From Estrela to Lapa: tradition and family



With origins dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when they became the favorite residential areas of the Portuguese nobility and high bourgeoisie, the neighborhoods of Estrela and Lapa retain their noble and elegant atmosphere, rooted in tradition, to this day. .

In its quiet, tree-lined streets that descend towards the Tagus, luxurious villas, palaces and mansions that now house embassies (the two areas concentrate the largest number of embassies in the entire city), art galleries and concept stores. In two neighborhoods that continue to be eminently residential, the daily life of families revolves around the extensive Jardim da Estrela, a green haven of serenity and relaxation for the late afternoons, considered one of the most beautiful in Lisbon.

Family life also benefits from the existence of various facilities and services, including schools, supermarkets, neighborhood grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants. In restaurants, traditional spaces are predominant, but there is also room for some Lisbon icons. The classic XL (installed in Calçada da Estrela for over 25 years) was once one of the most popular restaurants in Lisbon, and the Michelin Star LOCO, a project by chef Alexandre Silva with a concept of fine dining and signature cuisine, is now open. since late 2015 at Rua dos Navegantes.

This hill in Lisbon, where the Tagus is always lurking, is also the place chosen to house ateliers and designer stores, where the originality of the design stands out in fashion, jewelery and decoration.

For those who are visiting, in addition to shopping and restaurants, the Basilica da Estrela is a mandatory entry and it is worth going up to the dome to be surprised by a small viewpoint with stunning views of various points of the city. Another landmark in the area is the Lapa Palace Hotel, which in 1992 opened its doors in a luxurious 19th century palace, whose decoration involved the participation of brothers Rafael and Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro. To enjoy the cuisine of its restaurants, you don’t need to check-in.