El Guide Lisbon: Baixa & Chiado

HISTORICAL LISBON | BAIXA & CHIADO

Lisbon’s Baixa (literally downtown) was the main business centre of the city and it still is home to traditional and big retail shops, both Portuguese and foreign. Baixa's streets are laid out strategically in a grid. It constitutes the earliest example of urban planning in Europe and a change that followed the massive destruction caused by the 1755 Earthquake. Chiado is also a shopping district but known as an elegant, bohemian area: the literary references are strong here. If it was a person, Chiado could be described as having a well-dressed mind in a well-dressed body. Very suiting is the fact that Fernando Pessoa, the greatest contemporary poet in Portugal was born here, at Largo de São Carlos.

Discover the streets filled with traditional shops. Trams pass by regularly but there are also large parts where only pedestrians can move.

Wander around calmly unless it's June. If it is, you'll find yourself in the midst of a celebration of saints that fills the streets with decorations and people.

Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

Enjoy the view from the Rua Augusta Arch.

Take a seat and enjoy a drink or meal al fresco.

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