You Might Like
Bairro Alto: the Lisbon district that never sleeps
Sloping, cobbled streets – many too narrow for cars to pass through – lead from Lisbon’s beaches into the Bairro Alto, one of the capital’s most popular central districts.
It doesn’t have a formal local authority or any formal bounds, but the Bairro – an association of neighborhoods rather than a clearly defined neighborhood – has always been a fundamental quarter for the city’s community.
The only way is up: going for a walk in the district quickly turns into a hike.
Bairro Alto has been urbanized since the 16th century, yet those expecting to find a wild architectural mix: it may be historical, but the architectural features of the Pombaline-era, featuring early anti-seismic designs which ‘shake, but don’t fall’, dominate a big part of the quarter.
Sand- and limestone buildings are a common sight, with timber and tile adding the details; some homes, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, highlight the quarter’s transformation, but designs from the 20th century onwards are a rare sight.
Contemporary architecture is a rare sight in Bairro Alto, but its array of historic styles gives the district its character.
Today, cars are heavily restricted in the narrow lanes – with the exception of residents and emergency services – which led to many newspapers relocating their offices into other parts.
In their stead came a steady stream of young people, on the hunt for the Bairro’s artsy, bohemian atmosphere on its hilly perch, ready to set up their homes in the district and fill the streets with life.
Noise restrictions, imposed after complaints in 2008, don’t stop the Bairro from being one of the liveliest districts: head out for dinner at 9pm, followed by drinks until you hit the clubs – either locally or a short walk north, into Principe Real, Lisbon’s popular gay quarter.
Car access is restricted, but those who don’t fancy the walk uphill can always hop on the tram.
To get the authentic feeling of the Portuguese lifestyle, enjoy your Caipirinha outside while watching the world go by (we hear the best place to do this is Setimo Ceu), go dancing in gay-friendly riverside club Lux and end the night by having a pastry at Pastelaria da Rua da Roa in the wee hours of the morning.
Lisbon won’t get boring by day, either – the Principe Real isn’t just home to the LGBTI community, but boasts some fantastic antiques and other independent shops; alternatively, have a wander along Barrio Alto’s lanes and stumble upon all the hidden gems tucked away from tourists’ eyes.
Apartment prices along the cobbled streets start from €180,000 (£126,488.93, $197,190), with rents starting from €450 (£316.22, $492.97) for a studio/one bedroom apartment; regular tram, bus and metro services link the Barrio to all other parts of the city.
The post Bairro Alto: the Lisbon district that never sleeps appeared first on Gay Star News.
Stefanie Gerdes
www.gaystarnews.com/article/bairro-alto-the-lisbon-district-that-never-sleeps/
You Might Like
