Self-Guided Lisbon Walking Tour: Chiado, Bairro Alto and Baixa

We believe the best way to get to know Lisbon is by walking the city streets. With tiled pavement under foot and gorgeous blue skies overhead, we love routing our way to iconic attractions, quaint sights and epic viewpoints.

At the heart of Lisbon are three distinct districts – Chiado, Bairro Alto and Baixa – that are excellent for exploring. These are the neighborhoods we feature in this fun and free Self-Guided Lisbon Walking Tour.

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Chiado was the epitome of elegance in the late 19th century. Churches, cafes, theaters and grandiose architecture grace the lanes.

Bairro Alto is comprised of a clustered grid of narrow streets and exudes a bohemian vibe. Today, it’s the epicenter of Lisbon nightlife, but we feel it’s worth visiting during the day, too.

Baixa – pronounced Bai-Sha – is the Lisbon Downtown district. It marks the historic center of the city and was mostly reconstructed after the devasting 1755 earthquake.

Free, Self-Guided Lisbon Walking Tour Info

Before setting off on your self-guided walking tour of Lisbon, there are a few things you need to know.

The outlined walking route is roughly 2 miles in length and should take about 2 to 3 hours to complete. This walk in Lisbon fits in perfectly on Day 1 of our 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary.

Use the pin drops provided for walking directions from one sight to the next. Below, you will find a map with an overview of the route, as well.

We have also created a Self-Guided Alfama Walk which navigates the atmospheric area on Lisbon’s east side.

Want this tour without all the advertisements? For less than a cup of coffee, you can buy the PDF version!

Self-Guided Walking Tour Lisbon: Chiado, Bairro Alto, Baixa

Ready to go? Great, lace up your shoes and let’s get to it! (But don’t miss our tips later in the article; you will want to read those before beginning your walk.)

#1 Praca Luis de Camoes

MAP. Start your Lisbon Self-Guided Walking Tour in Praca Luis de Camoes. The dazzling square is uphill; you can reach it via the Bica Funicular, Tram 28E or an inclined walk.

The bustling space, which is traversed by historic rattling trams, is named after a highly revered 16th century Lisbon poet. His statue, surrounded by other notable Portuguese figures, stands at the center.

Look down to the ground; the classic black-and-white tile pavement is called ‘Calcada Portuguesa’. The signature mosaic patterned surface is found throughout Portuguese cities.

The square is also ringed by opulent architecture. Two churches – Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação and Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Loreto – mark the eastern end, where protective city walls once stood.

Both churches are free to visit. They are just two of the many must-see Lisbon Churches that we pass by on this DIY walking tour.

If you need some fuel for your walk, grab a Pastel de Nata egg cream tart from Manteigaria (MAP) or a bifana sandwich from O Trevo (MAP). For something more substantial, sit down for a meal of small plates at the always popular Taberna da Rua das Flores (MAP).

Before heading to the next stop, you might want to detour to the Livraria Bertrand bookstore (MAP). It ranks as the oldest bookshop in the world, but renovations have left little trace of its history.

#2 Streets of Bairro Alto

MAP. Continue your walking tour in Lisbon by heading north into Bairro Alto. Directly translating to ‘Upper Neighborhood’, the entire enclave sits atop a hill.

Developed in the early 1500s, the old quarter still follows the original tightly laid out street plan. When the district was built, it attracted Lisbon’s most elite residents.

However, during the late 19th century, newspaper offices took up residence here – and then eateries and watering holes opened to serve the journalists.

Eventually, Bairro Alto became a haven of restaurants, bars and brothels. In the 1980s, people simply partied in the streets. Not quite as raucous now, the area still hums in the evenings.

Walk north on Rua do Norte or Rua do Diario de Noticias (or zigzag between the two) to marvel at the gridded streets. Although it is relatively quiet during the day, we think it’s the best time to get a feel for the history of the district.

#3 Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

MAP. Marking the north end of Bairro Alto is one of our very favorite places in Lisbon: Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara.

One of many magnificent Viewpoints in Lisbon, this two-level park offers exceptional vistas across the Lisbon Old Town.

It features planned gardens, benches and fountains. Best of all is the absolutely stunning view of Castelo de Sao Jorge.

While we love this spot during the day, it’s also a fantastic place to be for sunset, as the sinking sun casts an orange glow across the city.

#4 Church of Saint Roch

MAP. The next stop on our walk, Igreja de Sao Roque, is rather unassuming on the outside. However, behind the plain facade is one of the most ornate and glittering churches in Lisbon.

Featuring opulent Baroque architecture, the interior is filled with colorful statues, historic tiles and masterpiece paintings. The ceiling is a true work of art, with colorful murals depicting cherubs and angels.

Don’t miss the captivating Chapel of St. John the Baptist. The impressive chapel was created in Rome, taken apart, shipped to Lisbon and then reconstructed inside St. Roch.

The attached museum displays interesting relics. A small fee is required to enter the museum, but the church is free. It’s one of the Top Free Lisbon Things To Do!

#5 Largo do Carmo

MAP. A seemingly serene space, Largo do Carmo has witnessed tumultuous historic events.

Direct your attention to the east side, where the ancient Convent do Carmo stands. Built in the late 1300s, it – like so much of Lisbon – was destroyed during the Great 1755 Earthquake.

However, unlike the rest of the city, the church was never completely rebuilt. Instead, it remains a shell, standing in ruins as a testament to the powerful destruction of the quake.

The church now houses a small archaeological museum that hosts relics pertaining to Portuguese history. A €7 ticket is required to enter.

The church and square are also renowned for playing a part in the 1974 Carnation Revolution. It was here, on April 25, 1974, that the Estado Novo government was overthrown by a military coup, ending the dictatorship.

#6 Santa Justa Lift

MAP. From Largo do Carmo, walk around the back of the church ruins to the famous Santo Justa Lift.

Built in 1902 to help citizens effortlessly get from Baixa to Bairro Alto (without the steep climb), the industrial-era elevator is made of wrought iron.

It has naturally become somewhat of a tourist attraction, both for its beauty and function. You can step out onto the walkway to take in the view for free.

At this point, it’s really not necessary to pay for the 7-story Santa Justa Elevator. It’s a short ride, with a typically very long line…and a bit of steep price for the experience.

Note that the 147-foot-tall structure boasts a bulbous top. It has served as a viewing platform in the past, but it’s been closed for years due to safety concerns. (Please let us know if it’s been reopened!)

#7 Rossio Square

MAP. A wide and spacious plaza, Praca do Rossio has served as the main square in Lisbon since Medieval times.

Through the centuries, the space has witnessed celebrations, protests and even executions. Today, it often hosts festivals and is a common meeting place for both locals and tourists.

Standing at the center is the Column of Pedro IV, a dedication to ‘The Soldier King.’ Beautiful fountains grace the north and south ends and a wave-like pattern of stunning Portuguese Pavement covers the ground.

To the north is the unmissable Teatro Nacional D Maria II – a Lisbon landmark sight. Several restaurants encircle the square – including Café Nicola, which was established in 1787.

Before leaving Rossio Square, visitors can get a taste of ginja from A Ginjinha, a popular, long-time producer of Portuguese cherry liqueur.

We believe it’s a must-try while in the city. The original A Ginjinha bar opened in 1840 and was the first place to sell the liqueur, which at the time was used to cure common ailments.

Today, tourists line up at A Ginjinha for a taste. Order it with or without a liquor-soaked cherry (we like it with!).

#8 Igreja de Sao Domingos

MAP. One of the most evocative churches, Igreja de Sao Domingos was first built in 1241.

As the largest church in Lisbon (at the time), it hosted royal ceremonies, as well as baptisms, weddings and funerals for the royal family and the city’s elite. Sadly, the church also played a part in executions and the 1506 Lisbon Massacre.

When the 1755 earthquake hit, the structure was reduced to rubble. It took more than 50 years to rebuild. Then in 1959, a fire that burned for six hours ravaged St. Domingo.

During renovation, they decided to leave visible marks of fire damage, which has a truly haunting effect.

#9 Rua da Augusta and Arch

MAP. Linking Rossio Square to Praca do Comercio (the final stop on our Lisbon self-guided tour), Rua da Augusta is the city’s main thoroughfare.

The wide, pedestrian-only lane is also the best shopping street in Lisbon. Home to international retailers, boutique shops, art galleries and eateries, the street is also popular with performers that entertain passersby.

Marking the southern end is the triumphal Arco da Rua Augusta. Designed during the rebuilding of the city after the 1755 quake, the arch was completed in 1873.

For a fee (or free with a Sightseeing Card), you can take an elevator (plus a few steps) to the top for sensational views.

#10 Praca do Comercio

MAP. The historical center of the city that was once occupied by the Royal Ribeira Palace (which was destroyed in 1755), Praca do Comercio is the most regal square in Lisbon.

Opening to the Tagus River, the space once functioned as the center of the city’s commerce and port authority.

This picturesque Lisbon square is framed on three sides by yellow, arcaded buildings, which house museums, restaurants and cafes – along with government offices.

Cais das Colunas – the two columns that stand at the riverside – represent wisdom and devotion. It was from the pier that the city welcomed noble and prominent figures, such as Queen Elizabeth II on her 1957 visit.

This marks the last stop on our self-guided Lisbon tour. Rest your feet at a spot along the river or find a seat at a restaurant (we like Ministerium Terrace; try the Pica Pau to share).

If you are up for it, continue exploring the city of seven hills with our Alfama Walk!

Self-Guided Walking Tour Lisbon Map

Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our walking map of Lisbon attractions below.

Self-Guided Walking Tours: Lisbon Top Tips

Now that you know the route for walking in Lisbon, we have some honest advice for your exploration. We share even more insight in our Lisbon Travel Tips article.

Early Start. This tour will likely be most enjoyable during the morning – especially in the summertime when the temperatures are cooler and there are fewer fellow tourists are around.

Durable Shoes. When embarking on walking tours in Lisbon, it’s essential to wear shoes with a solid, grippy sole – so be sure to pack good travel shoes for your trip.

Travel Camera. The beauty of Lisbon is best captured with a real camera. We shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens.

Day Bag. A zippered day pack – like the small backpacks we wear – is best for stowing everything you will need for your adventure and helps to deter pickpockets.

Sun Protection. When sightseeing on foot in Lisbon, it is important to have sun protection. Grab some SPF, a wide-brimmed travel hat and your favorite sunglasses for your walk!

Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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