt after the earthquake in 1755.
The church features two sculptures that were previously on the city’s medieval walls and were standing on the spot during the 17th century.
The interior is covered with marble and has rocaille details, including a sculpture of Our Lady of the Incarnation by the foremost Portuguese sculptor Machado de Castro.
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How to Get to Chiado
You can reach Chiado by walking from Rossio Square along Rua do Carmo. Or you can take the metro to Baixa-Chiado station on the blue and green lines that exit Largo do Chiado. Alternatively, you can take Tram 28, which makes a couple of stops in the district.
Places nearby Chiado
While in the area, you can explore a few nearby places. Bairro Alto is adjacent to the district and has the best fado restaurants.
Here, you find the streets painted with graffiti; around every corner, you see laundry hanging outdoors. To reach Bairro Alto take Rua da Misericordia.
Paรงa Luรญs de Camรตes marks the border between Bairro Alto and Chiado. It is where the Carnation Revolution took place.
You can also head to the Miradouro de Sรฃo Pedro de Alcรกntara (viewpoint) for spectacular views over Baixa and the Tagus River.
Other nearby places are:
- Santa Justa Lift (898 m)
- Rossio Square (941 m)
- Praca do Comercio (1.2 km)
- Sao Jorge Castle (1.4 km)
Where to Shop in Chiado
Chiado is filled with traditional shops like:
- Casa Pereira for some freshly ground coffee with butter cookies
- Vista Alegre for Portuguese porcelain
- Luvaria Ulisses for exquisite gloves made of leather
- Vida Portuguesa for vintage items dating back to the 1930s
- Santini has the best ice cream
- View embroidered household linens at Teresa Alecrim
- Visit By the Wine for the best tapas and Portuguese wine in town
How is The Nightlife in Chiado
While Chiado does not have a lively scene, you can explore the public squares like Camoes or Rossio at night to see the city in a different light.
Or you can head to Bairro Alto to find countless bars and nightclubs. Enjoy the carnival atmosphere as people flock to the streets, where there is always a mix of locals and tourists.
A night out starts in the center of Bairro Alto between Rua da Atalaia and Rua do Norte. Then, progress to Rua da Bica d Duarte Belo and Praca Luis de Camoes. End your evening in Cais do Sodre and Pink Street.
Where to Eat in Chiado
Chiado has many coffee shops, restaurants, and cafes along public streets. Here are some standout places:
- For stunning settings and good food, head to Palรกcio Chiado and Rocco.
- Enjoy traditional Portuguese food at A Taberna da Rua das Flores.
- While Sea Me offers you flavors of the sea prepared in different ways.
- For pizza, signature cuisine, or Portuguese food, find it all in Bairro do Avillez.ย
- Enjoy a Michelin-start experience atย Belcanto, Alma, and Epur.
- While international flavors can be found atย Boa Bao.
Hot Tip๐ฅ: Check out some of the best restaurants in other districts in Lisbon.
Where to Stay in Chiado
From the famous streets of Chiado to the central street, boutique hotels offer the city’s best views. Some great offers are:
- Hotel do Chiado
- Bairro Alto Hotel
- Casa Balthazar
- The Ivens
- Chiado Camรตes Apartments in the main square
- Flora Chiado Apartments is on a quiet street
- Chiado Square Apartments are at the heart of it all
Hot Tip๐ฅ: Check out these other hotels where you can stay in Chiado.
Wrap-Up: Chiado Lisbon
Chiado in Lisbon is a vibrant and historically rich district with a blend of shopping, cultural experiences, and remarkable landmarks.
From the elegant streets to the iconic cafes and museums, there is much to explore and enjoy in this charming neighborhood.
Whether you are sipping coffee at A Brasileira, admiring the Gothic architecture at Carmo Convent, or strolling through the Praรงa Luรญs de Camรตes, Chiado is a must-visit destination.
