Chiado Lisbon: Things to Do, Stay, Eat, and More

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, Rua Garrett.

Still, what makes the area popular besides shopping, and how do you reach this charming neighborhood? Let’s find out.

Today, locals come here to shop at international brands and drink coffee. Tourists can choose from a wide selection of accommodations and hotels.

Yet, historically, the district was a hub for writers and intellectuals, especially at the end of the 19th and the start of the 20th century.

Chiado sits right between Bairro Alto and Baixa, making it one of the most central neighborhoods in Lisbon.

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. At the historical La Brasileira, the bronze statue of Fernando Pessoa outside the cafe greets you.

Then there is the statue of the poet Luís de Camões and many theaters, including the Teatro da Trindade, the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, and the São 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, restoring the buildings and now outshining 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 are a 14th-century wooden sculpture of Christ 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 in temporary exhibitions. Ensure to visit the sculpture-filled terrace.

3. Praça Luís de Camões

Praça Luís de Camões is also known as Largo do Camões. The public square separates Bairro Alto and Chiado.

Walk through Camões Square and head to the center to find a bronze statue of the poet Luís de Camões, 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.

Camões Square is a meeting place for locals at night and the main stop for the famous Tram 28 and Tram 24 terminals.

4. Sao Roque Church

The São 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 everyone’s attention as they pass by. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Lisbon. There is also a museum to explore.

5. Carmo Terraces

The terraces were formerly 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.

Tip: If you want to travel to the top of the Santa Justa Elevator, avoid all the queues on Rua da 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 of 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.

If the café is full, which it often is, I have a guide of my favorite cafés in Lisbon if you want to try specialty coffee, for example, or just find a place to relax.

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 after the reconquest took place, but today it is known for the poet Fernando Pessoa, who 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 world’s oldest bookstores, founded by two French brothers in 1732.

You will find the confirmation on the door, along with a certificate from 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 tapas while taking in the panoramic view. Visit during the day and then return at night.

10. Igreja da Encarnação

Of the many churches in Chiado, Igreja da Encarnação is the most beautiful, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.

The church features two sculptures that were previously on the city’s medieval walls and stood on the spot in 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.

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 at 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, the streets are painted with graffiti; around every corner, you see laundry hanging outdoors. To reach Bairro Alto, take Rua da Misericórdia.

Paça Luís de Camões marks the border between Bairro Alto and Chiado. It is where the Carnation Revolution took place.

You can also head to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcántara (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)
• São 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 Camões 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 locals and tourists mix.

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 Sodré 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 Palácio Chiado and Rocco.
• Enjoy traditional Portuguese food at A Taberna da Rua das Flores.
• For pizza, signature dishes, or Portuguese cuisine, find it all at Bairro do Avillez. 
• Enjoy a Michelin-starred experience at Belcanto, Alma, and Epur.
• While international flavors can be found at Boa Bao.

Tip: 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 Camões Apartments in the main square
• Flora Chiado Apartments is on a quiet street
• Chiado Square Apartments are at the heart of it all

Tip: Check out these other hotels 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 Praça Luís de Camões, Chiado is a must-visit destination.

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