The Lisbon Connection

Bairro Alto (high neighbourhood) or just Bairro

Nowadays this picturesque heart of Lisbon’s youth culture, nightlife, shopping and entertainment district, is one of the oldest districts of Lisbon dating from the 16th century.  It has traditionally been Lisbon’s bohemien haunt of artists and writers. All the major Portuguese newspapers had their offices in this area.

(Rua da Rosa). Since the 1990s, Bairro Alto went through major changes. Lisbon’s city council made extensive repairs, and dozens of new restaurants and fado singing clubs animated the area. Trendy shops were opened. Many young people moved into the Bairro Alto. Cars were banned (except for residents and emergency vehicles).

Agência 117, Rua do Norte 117, ’skunk funk’ fashion

Today, in Bairro Alto Lisbon’s punk, gay, heavy metal music, goth, hiphop and reggae scenes all have the Bairro as their home, due to the number of clubs and bars dedicated to each of them. During daytime, the Bairro is a traditional district where older people shop for groceries, and the younger generations visit art galleries like Zé dos Bois, Rua da Barroca 59, bookshops like Ler Devagar (read slowly), arty gift shops like Hold Me, Rua do Norte 33, offering a collection of bags and luggage, or local fashion queen Fatima Lopes’ shop in Rua da Atalaia 36.

Despite the police presence, illegal drugs are sold in the streets. Bairro Alto struggles with a problem of graffiti, destroying historical buildings .

Bairro Alto by night