There is nothing quite like getting to know a city through its neighbourhoods. This is especially true of Lisbon, as each neighbourhood characterises a different facet of the city, reflecting its diversity. Wandering through the streets, resting in the squares, browsing the shops and window displays, and having a coffee are the kinds of things that allow you to truly get to know and experience a city. The Portuguese capital is home to some of the most important neighbourhoods in the entire country. Would you like to discover them all?
On your school trip, you cannot miss a visit to the most beautiful neighbourhoods of Lisbon. With Natuaventura, we will take you to discover every last corner — both well-known and hidden — with professional monitors who will bring the excursions to life, turning the typical sightseeing tour into an unforgettable experience.
Alfama
Alfama, which began as a fishermen’s neighbourhood, has grown up the slopes of São Jorge Castle. It is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city and the one where you can most keenly feel the soul and essence of Lisbon. Alfama is also the birthplace of fado. Strolling through its streets, taking in its peeling façades, its iconic tram number 28 — we promise it is well worth the visit. What can you see on your visit to the Alfama neighbourhood?:
- Feira da Ladra
- Jardim Botto Machado
- Santa Luzia Viewpoint
- Fado Museum
- Sé (Lisbon Cathedral)
- São Jorge Castle
- Casa dos Bicos
- National Pantheon
- Portas do Sol Viewpoint
Bairro Alto
The vibrant Bairro Alto is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Lisbon and the best known for its nightlife. The city’s finest restaurants for sampling Portuguese cuisine, numerous bars, jazz clubs, and live music venues (where you can listen to the famous fados) are the ingredients of an ever-growing neighbourhood that attracts increasing numbers of international visitors. Its streets are lined with fashion boutiques alongside stylishly decorated restaurants. Here is what you can see in the area:
- Elevador da Bica
- Santa Catarina Viewpoint
- São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint
- Pavilhão Chinês
- Ascensor da Glória
- Príncipe Real Market
Chiado
Between the Baixa and Bairro Alto lies Lisbon’s most bohemian neighbourhood, Chiado. This neighbourhood is closely linked to intellectual life, as it is home to several museums, exhibition spaces, and other places of cultural interest:
- Convento do Carmo
- Chiado Museum
- Santa Justa Lift
- Café A Brasileira
Belém
At the mouth of the Tagus lies the neighbourhood of Belém, one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Lisbon and a reminder of the golden Age of Discoveries. It is a must-visit if you are in Lisbon, as it is home to some of the most interesting museums and several UNESCO World Heritage monuments, such as the impressive Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém, the city’s most recognisable symbol. It is also home to the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, where you can try the famous pastéis de Belém made to the original recipe. These are the places of tourist interest you can visit:
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Tower of Belém
- Monument to the Discoveries
- Antiga Confeitaria de Belém
- 25 de Abril Bridge
- MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
Baixa
In the lower part of Lisbon, separating Alfama from Bairro Alto, lies the Baixa Pombalina, so named in honour of the Marquis of Pombal, who oversaw its reconstruction following the earthquake of 1755. This neighbourhood is home to some of the most important tourist monuments:
- Rossio Square
- Church of São Domingos
- Rua Augusta Arch Viewpoint
- Commerce Square
- Santa Justa Lift
- São Jorge Castle Lift
- Restauradores Square
- Roman Catacombs
Parque das Nações
This former industrial suburb has today become Lisbon’s neighbourhood of ultra-modern buildings, with a distinctly futuristic feel. The Parque das Nações stands clearly apart from the rest of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods and represents the clearest demonstration of the city’s capacity to reinvent itself; indeed, in 1998, it was the setting for the World Exposition.
- Lisbon Oceanarium
- Vasco da Gama Tower
- Pavilhão do Conhecimento
- Cable Car
- Gare do Oriente Station
Guide to organising your school trip to Lisbon
If you are thinking of organising your end-of-year trip to Lisbon, you have come to the right place, because in this guide we bring you all the information you need before and during the trip: accommodation, gastronomy, transport, possible itineraries, excursions…
Plan your school trip to Lisbon with Natuaventura — we offer as many possibilities as you can imagine, and a team of monitors with over 15 years of experience in end-of-year trips. Don’t miss a thing!
- Organising your end-of-year trip to Lisbon
- What to visit on your school trip to Lisbon
- What are the most important neighbourhoods in Lisbon?
- Portuguese cuisine: what to eat in Lisbon?
- Where to stay on your end-of-year trip to Lisbon
- A 3-day itinerary in Lisbon
For more information about the options for your end-of-year trip to Lisbon, you can contact us at info@natuaventura.com or by calling 91 714 06 36.
