In the center of Lisbon

What to see in Lisbon

SANTA CATARINA

 

The Santa Catarina neighborhood is the perfect place to stay during your visit to Lisbon, as it is a quiet and residential neighborhood located in the historic heart of the city.

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The Santa Catarina neighborhood is the perfect place to stay during your visit to Lisbon, as it is a quiet and residential neighborhood located in the historic heart of the city.

Here it is still possible to live the spirit of old Lisbon, which intersects with the new cosmopolitan spirit of the city.

Every hour of the day is a good time to walk through the nooks and crannies of this loving neighborhood, walk through its narrow streets with clothes spread out on the window poles, visit traditional shops, restaurants with typical Portuguese cuisine and have a coffee in the cozy pastry shops, as local residents do every day. You can also enter the most trendy stores, which opened recently and live side by side with the older stores.

One of our favorite places is the Santa Catarina viewpoint (or Adamastor viewpoint), whose view over the Tagus River is one of the most beautiful in Lisbon. When dusk approaches, it is fascinating to watch the moment when the sun touches the river. The terraces are ideal places to end the day or start the night, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere that makes our city unique.

The Santa Catarina district is located between the bohemian Bairro Alto and the elegant Chiado district, less than a 7-minute walk from the Tagus riverside. The famous tram 28, which runs throughout the historic area of ​​Lisbon, crosses our neighborhood and has a stop located 100m from our door.

At check-in, or during your stay, our team will explain the city map in detail and answer your questions to help you organize your tours. We are delighted to show you the hidden charms of Lisbon.

BAIRRO ALTO / PRÍNCIPE REAL / BICA

500 meters

5 minute walk

Less than a 5-minute walk from 54 Santa Catarina, is located the bohemian Bairro Alto, where some of the best restaurants, bars and fado houses in Lisbon are located.

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Less than a 5-minute walk from 54 Santa Catarina, is located the bohemian Bairro Alto, where some of the best restaurants, bars and fado houses in Lisbon are located.

Built in the late 16th century, Bairro Alto is one of the most typical in the city, with narrow cobbled streets, secular houses and traditional shops. It was once a place of sailors, of bad reputation and prostitution, but since the 1980s it has become the most well-known area of ​​Lisbon's nightlife.

Its diversity makes it unique. If during the day it looks like a village where everyone knows each other, at night it becomes a euphoric environment with a crowd of night owls scattered on the streets. It contains more and more fashion stores, ateliers, galleries and alternative spaces.

Crossing the Calçada do Combro one enters the small neighborhood of Bica, known for its famous elevator. It is more of a picturesque neighborhood that goes down the hill.

The charming neighborhood of Príncipe Real is located north of Bairro Alto and is known for its antique shops and gay bars, but it is also a residential neighborhood, with gardens, beautiful squares and century-old palaces. It is one of the most sought after areas to live, stroll or enjoy a relaxed meal in the most trendy restaurants. Its Botanical Garden is considered one of the best scientific gardens in Europe.

CHIADO

500 meters

10 minute walk

The elegant and sophisticated Chiado neighborhood is less than 10 minutes' walk from 54 Santa Catarina. Although it has always been a prime area, Chiado has reinvented itself in recent years and has become the center of the city's most cosmopolitan trends.

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The elegant and sophisticated neighborhood of Chiado is less than a 10 minute walk from 54 Santa Catarina. Although it has always been a prime area, Chiado has reinvented itself in the recent years and has become the center of the most cosmopolitan trends in the city. It is also the district of theaters, churches, old bookstores, centenary cafes, art galleries and stores of major international brands.

The streets of this Parisian-inspired neighborhood take you on a journey to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to Belle Époque when writers and intellectuals like Fernando Pessoa and Eça de Queiroz frequented their cafes. Today, the streets and squares are animated by musicians and other artists at any time of the day. There is a wide range of restaurants throughout the neighborhood, some of which are awarded Michelin stars, which have been able to reinvent traditional Portuguese cuisine with art.

A Praça Luís de Camões, situada na fronteira entre o Chiado e o Bairro alto, tem ao centro uma estátua em bronze do poeta Luís de Camões e é um dos pontos de encontro preferidos da cidade, sobretudo à noite, e uma das principais paragens do elétrico 28. Ao lado desta praça, no Largo do Chiado, mítico café “A Brasileira”, que foi frequentado pelo poeta Fernando Pessoa, é local de passagem obrigatória para quem visita Lisboa.

Largo do Carmo is another of the most emblematic places in this neighborhood. Its terraces, in the shade of the blooming jacarandas, invite you to take a short break on your walk. In this square is the famous Convento do Carmo, with Gothic architecture, destroyed by the earthquake of 1755.

Also on this square is the Santa Justa elevator, from where you can enjoy the view of the castle, the Tagus River and the entire downtown area. This iron elevator, over a hundred years old, was designed by Ponsard, a disciple of master Gustave Eiffel.

CAIS DO SODRÉ

1 KM

10 minute walk

Cais do Sodré, located in the renovated riverside area, has lost the reputation of being the red light district of Lisbon and has become a modern and young area, with original restaurants and lots of nightlife.

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Cais do Sodré, located in the renovated riverside area, has lost the reputation of being the red light district of Lisbon and has become a modern and young area, with original restaurants and lots of nightlife.

The symbol of this renovation is a street with asphalt painted in pink, Rua Nova do Carvalho, which is today known as Pink Street, and which became the point of confluence of many Lisboners until dawn.

In one of the buildings on this street, there was once a brothel called Love Shack (Pensão Amor). Today it is an intimate and seductive bar, considered one of the avant-garde icons of the area.

Mercado da Ribeira (also known as Mercado 24 de Julho) has been the main fish, fruit and vegetable market in Lisbon since 1892. When it opened, the building's structure was made of iron and had a large dome, something unusual in buildings in the genre. In 2014, space management was acquired by Time Out Lisboa magazine, which developed a new concept, opening around 30 restaurants where you can find a wide variety of traditional dishes and local products.

The so-called Ribeira das Naus, located between Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré, where the ships that took Portuguese navigators to the four corners of the world were built, is now a large landscaped walkway with a staircase that goes down to the Tagus River.

Baixa (Praça do Comércio)

1.5 KM

10 minutes by tram

Baixa de Lisboa was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755, in an innovative urban model that rises from Rossio square to the river, bounded by the Cais das Colunas. It is formed by a set of straight and perpendicular streets, with the central axis at Rua Augusta.

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Baixa de Lisboa was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755, in an innovative urban model that rises from Rossio square to the river, bounded by the Cais das Colunas. It is formed by a set of straight and perpendicular streets, with the central axis at Rua Augusta.

Many of the streets are pedestrianized and connect a set of monumental squares. The Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta makes the passage to the commercial area of ​​the city. In recent years, Baixa has been reborn as a commercial and tourist center.

Praça do Comércio is one of the largest squares in Europe. In recent years it has become an important leisure area, housing cafés, restaurants and terraces, such as Martinho da Arcada, famous for preserving the table where the poet Fernando Pessoa sat. This square is an ex-libris of the city and there is hope to be recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Rossio Square is the oldest, being known for the Teatro Dona Maria, for its fountains, for shoe shine, for shops and cafes. It is here that you can taste the famous ginjinha, in the small century-old cellar with the same name. On the way to Praça dos Restauradores, you will find the Rossio train station, a remarkable building in Neo-Manueline style. The station serves as a stop for those on the train that connects Lisbon to Sintra.

Around Baixa, you will find the typical and bohemian neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto, where in the middle of the 19th century fado was born, the musical expression of the people of Lisbon.

CASTLE COAST / SÉ

2.4 KM

15 minutes by tram

Bairro do Castelo is considered the birthplace of the city of Lisbon, as it was from there that the city grew. Located to the north of the streets of Santiago and São Tomé, in this small neighborhood you can find houses with medieval characteristics, with coats of arms on the door jambs.

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Bairro do Castelo is considered the birthplace of the city of Lisbon, as it was from there that the city grew. Located to the north of the streets of Santiago and São Tomé, in this small neighborhood you can find houses with medieval characteristics, with coats of arms on the door jambs.

Located on this hill, at the highest point of Lisbon, the Castelo de São Jorge dominates the city. The impressive fortress that surrounds it was built in the 11th century, during the Moorish occupation, and conquered from the Moors by D. Afonso Henriques, 1st king of Portugal. Today it is one of the viewpoints in Lisbon, from where you can enjoy an impressive view over the city and the Tagus river.

On the south slope of the Castle hill, are the ruins of the Roman Theater, only discovered in 1798 during the city's reconstruction, after the 1755 earthquake.

The Lisbon Cathedral is a mandatory stop on the way to the castle. After the seizure of the city, D. Afonso Henriques had an existing mosque destroyed in order to build a mother church over it. Later, it was elevated to a metropolitan cathedral. The Sé de Lisboa is the greatest symbol of romantic architecture in the city and gives its name to the small neighborhood where it is located.

Alfama

2 KM

20 minutes by tram

This medieval neighborhood, founded by Arabs, which survived the great earthquake of 1755, is the second oldest district in Europe. Its architecture has peculiar characteristics of old and colorful buildings, with sloping roofs.

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This medieval neighborhood, founded by Arabs, which survived the great earthquake of 1755, is the second oldest district in Europe. Its architecture has peculiar characteristics of old and colorful buildings, with sloping roofs. Strolling through Alfama is an invitation to get lost in its labyrinth of alleys, patios and narrow, winding alleys, with clothes drying on the drying rails and witnessing conversations between neighbors. In this place of singular traits it is possible to hear the fado that echoes up the stairs and enter the interior of a typical restaurant, lined with tile panels, to taste traditional dishes.

Going down to the river one enters the 21st century again, with old warehouses that have been converted into modern spaces and that are in fashion, such as the DeliDelux place of mandatory stop for brunch, the Bica do Sapato restaurant and the Lux, considered by the New York Times as one of the best clubs in the world.

Every year, in June, the neighborhood attracts crowds for Santo António's popular festivals. During the festivities, the streets are decorated with colorful ribbons and balloons, outdoor stalls are set up, where pitchers of sangria and roasted sardines are served, and the atmosphere is animated with popular music and marches.

Av. Liberdade

1 KM

15 minute walk

Avenida da Liberdade, between Praça dos Restauradores and Marquês de Pombal, is one of the main arteries of the city. It was thought to be the Lisbon version of Parisian Champs-Elysées.

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Avenida da Liberdade, between Praça dos Restauradores and Marquês de Pombal, is one of the main arteries of the city. It was thought to be the Lisbon version of Parisian Champs-Elysées. It is a tree-lined avenue, with beautiful old buildings, with wide sidewalks covered with Portuguese pavement, gardens, statues, kiosks and terraces.

This is also a theater and shopping area, where the stores of the international luxury brands are present.

Belém

7.5 KM

25 minutes by tram

Belém is the historic district of the Discoveries, from where 500 years ago the Portuguese navigators in the caravels left for their epic journeys. It is a neighborhood full of monuments, museums, gardens, cafes and restaurants.

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Belém is the historic district of the Discoveries, from where 500 years ago the Portuguese navigators in the caravels left for their epic journeys. It is a neighborhood full of monuments, museums, gardens, cafes and restaurants.

The Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery are two jewels of Portuguese architecture, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage. They represent the celebration of the discovery of the sea route to India and the opening of trade with the Portuguese colonies.

On the banks of the Tagus River, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a more recent monument that also evokes the epic of the Portuguese Maritime Discoveries, through colossal sculptures of the heroes of the time.

Other places of mandatory stop are the new Coach Museum, which houses a unique collection in the world, and the Centro Cultural de Belém, which houses a world-class collection of modern art.

However, the space that receives the greatest number of visits is the Old Confeitaria de Belém where the famous “Pastéis de Belém” are made, which, according to the legend, continue to be made following a secret recipe.

The beautiful botanical garden and the Royal Palace of Ajuda, on top of the hill, are other places of interest.

LISBON VIEWPOINTS

 

Lisbon is known as the city of the seven hills. At the top of the hills there are viewpoints that provide peaceful environments and stunning views of the city and the river.

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Lisbon is known as the city of the seven hills. At the top of the hills there are viewpoints that provide peaceful environments and stunning views of the city and the river. The most famous are the viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara, the Santa Catarina and the Castelo de São Jorge.
ELECTRIC AND ELEVATORS

 

To reach the highest points of the city, with breathtaking views, you have several funiculars at your disposal. The funicular is a common means of transport for Lisbon residents, and one of the most romantic ways to travel through historic neighborhoods.

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To reach the highest points of the city, with breathtaking views, you have several funiculars at your disposal. The funicular is a common means of transport for Lisbon residents, and one of the most romantic ways to travel through historic neighborhoods. Tram 28, located 2 minutes walk from our door, runs through the entire historic center. It is the most famous tram and the best to take us up the hill, down the hill.

Tram 15 connects the historic city center to the Belém area. Its nearest stop is less than 5 minutes walk from the door of 54 Santa Catarina.

SINTRA

30 KM

1 hour by train

The romantic village of Sintra is less than an hour away by train from Lisbon's Rossio station.

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The romantic village of Sintra is less than an hour away by train from Lisbon's Rossio station.

It is a small and charming town, surrounded by lush vegetation. Its mild climate attracted the nobility and elite of Portugal, who built exquisite palaces, extravagant residences and decorative gardens there. The variety of monuments and historic buildings make Sintra recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The long walled sections of Castelo dos Mouros crown the peaks of the Serra de Sintra. The Park and the Pena Palace, also located at the top of the mountain, are the greatest exponent of 19th century Romanticism in Portugal.

54 Santa Catarina, through its partnership with the company Eixos & Milhas, organizes personalized tours for its customers. Tell us where you want to go and we will have at your disposal a vehicle and driver to transport you in an exclusive and personalized way.

Cascais

30 KM

1 hour by train

Cascais is located in a beautiful bay of white sands bathed by the Atlantic. In the last century, the proximity of Lisbon and the mild climate made this small fishing village a place sought after by the European aristocracy for their summer holidays. Today, it is an important seaside resort and one of the most sophisticated destinations in Portugal.

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Cascais is located in a beautiful bay of white sands bathed by the Atlantic. In the last century, the proximity of Lisbon and the mild climate made this small fishing village a place sought after by the European aristocracy for their summer holidays. Today, it is an important seaside resort and one of the most sophisticated destinations in Portugal.

The city center still retains the charms of other times, with its picturesque squares, museums, shops and restaurants that attract visitors all year round. The nightlife is animated by numerous trendy bars, restaurants and clubs. The city also has an extensive program of concerts and cultural events.

Be sure to visit the marina, the old lighthouses, the forts and the 17th century Citadel. On the coast, about 3 km from the center, we find Boca do Inferno, where you can enjoy the spectacle of the indomitable sea throwing itself against the rocks. Continuing the walk by the sea we find Guincho beach, a beach of choice for surfing.

In the opposite direction, you can walk along the waterfront to Estoril, where one of the largest and oldest casinos in Europe is located, next to stunning luxury villas in front of the sea. The film festivals and the legendary Estoril jazz concerts are an international attraction. The many sporting events in the area include Estoril Golf and the Estoril Open, an international tennis event.

Cascais is less than an hour away by train from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station. If you prefer, 54 Santa Catarina, through its partnership with the company Eixos & Milhas, organizes personalized tours for its customers. We are happy to provide you with a vehicle and driver to transport you in an exclusive and personalized way.

54 SÃO PAULO

Rua da Boavista, 47

1200-066 Lisbon

+351 962 737 890

[email protected]