Chiado district in Lisbon
The Chiado district in Portugal is located in the hills of central Lisbon. It lies between Bairro Alto and the Tagus River and is surrounded by cobbled streets, lively squares, historic buildings and high-end fashion shops and is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic areas of Lisbon.
Chiado is easily accessible from anywhere in Lisbon, thanks to its central location, a pedestrian zone and numerous metro and tram stations. It is also easy to park in the area, with plenty of underground parking available.
It is a great place for art lovers, with many museums, art galleries and cultural centres. It is also home to many restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as fashion, jewellery and souvenir shops.
The history of the area dates back to the 18ᵉ century, when wealthy Portuguese families began to build prestigious houses and buildings in this area. This historic neighbourhood, which was severely damaged by a fire in 1988, has been carefully restored and has become one of the most famous areas of the city. Over the centuries, the area has had its ups and downs, but it has remained one of the most symbolic areas of Lisbon.
Guided tour of Lisbon
Before learning more about the Chiado district of Lisbon, I have made a selection of the best guided tours of Lisbon in your language if you want to discover the city with an expert who knows the capital like the back of his hand.
These tours are the ones that are most appreciated by the users of this specialised site, they are carried out by guides who speak your language and you can cancel them up to 24 hours before the start of the tour if you want to change your plans for your visit to Lisbon.
Must-sees in Lisbon's Chiado district
If you are looking for a neighbourhood full of history and culture in Lisbon, Chiado is for you. This neighbourhood offers a unique experience for its fascinating architecture, which combines historical styles such as Baroque and Neoclassical with modern elements such as the :
The Basilica of San Roque
- Adress : Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisbon
- Phone number : 21 346 0361
The National Theatre of São Carlos
- Adress : R. Serpa Pinto 9, 1200-442 Lisboa
- Phone number : 21 325 3000
The National Museum of Ancient Art
- Adress : R. das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisboa
- Opening hours : Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, closed on Monday
- Phone number : 21 391 2800
You can also discover historic statues and fountains while strolling the cobbled streets of the neighbourhood. Chiado is also a mecca for theatre lovers, with several theatres offering plays, operas and concerts.
For book lovers, this hidden neighbourhood is also home to some real treasures. If you’re looking for a place to immerse yourself in a good book, then you’ve come to the right place. Discover the best bookshops in Lisbon’s Chiado district.
Livraria Bertrand
- Adress : R. Garrett 73 75, 1200-203 Lisboa
- Horaires : Tous les jours de 9h à 22h
- Phone number : 21 030 5590
Livraria Bertrand is one of the oldest bookshops in Portugal. Founded in 1732, it is a real jewel of Lisbon’s cultural life. With a varied selection of books in Portuguese and French, this bookshop is a must for book lovers. The staff are friendly and helpful, and there is always a quiet corner to sit and read in peace.
Livraria Sao Jose
Livraria Sao Jose is a small and charming bookshop located in a quiet street in the Chiado district. With a carefully selected range of books on art, literature and history, this bookshop is a treasure trove for book lovers. The staff are always ready to help and advise, and the bookshop is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon.
Shopping in Lisbon's Chiado district
The Chiado district is one of the most emblematic in the city and is a great place to shop. If you are looking for unique souvenirs, designer clothes, Portuguese handicrafts or simply an unforgettable shopping experience, Chiado is the place to go.
In the Chiado district you will find many high-end shops such as :
- Luis Onofre, a Portuguese high-end shoe brand
- The famous Portuguese fashion brand, Fátima Lopes.
You can also explore the more affordable shops, such as Zara and H&M, which offer a wide variety of clothes for all tastes and budgets.
In addition to fashion shops, the Chiado district is also famous for its unique souvenir shops. If you are looking for Portuguese handicrafts, Chiado is full of shops selling ceramics, blown glass, silk and many other handmade items. Leather goods, such as bags and wallets, are also very popular in the area.
So get ready to explore Chiado and enjoy an unforgettable shopping experience in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Here is some practical information on some of the shopping addresses in the Chiado district of Lisbon:
- A Vida Portuguesa: a souvenir shop with local handicrafts such as cosmetics, wooden toys and leather goods.
- Luvaria Ulisses: a high quality glove shop offering high quality leather gloves for men and women.
- Fábrica Sant’Anna: a shop selling traditional Portuguese ceramics and pottery.
- A Carioca: a high-end clothing shop with unique designs in cotton, linen and silk.
- Confeitaria Nacional: a historic confectionery shop offering traditional Portuguese pastries and cakes.
- Livraria Bertrand: a historic bookshop with a wide selection of books in Portuguese and French.
- A Casa das Vellas: a candle shop offering scented candles and wax objects.
- Leitão & Irmão shop: a high end food shop with products such as olive oils, wines and seafood.
- Lisbon Lux: a high-end leather goods shop offering wallets, handbags and leather accessories.
- A Choupana: a clothing shop offering traditional Portuguese designs in cotton, linen and wool.
Gastronomy in the Chiado district
The Chiado district in Lisbon is renowned for its exceptional gastronomy. You can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine based on fresh fish and seafood, but also international dishes that have been influenced by the different peoples who have inhabited the city over the centuries. The restaurants offer a variety of culinary styles, from casual to elegant, from breakfast to dinner. Most of the restaurants offer outdoor terraces to enjoy the beautiful summer evenings.
One of the most popular restaurants in Chiado is Café A Brasileira which serves delicious early morning breakfasts and late night drinks. This café was frequented by famous writers and artists in the early 20th century and has retained its historic charm to this day. For a more sophisticated dining experience, the Largo do Chiado restaurant offers high quality cuisine in an elegant and welcoming setting.
- Address: R. Garrett 122, 1200-273 Lisboa
- Opening hours: Every day from 8am to midnight
- Menu: abrasileira.pt
- Telephone: 21 346 9541
For a quick lunch break, you can opt for one of the many sandwiches sold in the small kiosks in the adjacent streets. Fresh produce, such as Portuguese ham and local cheeses, make these sandwiches delicious and popular with the locals.
The Chiado district is also known for its delicious cafés and wine bars. Traditional cafés such as Martinho da Arcada are very popular in Lisbon:
- Address: Praça do Comércio 3, 1100-148 Lisbon
- Opening hours: Every day from 12 to 3pm and from 7 to 10pm
- Telephone: 21 887 9259
Wine bars, such as the Wine Bar do Castelo, offer a variety of Portuguese and international wines, as well as light dishes to accompany the drinks.
Lisbon’s Chiado district is the perfect place for food lovers. With a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, there is something for every taste and budget. The next time you visit Lisbon, be sure to stop by the Chiado district to experience its delicious and diverse cuisine.
The Chiado district: the ideal place for an evening out in Lisbon
If you’re looking for a lively and bustling area to spend an evening in Lisbon, then the Chiado district is the place for you! This historic neighbourhood is one of the oldest in Lisbon and is home to an incredible selection of bars, restaurants, cafes and theatres. There is always something to do or see here, no matter what time of day or night.
It is a stylish and trendy area, frequented by locals and tourists alike. If you’re looking for a place to have a drink, Chiado offers an incredible selection of bars, from traditional wine bars to trendy cocktail bars. In the evening, the area becomes even more lively with the presence of numerous theatres and concert halls. Shows range from musicals to plays to contemporary dance. If you’re looking for a lively night out, be sure to head to Bairro Alto, a neighbourhood adjacent to Chiado that is known for its lively nightlife.
It is also very close to many tourist sites such as Castelo de São Jorge, the Santa Catarina viewpoint and Avenida da Liberdade. This makes it an ideal choice for travellers looking to explore the city while enjoying Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife.
The Chiado district is a must-see place in Lisbon for those looking for a unique combination of nightlife, culture, shopping and heritage. It offers a glimpse of everyday life in Lisbon, as well as an opportunity to discover its rich history and culture. Whether you are a tourist or a local, you are sure to have a great time in this picturesque and lively area of Lisbon.
