Principe Real is one of my favorite areas in Lisbon. Here, you find small yet unique stores and a market every Saturday selling incredible fresh vegetables, food, and specialties.
It is one of the most exclusive but affluent districts, as the once-traditional townhouses are now million-dollar apartments.
Here, you can enjoy fine dining without the hustle and bustle of the other districts. But what is there to see and do, eat, and where can you stay?
More About Principe Real
Principe Real is a charming neighborhood named after a Royal Prince to honor Queen Maria ll’s firstborn. It is north of Bairro Alto and one of Lisbon’s trendiest districts, with restaurants and sophisticated shops.
It used to be known as the gay neighborhood, and a monument honoring the LGBT community is located in the main square, Praca do Principe Real. The monument forms an open closet door with cutouts of male and female figures.
The inscription remembers victims of homophobia intolerance and faces a 150-year-old cypress tree looking like an umbrella.
Here, you find another well-kept secret: a huge water reservoir dating back to 1860. High pillars create a setting for events, and the reservoir is open on weekends for visitors.
Then, in the heart of the district is the Jardim do Principe Real, a formal garden. A standout building facing the park is the Palace Ribeiro da Cunha. Its romantic interior is now divided into restaurants and shops.
You will also find a residential district here. Heading down the hill is the neighborhood called Sao Bento and Praca das Flores. Here, there is also a century-old kiosk serving refreshments and other shops.
Hot Tip🔥: A great way to explore the neighborhood is with the 24 tram route to ride it uphill from the Chiado district and then walk downhill back to Baixa.
Things to Do in Principe Real
1. Convento dos Cardaes
The Convento dos Cardaes is a unique example of baroque architecture before the 1755 earthquake. It survived the disaster.
Behind it is the church, which dates back to 1677 and features an important tile panel created by leading artist Jan van Oort.
2. The Botanical Garden
The Lisbon Botanical Garden is a secret garden on the busiest road behind buildings in the district.
Among the subtropical plants, you labeled exotic plants with an unusual Australian Cycad with its twisting trunks.
The main attraction is the butterfly greenhouse, the only one in Europe you can visit.
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3. Principe Real Jardim Garden
The Jardim do Principe Real is a romantic garden in the main square. Buildings and the exotic Ribeiro da Cunha Palace surround the gardens.
It is one of the oh-so-exotic shopping destinations. The garden’s standouts are the giant cedar tree and the memorial to the victims of homophobia.
You can enjoy refreshments at the kiosk cafe and explore the markets here.
4. Museu Geológico
Explore the extraordinary collection displayed over four halls at the Geological Museum of Portugal.
Over 4000 fossils, minerals, rocks, and unique rare pieces exist. One is even a fossil of the world’s oldest snake, dating back 150 million years.
5. Ribeiro da Cunha Palace
The palace features horseshoe-arch windows, pinnacles, and domes. It looks similar to the buildings in Sintra.
Over the years, it has belonged to a man named José Ribeiro da Cunha and two other families. The inner courtyard surrounds some of the hottest restaurants, boutique shops, and more.
How to Travel to Principe Real
You can walk up the hill from Chiado or Bairro Alto or take tram 24, which departs from Praca Luis de Camoes.
Or take bus 758, which passes through the neighborhood and departs as Cais do Sodre outside the train station.
Then there is the Gloria funicular, which climbs the hill at Restauradores Square, at the edge of Bairro Alto, a few feet away from Principe Real.
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The Views
One of my favorite views is walking down Rua da Escola Politècnica. Here, you see the side streets plunging into Sao Bento.
Some noticeable Lisbon landmarks are the 25 de Abril Bridge, Estrela Basilica, and the Cristo Rei statue that pops into view.
By continuing to walk, you can reach Miradouro de São Pedro de Alc’ntara, one of the best Lisbon viewpoints.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of food, and you can find some of the coolest restaurants in the district:
- Visit Bettina & Niccolo Corallo, the best chocolate shop in Lisbon. Here, you can find single-origin chocolate from the family plantation at Principe Islands and Sao Tome.
- Visit the same group that created the popular seafood restaurant SEA ME at O Prego da Peixera. At most legitimate seafood restaurants in Lisbon, you can enjoy a prego sandwich for dessert.
- For affordable food, head to Frangasqueira Nacional for some piri-piri chicken.
- One of my favorite Mexican restaurants is Coyo Taco to enjoy churros and tacos.
- If you would like to enjoy some upscale dining, visit Tapisco.
- You can also find Pica Pau in Principe Real for traditional Portuguese food and a great Italian restaurant called Leonetta.
Where to Shop in Principe Real
Principe Real has independent shops to enjoy shopping, and I recommend you head to Rua da Escola Politecnica, lined with some fantastic places:
- For Portuguese goods, visit Entre Tanto, Embaixada department store, and 21 pr.
- For antique tiles, head to Solar, which has a fantastic selection.
- Head to Kolovrat79 by the renowned Lidija Kolovrat fashion designer for designed clothes.
- The organic fair in the Principe Real Garden takes place every Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM and sells olive oils, dried fruit, and more.
Where Should You Stay in Principe Real
There are only a few places to stay in the district, but they cater to every budget. For an affordable bed and breakfast, stay at 1869 Príncipe Real. Otherwise, you have Memmo Principe Real, a designer hotel with amazing views.
Wrap-Up: Visiting Principe Real
Visiting Principe Real in Lisbon is a delightful and enriching experience. The charming neighborhood offers a blend of historical sites, beautiful gardens, cultural landmarks, and a diverse culinary scene.
Whether you’re strolling through the Jardim do Principe Real, exploring the Convento dos Cardaes, or indulging in delectable dishes at local eateries, Principe Real invites you to immerse yourself in its unique ambiance and rich heritage.
With its easy accessibility and array of attractions, a visit to Principe Real promises to be a memorable and rewarding part of your Lisbon itinerary.
