Chiado: an itinerary in the heart of Lisbon

Arts and letters in the 19th and 20th centuries, such as Eça de Queiroz or Fernando Pessoa, who frequented this area in a Lisbon of other times and who alluded to it in their works.

Whoever walks through its streets and corners is not indifferent to this historic atmosphere that hovers in the neighborhood, bringing together tourists and locals in a vibrant and cosmopolitan environment where you can feel the bustle of the city and we are faced with so much to see, do and discover. In its sloping and typically Lisbon streets we find emblematic shops, churches and monuments full of history and some of the most important museums and theaters in the capital, such as the São Carlos National Theater or the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Chiado.

On one of the seven hills that Lisbon was blessed with, the viewpoints, restaurants and esplanades are also not to be missed, some with incredible views of the city. Chiado thus asserts itself as one of the main gastronomic spots in the capital where, alongside the centuries-old restaurants that were the center of intellectual and bohemian activity for the greatest figures in Portuguese literary life, modern concepts of varied inspiration gain fame. The offer is vast and diverse, hosting numerous restaurants from some of the most recognized and awarded Portuguese and international chefs where each meal is a unique experience.

Since always an important center of commerce in the Portuguese capital, Chiado is once again in the spotlight as a commercial destination, thanks to its exemplary reconstruction after the fire of 1988 and the revitalization work that it has undergone in recent years. Historic and traditional stores coexist side by side with spaces with innovative concepts or even with the new trends that major national and international brands have brought to this area.

The main arteries, such as Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett, are the ones with the largest number of stores, but commerce has expanded and gained life in adjacent streets, such as Rua Nova do Almada, Rua da Misericórdia, Rua Ivens and Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. These streets are worth a visit, not only for the pleasure of shopping but also to discover all the beautiful corners of one of the oldest and most noble neighborhoods in Lisbon.

Do you know that…

Livraria Bertrand do Chiado (founded in 1732) is recognized by the Guinness Book as the oldest in the world in activity.

The Tavares restaurant, also known as “Tavares Rico” (opened in 1784) is the oldest in the country and the second oldest in the Iberian Peninsula still in operation. It is also recognized as the 10th oldest in the world.

Barbearia Campos (in operation since 1886) is the oldest in Europe still in operation.